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Eve Flanigan

CAA Micro Roni Review | Glock Carbine Conversion Kit With IGB Barrel

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CAA Micro Roni

CAA Micro Roni: yes, you can have it all, no NFA required!

Not gonna lie, when I saw the first press release for the CAA Micro Roni series, my line of thinking included the words “cheesy,” and “gimmick.” That changed when I tested one out for myself. Throngs of Glock fans have dreamt of a carbine version of the famously dependable pistol. CAA, of Israel, has made that dream a reality.

Meet the Micro Roni, a 3.5-pound, polymer and aluminum contraption that converts most double stack Glock pistols into a short-barreled rifle (SBR). For $250, plus the $200 ATF tax stamp, a shooter can switch between pistol and rifle modes in seconds.

Don’t want to deal with the legal hassle and expense associated with SBR permitting? There are two other options. CAA makes an arm brace version of the Micro Roni that requires no tax stamp, and still offers the benefits—if not quite the cool appearance, in my opinion—of the regular Micro Roni.

Yet another off-the-shelf (or over-the-internet) option is to grab what was provided in this trial, and truly have it all—a Micro Roni SBR, or Glock Carbine Conversion kit, with a 16-inch replacement barrel by IGB of Austria. Together, these products make your Glock into an incredibly versatile, non-NFA regulated carbine.

Putting it together

The non-NFA Micro Roni disassembled

Inserting a Glock into either Micro Roni on its own is a straightforward process. The gun plugs into the polymer shroud; snapping the insertion port back into place secures the charging handle over the slide. It only takes a few seconds, and it’s ready to go.

The IGB barrel adds a few steps and a bit of complexity. First, the barrel simply replaces the original in the normal field strip/reassembly. There are two Allen (2.5 and 3mm) screws to remove, a pin that requires a punch, and some parts, including a one-inch spring, to keep track of. It’s not rocket science, but in the windy country where this writer lives, it’s definitely a job to do indoors.

Useful features

The utterly cool Micro Roni, a G17, and a 16 inch barrel

The CAA Micro Roni conveniently holds a spare mag in the foregrip, so the user can start with 35 rounds on board, assuming the chamber is hot. Why not, considering that a simple finger-operated polymer triangle rotates to cover both sides of the trigger guard as a safety.

When it’s not in use, the stock folds in half. At just 24 inches folded, including the barrel, it’s a very easy to carry package; ideal for small spaces like a truck or bedside.

A full-length Picatinny rail on the top, and smaller sections on the sides, allow for installation of sights or an optic, a light, a sling, or whatever floats your boat. Go for the upgrade package for $175, and your Micro Roni Glock Carbine Conversion comes complete with push-button sling swivels, thumb rests (yes they exist), a sling, a light that fits into the frame, and flip-up rear and front sights … a pretty good bargain when compared to purchasing these components separately, not to mention that the light socket under the muzzle is made exclusively for CAA’s tactical flashlight.

Operation

CAA roni
There is enough rail space for both a scope and iron sights

The slide racks with a charging handle like most semi-auto rifles. It, as well as the safety lever, are ambidextrous.

In this test, a Glock 17 was used—Gen 1 and 2 need not apply, by the way. Firing the familiar Glock pistol through the shroud-and-barrel combo is a pleasant combination of familiar components. The stability of a shoulder-mounted rifle means less fatigue and better accuracy at distance.

A familiar, if not stellar, Glock trigger and nearly non-existent felt recoil make for an enjoyable, affordable practice session. These same traits also make it an easy-to-deploy defensive carbine. With on-board ammo storage in standard magazines, it might also be considered to have greater immediate capacity than an AR-15, unless the higher-powered rifle carries a mag coupler or the shooter carries extra ammo on their person.

After about 75 rounds, some light strike misfires were experienced with two brands of ammunition, one a newer brand that uses nickel in the casing, and one more common brand of brass-cased FMJ. We surmised the system had caused excess fouling, as this has been reported by other reviewers using the Micro Roni alone.

Upon disassembling the setup, the Glock appeared not dirty at all, but perhaps under-lubricated. It functioned well with all other types of ammunition, and this Glock has fired both test brands without the kit without issue. It’s not clear whether this is a developing problem in the gun, or with its interface with the Micro Roni. I suspect the former, however test time and ammo supply didn’t allow for another range session sans the Micro Roni’s at-home disassembly. Suffice to say that some ammunition reliability testing is indicated for any individual Glock in the device.

Accuracy and performance

CAA Roni Review
This still shows why a thumb rest can be an attractive accessory

Our testers found themselves hitting a large, 36-inch square steel target with a hit rate of 60-70 percent with the long-barreled Micro Roni Glock Conversion. With just the Glock 17, that rate is about 40-50 percent. The range of the Glock was thus improved, without much sacrifice of close-up action.

At 25 yards, a 4 MOA group was achieved with Federal 147 grain jacketed hollow point. This was, by far, the best group of the three grain weights and four brands. The heavier the bullet, the tighter the group. 115 grain bullets’ groups, even using a supported bench rest position were surprisingly loose, with some not even hitting the IDPA-regulation target. I could do better with a naked Glock.

It’s obvious, ammunition makes a big difference using the IGB barrel. Were I to speculate, I’d guess that the heavier rounds don’t create as much instability in the long, unsupported barrel, which can be rattled around if grabbed near the muzzle end. With steel target shooting in the plan for this review, I reached out to YRS Inc., distributor of IGB barrels, to inquire about the barrel’s effect on muzzle velocity.

With the caveat that different loads will yield different results, the YRS Inc. rep said one can expect an increase of around 14 percent from a round fired from a full-size pistol with a 4.5- to 5-inch barrel. Barrel-related speed enhancements for 9mm pistols tend to peak at a barrel length of 10 inches. After that, slight decreases are observed. Long story short, it’s considered safe to use the IGB 16-inch barrel as a pistol caliber carbine (PCC) for matches or recreational shooting. Nevertheless, I’m hesitant to get closer than 15 yards to steel targets with a PCC. For me, the risk of injury doesn’t outweigh the enjoyment at closer distances.

Maintenance

Some reviewers of the Micro Roni, using it as an SBR, complained about excess carbon buildup. After approximately 200 rounds, I disassembled the setup to see what sort of grime awaited. To my surprise, there was no more than I’d expect from 200 rounds being fired through the pistol alone. There is a noticeable gunpowder ignition smell that emanates from the Micro Roni after firing, and that, along with common sense, are indications that a little extra attention to cleaning and lubrication are advised.

Specs and price

The CAA Micro Roni wearing flip-up front and rear sights

The Micro Roni is 2.5 inches wide, 5.7 inches at its tallest point. It’s 23.75 inches long folded; 31.75 inches with the stock ready, barrel included. It weighs 56 ounces sans Glock and barrel. The complete assembly, without mags and ammo, weighs in at a bit less than five pounds—my scale can’t give an exact weight without a little help from the handler, which doesn’t yield a precise measurement.

The threaded IGB barrel in this test is pricey at $280. But think of how fun it is to be able to shoot your Micro Roni now rather than wait for ATF to approve your tax stamp, not to mention the trouble saved. As stated before, the Micro Roni is now widely available in the US and retail prices depend on options.

At the end of the day

The Micro Roni and IGB barrel combo are a great way to milk a plain ol’ Glock for all the versatility it has to offer, without sacrificing the firearm as a pistol. It’s far less expensive than a new rifle, and makes a stash-friendly kit for truck or bedside use. With the barrel, I’ll stop short of saying it’s backpack-ready.

Running the Glock as a rifle increases range and ease of use. In addition to being a great contender in the pistol caliber carbine market, the Micro Roni/barrel may make a Glock easier to use for home defense for people with disabilities. The longer barrel makes for safer handling for those who struggle with muzzle control, yet need a lightweight platform.

Yes, there is a non-NFA brace version of the Micro Roni that can, under the latest ATF ruling, be legally shoulder fired. The original model is the focus of this test, and although both function the same, I think the original is a much more attractive package while also being easier to pack due to its slimmer profile.

YRS Inc., the vendor of IGB barrels, is actively seeking US-based distributors. Interested businesses should look up YRS Inc. marketing department.

All photos by Team HB.

The Arguments For Owning More Than One Handgun

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A compact double stack pistol like the Glock 19 is a great concealment tool for some, and is large enough to serve as the understudy of a full size counterpart like this Glock 17

Many people new to concealed carry take that big step of purchasing their first handgun—and stop there. If you’re interested enough in carrying a gun to be reading this article, then you’re likely one of the majority of handgun owners who would benefit from owning two or more handguns. Why? The reasons are numerous. Let’s examine a few of them, along with ideas on choices of an additional gun.

REASON 1: I was involved in a defensive shooting, and now the gun I carried is gone.

As you’re probably already aware, chances are your firearm will be confiscated, even if only temporarily, if you draw the gun in a criminal confrontation. Even when the presence and use of the gun is completely justified, it’s likely that your gun will be taken as evidence.

What now? The hours, days, and even years following a defensive shooting can be some of the most dangerous in some situations, especially as “catch and release” practices for repeat offenders are adopted by judges across the country. Years is a common length of time for criminal judicial proceedings following a defensive shooting. That may also be how long your gun is locked up in a police department’s evidence room. Stay prepared by having a spare handgun for personal carry.

Ideally, that spare gun will be the same model as the one used at the crime scene. That means the holster you’re used to wearing will fit it perfectly, unless you’ve added bulky accessories to one of the guns. It means the extra magazines you have, and hopefully carry, will fit in the “understudy” gun. And it means that your customs of wearing the gun don’t have to change. All of these elements make not only practical sense, they also contribute to peace of mind.

Not having to make major alterations to your daily routine to carry a different gun, at a time when you’ll have plenty else to think about, is handy. And let’s not even discuss the possibility of going unarmed, and increasing your risk of victimhood, because your only handgun was confiscated as part of a routine investigation.

REASON 2: I want to do more training, but the carry-size gun limits what I can do.

handgun
Some examples of many pistols of the same brand that operate and feel similar.

Everyone who carries, regardless of skill level, can benefit from regular training. Shooting skills fade quickly with neglect. Being a responsible armed citizen includes being proficient at the fundamentals of marksmanship and understanding of the limits of your current skillset.

For example: do you know up to what distance can you consistently hit a torso-sized target? Are you able to place a round in a credit-card size target at five, seven, even ten yards? How long does it take to draw your firearm from concealment and fire accurately?

Knowing your performance envelope for these practical skills, and working toward expanding that envelope of skills you’ve mastered and can perform under stress, represents a journey of development that every shooter is traveling on—some backward, some forward. We can all work to be better at some aspect of shooting, and continue to practice and maintain areas of proficiency once they’re reached.

This just in: Heavy practice with a concealment-size gun can be exhausting and impractical. Many excellent shooting classes require guns and gear that are too big and obvious to carry concealed. Even if you’ve managed to find the rigid, outside-waistband holster and perhaps a magazine pouch required by some schools and trainers, reloading magazines and carrying enough of them can be a challenge on days that require 200 or more rounds.

Wearing a full-size, or nearly full-size, gun may seem ostentatious or unnecessary to the person who’s training exclusively for personal defense with a small gun. But the wear and tear saved on the shooter’s joints and thumbs, from the extra recoil and reloading associated with most small handguns, should be motivation enough. If you’re hurting or worn out, you won’t gain all the benefits of training. And the skills practiced on the big gun can only enhance your prowess with the small one, assuming you’ve taken time to also practice with it shortly after training on the larger one.

REASON 3: My gun is in need of parts or repair.

The author’s favorite pairing, a Canik TP9SA for range practice and teaching, and a Glock42 outfitted with night sights and light/laser combo for concealment.

Guns, like cars, have parts that wear out. In recent years, as manufacturers rush production to keep up with growing demand, factory recalls are no longer surprising. In any case, the day may come when your gun goes offline for mechanical reasons. Having a second gun gives you something to carry until the main one is repaired. If your backup is the same make and model as the primary, a second gun can even serve as an organ donor of sorts.

Like some karmic lesson, this exact thing happened to me during the week I wrote this article. The gun I happened to be wearing that day, a fine Heckler & Koch VP9, literally blew its recoil spring/guide rod assembly across the range when I stripped it for what was intended as a midday cleaning.

I know better than to not carry a spare, but at just north of 3,000 rounds of use, delaying the purchase of this critical part to a later payday seemed like the thing to do—after all, my other main training and teaching guns’ recoil springs are still running strong, well beyond the average round count for this component.

Had I not had an extra 9mm, with its own holster and magazine pouch, along for the ride that day, my training and fun would’ve been cut short. HK did exchange the parts in a quick five days, but had this been my only gun, I’d have been unarmed for that period of time.

Fine, I’ll get a second gun. But what do I pick?

There are a couple avenues of logic to choose in this decision, linked to the reasons already given that justify a second gun. In no particular order, here are some questions to ask yourself as you make that decision:

Same caliber, or not?

glock 17 vs glock 19
Having two handguns of the same caliber like these two 9mm models really simplifies ammunition shopping.

Having two firearms in the same caliber can make ammunition purchasing and storage simpler, in that there’s only one caliber to deal with. Savings are easier to come by when buying in bulk quantities. If you’re practicing regularly on both firearms, this might present the best reason for having same-caliber guns.

There are also good reasons to choose a different caliber for practice. For example, if your daily carry gun is chambered in 380 Auto and you’ve decided to get a full-size handgun for participating in formal classes, that bigger gun won’t be available. The relatively small powder charge in a 380 cartridge is simply inadequate to cycle the heavier slide on a full-size semi-auto. Or perhaps your daily gun isn’t one that has readily available rigid, outside-waistband holsters and extra magazines that are required by most gun schools.

Maybe your favorite carry piece is a revolver, but you don’t want to deal with reloading every five or six rounds while your classmates with higher-capacity semi-autos are getting to shoot, and shoot some more, between reloads.

Cost of ammunition and the effects of recoil may be a factor in your decision to go with something of a smaller caliber than you carry. Maybe you’re one of those individuals who packs, say, .357 Sig or 10mm. Replacing 250 rounds of FMJ in either of those calibers is likely to set your wallet back to a greater degree than some other, more common, calibers.

Glock pistol
If two is good, four is better. A replete selection for range and concealed carry.

While the effects of recoil from either of those calibers is negligible in the context of using the gun in self-defense, both deliver more felt recoil, which may also deliver fatigue to you during extended firing. These stouter loads are also known for wearing out gun parts under heavy use, due to the increased pressures created by their comparatively high rate of speed.

Least important, but nevertheless a factor in some people’s choice of firearm, is style. There’s a wide swath of the carrying public who simply feel more confident with a 1911, usually chambered in .45 ACP, when carrying openly at a class, competition, or in public. And there’s little argument that this single-action platform can perform well across all those situations, when handled properly.

This same segment of armed citizens often begrudgingly adopt a less stylish, but more comfortably concealed, sub-compact firearm for daily carry. My observations have shown that these same folks usually abandon either the gun or the obligation to practice when choosing a small-frame .45, having discovered it’s far less controllable and enjoyable in comparison to the big gun.

In short, caliber can matter more in terms of simplicity of ammunition purchasing and storage, where having two guns chambered the same is an advantage. When opting for a large and small gun, smaller calibers in the carry-size gun are more manageable, and shooters are more likely to log more time with them during practice—a good habit for effective, responsible carry.

Shopping for a second handgun

It’s helpful to identify what you want to get out of having a second gun. If it’s strictly the ability to continue being armed if your main gun is in need of repair or taken into possession post-incident, then a same-make/same-model purchase makes sense, in addition to serving as a source of spare parts.

If you’re wanting to enter some local matches, or participate in classes that last a day or longer, it’s wise to consider a compact or full-size companion to your carry gun. The choices are virtually endless, but narrow substantially if you look for guns that have model-specific holsters and magazine pouches.

There are times when the compact or sub-compact and full-size categories can be combined on the range. An example that comes to mind is Glock’s double-stack compact line, including the 26, 27, 30, and others. The usefulness of these small guns is extended for practice and home defense by the compatibility of the brand’s magazines from their compact and full-size lines, so long as a person picks the same caliber.

It’s helpful to find a range or private class where trying different firearms out, including live fire, is part of the program. The gun that looked so appealing in the catalog and sounded so great in reviews may simply be a poor fit for you. Many shooters, unfortunately, purchase a gun first, then shoot it, only to find out it’s not what they had in mind.

At the end of the day–

A same or very similar concealement sized handgun can serve as backup if one is confiscate, breaks, or is stolen.

Any good instructor isn’t around to judge your decisions, but to help you make informed ones. It’s normal, for a shooter’s taste in guns to change over time as knowledge and experience are gained.

Owning at least two handguns, and practicing with both, accelerates a shooter’s understanding of the dynamics of shooting and makes informed decisions easier.

Did your favorite gun make Josh’s top 20 9mm handguns list? Again, take any “best gun” lists with a grain of salt, as they’re just recommendations.

Gun Test: Sarsilmaz SAR 9 Review

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SAR 9
The SAR 9 by Sarsilmaz is one good-looking 9mm that combines the best features of many of its striker-fired counterparts.

There’s a new 9mm kid in town, and I’m willing to bet he’s here to stay. The SAR 9 is a new full size, striker-fired pistol from the factory of longtime gun maker Sarsilmaz, of Turkey.

The Turks are accomplished gun-makers, and rather than default the country’s, and Sarsilmaz’s usual double/single action design, they put the modern striker fire action to work borrowing elements from many existing, familiar pistols, and adding original features to come up with a very functional handgun.

While that may not sound original, I think it’s brilliant. The company allowed the striker-fired platform market to mature, and then harvested many of the most popular elements of various designs—including, as far as I can tell, Glock, H&K’s VP9, and perhaps the Arsenal Firearms’ Stryk B, among others. The result is a user-oriented pistol that I think is destined to become popular.

What’s so great about the design? It starts with handling. The SAR 9 has a low bore axis and deep grip—that is, the barrel is aligned almost as closely as is possible to the long bones of the shooter’s forearm, and the web of the hand is seated not behind, but slightly under the rear of, the slide. This feature dramatically improves recoil management.

It’s not quite as low as the Stryk B’s, but is one of the lowest I’ve tested.

Many pistol makers have learned that consumers would rather not struggle to release a magazine. Sarsilmaz didn’t have to evolve its mag release like Glock, it simply put a protruding release on the first edition of this gun. It’s still an original design, though. The teardrop-like shape of the release button invites natural, correct operation, but doesn’t facilitate unintended dropping of the mag when the gun is in a firing grip.

SAR9
Thoughtful engineering. Note the well-planned cut-outs at the mag well, thumb or forefinger positions, and rear of trigger guard.

Hands come in every size and vary greatly in proportions. Sarsilmaz brilliantly combined both existing and original elements to make this one very comfortable gun in terms of grip. The SAR 9 comes with interchangeable backstrap and side panels, so users can mix and match to find their preferred fit. This configuration is a near-replica of the VP9 by H&K, including the prominent palm swell integral to the large panels.

But the ergonomics don’t stop there. Sculpted depressions on each side of the grip make it easy to get the trigger finger placed just right, even for those of us with shorter fingers. The thumb side’s depression allows for a solid, fist-like grip with the strongest part of the firing hand. Recoil control is aided yet again by the design of the trigger guard—if this is a copied design, I’ve not noticed it before. The rearmost point of the trigger guard is thinned and slanted slightly upward, allowing the highest, most solid possible grip from the support hand.

Ergonomics deluxe: three sizes of backstrap and side grip panels to choose from, plus indentations at all the right places, make this one easy shooter.

Serrations fore and aft of the ejection port give decent traction for slide manipulation. There’s a rail for a light—or compact chainsaw, for USA Today readers. A cut-out on each side of the magazine well, and substantial magazine floorplates, insure a secure purchase on the mag for clearing double feeds. The magazines are metallic and drop freely in normal operation, full or empty. If they aren’t made by respected mag producer Mec-Gar, they’re a good imitation. Two 15 round mags come with a new Sarsilmaz SAR 9.

Sarsmilaz
The author isn’t keen on the safety lever, or the unnecessary red triangle on the trigger. But neither of these is terribly important.

The SAR 9 is topped by a three-dot sight setup that’s really easy to use. The rear dovetailed sight is windage-adjustable; the front is pinned. They’re quality steel sights and the only downside I can see is that it’s not currently interchangeable with any aftermarket sights.

The trigger has a Glock-esque safety block which is consistent, if not the smoothest one I’ve felt. Travel is about 0.75 inches, and feels a bit like driving on fine gravel. There’s a very short section–a quarter inch, maybe–of roll between the very clear wall to the break. Reset is, in my estimation, just right. Not match-trigger close, but half or less to full extension, and distinct.

Words like “gravely” aren’t usually associated with compliments on a trigger. But I think this is an ideal handgun for new semi-auto shooters, or more experienced ones who’ve never developed a feel for trigger operation. Its consistent performance, palpable stages of pull, and ease of operation make it an easier gun to learn on than one a more precision-oriented trigger.

As an instructor, I see this as a valuable tool for developing good shooters. The SAR 9 is capable of putting in expert performances with a competent trigger-presser. It’s a gun to start with, and stay with.

Inside, the stainless components aren’t polished, but function perfectly. The two-stage, captive recoil spring assembly contributes to recoil management in a good way.

The only thing I dislike about this pistol is its external safety lever, which is all-ambi, all the time. It’s nicely textured and appropriately adjusted for operating with the firing hand thumb. But I dislike external safeties and feel they cost precious time under stress, whether it be competition or defense. I rely on a good holster and finger discipline for safety. That’s a personal preference, and I respect that some folks attach great piece of mind to these devices.

The SAR 9 is accurate; it was easy to consistently hit an 8-inch steel target–a cool portable one, sponsored by CTS Targets, at 20 yards. There was some difference in ammunition. FMJ, all 124 grain, from LAX and Winchester performed well. Aguila’s 124 grain load tended to impact left for some reason. All three brands cycled without any problems.

SAR-9 Sights
The adjustable, steel, three-dot sights are just right.

Where field stripping is concerned, Sarsilmaz again took a good thing and made it better. The procedure is similar to that of a Glock or Canik: clear the gun, press the trigger, pull back on the slide slightly while pulling down on the takedown mechanism, and voila, a disassembled gun. The difference here is the SAR 9’s traction-enhanced, sizable takedown lever makes this already easy process even easier.

I don’t know about you, but I love not having little parts to risk lose, and the ability to quickly and simply clean my handgun so I can move on to what’s next.

Disassembly is super-easy thanks to good design and ergonomic controls.

Here are the specs on this good-looking and practical range gun–

Overall length: 7.5 inches

Barrel: 4.4 inches

Height: 5.5 inches

Width: 1.4 inches

Weight: 26.4 ounces, unloaded

The SAR 9 has an MSRP of $495, below much of the competition. Finding a holster may be challenging, but with the success I believe this gun will see in the US, perhaps custom models will be available in the next couple years. The model in this test is blued/black, with a black-and-stainless model forthcoming as well.

All around, it’s a great shooter that I enjoyed very much. What do you think?

Check out what I have to say about concealed carry holsters for women, next.

*All photos by Team HB.

 

Concealed Carry Holsters For Women: What To Know Before You Buy

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This Sticky Holster passes safety test 1, and test 2 under most conditions for this writer.

With an ever-growing number of people purchasing and packing firearms, a whole other industry of concealment holsters has emerged onto the scene. A question I’m often asked is how a woman should carry a gun. I’ve been carrying a handgun on a regular basis for about 13 years now, which pre-dates my career as a firearms instructor and as a person who’s serious about pistol mastery. Some methods of carry have worked well; some not so well. Many holsters and carry methods on the market are patently unsafe; others are too inefficient to serve the wearer in an emergency.

This article about choosing concealed carry holsters for women is meant as a guide to selecting a carry method that works for the reader. It’s based on an accumulation of personal experience as well as five years of contact with women who carry. I’m not representing any certain brand, and thus brand names aren’t something readers will find here. What is presented is all the information you need to be a smart shopper of holsters.

There’s good and bad news. Let’s get the bad out of the way first: purse concealed carry is one of the worst methods. The reasons why—and some work-arounds if you absolutely must use this inefficient and insecure method—are discussed later.

More bad news: Much of the “pretty” stuff currently on the market is unsafe. Let’s get real here. You’re carrying a life-saving device that you hopefully have undergone training and regular practice to carry. Keeping it well-hidden and unknown to others should be part of your overall safety plan, not to mention accidental exposure of a concealed handgun is a violation of law in some jurisdictions. This is not a fashion show, and compromising safety for looks can cost you dearly—including, potentially, your own death.

Why are some of the pretty holsters—and many others used by both sexes—unsafe? Two reasons—here’s the most important one first.

– Any gun holster that permits entry of any object into the trigger guard while the gun is holstered is an invitation to take a round in your own body.

Safety Test #1:

Put on that lacy bandage get-up, or that girdle-type thing that goes on your waist or thigh, the little clip that holds the gun inside your pants using a rod up the barrel, or any other of many products on the market with a soft or no covering over the trigger guard. With an unloaded gun reset the slide if it’s a semi-auto, push your finger or a pen into the trigger guard, and try to depress the trigger.

Safety test 1 FAIL. it’s easy to insert a finger all the way into the trigger guard of this belly band.

If the trigger can be moved, even a little, consider the setup unsafe. While your plans likely don’t include walking around poking the trigger guard through your holster, there’s no guarantee that leaning or falling onto a stick-like object won’t fire off a round.

Safety test 1, trigger penetration: pass.

And yes, I’m assuming you’re carrying with a hot chamber. Thinking you’ll have time and presence of mind to chamber a round under duress is folly—and a topic for a whole other article.

Safety Test #2:

Again, with an unloaded firearm, set up the holster and gun. Now move, wiggle, jump, do a somersault, lie down, roll, and get back up. Hug yourself a couple times if the rig is around your mid-body. Now, look again at the firearm’s position in the holster. If it has begun to creep out of its container at all during this silly test, it will, I guarantee you, creep out to the extent that you lose or risk losing the firearm during a day-long wear.

Safety test 2 FAIL. As I move about, the gun works its way out of this belly band.

But my holster has a retention strap to prevent gun creep, you say. Have you practiced with it sufficiently that you can undo the strap and draw without involving your non-shooting hand in any way? Does that strap make attention-drawing noise when you undo it?

I’ve got no beef with retention straps for those who have mastered their use. A good secondary test is to measure, using a shot timer, the time it adds to your draw with and without the strap secured. Settle for no more than 0.5 seconds. Sound unreasonable? As I’ll repeat, the average deadly force incident occurs in less than five seconds. How much of that you spend messing with a strap is your business.

This holster even retains the gun when held upside-down, through the magic of magnets. Safety test 2: pass.

SAFETY NOTE: some retention straps can fall back into the holster and potentially cause an unintended discharge (through your leg) when reholstering. Be sure the opening of the holster is clear before reinserting the gun. Don’t flag your non-gun hand with the muzzle in the process. Reholster reluctantly is a wise saying from Gunsite Academy.

Are we finally to the good news? Yes, at last. The good news is there are scads of safe holster choices that don’t pose the risk of an unintended discharge or dropping the gun while holstered. Is there a catch? That depends on how dug-in you are about certain factors associated with carry.


Safety tests 1 & 2-IT DEPENDS. This holster is made to wear inside pants. The type of pants and activity level will determine whether it’s safe

Compromise is the word of the day when selecting a woman’s concealed carry holster that is safe and keeps the gun as quick and easy to deploy as possible. Here are a few points to consider. Which ones you compromise on to establish your ideal system are up to you.

1. Ease of access.

On your waistline, somewhere between 12 o’clock and 9 o’clock for left-handers or between 12- and 3 o’clock for right handed shooters, is definitely the easiest and fastest location to draw from. Second-fastest is anywhere else on your torso. Third is on the lower leg or off-body.

It took time, but I finally tired of purse carry and went with AIWB (appendix, inside waistband). As a rule, my gun rides 1 or 2 o’clock for right-handed shooting that preserves the possibility of drawing with the other hand.

My favorite holster, a QCC by JM4 Tactical. Finger discipline is a must no matter how you carry!

I have a co-worker who loves 4-to-5 o’clock carry, and I’ll admit, it’s comfortable. Keep in mind, there are lots of accounts of people having their gun stolen from their mid-back when standing in line at a bank or retail location. It’s almost impossible to bend down without the grip “printing” through the shirt.

Some people prefer to carry on the rear of the waistline. This Guardian Angel holster passes Safety Tests 1 & 2.

Another friend who works in tight quarters behind a convenience store counter cannot risk her fellow clerks brushing up against her and detecting the gun on her torso. She tried an ankle holster, and had it modified with sheepskin so it doesn’t blister. She carries the smallest gun of all the examples here—a Ruger LCP. Though this is a slow-access method, she feels more confident armed at work and has worked out methods for using the ubiquitous counter for support while accessing the gun.

Yet another friend who works at a bank has tried every bra-mounted holster out there—the one that clasps the gun horizontally under “the girls,” wearing a belly band up under her armpit with access by lifting the shirt, and one that’s accessed through the neckline. She’s tried ‘em all—and finally settled for AIWB.

2. Manner of dress.

Safe and efficient concealed carry will almost surely require some adjustment to your manner of dress. I had to kiss tucked-in shirts goodbye, and say hello to sturdy belts. It wasn’t easy, as a well-defined waist is a physical asset that’s gotten compliments. Framing this decision as “would I rather get a compliment or be able to defend my life?” made it an easy call.

Other clothing decisions might be giving up low-rise pants for ones that can secure a pistol, selecting plaids or patterns over solids, doing away with capris or straight-leg pants for ones that can hide an ankle holster, choosing skirts over dresses, or simply wearing a size larger pants or shirt. I do confess, I miss wearing a dress sometimes, and really dislike how much effort it takes to find a skirt that can support a holster. Yet another friend decided to sew her own skirts with big belt loops in the design. They look great, and she can pack a Taurus Judge in there!

3. Size of gun.

This was by far the hardest adjustment for me. For years I carried a duty-size Springfield XD .40, in a purse. I shot it well, but drawing in a timely manner was another story. Trucking to horse shows with teen girls, and not being able to have the purse on me while doing things like carrying buckets, was a terrifying thought. I had to get the gun under my constant control.

With much chagrin, I decided a compromise to a smaller 9mm was in order. I tried a Glock 19. It was impossible to hide under most any clothing on my short-waisted frame. Fortunately, a friend was willing to loan me guns to try, and I was sure a subcompact 9mm would work. Even the diminutive Glock 43 and S&W Shield wore blisters on my thigh when I spent long days sitting at a desk or driving.

Finally, I capitulated and tried a .380 ACP. Both the Glock 42 and Kahr CT380 have proven workable. These are my current carry guns, the Glock with its night sights and weapon-mounted light being my nighttime gun and the higher-capacity Kahr being the choice at other times. I also carry an extra mag in my left front pocket … and always buy pants with good-size pockets.

Compromise: the rig I used as a new concealed carrier (left) and what I use now. Having the firearm on your midsection is faster and, when done right, safer in every way.

A local woman shoots like demon with her Glock 26, is a semi-pro belly dancer in her free time, and said she carries daily. Thinking I might just hit the mother lode of holster secrets, I asked how she packs that Glock. Much to my dismay, she said she’s tried several IWB holsters but due to being short-waisted, has never found one that fits, so she carries in a purse. She puts her Ruger LCP in a waistband holster when walking in high-risk urban areas. Unwittingly, she’s another example of compromising and downsizing to get the gun on one’s person. Her husband is in control of her purse (and gun) during dance performances.

Choices and compromises

Even with unsafe choices ruled out, there’s a large menu of women’s holster choices, especially for ladies who have the less-preferred but still feasible option of purse carry. Decide what you can and cannot live with in a system. My personal musts are a silent draw and instant or rapid establishment of a firing grip while the firearm is still under cover. My clerk friend’s must was a system that no one could possibly detect while brushing up against her.

Decide what you cannot live without, and work from there.

“Work from there” means that you’ll probably try more than one holster before settling on a setup that works for you. If your budget is limited, don’t blow the bank on the first one you see. Costly doesn’t necessarily mean better where gun holsters are concerned. And try, please, to get the gun on your body and out of the purse.

Wait, what? You’re still going to carry in a purse? Fine, then. Read on.

The concealed carry purse is the unfortunately most common method women tell me they use, even those who’ve been licensed and carrying concealed for years. Let me be clear, purse carry has critical limitations. First, drawing from a purse is slower than drawing from most on-body locations. However, with the right equipment and practice, a person can draw quickly from a purse. Then again, I talk to a lot of women who conceal and carry in a purse; not one has said she makes a dedicated effort to practice or can even describe her plan for drawing the gun.

Since most women haven’t practiced drawing from a concealed carry purse, they probably don’t understand that dropping it to the ground, for a handheld bag, or firing one-handed if using a shoulder strap purse, are usually necessary for the purse not to interfere, dangerously, with point of impact.

Too many news reports show a woman’s concealed carry purse can’t be under the owner’s control 100 percent of the time. Children as young as two have gotten handguns out of them, with tragic results. Locking the purse with the chintzy lock that most holster purses include renders your purse just a burden in the event of an attack.

Finally, carrying in a purse requires diligent observance of the safety rule “finger off trigger until the sights are on target.” For many purses, breaking another safety rule, “never allow the muzzle to cover anything you’re not willing to destroy” is nearly impossible to avoid during the draw or while reholstering. If your finger and muzzle discipline are mostly flawless and second nature, you might be ready for purse carry.

Despite these facts, purse carry has a couple advantages. The greatest is the ability to pack a bigger gun that’s easy to shoot and holds more ammunition. Another is the capability of establishing a firing grip on the gun while it’s in concealment, which can buy valuable seconds as well as send a strong non-verbal message to any astute, would-be assailants.

I prefer being able to get a firing grip on the gun while it’s still concealed, regardless of carry method.

Some instructors promote revolvers for purse carry, based on that platform’s ease of firing repeatedly from inside a purse. Anyone who’s given that any thought will realize the likelihood of a miss is very high when firing this way. As wiser instructors say, “there’s a potential lawsuit attached to every bullet.” Except for distances close enough to touch the violent actor, shooting from inside a purse is an irresponsible plan that’s not likely to stop a crime.

A couple incidents have been cited in the news wherein women just dumped a loaded gun into a purse along with the typical contents—pens, keys, eyebrow pencils, and the like. Any one of these items can, and have, caused a negligent, injurious discharge while the gun was in the purse and the owner was going about her business. Responsible purse carry means, in part, choosing one of the hundreds of bags specifically made for concealed carry, with a dedicated gun section, an inner holster of some kind, and a reinforced bottom.

Safe concealed carry purse habits include:

– The gun being contained in a compartment that holds it and only it, plus maybe a spare magazine, assuming your purse has—

– an inner sheath or holster of some sort that keeps the firearm anchored in one predictable position inside the dedicated gun section.

A holster purse should have a holster inside the gun compartment to keep the weapon indexed in relation to your body.

– A closure for the gun’s compartment that is quick and easy to open. You should be able to grasp the opening device (a flap or zipper pull) in your fist and open it without having to use fingertips. This keeps access to your gun in a gross motor action.

A pretty but sturdy zipper pull makes accessing the gun easier under stress.

– Having an easy procedure to cleanly draw without crossing the muzzle over any of your own body parts once the gun has left the inner holster.

– Carrying the purse in exactly the same position every time you use it, one in which your firing hand can easily get to the gun.

– If the purse is not a holster-purse but is pinch-hitting as such, the gun compartment must not be penetrable by any object, within or outside of the purse, during normal use.

– The purse is under your control at all times. That means on your body when you’re not in the car or at home. There can be no leaving it where it can be stolen or investigated by a curious tot, child, or teen.

Now does purse carry still sound like the easiest way to carry your gun? It’s not convenient to do well, but it is workable, and is the preferred method of many women. When the guidelines above are followed, purse carry can work, though it is not recommended, and frankly increases the risk of you becoming a victim.  Settle on a system—and master it.

I hope this guide has provided knowledge that you can use for holster shopping. In short, your carry system should be one that:
– is worn on the body if at all possible
– prevents any object from penetrating the trigger guard
– keeps the gun in place until you draw it
– is comfortable.

Be open to trying different setups before you settle on the perfect woman’s holster for you.

Editor’s note —

The safe holsters found in this article are as follows:

JM4 Tactical: Their website is here, and Josh’s review is here.

Sticky Holsters: Here is the website, here is Josh’s review.

Guardian Angel Holsters: Here is their Facebook profile.

How To Pick The Right AR-15 Sights Or Optics

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A left-handed AR with an Aimpoint Micro optic and LaRue Tactical mount. (Team HB photo)

The popularity of AR-15 rifles seems to grow every year. Even with thousands of choices on the market, more crop up every season. Along with new rifle and carbine choices, options and upgrades for sights abound, to the point of being confusing. Here is a brief guide to help you get maximum mileage and value from the visual aids on your AR, with a few product suggestions based on personal experience.

Define your rifle’s job

What is your AR used for, and where? If it’s strictly for home or small property defense, you can count on close-quarters engagements of, say, 15 yards or less, possibly in dim-light conditions. If it’s varmint hunting, you can count on moving targets at 25-200 yards, daylight or twilight. Competing in three-gun? Most of your work will be in the light of day, at relatively close distances, and speedy target acquisition is a must. Stretching out the capabilities of that .223 Remington bullet beyond 200, 500, or even 800 yards or more? You’ll need the help of magnification.

Lucid Optics L7
This 1-6x scope by Lucid Optics is great for mid-range shooting. (Team HB photo)

If you’re like most AR-15 owners, your rifle is expected to do more than one job … perhaps home defense and hunting, or getting through a precision marksmanship class one weekend and engaging targets in a run-and-gun competition the next. Fortunately, just like humans, the AR-15 platform rifle is not a one-trick pony, and a growing body of choices for sights can help you customize the gun for general or single-purpose use. Some common choices include:

Iron AR-15 sights:

best flip up sights
Aero Precision Back Up Sights

The original M4 rifle design, and many ARs on the market today, feature a fixed front sight on a triangular base, referred to as an A2 style front sight. These AR-15 sights are easily adjusted for elevation using a front sight tool or empty .223 case. Also available are removable sights that are easily attached to a Picatinny or Weaver rail, if one of those are included on your rifle.

A great advantage of “iron” (sometimes made of polymer) sights, AKA backup iron sights or just BUIS, is their durability. What doesn’t use batteries can’t lose power! Tritium-enhanced front sights can offer a bit of clarity for close-quarters engagements in dim light.

Where your AR-15 iron sights lose out is in rapid target acquisition and focus at distance. This is especially true for shooters with imperfect eyesight.

Magpul makes the industry standard in detachable BUIS. I’ve also had good results with a set made by Fab Defense.

AR-15 optic
A flexible setup using flip-up sights and an EOTech holographic optic. (Team HB photo)

Non-magnifying AR-15 red dot and holographic optics:

Generally mounted atop the receiver, red dot and holographic sights display a focal point, like a dot, arrow, or reticle that the shooter aligns on target as the aiming function. Most are battery-powered, and run for a remarkable length of time on a single battery. Some are solar-powered and “always on.”

A feature to look for is adjustable brightness and/or dot size. Precision shots will require a small dot, while closer and center-mass hits happen fastest with an easily-seen but more general targeting area, in other words a larger dot. Most AR-15 red dot sights are very compact and can require a bit of concentration to maintain sight of the target when moving from the ready position to being on target, due to a somewhat limited field of view. However, they are faster to engage than the iron sights your AR-15 may have came with, since you have just one instead of two sights to align on target.

The Aimpoint Micro series is probably the best known red dot, and among the most costly, though they work extremely well and Aimpoint has a great reputation for customer service. I’m currently testing a Bushnell Enrage and am pleased with its quality and ease of use. A rising star on the red dot horizon is the Holosun brand; early torture tests are proving them to be a tough yet economical choice.

AR-15 holographic sights are similar to red dot setups, but are usually a bit bulkier. They have the advantage of being on target at typical combat distances regardless of where the reticle appears on the tiny screen. Targeting center mass from a quickly improvised, technically incorrect position is no matter for the holographic sight.

Some, like the Trijicon ACOG, include magnification, often at a low and fixed power, so not all holographic sights necessarily fit in this non-magnified category. Holographic sights add the advantage of a wide field of view to the rapid target acquisition capabilities of a red dot. In addition to the Trijicon, EOTech is a well-known maker of holographic sights. Buyers should check out EOTech’s recall information online before making a purchase, though that issue deals with older products. A new brand I’ve tested for a short time, during which it performed well, is the Hartman MH-1.

ar-15 sights
Looking through the EOTech with a co-witness of the Magpul front sight. (Team HB photo)

A decade ago, as a new owner of a non-magnifying red dot, I learned a simple but important lesson: targets too small to focus on with iron sights will remain so using a red dot but can seriously speed up your competitive, hunting, or tactical shooting. A red dot can extend the effective range of your rifle by removing the iron-sight burden of deciding precisely where inside the rear sight ring should the front sight should set. It cannot, however, make small things look big.

Magnifying AR-15 sights:

Like the preceding category, this is a broad one. Some magnifying sights operate on a red dot or holographic platform, are compact—five or less inches in length—and offer magnification from 1.5 to 5 power. In addition to the Trijicon already mentioned, Lucid Optics’ L7 is an outstanding and economical choice.

Also in this category are scopes—longer devices, usually with adjustable and greater magnifying qualities. I have spent many hours behind my AR with the Lucid Optics L7, a medium-size 1-6x scope that has successfully taken me through arduous biathlons with engagements up to 400 yards. A medium-power scope like the L7 is a great choice for times when target distances will vary widely.

Most people don’t think of the AR-15 as a long range rifle, but with a good barrel and ammunition, a quality magnifying optic, and time, the .223 can run with the big dogs for a surprisingly long time. Distances beyond about 575 yards are not a great match with this relatively small caliber for hunting, however the rewards are great for netting hits as far as 1,000 yards from a recreational and ballistic education perspective.

Earlier this year, using Bushnell’s LRTSi 3-12x model, my AR made hits on a moving target at 1,000 yards after just six tries. That kind of accuracy is only possible with an outstanding optic that can make long distances look short.

A long-range scope like this Bushnell Tactical LTRSi maximizes the capabilities of the AR. (Team HB photo)

On the importance of correct mounting

As an instructor, the biggest problem area I see with AR-15 setups is optic mounting. Choosing the correct hardware that allows you to get a good cheek weld, that retains the option of using your iron sights while keeping an optic attached if you like, and that doesn’t interfere with the operation of the rifle is critical. Attaching mounting screws securely to the optic and rail, with the right tension from the outset, is a job frequently done to less than perfection. Errors in mounting can result in frustrating, inconsistent performance.

Remember that mounting hardware may be part of budgeting for your AR-15 scope. Cutting corners here can result in more expense later, especially for long range work or systems that undergo physical abuse like 3-gun and hunting rifles. If necessary, use iron sights while you save up for that set of three-screw Weaver rings, or that LaRue Tactical red dot mount; you’ll benefit later from the improved accuracy and spared frustration.

Consider a detachable mount

Early on in this article, readers were advised to identify the role of their AR-15 rifle and outfit it with optics accordingly. Many of us have just one rifle that has to serve as a jack of all trades. A number of quick-release devices are available to connect the scope or optic to the rifle. A good detachable mount can bring greater enjoyment from an AR, minimizing time spent switching gear around, as well as offering a speedy return to the irons if glass gets fogged or broken.

This quick-release mount by American Defense is an economical, good-quality pick. (Team HB photo).

What next?

This article scratches the surface of considerations for choosing an optical device for your AR-15. Future installments could include zeroing iron sights, selecting your zero distance, products that allow users to combine or flip between optical add-ons, or something else. Let us know in the comments if you have a question or preference.

Ever wonder what that thing on the tip of your barrel was? Check this out:

Muzzle Brake vs Compensator vs Flash Hider.