I Carry: Glock G43 in a DeSantis Slim-Tuk Holster

Welcome to another episode of "I Carry," Shooting Illustrated's weekly video series covering the guns and gear needed to put together a potential everyday-carry kit. Today, we have a Glock G43 in a DeSantis holster. We also have a Pitbull Tactical magazine carrier, Coast G32 flashlight and a knife from Battenfeld Technologies.

Glock G43 ($599)

If you’ve tuned into past “I Carry” videos, you’ll know that the Glock G43 is no stranger to our in-house EDC showcase, and it’s pretty easy to see why. From the moment it was introduced, the Glock G43 practically defined the polymer-frame, single-stack, 9 mm CCW gun. It’s one of the most-popular carry options used today, and for good reason. Measuring about an inch wide, six and a quarter inches long and four and a quarter inches high, it sits comfortably inside your waistband with little printing.

Besides being chambered for the trusted and proven 9 mm round, the Glock G43 also retains the familiar Safe Action system found on the company’s larger double-stack models, like the G19 and G17. For owners of these hugely popular duty guns, having a backup or a weekend-carry option with the same trigger feel means that much of the experience they have with their double-stack duty gun carries over to this slim, easily-concealed option.

DeSantis Slim-Tuk ($39.99)

For a slim, subcompact carry gun like the Glock G43, having a minimalist holster that adds very little overall bulk to your EDC setup is critical. The less mass on your belt and the less effort it takes to holster up, the more likely you’ll be to head out armed. Having the right self-defense tool with you when you need it is guaranteed if you always carry. With that in mind, we chose the DeSantis Slim-Tuk. This holster has an all-new design feature for 2019, seen right where the C-clip connects to the holster body.

Unlike other single-clip appendix-carry holster designs, the Slim-Tuk features a two-piece rotating mechanism that locks together like two gears. This element offers a couple benefits. First, the cant angle of the holster is customizable. I especially like this feature, because it allows users to shift a gun into a position best-suited to obtain a solid firing grip. After selecting the cant angle, the mechanism locks into place with a Philips-head screw, solidifying the angle and providing a secure carry position.

Pitbull Tactical Universal Mag Carrier ($19.99)

In addition to a carrier for your gun, you’ll also need a carrier for your backup magazine, too. We’ve discussed the importance of carrying a spare mag before on “I Carry,” but suffice it to say that, if you’re truly prepared for worst-case scenarios, then a spare magazine really covers all the bases. Pitbull Tactical is a new player in the market for 2019 with an innovative universal design. With a two-piece polymer body held together by upper and lower elastic bands, this carrier stretches to fit any single- or double-stack magazine body. The tension from the elastic bands secures a mag into place, and the belt-clip attachment allows for both IWB and OWB carry.

Coast G32 Flashlight ($30)

While talking about preparedness, one of the most-useful tools you can have for EDC is a flashlight. I use my light daily for a range of tasks, and there are an incredible number of affordable, durable options on the market that’ll do what you need on a daily basis. One of those options is the Coast G32, constructed with an aluminum housing and providing a maximum output of 355 lumens. Powered by a single, easily available AA battery, total runtime on high for this light is almost five hours! A lower, 110-lumen mode is also available with a maximum battery life of 19 hours. And thanks to a slim, streamlined design, the light will slip into your pocket easily and stay secured with an included pocket clip.

Battenfeld Technologies Imperial Liner Lock Clip Folder Knife ($19.99)

One final EDC item that’s incredibly useful for countless tasks is a solid knife. Now, contrary to the opinions of high-end blade fans across the world, having an inexpensive knife isn’t a bad thing. In fact, I actually see it as a positive for a utilitarian blade. More likely than not, you’re going to beat the hell out of this thing, do all kinds of things you probably shouldn’t do with it and run it into the ground. And at some point, you’ll dump one in a trash bin before a security checkpoint. It’s a lot easier to do that with a $20 knife than a $200 knife. For a do-it-all blade, the Battenfeld Technologies Imperial lineup has a bunch of perfect options, like this liner-lock blade complete with a textured, overmolded handle, jimping, pocket clip and a 3Cr13 stainless-steel blade.