Day 17: Handgun Carry Options

For all the talk about handguns on this blog, we haven't talked much about methods of carrying them. I thought I would offer a quick review of some of the carry options that I routinely use for concealed carry, and discuss the pros and cons of these systems.


From left to right in the top image: Wilderness magazine pouch, Raven magazine pouch, Ravine G19 holster, MTAC G20 Holster. All on Wilderness Instructor belt.


Raven Concealment Holster & Magazine Pouches

I love the fact that Raven holster systems are modular. I can wear the same holster either inside or outside the waistband by simply swapping out the stock OWB for accessory IWB hooks. I was able to order 1.75” belt loops even though they don’t list them, simply by adding a comment to my online order. I can easily conceal my Glock 19 in this holster under a t-shirt whether it’s worn inside or outside my waistband, though the IWB configuration hugs noticeable tighter to my body. Overall, I prefer IWB carry for everyday concealment and OWB for range use and tactical shooting, but that’s mostly individual preference.

One thing I don’t like about the Raven holster system is the inability to adjust retention strength. Both the holster and magazine pouches are molded kydex and you’re stuck with the factory setting, which is quite strong. I found the gun retention to be nearly perfect, but the magazines are much too difficult to remove for my taste. I have to wear them farther back on my belt to maintain the leverage needed for crisp reloading drills, which complicates things if you find yourself on the ground, especially in the supine position.

Minotaur MTAC Holster

The Minotaur MTAC holster sold by Comp-Tac is a fantastic holster for concealing large handguns like the G20. This leather-kydex hybrid combines the comfort of leather with the rigidity of polymer, and is fully adjustable for retention and cant. In terms of IWB carry efficiency, it’s very close to the Raven holster. You can also purchase addition kydex halves to make the same primary body function with any model of pistol. In the future I’ll probably stick with Raven simply because it can be worn outside of the belt, but if you like the comfort of leather and only desire to carry inside your belt, the MTAC is one of the best options out there.

Wilderness Tactical Belt & Magazine Pouches

I’m generally a fan of products by the Wilderness. They make a fantastic belt: I wear a 5-stitch instructor belt every day, and I couldn’t be happier with it. I also use their slings on two long guns. I hate to say it, but their magazine pouches are garbage. I bought the horizontal style because I thought it would ease concealment, but it’s bulky and wears awkwardly. Even though it was specifically sold to accommodate the 10mm double stack magazines of the Glock 20, the fit is far too tight, and the magazine catches on a seam in the nylon totally preventing smooth draws. So while I recommend most Wilderness products, I’d stay away from their mag pouches.


*The arrangement shown is clearly for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to be an actual layout for practical carry.

Day 2: Glock 20 [10mm] Review

I'm sure there are some of you out there that can't wait for our first post on an antique firearm. But before we get to that, I wanted to interrupt with a brief review of my favorite modern handgun, the 10mm Glock 20.

The reason I became interested in guns in the first place is because I've always enjoyed backpacking and camping. In the summer of 2007, I was hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail with a buddy of mine, traveling through bear country on a rainy summer night. We couldn't ignore the sounds of sticks breaking and brush moving, and armed with a hunting knife and a can of bear spray, we somehow avoided confrontation with the beast that we were sure was tracking us. We spoke with another backpacker the next morning who mentioned spooking a bear off the trail earlier that day. I noticed his holstered revolver and took the hint.

When searching for the perfect trail companion for an outdoorsman, many default on a revolver due to its simplicity and perceived ruggedness. They assume that modern autoloaders are too prone to failure, and settle for a pretty 6-shot wheelgun. But wouldn't you feel a little more secure taking on the vast wilderness with 16 shots of one of the most powerful handgun rounds ever chambered?


The Glock 20 is a full-size polymer-framed semi-automatic pistol designed for the outdoorsman and hunter. With a magazine capacity of 15+1 and a reputation of indestructibility, a Glock is the only legitimate alternative to the revolver for prolonged outdoor use. Glocks will run forever without maintenance, but with practice can be field striped with one hand if necessary. They'll go bang every time you pull the trigger, and that is the most important feature for me. Whether it's for defense against four-legged creatures, or for everyday carry against two-legged predators, a Glock will always be your best bet for when shit hits the fan.

The GLOCK 20 in 10 mm provides massive
firepower. The use of the recoil-damping
GLOCK hi-tech polymer considerably reduces
recoil. With muzzle energy of 750 Joule and a
magazine capacity of 15 rounds, it is the reliable
companion on every hunt. It allows a safe and accurate
finishing shot even when hunting big game.
-GLOCK

Glock manufactures 10mm pistols in two sizes: full-sized (G20) and subcompact (G29). I went for the full-sized version because it facilitates added control, has a higher magazine capacity, and I still have no difficulty concealing it with a proper IWB holster (with a CPL of course*). They also make a G20SF, or "short frame", which is actually the model I purchased, shown in the included pictures. The only difference is a slightly reduced backstrap.

The number one reason to buy a G20: firepower. If you need another reason: durability. If you're looking for a perfect no-frills hunting or self-defense combat sidearm, look no further.

I'll leave you all with this action shot. I'm looking forward to starting up this blog, and you'll be seeing a lot more of my photography in the future. I'll be reviewing a few aftermarket accessories for this gun, and we'll be sure to include some ammunition reviews and field results. If there's anything you want to know about Glocks, leave us a comment. I could talk about my G20 all day.


* Anyone interested in learning how to obtain a concealed pistol license (CPL) in Michigan can contact us directly, but we will definitely make a post about this in the future. Remember, "a right not exercised is a right lost"!