Firearm: Mossberg MC1sc (MSRP: $421)
The number of firearms that work with pocket holsters is on the small side, and generally regulated to either historical pieces in .25 ACP like the 1908 Colt Vest Pocket or the Baby Browning, or polymer-frame guns like the Ruger LCP. Most semi-automatic pistols in 9 mm are a little too bulky for carry in a pocket, with guns like the Rohrbaugh 9, Kahr PM9 and others the most common choices. Other guns, like the Mossberg MC1sc we have here today, can serve as a pocket pistol given, well, the right pockets.
Now, I know one of the first things people are going to mention whenever the MC1sc is brought up is the SIG Sauer P365/Springfield Armory Hellcat. There’s a good point to be made that the P365 or the Hellcat are essentially the same size as the MC1sc, but offer 4 or 5 more rounds, respectively. There’s not a lot to argue there, really, except for the bottom line — the P365 and Hellcat have an MSRP just under $600, while the MC1sc is much closer to $400. That nearly $200 buys a substantial amount of ammunition.
I also want to point out that the MC1sc isn’t just a budget offering. In my review of the Mossberg - which won our Golden Bullseye award for Handgun of the year in 2020 — I noted the exceptional trigger and the wonderful ergonomics, and I stand by that assessment. At the writer’s event for the release of the MC1sc, we spent four days shooting the little pistol in all sorts of drills, scenarios and competition. At the end of a full day of shooting, where perhaps 200 or more rounds might have been fired, it was refreshing to realize that my hands didn’t hurt. A pistol you’re going to depend on for self-defense should be one you can practice with frequently.
Reliable, accurate and affordable — that’s a great combination in any handgun. While, yes, there are other options out there with higher capacity, there are many reasons to choose the Mossberg MC1sc as your EDC pistol. Having more guns to choose from is never a bad thing when it comes to picking your daily carry firearm, especially when there are more affordable, high-quality offerings like the MC1sc than ever before.
Holster: Blue Force Gear Ultra Comp Pocket Holster (MSRP: $24.95)
One drawback to the relatively new Mossberg pistol line is the dearth of holsters available. One solution is the “one size fits many” option such as the Blue Force Gear Ultra Comp Pocket Holster. Designed by the company to be one of the thinnest and lightest pocket holsters available, the Ultra Comp Pocket holster uses Blue Force Gear’s proprietary and eponymous Ultra Comp material to produce a tough, safe laminate holster.
When it comes to pocket holsters, there’s really two tasks a good one needs to perform. First and foremost, it needs to cover the trigger so that nothing gets inside the trigger guard by accident to pose a potential danger. Second, the holster needs to properly orient the handgun in the pocket, presenting it for quick retrieval while remaining in the pocket. Blue Force Gear’s Ultracomp material handily accomplishes the first task, while a small wing under the muzzle area acts as an anchor to hold the holster in the pocket.
Knife: SOG Cash Card (MSRP: $34.95)
The last bit of gear keeps our minimalist theme rolling. The SOG Cash Card knife has a 2.75-inch, 8Cr13MoV steel, clip-point blade with a satin finish. A stainless steel handle with a fixed pocket clip keeps the overall profile of the Cash Card tiny, and weight is a feathery 2 ounces. The thumbhole method to open can be accomplished with one hand, and a standard liner lock holds the knife open for use. Molded finger grooves along the handle and serrations on the back of the blade help keep purchase on the knife when in use.
The Cash portion of Cash Card should be pretty obvious — it can also function as a money clip if so desired. In any case, it’s a small but quite useful knife that doesn’t add a lot of weight to your EDC kit. It’s a fitting addition to today’s minimalist gear, just perfect for warmer weather.
