I Carry: SIG Sauer P320X Compact in a Dark Star Gear Holster

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 SIG Sauer P320X Compact carried in a Dark Star Gear holster. We also have a Trayvax wallet, a Buck Knives pocket knife and OC spray from Mission First Tactical.

SIG Sauer P320X Compact (MSRP: $804)

New for 2019 is the X Compact version of SIG’s staple P320, the company’s striker-fired, polymer-frame pistol famous for winning the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun solicitation in 2017. The X series brings a refined, flat-face trigger, XRay3 night sights and a slide cut for a micro-red-dot sight to the list of upgrades over the standard P320 model.

The Compact version truncates the barrel to 3.6 inches and trims the overall length to seven inches. The grip is the compact version as well, accepting 15-round magazines flush, but accepting the 17-round magazines of the standard P320 as well as increased-capacity models. If you already own a P320, you can use those magazines in the Compact (but, obviously, not the reverse…)

I want to circle back to the slide and the pre-cut slide. Obviously, the SIG Sauer Romeo1Pro and Romeo2 micro-red-dot sights are the intended fit, but interestingly, the Leupold DeltaPoint will also work. One note of caution, though: the rear sight is a part of the cover plate; removing it for the optic will leave your pistol without a rear sight in the unlikely event your optic fails. There are ways to mitigate this, of course, but if you’re a “belt-and-suspenders” type that prefers backups, it’s something to consider.

Dark Star Gear Orion Holster (MSRP: $80)

With single-sheet Kydex construction and your choice of either a Kydex clip or two PTD snap loops, the Orion can be configured for inside-the-waistband or appendix carry with the optional Dark Wing attachment to keep it in place. Numerous color options are available, and “standard” options like gray or tan do not incur additional charge.

The attentive eye will note that this Orion is designed for the full-length P320. This is no accident; when carrying inside the waistband, especially at the appendix position, having a little more holster below the belt line helps to stabilize the rig. Obviously, it also allows you to carry a full-size pistol should you so desire.

Trayvax Axis Wallet (MSRP: $39.99)

If you’ve been looking to downsize from your “Constanza Wallet,” the Axis wallet from Trayvax might just be the minimalist gear you’ve been looking for. It can carry up to fourteen cards and eight paper bills. Not only is there an easy access window for identification, but it also features RFID protection and milspec paracord holding everything together. It’s made to slip into a front pocket, be attached to a belt or clipped to a pack through the steel eyelets on the frame.

Buck Marksman (MSRP: $155)

If you’re of a certain vintage, the first name that comes to mind when someone says “pocketknife” is Buck. The company doesn’t just make grandpa’s whittling knife, though—there’s a whole line of EDC-worthy offerings like this Marksman. A 154 CM steel, 3-and-a-half-inch drop point blade sports a satin finish and can be opened either with the thumb hole in the blade or a flipper mechanism off the back. How it folds, though, is new: The Strong Lock System captures a notch on the back of the blade and holds fast, and closes by simply pulling the mechanism off the notch. Aluminum scales keep the Marksman firm in hand, while a reversible pocket clip is designed for deep pocket carry.

Mission First Tactical Rapid Strike Pepper Spray (MSRP: $12.99)

We’ve mentioned Mission First Tactical’s new line of OC Pepper spray offerings previously, and this Slim Line model includes an ultraviolet dye for later identification. It also features an effective range of 10 feet, offers up to 25 applications and comes with a pocket clip for easy carrying in an enclosed, flip-top container.

Carrying a less-than-lethal option such as pepper spray gives another tool in the toolbox for dealing with potential threats—particularly where lethal force might not yet be justified. It can also provide a self-defense option where a firearm may not be allowed. As always, check with your state and local laws, and ideally take a course or two in the care and handling of OC sprays. Know the limitations of the tool you’re using, as well as the most-effective methods to get those tools in action when needed.

Be sure to visit shootingillustrated.com for more information on the products above and for other EDC combinations.