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 Ruger LCP II in a Talon Holsters pocket holster. We also have a Camillus Thrust tactical pen, a Bear Edge 71116 Lockback folding knife, a Magpul Daka wallet and a Snagmag Magazine Carrier.
The Gun: Ruger LCP II ($349)
The tiny Ruger LCP II chambered in .380 ACP might not be anyone’s go-to choice for personal defense, but like the saying goes, the gun you have with you is a heck of a lot better than the gun you left at home. That’s what makes the LCP II such a great option for an everyday-carry option.
This pistol can fit anywhere. It’s easily carried, easily concealable and barely noticeable. Back pocket, front pocket, ankle carry, belt carry, wherever. The gun measures just 5.2 inches long, 3.7 inches high and weighs only 10.6 ounces. Best of all, the LCP II offers a number of enhancements over the original LCP, giving users enhanced texturing, better sights and a crisp, single-action trigger.
The Holster: Talon Holsters Pocket Holster ($49.95)
While I often carry this LCP II on my ankle, I decided to experiment a bit with the Talon Holsters Wallet Holster. This simple, yet effective design was developed by a group of law-enforcement instructors who needed a quality, durable, discreet carry option.
The steer-hide holster is molded to fit the contours of the gun, and like all good holsters, effectively covers the trigger. The back of the holster is a solid piece of leather that faces out from the body, eliminating any printing from the gun and appearing like a wallet stashed in a rear pocket. It could also be a solid carry option for cargo pockets, too.
The Mag Carrier: Snagmag Magazine Carrier ($34.95)
In combination with a holster that looks like a wallet, we have a magazine carrier disguised as a daily carry knife. The Snagmag magazine carrier slips easily into your support-side pocket and keeps a spare magazine oriented and ready for use at a moment’s notice. From the outside, the clip that secures the carrier in place appears as a non-descript pocket clip that could be a pen or a knife. When drawing, a built-in hook keeps the carrier in the pocket while the magazine is pulled away.
The Flashlight: Camillus Thrust Tactical Pen ($31.98)
The Camillus Tactical Pen also appears as a non-descript tool, thanks to a pocket clip that keeps it secured and hidden away. This multi-use product incorporates a number of useful elements. For starters, it is a pen, of course, and can be refilled using any standard Staples ballpoint pen refill pack.
However, this pen also features a hardened tip that can be employed as a less-lethal self-defense tool in close-range situations. Finally, at the opposite end of the pen, a low-output LED light allows for close-up illumination in dark surroundings.
The Knife: Bear Edge 71116 Lockback ($9.99)
While we’re keeping this minimalist EDC kit as low-profile as possible, we absolutely need a blade to tackle everyday tasks. Enter the Bear Edge 71116 Lockback from Bear & Son Cutlery. This tiny tool is made entirely from stainless steel and features a taper-ground blade 1.75 inches and a total weight of 1.2 ounces.
Wallet: Magpul Daka Essential Wallet ($24.95)
How many items do you really use in your wallet on a daily basis? Probably not many, so Magpul made its DAKA Essential Wallet to hold only the basics. The wallet features slots for up to seven cards total and four bills. Plus, it’s built from the company’s reinforced polymer fabric that’s designed for durability. The wallet measures 4.1 inches wide, 2.75 inches high and only 3 mm in thickness.
