I Carry: Glock G45 in a Vedder OWB 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 G45 9 mm in a Vedder holster paired with a SureFire light, a Magpul spare magazine and a Gerber knife.

Glock G45 (MSRP: $699)

Today we have the new-for-2018 Glock model G45, which, despite the model number implication, is not a .45 ACP. Glock released the G45 earlier this year, and if the configuration looks familiar, there’s a reason: it’s pretty close to the G19X. Featuring a full-size grip with a compact slide and barrel, the G45 has two things the G19X does not: Forward cocking serrations and Glock’s standard black Tenifer finish. It’s also missing the lanyard loop of the G19X, but that hasn’t really been a consideration for concealed-carry pistols lately.

Much like the G19X, the G45 at first blush goes against the grain for a concealed-carry pistol. While many have taken the full-size G17 and trimmed the grip to resemble that of the compact G19, the G45 (and its FDE sibling G19X) have a full-size grip with a compact slide. While the grip does tend to be the harder part to conceal, there’s a not-inconsequential increase in the shootability of the pistol afforded by the full-size grip. It really boils down to how you carry and hand size. If you find the compact grip of the G19 a little too small, dressing around the larger grip of the G45 might work better for you.

In any case, at the end of the day it’s still a Glock 9 mm and should be eminently familiar to concealed-carry practitioners. Glock’s Gen5 upgrades including the Marksman barrel, improved trigger and rounded edges are evident, and the G45 ships with three different backstraps to best fit the pistol to the shooter’s hand. Function should be, well, what you’d expect from a 9 mm Glock: it’s like a fork. You pick it up, it works, no fuss, no muss—exactly what you want in a concealed-carry handgun.

Vedder Lightdraw OWB Holster (MSRP: $65.99)

We’ve opted to carry the G45 in a Vedder Lightdraw outside the waistband holster. With literally dozens of finish options and either one and a half or one and three quarter inch polymer belt clips, the Lightdraw is an eye-catching holster that isn’t just pretty. With thicker Kydex construction and adjustable retention, the Lightdraw will hold your pistol securely, keep it protected from sweat and ensure a proper presentation. It’s available with a 10 degree forward cant or a zero-cant draw, and can be ordered to work with threaded barrels and suppressor-height sights.

SureFire Guardian Flashlight (MSRP: $179)

If you’ve decided on the G45, you’re going to need concealment, so having a slightly larger light shouldn’t be a concern. SureFire’s new Guardian offers both spotlight and floodlight operation using two different light assemblies, with outputs as high as 1,000 lumens. If you’re concerned how this might chew through those expensive CR123 batteries, don’t be – it has an internal, USB-C-rechargeable battery good for two and a half hours on high all the way to 62 hours on low. Whether you want to light up an entire parking lot or get a better look at something in the backyard, the Guardian’s got you covered.

Magpul PMag21 GL9 (MSRP: $19.95)

Having a spare magazine is always a good idea, not necessarily just for the extra rounds. The most-common malfunctions a semi-auto pistol is likely to encounter center on the magazine and feeding, and the standard tap-rack-bang approach to clearing these stoppages depends on a reliable spare magazine. Magpul’s line of PMags for Glocks have proven to be dependable options, and with the release of 21-round capacity options, are even more capacious than the standard 17-round models that ship with full-size 9mm Glock pistols. We’ve tested Magpul’s Glock Pmags with a wide variety of Glock handguns and various carbines and found them to be as rugged and dependable as the rest of Magpul’s line.

Gerber Evo Knife (MSRP: $39)

With a 3.43-inch, partially serrated clip point blade constructed of high carbon 440 stainless steel and coated with titanium nitride, Gerber’s Evo knife offers a lightweight EDC knife available at an eminently affordable price. Opening with either a flipper mechanism or thumb stud, the Evo is held open with a standard liner lock. Overall length open is slightly less than eight inches, weight is only 2.8 ounces and the handles are anodized aluminum.