Welcome to Episode Two 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 Ruger SR1911 in a Mission First Tactical holster riding on a Galco Gunleather dress belt. Rounding out the gear is a Steel Will 1552 Gekko folding knife, a SureFire Backup MV flashlight and a Galco double mag carrier with Wilson Combat magazines.
Firearm: Ruger SR1911 –AS
Ruger’s line of 1911-style pistols was rolled out in 2011 for the 100 anniversary of John Moses Browning’s fabled creation. This particular model was released last year, designed as a target-worthy variant that contains G-10 stocks, Bomar-style sights, ambidextrous safety and a Series 70 design. Often, we hear 1911-style pistols described as “Series 70” vs. “Series 80”, and the difference, mainly, boils down to the safety mechanism. Series 80 1911s have a trigger-actuated firing pin block, meaning that—much like a Glock—the hammer will not fall unless the trigger is pulled. Series 70 1911s do not have this block, and maintain a smoother trigger pull as a result.
The SR1911-AS has a stainless finish, weighs 39 ounces, is 8.7 inches long and has an MSRP of $1,019. The AS series can also be had in 10 mm, for those looking for a little more power.
Holster: Mission First Tactical OWB.
Made from Boltaron, Mission First Tactical’s line of holsters was launched last year to an ever-increasing field of options. These holsters are hand-crafted—I had the pleasure of visiting the factory earlier this year, and in fact had a hand in making this particular holster—and each unit is tested for fit. Standard black options are currently available, while the prints will be rolled out later this year. Price on the standard holster is $69.99, and additional costs dependent on options will apply to the custom prints.
Belt: Galco SB1 Dress belt
Super-rigid, polymer-backed belts don’t have to be bulky and unattractive, that was Galco’s premise when they rolled out the SB1 Dress series earlier this year. With a 1.25-inch width and three finish options, the SB1 allows you to carry your gear in style without sacrificing support and rigidity. MSRP is $89.95.
Flashlight: SureFire E1B Backup
SureFire’s new Backup flashlight puts up to 400 lumens literally in the palm of your hand. Run-time on the single CR123A battery is 1.25 hours on high, and 50 hours on the low setting with 5 lumen output. The Backup weighs a scant 2.95 ounces and is 3.87 inches long. MSRP is $220.89.
Knife: Steel Will Gekko Mini 1552
The Gekko series from Steel Will incorporates micarta scales, single-hand opening via a thumb stud on either side of the blade, pocket clip with ambidextrous possibility and simple lockback mechanism for keeping it open. The blade is 3.5 inches long and the Gekko measures 7.87 inches, open. Weight is 4.76 ounces, and MSRP is $199.99. Other finishes and handle options are available in the Gekko line.
Magazine carrier: Galco DMC (Double Mag Carrier)
Premium steerhide construction and adjustable tension make Galco’s DMC a must-have piece of gear. The one-way snaps can accommodate up to a 1.75 inch belt, and the DMC comes in three finish options (tan, Havana brown or black). MSRP is $74.95.
Spare magazines: Wilson Combat 47D
When it comes to certain firearms, like the 1911, magazine options are plentiful and reliability varies. Options like the Wilson Combat 47D, however, are a safe bet when it comes to keeping your 1911 well-fed. With full size or compact magazines available, there’s a Wilson available for your 1911. MSRP: $32.95.
