I love people. I love helping people. I love teamwork and want everyone to feel welcomed to the party! I want to make life easier, simpler, and save you from the hard knocks, if possible.
In these posts, I’ll share stories, humor, shooting tips, and some tough lessons learned in the hopes of sparing you the tough hard lessons or embarrassment on the range. Welcome to our debut post – the holster’s supposed to stay put!
Can you imagine my surprise when drawing my firearm AND the holster can out with the gun?!
Some holster types
Of course, I wasn’t using one that went through my belt (like the two on the left in the photo above). I was using an IWB (Inside the Waistband holster).
But, this did actually happen to me! Fortunately, I was in a training class. But the point stuck with me.
How often do you test your gear?
Of course, let’s state the obvious – we are all hopeful that
we never have to or are in a situation where we are forced to draw our weapon.
That said, we should test our gear and especially if you have any new
purchases.
New gear like holsters
Over the weekend, my husband and I traveled to a friend’s
place where we were able to do a little shooting. Mostly, we were on a mission
to site in a rifle but took advantage of a sunny afternoon and an outside
shooting opportunity.
It was a great time shooting with my husband and I was able to try several different pistols from various sources. I was pleasantly surprised with the Sig Sauer P365. I was surprised at how well I shot it. As someone with small hands, finding an optional (carry or range) gun has proven to be challenging.
My current carry gun may become my back up carry firearm, so that leads to finding new holsters – one for a new backup location carry (for example, the ankle) and a new holster for my new carry pistol?.
So back to the main point of testing your gear – and before buying if at all possible.
When it comes to holsters, don’t forget a good belt. This is an important part of your gear. There are plenty of options available from leather to tactical belts. When choosing leather, look for a thick belt made for this purpose.
Be safe and don’t make the same mistakes.
Jan
Leave us a comment on your lessons learned from mistakes.
Today is President’s Day, although it was officially celebrated on the 22nd of Feb. for George Washington’s Birthday. Here’s a tribute from the past to today.
I thought we should take a look back at history on this
Federal holiday. What lessons should we carry forward from our past?
George Washington was a great leader, but what makes a great
leader? Here are some valuable lessons from our former President’s on what made
them great.
#1 Live by a code – a Code of Ethics, Code of Morals, Code of Virtues.
Washington wasn’t concerned about popularity or being liked.
He was a confident man. The opinions of others didn’t define who he was. Where
do these codes exist? The short answer is Scripture. It gives us guidelines for
how to behave; what’s right / wrong; how to treat others, etc. It gives us a
scale of justice.
Incognito Wear IX’s code is that you will Never be a victim. That would entail always being prepared… for the unexpected… attack or potential harm. Be aware, observant of others, or means of escape.
#2. Live with purpose – A purpose to fight for the life and freedom of his fellow Americans. Washington’s sense of duty and purpose compelled him to accept the chairmanship and eventually the presidency. Washington purpose was something Bigger than himself.
Incognito Wear IX purpose is to provide fashionable clothing to conceal self defense tools for your safety and that of loved ones. No one should be without a means of protection. Whether you choose to carry a firearm, mace, stun gun, or stick. No one has the right to you or your belongings. Better to have the gun out of the purse and on the person for quick defense.
When criminals know more of us are armed, trained, and able to defend ourselves; the less crime is committed.
#3. Live for Vision – Washington’s nationalistic vision for
a strong union propelled
our us to be The United States and
not a collection of states.
We design fashionable casual clothing that easily camouflages
a firearm or self-defense mechanism. Incognito Wear IX shares this vision of a
united community supporting the Second Amendment and your right to protect and
defend yourself or others. We are those armed hiding in plain sight. Much like
an owl; we are quiet, observant and blend in. Should we need to defend ourselves,
our fight will be mighty.
A group of owls is called a Parliament; a group of Eagles is called Freedom
We are IWIX Parliament.
George Washington’s life lessons to live by code, live with
purpose, and live for vision can also be expressed as character over popularity, purpose over
pleasure, future over past. (HISTORY is vital for understanding & learning from our past
so we DON’T repeat it)
Click here for more info on these leadership principles
In honor of our President’s, a free RFID credit card wallet with any order over $50.00. While supplies last.
Do you test your gear? Do you do this routinely? Learn from my Mistakes – #99
To some this may sound a little funny or even crazy, but if you are new to firearms and or concealed carry, I recommend this practice when trying out different holsters and gear. I would suggest testing your gear while imagining a potentially dangerous scenario… a situation where you would need to get to your firearm (or non lethal device) quickly. What happened?
To be as realistic as pretend is…pretended someone was approaching you with a fixed and intent stare – you know how that stare can make you feel. Imagine a lion about to attack, that’s the sense of a situation we after.
a fixed and focused stare
What would you do? Would you say anything?
After giving some verbal clues as to “I CAN’T help you!” and raising a hand as if to push them back – and then (safely) drawing your firearm, or pepper spray / stun gun or other device.
How quickly were you able to get to your weapon? Would you be able to defend yourself in time?
Did the holster or pocket act as intended? Did objects stay put?
I for one found this exercise rather startling!
I had a “sticky” style holster I was using during a training event. For those who are familiar with this style of holster, the compression and friction are what keeps the holster in place.
Rubberized texture “sticks” in place
I like a “sticky type” holster because it’s slim and easy to put where ever I want it. I don’t have to worry about belt loops being in the way.
However, in this training environment, I didn’t want to expose and reveal my Non-6 pack abs, so I had a T-shirt tucked in, THEN my sticky type holster on top of my shirt and inside the waistband of my pants and a good sturdy belt. Can you imagine my surprise when drawing my firearm AND the holster can out with my firearm!! The trigger was covered and I therefore, cannot pull the trigger! A great thing to know about ahead of any real situation.
Needlessly to say, I caught me off guard, and others, but it got me thinking about my gear.
This, of course, was practice, thankfully! Practice is so valuable. I’m sure many of us don’t do it enough. So T-E-S-T- out your gear!
I want to encourage you to make that a new habit for this year. Let’s set a goal – to dry fire and pull your weapon from the holster and concealment. I know you want to be able to defend yourself and never be a victim.
Practice drawing from concealment & testing your gear. Trinity Top and Strix bellyband holster by Incognito Wear IX
Our clothing is designed with you in mind. That is we’ve designed clothing for quick access to your weapon, and clothing that minimizes printing so you will carry – and on body is best.
Just think within a few months, not only will you have a good habit but you’ll be a better shooter!
I hope you are encouraged on your personal journey into firearms, shooting and self defense. We hope by sharing our experiences of this journey to make your walk and experiences easier. We’re excited that you decided to learn a new skill that can save your life and protect those you love. <3
With Valentines’ Day coming up, we have great tops and dresses designed for concealed carry with use of your own (waist) holster or our bellyband holster (strix).
Use coupon Code: BEMINE for 10% off at checkout. Good till 2.14.19 midnight EST.
While you may be excited to talk about Golf, that wasn’t quite what I had in mind…
Last week we talked about “shooting handicaps”. Do you have any concerns about your form or stance when shooting? Perhaps, you received a pistol for Christmas and are just starting your journey discovering the wonderful world of shooting . We hope by sharing our story, it will keep you on a straighter path; i.e. less costly mistakes.
Gun shopping is not like shopping most women are a custom to. For starters, you not likely to find this type of store at the Mall. So it may take a bit of planning for this type of shopping trip. Unlike things one may purchase at the mall, with guns once you buy it – it’s yours!
If you decide later that you don’t like the gun, there isn’t really a “Return Policy”. The Return Policy is up to you and how you want to sell it. So be sure before you buy- unless you’re into collecting guns and your income stream can support your habit ?.
Several things I didn’t realize when I was “trying on” i.e gripping and handled the pistol at the store…. I didn’treally hold it as in anticipation of shooting it down range.
First, I felt really self-conscious about gun shopping and trying to hold the gun, pull the trigger while not pointing the barrel toward any of the other customers all around me.
Secondly, I inadvertently adjusted my grip (and or wrist) around the grip of the pistol so that I could pull the trigger. This is my handicap – small hands and I have since realized finding a firearm for me will prove to be challenging shopping experience. Limp wristing is a good way to get malfunctions
Now, not all of this was realized purely by going to the range. It was through classes and drills of some likely self defense scenarios, that all the pieces began fitting together and the picture became clearer. Another reason why training and practice are important.
Single stack vs. Double stack – graphic /pintrest
Important finding (for me)- I cannot shoot a gun that has a double stack magazine. Not without having a malfunction. A double stack magazine means the grip is going to be bigger. “Double stack” refers to how the bullets line up within the magazine and typically holds about 13-15 rounds. This is good in one sense. More bullets = better protection, right? Also, it makes the gun heavier and therefore, less recoil, which is ideal. But for me, it means more malfunctions. Some might argue this is a good drill to work on clearing malfunctions ?.
So, are you a double stack or single stack gun owner? That
depends on YOU.
Some guns have interchangeable back straps that can help for smaller hands. However, you still need to have enough (of your index) finger to pull the trigger.
From the graphic above, you can see how the placement of your trigger finger effects the placement of the bullet on the target. The slightest adjustments can have less desirable results.
So, when shopping for a gun, remember to consider placement of your trigger finger, grip and your wrist. It’s not just about being able to pull the trigger… you want to hit what you aim for. (Important to remember ever bullet has a name on it).
Let’s make this the year to Thrive and not just Survive.
Let’s become the best we can be! Like believing in ourselves
to learn a new skill for survival.
Did you get everything you wanted for the holidays? Maybe
you got a new firearm…
Over the course of the next few months, I’m going to share with you some of my mistakes as I became another statistic, due to my husbands’ urging.
I became another female entering into the firearms industry.
Another female learning to shoot and another woman applying for a concealed
carry weapons permit (CCWP).
Why did my husband urge me to learn to shoot and why he bought me a pistol? In a word, SAFETY.
He knew he couldn’t be with me all the time, and no one can
predict when a crime is going to happen.
practice, targets, guns, holsters, shooting
Your local gun range is a great place to seek training; understanding
the gun safety laws and a safe environment in which to do so. Yes, it can be a
bit scary at first, but so was driving a car for the first time (remember?).
Did you select your firearm? I ask this to help guide you and keep you from the same mistakes that I tripped over on my journey.
Naturally, my husband wanted the best for me – most powerful “stop the threat” firearm I could muster. Everything sounded good, felt good in my hand, seemed to be manageable…
Then reality. After a few trips to the gun range for practice, frustrations mounting due to many malfunctions, I realized what was happening.
Did you shoot your gun
before buying it? In hindsight, this would have been most helpful. Take it from
me, if you are looking to purchase a pistol, especially for self-protection,
rent the model at a range and make sure it fits – you.
You see, I have a disability – very small hands and short fingers. Reaching the trigger without breaking my wrist is difficult (for me) with most firearms. (This is known as limp wrist).
I recently also
discovered that growing up riding horse (where you HAVE to keep your wrist
soft) is playing into this handicap on a subconscious level.
