The Best Way to Conceal Carry — Two is One and One is None

Authors Concealed Carry/EDC
The Best Way to Conceal Carry — Two is One and One is None

“One is none, two is one.” I first heard this many years ago from some U.S. Navy SEALs I trained with. They were referring to doubling up on detonators for explosives but I’ve since applied this principle to knives, flashlights and, of course, concealed carry pistols. Another phrase you’ll hear tossed around is, “The fastest reload is a second gun.”

Have you taken the time to explore that? Tried it out on the range, perhaps under a bit of stress? You may find that this statement is true. While it’s also true that you’re probably going to end most fights with the ammunition in the gun, Murphy has a way of rearing his ugly head and making things go wrong at the most inopportune times. You might need a reload, you might not be able to access your primary firearm or a malfunction could take you by surprise. There’s a reason smart gunfighters carry a second gun.The Best Way to Conceal Carry — Two is One and One is None

The Best Way to Conceal Carry — Two is One and One is NonePocket Carry

Have you ever been pulled over by a police officer at night? He probably had a flashlight in one hand and you may have wondered why his other hand was in his jacket pocket. He was likely clutching his backup piece in his hand. Pocket carry is one way to carry a second gun, especially if you’re wearing a primary pistol on your belt. Some folks prefer to keep the back up in a jacket or front trouser pocket and small revolvers are ideal for this. While I’m a big advocate of carrying all handguns in holsters I’m not as adamant about revolvers in pockets — if you’re careful, they are perfectly safe. Front pockets can be a problem if you’re seated so that’s probably why Officer Friendly had his pistol in a jacket pocket. I’ve been known to drop a revolver in my back pocket when wandering around the property, walking the dog or going out to close the gate. It’s perfectly safe, and I can draw the gun almost as quickly from my back pocket as I can from a belt holster.

Pocket holsters require some care in holstering. It’s best to never attempt putting the pistol in the holster while in the pocket or waistband (another good place to use a pocket holster). Always carefully place the pistol in the pocket holster before putting it in your pocket. If you draw the pistol you should remove the holster before re-holstering and returning both the gun and holster to your pocket.The Best Way to Conceal Carry — Two is One and One is None

Ankle Holsters

Some folks I know carry their primary concealed carry pistol in an ankle holster because it works best with their lifestyle and way of dress. For example, if you wear a suit and want to be able to remove your jacket in the office an ankle holster is a good way to carry without showing a gun. Other folks, including a lot of police officers, carry a backup gun in an ankle holster. A little thought needs to go into where you intend to position the gun. The default position is on the inside of the left ankle for a right-handed shooter but you may want to put it on the off side to be accessible to the support hand.

As a precaution, I don’t have a problem with holstering revolvers in an ankle rig but I get squeamish about doing it with a striker-fired pistol and would prefer to holster with the holster off my leg before attaching it to my ankle.The Best Way to Conceal Carry — Two is One and One is None

The Best Way to Conceal Carry — Two is One and One is NoneBelt Carry

 This is my default carry position and after many years of carrying duty and concealed handguns on my belt, it seems natural to me. I’m right handed so my primary pistol resides on my right side, usually just behind my hip. I frequently carry a second pistol on the left side along with a spare magazine that will fit either gun. There’s a training issue here, and you will need to practice becoming proficient with drawing and shooting with the opposite hand before carrying this way. It’s easier than you might imagine but requires some time, effort and putting some rounds down range. Dry practice with an unloaded pistol is invaluable for any draw from concealed carry, but even more so for offside carry.

The Best Way to Conceal Carry — Two is One and One is None

A variation of belt carry is inside the waistband (IWB) carry, either behind the hip(s) or in the appendix position where the pistol is positioned in front of the hip. Some folks are totally against appendix carry while others love it. I’ll simply state that I use it from time to time, especially with revolvers, but caution if you want to try it you must make sure you’re using a proper holster and do plenty of dry practice.

Give a lot of thought to how you’re going to carry, what you’re going to carry, and practice, practice, practice. And remember, “One is none, two is one.”

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  • Larry July 6, 2020, 12:14 pm

    Can’t believe all the shit I’m reading on here, two guns, three mags, etc, etc, I once in awhile carried a 2″ detective special in my coat pocket while on duty. But being retired for 30 years, Now its a Kimber CT Micro 380 locked and cocked in a IWB holster at 5 oclock, loaded with 7 of the new RIP rounds. and one extra 7 round mag in my pants pocket.. light weight and covered with T shirt. and now before you knock the 380 check out the test reports on the RIP round.. But to each their own.. 🙂

  • RsR January 7, 2019, 8:41 am

    I always carry a backup. It’s a NAA 5 shot 22 mag revolver which fits nicely in my front pants pocket. A little extra insurance never hurt anyone, especially when it doesn’t take up any space.

  • Ryan November 12, 2017, 7:41 pm

    When I’m on duty (county sheriff) I carry my duty gun and a back up. When off duty I carry 1 gun. The way I dress that day determines which pistol I strap on. I usually carry a spare mag, but I’m not carrying 2 guns. Personally its a little over kill as an everyday citizen.
    The chances of me even drawing are slim to none if I’m not on the job, and even then it doesn’t happen that often.

  • Mike H. November 9, 2017, 5:00 pm

    Attention: Mark N.- I am not talking about black powder cartridges! Those guns fall under modern firearm laws. I am talking about cap and ball percussion revolvers. I was trying to tell the guy from North Carolina,who said he could only carry one gun with a carry permit, to make his other carry a cap and ball revolver. Had no intention to get into an argument about the Civil War. or the amount of powder to use!

    • G Miller May 20, 2019, 8:16 am

      I live in NC and was a CCW instructor for many years. Have carried ever since the CCW statute was passed several years ago. I’m not aware of anything in the statute that limits someone to carrying only one gun at a time. Possibly a local sheriff department told them this was the case but I’m aware of nothing in the law that states this.

  • Mark N. November 8, 2017, 1:36 am

    I have never carried two firearms, nor can I imagine doing so. I don’t carry a spare mag either. But then I do not smoke, drink, do drugs, hang out in or visit bars or bad neighborhoods. The murders around my town are either domestic or drug rip offs. At home is a different story. Although (again) the only armed home invasions here are drug rip-offs, I have at least three loaded guns readily available (one always with me), spare mags, and loose ammo. Burglary (by our local homeless and drug addicted population) is a favorite pastime.

    • Mike H. November 9, 2017, 9:00 pm

      Exactly where is your town? From what you say,I would bet that it’s above the Mason-Dixon line! Are You a YANKEE?

  • John mac November 7, 2017, 10:14 pm

    Hey Guys, I have a Carry permit from Tennessee that is good in several Ajoining States! Yes, I’m from the South where we believe in GOD, Guns & Guts.Normally I have a Glock 21 45 Cal, and a S7W Model 13 Revolver with me at all times. In my Vehicles I carry an extra…..12 Guage Shorty barrel S&W Riot pump with slugs and #5 stacked. This is a very good choice for me.

    • Mike H. November 9, 2017, 9:25 pm

      I;m glad that there’s another Tennessee boy here! I’m a southerner too and damn proud of it!

  • BIG November 7, 2017, 6:14 am

    I ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS CARRY 2 HANDGUNS WITH ME EVERYWHERE I GO!!!!!! OUTSIDE ON THE BELT IS A SCCY 9MM COMPACT CPX-1 ORANGE IN COLOR, I HAD TO SPECIAL ORDER IT BC I LOVED THE COLOR. WHEN PPL SEE IT THEY THINK IT’S A STUN GUN AND ASK ME ABOUT IT, THEY ARE ATTRACTED TO THE COLOR EVERYONE I RUN INTO SAYS THEY ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE COLOR…. WELL ANYWAYS MY 2ND CONCEALED CARRY GUN IS A SUB COMPACT DIAMONDBACK 9MM THAT STAYS IN MY POCKET AT ALL TIMES. ALONG WITH CARRYING BOTH OF THEM I ALSO CARRY A STUN GUN FLASH LIGHT THAT IS 500 MILLION VOLTS WITH ATTACHED WINDOW BREAKER AND STROBE LIGHT AND I ALSO CARRY POLICE ISSUED MACE. I CARRY ALL OF THAT ON ME EVERY SINGLE TIME I LEAVE THE HOUSE. I’M DISABLED SEVERELY BAD WITH A SEVERE BACK INJURY AND AS A MATTER OF FACT I GO THIS THURSDAY NOV. 9TH TO SET UP MY 2ND SURGERY THAT IS GOING TO BE VERY VERY VERY SEVERELY INTENSE AND SCARY IN WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE SO ANY OF MY BROTHERS OR SISTERS OUT THERE THAT ARE A JESUS CHRIST FREAK LIKE ME (BC THAT’S WHAT PPL CALL US) PLEASE KEEP ME IN UR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!!!!! SEE I’VE RAN INTO PPL AND NOT TO BE SOUNDING RACIST WHEN I SAY THIS BUT IT’S THE TRUTH A LOT OF BLACK THUGS THAT THINK THEY CAN TAKE ON THE WORLD AND SO I’VE HAD TO START CARRYING LIKE I DO. I DO WARN THEM THAT I AM DISABLED AND BY THE LAWS IN MY STATE I HAVE THE RIGHT TO USE DEADLY FORCE IF I FEEL THREATENED FOR MY LIFE BC OF MY DISABILITY. NOW AFTER THESE SHOOTINGS EVERYWHERE THAT THEY SHOW ON TV, THERE’S A LOT THAT THEY DON’T SHOW U THAT HAPPEN IN PLACES, I.E. WALMART, CHURCHES, GROCERY STORES IN JUST LOCAL COMMUNITIES. PPL JUST REMEMBER JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOR FOREVER HALLELUJAH AMEN PRAISE HIS HOLY MIGHTY NAME IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN AND OUR ONLY TRUE PROTECTOR AND WITH EVERYTHING GOING ON I PRAY THAT EVERYONE THAT ISN’T SAVED WILL GIVE THEIR HEARTS AND MINDS AND SOULS AND BODIES COMPLETELY TO JESUS CHRIST BEFORE IT’S TO LATE AND PLEASE ASK HIM FOR COMPLETE FORGIVENESS AND REPENTANCE OF ALL UR SINS AND INIQUITIES AND BELIEVE UPON HIM THAT HE WAS CRUCIFIED ON THE CROSS AND ROSE AGAIN 3 DAYS LATER AND HE’S ALIVE FOREVERMORE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE I BEG THAT U ASK HIM TO COME INTO UR HEART AND SOUL AND MIND AND BODY AND LIFE FOREVER BEFORE IT’S ALL OVER AND SERIOUSLY BELIEVE WITH ALL UR HEART THAT HE WAS CRUCIFIED ON THE CROSS AND ROSE AGAIN 3 DAYS LATER TO SAVE THE COMPLETE WORLD!!!!!! I THANK U ALL FOR READING THIS AND REMEMBER JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOR FOREVER LOVES U SO PLEASE LOVE HIM BACK!!!!!! THANKS, “BIG”

    • Larry September 11, 2018, 12:03 pm

      Your caps lock is on.

  • Pun November 7, 2017, 1:56 am

    I know a guy that worked with Ed and he has nothing but good to say about him. Ed, Carl Hill says hello.

  • Cea November 6, 2017, 10:57 pm

    Well, I see we have just heard from the two remaining Hillary supporters…a**holes, the both of them. But that goes without saying. Their comments speak for them(selves)!

  • Bud N November 6, 2017, 6:47 pm

    Many large churches have armed security these days. Some members and probably some hired professionals. Sad but it’s reality.

  • Russ H. November 6, 2017, 6:04 pm

    LOL. I am a serious gun guy. As a state trooper I carried a primary handgun (Sig P226 40cal) w/two spare mags on me, a backup on my ankle (S&W 60 38cal) and a shotgun and an AR15 in the car. In combat I carried an M4 w/6 spare 30 rd mags, a M9 w/3-4 spare mags and some grenades. I served in SF, Ranger, and airborne infantry units – later MI. As a detective I carried Sig P239 40 cal w 2 spare mags. As a dude running around town going to the grocery store, home depot or a dr appt, I carry a Glock 43 9mm w 7+1. There is (and should be) a correlation with the probability of getting into a gunfight and what you carry. The probability of me (or most of you) getting into a gunfight these days – especially a prolonged gunfight is less likely than being struck by lightning, but if you think you need to carry all that hardware and ammo (not to mention the flashlights, knives, capstun, brass knuckles, spare mags, ect) have at it. Those of you who call yourselves gunfighters is pretty funny. Have you been in a gunfight? Mmmm? Carrying a gun doesn\’t make you a gunfighter. Being a gunfighter isn\’t as glamorous as you think it is. Anyway, for those who have trained with SEALS, Rangers, Green Berets, MARSOC, SWAT, cops, Gunsite – GREAT! Just remember – training is perishable. Who you trained with 5-10-20 yrs ago is less important than what you did at the range today.

  • Will Cushman November 6, 2017, 2:20 pm

    If Ed Head says he trained or trained with SEALs, he did. One of the most experienced trainers in the business at Gunsight and a long career in the Border Patrol, he has been there- in spades.

  • Gfahey November 6, 2017, 2:10 pm

    The one topic I’d like to see discussed more is that of concealed carry and body type. I always see a nice photo (like above) of a slim guy carrying a 1911 in a leather holster. Hey, nothing wrong with that! But, for people like me with an “apple” shaped body, where my hips are narrow and all my weight is contained above my waist, it’s difficult.

    Appendix carry is tough unless I never have to sit down. Still, my gun is never completely vertical. My belly is in the way.

    IWB at 3-4 o’clock is do-able but I have to really find a good combo. I too have that drawer of forgotten holsters. I have a typical kydex holster with belt clip that I use with a Glock 43. It conceals pretty good. The ultra thin kydex enables it to disappear at a slight cant at 4 o’clock. Still, it’s not what I’d call comfortable.

    I have a great belt. Hanks Belts. So I’ve got the fundamentals. I’m finding OWB is best probably. For me. Winter is breathing down our necks here in Maine so I can keep it in under my thick, insulated hunter plaid flannel shirt that I throw on everyday.

    In summer I find my trusty Model 638 is truly a wonderful carry piece. Actually, the Remora holster works excellent. Under rated holster brand IMO.

    Still, I would love to be able to carry my Kimber 5″ IWB comfortably. It ain’t gonna’ happen though. Not unless I drop 30 lbs which I’m trying to do now. In fact, being able to carry concealed comfortably and with my weapon of choice is a motivated for me!

    So I’d like to see more articles about CC with different body types. I’m not alone I’m sure.

    • irlogger November 8, 2017, 1:49 am

      I’m 5’9″ 235lb my primary carry is a Bratta

      • irlogger November 8, 2017, 11:28 am

        I am 5’9′ 235LB MY PRIMARY CARRY GUN IS A BERETTA PX4 STORM FULL SIZE IN 40S&W. I CARRY IN A AKER SHOULDER HOLSTER WITH A DOUBLE MAG. CARRY OR A FOBUS BELT SLIDE MY 3RD ONE IS A FOBUS PADDLE I LIKE THE PASSIVE RETENTION OF THE FOBUS. I AM SURE THERE ARE OTHERS THAT ARE JUST AS GOOD OR BETTER. THESE ALL WORK GREAT WITH A TEE SHIRT AND A LIGHT OVERSIZE SHIRT. I ALSO CARRY A MINI REVOLVER IN MY POCKET THIS THING GIVES ME A BETTER SENSE OF SECURITY WITH ITS FIVE ROUNDS OF 22 MAG THAN 18 + TWO FOURTEEN ROUNDS OF 40 S&W BECAUSE IT IS ALREADY IN MY HAND.—PS– I AM LOOKING AT THE BERETTA PX4 SUBCOMPACT AS A POCKET IN 40 CAL.

    • Rob Leahy November 17, 2017, 8:30 am

      Well, I am NOT a slim guy. I designed and built and wear that style of holster, for my own use. I carry a 1911 an M&P or a S&W N frame that way everyday. And, because things happen, I carry at least one reload and a second gun, and a flashlight light, or three and a good tourniquet. It is not the same world that we grew up in.
      Rob Leahy
      Founder, Simply Rugged Holsters

  • Cyrus November 6, 2017, 1:59 pm

    I’m God Dam tired of carrying one gun!

    • Mal Cap November 6, 2017, 2:57 pm

      No problem with this decision in NYC. Second gun carry for full carry permit holders is no permitted.

  • Russell Armor November 6, 2017, 12:20 pm

    Nobody seems to have a good carry for old fat guys …

    • Mark N. November 8, 2017, 1:13 am

      Strong side outside the waist band works very well, adjusted between 2 and 5 o’clock for your personal comfort. I personal prefer a FBI (15 degree) cant pancake holster. The cant helps conceal the butt of the gun, but it may dig into your ribs if it is a semi-auto. A snubbie revolver resolves that issue, or a semi with a rounded butt. You can also look for a holster with a low ride height, since that lowers the gun below the stuff spilling over the side. Snubbies also carry very well in a front pocket, e.g. any of the Rugers, or any of the mini 9 mm Colt Mustang knock offs (Sig, Kimber)
      I also have a couple of IWB “Down Under” from High Noon which are leather and thus comfortable inside the waistband. I carry a Kahr CW9 or a compact 1911 in those holsters.
      Worse comes to worse, you can always go with a shoulder holster rig. I don’t have any experience with one though; the good ones run $200 and up (for leather).

  • Archangel November 6, 2017, 12:10 pm

    Really?
    I carry a full size 1911 all year long.
    Just wear a loose shirt you don’t have to tuck in.
    The P-238 fits in all my left rear pockets, short pants, long pants, insulated cold weather pants, everything, even my utility Kilt!

    • Archangel November 6, 2017, 5:46 pm

      Oh, and a rifle is put in the car with plenty of loaded magazines when I leave the house, always!
      Why?
      Who knows what may happen with me in the wrong place at the wrong time, invasion, general civil unrest, race riot, EMP attack, Solar created EMP Event, Terrorist Attack, YellowStone Super Caldera popping off, Zombies, White Power Movement, Black Power Movement, whatever may happen I can defend myself and my family when people loose their grip on civility.

  • JoshO November 6, 2017, 11:08 am

    If I’m going into an area where I feel the need to carry two guns, one of them is going to be a rifle.

  • Irish-7 November 6, 2017, 10:32 am

    I generally have a secondary firearm close, but I rarely carry 2 guns. My EDC is either a Ruger P345 or S&W 457 (both .45 ACP), but I keep either a Taurus Judge Public Defender or S&W Governor within reach. I will take the revolver with me when I walk around the neighborhood. Our development borders a State Game Land and we have both bears and snakes. I like to have the versatility of a large bullet and shot shell to deal with those specific dangers. I prefer the dual capable revolvers for home defense as well.

  • John November 6, 2017, 10:27 am

    Nick,
    I agree in general with your comment, but not in this case. Ed has been involved with training for a gunfight for more than a little while. If he says he was training with some frogmen, I would believe him.

  • Kalashnikov Dude November 6, 2017, 10:11 am

    Well, I waist carry my Glock, or my Sig, or my Remington 1911. And ankle carry my .22 mag two shot Derringer.

  • Keith Rockefeller November 6, 2017, 8:41 am

    I was told by a Sheriff’s deputy under whom I trained for my concealed carry permit to carry two guns when possible, too. It’s a great idea, but, at times, it is impractical. It is definitely easier during the colder months to pull off, when there is more clothing to hide guns in. During the warmer months, it’s hard enough to carry a single compact pistol under a tee shirt. In the warmer months it is almost easier to keep a gun in a back pack as a spare gun than anything.

  • Infidel762x51 November 6, 2017, 7:43 am

    Check your state law, some states only allow you to carry one gun on your permit.

  • Andy Bill November 6, 2017, 7:04 am

    My police buddy carries two guns, his duty weapon and a backup which is not department approved. I don’t think he cares. On the other hand, I’m just an ordinary citizen grunt with a carry permit. I carry one gun and some extra ammo, either in a magazine or a speed loader, depending upon what I’m carrying. And that depends upon the time of year and whether or not I can wear a jacket. Jacket equals Colt 1911 or equivalent, or a Sig 938 in a belt holster. T-Shirt equals a S&W Centennial 38+P in a K.L. Null ankle holster. That’s a good holster, by the way.
    The two equals one dictum does appear to have merit if one is in the business of protecting the rest of us. And God bless all those guys.

  • Mike Jolley November 6, 2017, 6:42 am

    Not sure where you live, but in North Carolina you would be out of luck! Our conceal carry permit SPECIFIES ONE GUN!

    • Allen Lawson November 6, 2017, 11:19 am

      You can move to a state that allows two

    • srsquidizen November 6, 2017, 2:56 pm

      That’s based on the supposition that non-LEO citizens who carry solely for self-defense should not need two guns. Though I usually carry just one for convenience, I don’t agree with making “one only” the law because of what was said in the article about Murphy’s Law. Some civilians must go into much more dangerous environments than I generally do.

      What we need is more Constitutional Carry states. Here any adult who isn’t banned by law from owning a gun can carry as many guns as they want. It’s legal in most places except certain public buildings and private businesses owned by idiots who post a “Gun Free Zone” aka “Armed Criminal Sanctuary” sign.

      • Floyd Burdett November 6, 2017, 9:30 am

        In GA…if a place is ‘legal’ according to the State Law, then signs on the door mean nothing! (Except that they don’t want your business…) If I am carrying properly, they will never know the difference.

    • Chance Gowan November 6, 2017, 9:24 pm

      In my opinion, 2 guns are always better. It’s often quicker to acquire a second weapon, than to reload – especially if wearing layers or heavy clothing.. Ankle holsters are discrete, but difficult to access – especially if you wear tall boots. I live in N. Idaho where we are allowed to carry whatever we want (knives, guns, Saps, daggers) concealed – without a permit! I’m also permitted in 37 states – so CHECK LAWS – not everyplace is as supportive of 2nd Amendment rights as Idaho! I carry a SIG 239 in .357SIG as it’s small, easy to conceal, ridiculously reliable, and a very effective round. I often carry that in a Small of back – IWB holster – and my 229 SIG Legion (.357 SIG too) in an OWB. FBI cant high-end leather holster. Lately I’ve been carrying the 239 in a very high quality, custom shoulder holster. It’s very handy – you get an extra mag (to counter balance the shoulder rig) and invisible under most clothes. I’ve carried a weapon on duty and I carry all the time as a civilian! In an emergency, things happen – you can loose your weapon, it can jam and in the panic of somebody shooting at you (or harming another) it’s easy to forget your re-loading drills or get flustered. If you have the option – carry a second weapon – but ALWAYS carry something – no matter if you’re going to the store for eggs – you can’t predict the unpredictable…
      Cheers!

    • Mike H. November 7, 2017, 4:26 pm

      Make one of them a cap and ball revolver. They are primitive weapons,which require no permit whatsoever,and will get the job done. How many people were killed in the War Between the States with primitive weapons?

      • Mark N. November 8, 2017, 1:26 am

        Most of the fatalities were by one of the many diseases that infected the camps of both sides, followed by artillery, and that followed by musketry (either .58 or .65 caliber). Handguns were general issue only to officers and cavalry, although quite a few soldiers carried personal weapons. Other than the Colt Army (in .44), the .32 and .36 caliber handguns were not terribly effective at killing except as a close range last resort firearm. Most of the pre-made .36 cartridges were only loaded with 12 to 17 grains of black powder (by volume), while the standard Army loading for the .44 was 30 grains (in a gun with a capacity for 35).

        • Mike H. November 8, 2017, 11:53 am

          Wild Bill carried a pair of 1851 Colt Navy .36 revolvers. Think You’d want to try him?

          • Mark N. November 9, 2017, 1:30 am

            Hickcock was a crack shot with his .36s, but I sincerely doubt that he used paper cartridges, but instead meticulously hand loaded. His history was excessively augmented, often by Wild Bill, but he is only documented to have killed 8 men, six by head shots. His famous duel with Davis Tutt allegedly occurred at 75 yards, but that is a very long shot for a .36, which has roughly the same power as a .38 Special. A .36 can be loaded up to 25 grains, but all reports I’ve read state that accuracy suffers. Still, the .36 is weak tea compared to the .44.

            Would I want to try Bill Hickock? Of course not. He was a gun fighter and I am most definitely not.

            As an aside, some states, including New Jersey, consider black powder to be firearms for which a permit is needed. A number of states, including California, bar felons from possessing them.

        • Mike H. November 8, 2017, 1:25 pm

          Thanks for the history lesson. I have probably forgotten more about the Civil War than You will ever know. I was talking about black powder revolvers. I own six .44 calibers,three Colt reproductions and three Remington. I have a couple of .36 calibers,both Colt Navy reproductions. I shoot 20 grains in the steel frame and 15 in the brass frame. My point was: I’m not sure about North Carolina,but in Tennessee You can carry one any where-any time. I know what they will do. I damned sure don’t want to get shot with one! Do You?

          • Mark N. November 9, 2017, 1:43 am

            Yes, we were both talking about black powder revolvers. As I said, a .36 is equivalent to a .38 Special if loaded to 18 to 20 grains. No, I would not want to get shot with one. But 12 grains (a number measured from period commercial cartridges) is anemic. I also shoot 20 grains; although Pietta recommended 15 grains in the owner’s manual, that is not enough powder for the ball to clear the forcing cone. Shoots just fine with 20.
            And yes, I am a Civil War fan also, and own 4 black powder (clone) revolvers, three of which are .36 caliber. It is difficult, though, to compare the modern guns to period originals since the rifling then was much deeper, allowing more blow by. Further, many men used 2F rather than 3F powder, same as for their rifles, due to its ready availability from military stores, which may have had a detrimental impact on velocity, or light loaded commercial paper cartridges.

  • Dean Gullberry November 6, 2017, 3:55 am

    I enjoyed reading this article, but Why would anyone trust their life to just two pistols? I never leave the house without AT LEAST 26 firearms strapped to my body! Who knows when the first 25 pistols could jam, fail to fire or run empty from incompetent shot placement? The one exception to this is when I’m open carrying my two AR15 rifles at Walmart, I feel that with those outfitted with my slidefire stocks, binary triggers and belted uppers I can purchase my chicken chunks without the need of the rest of my arsenal on my hips. MAGA!

    • Floyd Burdett November 6, 2017, 9:19 am

      Just be sure you are close to your car, when you are carrying ‘lite’ [less than 26 weapons] so you can fight your way to the car for re-loads if you start running out of ammo. You may need more steel-core .308 for the AR-10 if the 2 AR-15’s are not hitting hard enough. And those spare mags for the .50 Desert Eagle can get heavy if you are carrying more than 5. Thank the guy who invented cargo pants! .. and those extra pockets..!!
      BTW — they aren’t “Spare” magazines if you USE them! {smile}

      • Jonny5 November 6, 2017, 4:53 pm

        I think the two of you need to take this seriously and wise up… 26 guns. You need at least 30 pistols and a few knives to be totally effective. Did you watch Red Dawn!!?? (The first one…. not the pish sequel).

  • Nicks87 November 6, 2017, 2:22 am

    “I first heard this many years ago from some U.S. Navy SEALs I trained with.” I stopped reading after that sentence. Nothing is a bigger bulls**t flag than claiming to have trained with “Navy Seals”. Except maybe telling people they should carry two guns.

    • Jim November 6, 2017, 8:35 am

      Agreed. I believe this was uttered by Clint Smith at Thunder Ranch. Like you, it’s enough for me to strap on an ankle holster every day. I work. At work I sit at my desk or I am in my truck- sitting. I would bet that 99% of CHL holders I know have never carried 2 guns.

    • Shoobear November 6, 2017, 4:10 pm

      You might consider doing just a small amount of research on Mr. Head before trying to call him out as a bullshitter. A career border patrol agent who is now one of the country’s top defensive arms trainers at one of the foremost firearms schools (Gunsite Academy), Ed has survived (won) gunfights and trained thousands of students (civilians, LEOs and, yes, military special operators) in the tactical use of force. Ed has no need to make stuff up, his resume speaks for itself. Where I come from, calling someone a liar is a serious thing and you need to get your facts in order before making such allegations. In this case, the internet is your friend and Ed’s earned better treatment for his career in law enforcement and training.

      • Kevin November 6, 2017, 2:43 pm

        Yup.

      • Mr Shifter November 6, 2017, 3:08 pm

        Shoobear……you are so right, Nicks87 should have done his homework prior to calling Mr. Head a liar…….I’m one of his prior students, not to mention if I may please, Mr Nicks87, served with The 1st Special Forces Operational detachment-Delta, commonly referred to as Delta Force, Combat Applications Group……

      • Chance Gowan November 6, 2017, 9:34 pm

        Started to say the same thing Shoobear! I’ve never trained under Ed. but certainly have heard of him and read what he’s published! Sadly, the internet is full of low-lifes who’ve done nothing with their lives – yet they can hide behind the anonymity of the internet – call people liars – tell us they’re 6’8″ and bench 500 lbs – Self defense is a serious subject! I just heard about the shooting in the church in Texas! Can you imagine how that outcome would have changed if just one trained individual had a quality weapon with them? Yeah, a weapon in church is not politically correct – but nobody knows you’ve got it – except you! And if the bad guy walks in – you become the difference in what happens! Be smart, train often, and always carry! Oh, yeah, keep your mouth shut before you call somebody a liar – or tell us your 6’8″ and press 500lbs with your left arm!
        Cheers

        • Bud N November 6, 2017, 6:44 pm

          On the subject of guns in church, many large church’s have armed personnel there. Concealed but well trained. Sad but it’s reality.

    • Steve H November 6, 2017, 5:45 pm

      Nick you need to get out a little bit. See the world, gain some experience. Quality firearms instructors (Like ED) train and train with elite operators regularly. I know a little about ED, you would listen to him if you did.

    • Border Bob November 7, 2017, 10:46 am

      Nick – Know what you speak before you open your mouth. Ed spent nearly 30 years in law enforcement much of it on the border in San Diego, just town the road from the “teams” on Coronado Island. His words are true, he has a great amount of experience with Seal community. He participated in their exercises and might have even beat them at least once when they tried to aggress OLF Ream Field. Ed finished his law enforcement career not behind a desk, but in a Field Command Leadership position on a midnight shift.

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