Firearm: Mossberg MC2c (MSRP: $490)
Mossberg stunned the firearm world in 2019 with the release of the MC1sc, its first concealable handgun in nearly a century. The pistol was so well-designed and executed, it won our Golden Bullseye Award for Handgun of the Year. Not content to rest on its laurels and simply release an FDE version of the MC1sc (which the company did, as well), Mossberg followed the MC1sc with something larger, the MC2c.
Now, when I say larger, I mean larger than the MC1sc. The MC2c is smaller in all dimensions than the Glock G19 or the Smith & Wesson M&P Compact, with only a two-round decrease in capacity with a flush-fit magazine versus those popular handguns. Each MC2c ships with an additional, extended 15-round capacity magazine, and of course more of each are available. One main difference between the MC1sc and the MC2c is in the magazine; where the MC1sc is fed by single-stack polymer magazines, the MC2c has double-stack, metal variants. Mainly, the difference in construction allows the extra capacity with minimal increase in width – the MC2c is only 1.1 inches wide, significantly thinner than other double-stack pistols on the market.
On the range, the MC2c retains the excellent ergonomics and trigger function that made the MC1sc such a standout. Grip-filling palmswells keep the MC2c anchored in the hand, while the flat-face trigger offers a smooth, clean pull with minimal slack. Again, this is a case of a pistol that shoots far better than you’d expect, based on its competition and general classification. Striker-fired, polymer-frame handguns often have a reputation for, well, fair-to-middlin’ triggers as the expression goes, and that’s certainly not the case with the MC2c.
One area where new releases struggle is available gear. With the release of a new firearm, often there’s a delicate balance between having gear available and keeping the number of folks “in the know” to a minimum to lessen the chance of word getting out prematurely. In the case of Mossberg and the MC2c, one manufacturer the company has worked with for new-product gear is DeSantis, which provided the next two pieces of gear I’ll cover.
Holster: DeSantis DS Paddle holster (MSRP: $48.99)
While the MC2c is sized more for inside-the-waistband carry, the same diminutive size that makes it ideal to conceal means it won’t be hard to hide when worn outside-the-waistband, either. DeSantis offers its DS Paddle holster for the MC2c, an adjustable-retention rig of rugged thermoplastic construction and available with either a paddle attachment system, as the name implies, or a simple belt-loop system. I happen to prefer the added security of the belt loop system, particularly running drills involving drawing from concealment (or, you know, actually having to carry and draw the thing in real life). Having the holster firmly attached to the belt added extra peace of mind.
Magazine Carrier: DeSantis Quantico double magazine pouch (MSRP: $44.99)
In keeping with the training theme is the DeSantis Quantico double magazine pouch. I generally prefer a single-magazine carrier for less bulk and weight, but when performing drills in training it’s far superior to have as many loaded magazines as you can carry, which isn’t the worst thing for everyday carry, either. In any case, DeSantis offers a single-magazine version of this pouch for those who prefer it. Either pouch offers the same rugged construction as the DS Paddle holster listed earlier, with belt-loop attachment for added security.
Light: LA Police Gear F2 (MSRP: $22.99)
Handheld lights are one of those accessories where you can spend a ton of money or a very small amount, and really, it’s a personal thing. While a high-end light will almost certainly last longer and offer a brighter beam, it’s often difficult to justify dropping triple-digit cash on a light that might only be used to look for a lost item around your car in the parking lot. LA Police Gear’s F2 flashlight offers three brightness settings, with 700 lumens available on high, for around $23. It’s compact, has a pocket clip and even has an “SOS” setting for emergencies. For your basic, everyday carry needs, it’s certainly going to work well.
