Welcome to another episode of "I Carry," Shooting Illustrated's weekly video series covering the guns and gear needed to put together an ideal everyday-carry kit. Today, we have a Kimber K6s revolver in a DeSantis Gunhide Mini Scabbard belt holster. We also have a Maglite Mag-Tac LED flashlight, a 5.11 Tactical Apex T-Rail belt, CRKT Snap-On Relay knife and a Tactical Medical Solutions SOF Tactical Tourniquet in a PHLster Flatpack tourniquet carrier.
Kimber K6s CDP .357 Mag. Revolver (MSRP: $1,155)
Kimber rolled out the K6s at SHOT Show in 2016, and has grown the product line to include 3-inch-barrel variants and blued-finish offerings. Originally introduced in stainless, this 2-inch-barrel, six-shot revolver has a host of upgrades to the standard concealed carry revolver. A black DLC finish (DLC means Diamond-Like Carbon, I had to look it up) combined with a brushed stainless barrel and cylinder, tasteful wood stocks and beveled cylinder walls help this particular K6s stand out from the pack, while the upgraded trigger, serrated backstrap and night sights aid in shootability.
Even for fans of semi-automatic pistols, the K6s is worth a look. With its 23-ounce weight, the K6s is not significantly heavier than smallish, single-stack handguns like the Smith & Wesson Shield (21 ounces) or Springfield Armory XD-S (also 23 ounces). While capacity is lower, it’s not significantly so (both the Shield and XD-S carry 8 rounds total, compared to the 6 rounds in the K6s). And yes, while the shorter barrel does blunt some of the power of the .357 Magnum round, it’s still quite significant. Plus, you can practice with .38 Special and spare your wrists the punishment (although, it’s worth firing a couple cylinders’ worth of your carry .357 Magnum ammo every so often to be prepared, of course).
Revolvers have their place, and Kimber’s K6s is an excellent example of the species. The Colt Detective Special set the stage for a small-frame, six-shot revolver optimized for concealed carry; the K6s continues that tradition and builds on it with modern construction, upgraded components and a double-action-only operating system for snag-free operation.
DeSantis Mini Scabbard Belt Holster (MSRP: $62.99)
Carrying the K6s is simple thanks to the DeSantis Mini Scabbard belt holster. Precision molding and adjustable tension keep the revolver secure, while the belt loop can accommodate belts up to 1.75 inches wide. Mini Scabbard holsters are available in black or tan finish for right- or left-handed shooters and can fit a variety of pistols.
5.11 Tactical Apex T-Rail Belt (MSRP: $59.99)
Holding this gear together is 5.11 Tactical’s Apex T-Rail synthetic leather belt, a rugged design available in black, Sandstone (tan) or Tundra (dark green). B10 webbing coated with TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) for enhanced durability, this 1.5-inch wide belt features dual retention prongs to hold it firmly in place. Enhanced load-bearing capacity means it can hold more gear, and the buckle is cast-aluminum with a distinct, rail-type pattern.
Maglite Mag-Tac LED Flashlight (MSRP: $95)
For those of us of a certain, well, vintage, the name “Maglite” is synonymous with flashlight. You’ll be happy to know the company has evolved with the times, and offers this Mag-Tac LED flashlight for EDC gear. Running on two CR123A batteries, the Mag-Tac offers three modes: Momentary On, On and strobe. Using a tailcap switch, a single click (while holding) gives the momentary setting, a double-click turns the light on full time and three clicks activate the strobe feature. 320 lumens run for four hours, and the Mag-Tac is both water- and drop-resistant. It even comes with a pocket clip!
CRKT Snap-On Relay Knife (MSRP: $104)
Featuring a Ken Onion design and offered in conjunction with Snap-On tools, the Columbia River Knife and Tool Relay knife is a great fit for everyday carry. With a drop-point blade style, satin finish and AUS8 steel construction, this rugged knife weighs 4.7 ounces and is 7.5 inches long (open) and 4.34 inches closed. Glass-filled nylon handles feature a stylish Snap-On logo and are designed to resemble a tire tread, while a minimalist clip keeps it low in the pocket. The Relay employs a flipper mechanism to open and a liner lock to close.
SOF Tactical Tourniquet Wide (MSRP: $29.99) and PHLster Flatpack (MSRP: $19.99)
Quality first-aid gear is always a welcome addition to anyone’s everyday carry kit, and a sturdy tourniquet like the SOF Tactical Tourniquet Wide is a great piece of gear. Of course, as with any new item, get quality training as to how to deploy a tourniquet, but the most important part about life-saving equipment is to have it with you. SOF’s Tactical Tourniquet is designed for simple use and is lightweight.
Making it much easier to carry your tourniquet is the PHLster Flatpack. It’s an easy-to-use, minimalist design that can be carried on a belt or strapped to a pack, and makes having a tourniquet with you easy. Not only should you keep it with the rest of your EDC gear, but grab several and put one on your range bag, bug-out bag and first-aid kit. Just have it with you!
