I Carry: Walther CCP M2 in a DeSantis 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 Walther CCP M2 9 mm in a DeSantis holster paired with a Clinger magazine carrier. We also have a Camillus knife and a Propper shirt for cover.

Walther CCP M2 (MSRP: $469)

I reviewed Walther’s CCP M2 in the pages of Shooting Illustrated, and in the course of the write-up spent a good amount of time both carrying and shooting this new iteration. In the course of my evaluation, I found the CCP M2 to be easy to shoot and carry concealed. It’s only slightly larger than other single-stack 9 mm offerings, and at that, only in the height, because the CCP M2 has an 8-round magazine and commensurate grip, while its competition has room for either 6 or 7 round magazines.

Unlike other single-stack 9 mm pistols, the CCP M2 features a fixed barrel rather than the usual tilting variant. This brings an uptick in accuracy, but with an increase in complexity when it comes time for cleaning. The initial version of the CCP contained a small, easily lost tool to assist in takedown, but the M2 version can be taken apart with no tools needed. While this doesn’t directly affect how the CCP M2 is carried, of course, it’s important to the overall function. A pistol that’s hard to take apart for cleaning runs the risk of being overlooked as an option, or worse, having critical maintenance and cleaning delayed or ignored.

The CCP M2 allows a full, three-finger firing grip with a textured grip that anchors it in the hand without being too abrasive. There’s a manual thumb safety that operates in the expected manner, important if you, like me, are a fan of appendix carry. Controls are decidedly right-hand-oriented, so this might not be the best option for southpaws, although it’s certainly not hard to run with the left hand. The SoftCoil technology that won the CCP a Golden Bullseye Award in 2015 is unchanged, meaning it’s quite easy to rack the slide and operate this pistol, truly crucial in an EDC handgun.

DeSantis Cozy Partner Holster (MSRP: $81.99)

One major benefit of a small, light pistol like the CCP M2 is the ease with which it can be carried. It practically disappears in a good inside-the-waistband holster like the DeSantis Cozy Partner we’re using today. With twin belt clips that feature unidirectional snaps for quick removal without having to take the belt off, the Cozy Partner can be positioned in a number of locations on the belt line and anchored firmly in place. Constructed with a reinforced mouth to stay open when reholstering, the Cozy Partner features adjustable retention and is available in black or tan.

Clinger Mag Holster (MSRP: $30)

Choosing a small, single-stack 9 mm like the CCP M2 makes carrying a spare magazine a smart idea, and the Clinger Mag holster is a minimalist option to carry either inside or outside the waistband. Adjustable tension and a simple kydex clip make the Mag holster both secure for your spare mag and easy to attach to a belt. It’s cheap insurance to keep extra ammo close at hand.

Camillus EDC3 Knife (MSRP: $31.98)

Offering a three-inch, partially serrated drop point blade constructed of AUS8 stainless steel and coated with carbonitride titanium, Camillus’s EDC3 knife is, as the name implies, a solid EDC knife available at an eminently affordable price. Opening with a reversible thumb stud, the EDC3 is held open with a frame lock. Overall length open is slightly less than seven inches, weight is only 2.9 ounces and the scales are stainless steel.

Propper Covert Button-up Short Sleeve Shirt (MSRP: $29.99)

Any carry method other than pocket or ankle is going to require some sort of cover garment, and Propper’s Covert button-up short sleeve shirt fits the requirements well. With breakaway snaps on all but the top button, it clears quickly for immediate access to your handgun. Hidden chest document pockets are secured with magnets, and the multitude of plaid patterns allow a wide variety of sartorial splendor. Long-sleeve versions are also available. Also, they come out of the dryer practically wrinkle free, handy if you are ironing-challenged like me.