The I Carry video series gives you an opportunity to see what’s out there in the world of concealable defensive pistols. I Carry isn’t just about guns, however, as there’s more to the concealed-carry lifestyle than just a pistol. You need some way to have your sidearm near you when you need it, which is why we also highlight holsters that are well-suited to carrying your firearm of choice, as well has other useful gear like red-dot optics, knives, hand-held lights and other gear.
Here's the most-popular combinations of pistol, holster and other gear from this year’s crop of I Carry videos.
5: EAA/Girsan MC P35 PI 9mm Pistol, Galco Combat Master Holster, Bear Ops Knife
The Hi Power is the original single-action, double-stack, metal-framed 9mm pistol, so it makes sense that it continues to flourish in the present day. A classic pistol like the Hi Power cries out for a classic holster like the Galco Combat Master, which continues to be best-seller decades after it was first introduced. The Bear Ops Auto Bold Action XV knife is another updated classic, taking the folding knife we all know and love and adding in an automatic-opening twist.
4: Palmetto State Armory Dagger 9mm Pistol, Alien Gear Holster, Gideon Optics Sight
The patents on the Gen 3 Glock have expired, leading to number of manufacturers getting into the “Glock clone” market. The Palmetto State Armory Dagger is a great example of a pistol which uses proven Glock Gen 3 internals, but adds upgrades to turn it into something new. Team that up with an Alien Gear holster and a red dot from Gideon Optics, and you’ve got a first-rate setup that won’t break the bank.
3. FN Reflex 9mm Pistol in ANR and FH USA Holsters
By taking the proven 509 series and adding in new features designed to appeal to the gun owners of today, the micro-compact Reflex is proving to be a home run for FN USA. A smaller gun like the Reflex is designed to be carried, which is why we showed off this pistol with appendix and OWB holsters from ANR Design and an IWB holster from FN USA.
2. Rossi RP63 .357 Mag Revolver, Falco Holster, CRKT Knife
A wheelgun is the second-most popular I Carry video for this year? Maybe there is something to the “revolver renaissance” after all, and let’s face it, if revolvers are making a comeback, it’ll be full-featured, inexpensive models like the Rossi RP63 that will lead the way. Add in the value of a Falco holster and a CRKT knife into the mix, and you have an everyday carry rig that will stand the test of time.
And the #1 I Carry Video of 2023 is…
Beretta 80X Cheetah, PHLster Holster, CRKT Knife
We fell in love with the easy-to-shoot 80x Cheetah, right from the first shot. Chambered in .380 ACP, with a metal frame for recoil control and a traditional double action/single action operating system, it’s an excellent choice for people who want an effective defensive pistol, but don’t want the recoil and drama of a small 9mm pistol. Add in PHLster’s solid-but-minimalist Skeleton AIWB holster and a retro-inspired CRKT Ignitor knife, and you have a concealed carry setup that’s rooted in the past, but with all the features of today’s top-flight carry guns.
What will be the top I Carry videos for the upcoming year? It’s way too early to tell, but you’ll see them here at the end of next year.
