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Top 5 Best Mossberg MC1SC Holsters

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best mossberg mc1sc holsters

I’m a huge fan of the Mossberg MC1SC concealed carry pistol. It’s small, easily concealable, reliable, accurate, and very ergonomically correct. But, this isn’t a pistol review, you can read that here. Instead, this is about holsters. More specifically, the best Mossberg MC1sc holsters that I’ve found, to date.

For starters, support was slow from the holster makers of the world.

I guess many people were sort of just blind sided by the fact that a company who has only made shotguns and rifles for the past 100 years just jumped back into the handgun game.

Support is picking up, and I can say that Mossberg has hit a home run here with this little gun. I’m a big fan, and plan to buy the test model Mossy sent out to me.

So, that begs the question, then:

What are the best Mossberg MC1sc holsters?

Best IWB MC1SC Holster —

Clinger stingray v3

Clinger V3:

I’ve got one of these holsters for a few of my favorite guns, and it’s a staple in my house. I recently went out to the USCCA’s Concealed Carry Expo, and this is the setup I brought with me. It’s really comfortable, and makes just about any gun disappear on my body.

This is possible due to the fact that the forward most clip is attached to a piece of flexible leather. Because it’s hard Kydex on the other clip, it pulls the holster inward to your body more.

Visit their website for more information.

best mossberg pistol holster

There are also different cant positions, the Kydex is formed really well, and it offers excellent retention. For the money, you really can’t go wrong and they don’t pay me to say this.

Best OWB MC1SC Holster —

best mossberg owb holster

DeSantis Gunhide

I’m a big fan of being comfortable and you really cannot beat the comfort of an OWB (Outside the waistband) setup. I usually get a lot of strange looks when I tell folks that I OWB carry such a small gun in the 3 O’clock position, but it makes perfect sense when you think about it.

The small guns are easier to conceal outside your pants, than the bigger ones are. So, when I’m walking around my house and I’m all about being comfy, I’d rather do it in my pocket or outside my waistband. It’s just that simple.

The DeSantis Thumbreak holster works well for this. I have to admit that this is one of the first setups I have had that required a thumbreak, but after practicing with it a few hundred times it has become second nature to me.

That thumb break, by the way, really helps to ensure that some psycho won’t steal your gun if they see it on your body.

Best Anything Holster —

JM4 Quick Click Carry:

The quality that comes with JM4 Tactical is second to none and you’ll find me wearing one of these holsters on my body any day of the week.

I own several different sizes, but don’t have the right size for the MC1SC just yet.

I called this the best anything holster because you can use it to go on a jog, wear it to work, or around town. Doesn’t matter. Reason why, is because it’s magnetic and doesn’t require a belt to attach to your pants.

As an added bonus, the magnetism also helps retain the gun inside the holster. It’s a win win, and again, I own multiple of these. It’s a staple in my house.

You can read my full review on this one, here.

Best MC1SC Pocket Holster —

sticky holster
Note, I’ve been using the wrong size because I’m cheap. It fits, but is a little big in the MD-1.

Sticky MD-4:

This gun/holster combo is just barely good enough, size wise, to fit in my pocket. I find that the SIG Sauer P938 or a j-frame sized revolver is the perfect size for my pocket, and the MC1SC is just a bit bigger. However, on those days where I’m too lazy to strap on, I have stuck this pistol in my pocket and Sticky’s MD-4 works great for it.

Because it’s a bit bigger than other micro compacts that fit easier in the pocket, this setup may not work with all pants pockets. I have really big pockets on my clothes because I’m a really big dude. Think, 6’4″ and over 300 pounds. My clothes are bigger than the average and I like and shop for big pockets.

You can read my Sticky Holster review, here.

Best MC1SC Belly Band —

brave response holster

Brave Response Holster:

If ever there was a high quality belly band style holster, it’d be the Brave Response. It doesn’t use any sweaty-ass neoprene like ALL of the competitors, and, therefore, cleans up easier. I mean, it is machine washable.

This is my setup for those rare occasions where I go for a run or do other types of workouts as I try to lose this last 85 pounds of post Marine Corps jelly.

best mossberg mc1sc holsters

If you’re into running, you can read up more on the other holsters I recommend for running.

Conclusion:

Mossberg makes a great pistol, and I think they’re here to stay, as far as making handguns is concerned. This thing is just a winner. As time passes, there will undoubtedly be more support for these guns. Time will tell who jumps on board, but these are the best Mossberg MC1SC holsters I’ve found, to date.

Top 5 Best 22 Pistol For Concealed Carry and Self Defense

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Yes, there are some folks who use a 22 pistol for concealed carry. While not recommended and I don’t personally do it, there are plenty of people who do. There are also those people who carry a 22 for a back up gun.

Either way, people are going to do what they feel they should, and carry the gun they feel they can handle. In a self-defense scenario, the most important thing is deploying your gun. What I mean here, is getting it into action. Most times, whoever can do that first, will win the fight. Of course, there is more to it than that like shot placement, shots fired, and a few other things. But, getting the gun out is the first step.

The main point of this article, is that there are plenty of people who carry a 22 pistol for self-defense. It’s not my goal here to argue whether or not that’s a good idea, just to point out that if you must use a 22 for concealed carry, then make sure you use one that’s going to go bang each time. What’s the best 22 pistol for concealed carry and self-defense?

North American Arms Magnum:

(pictured above) 22 magnum cartridges are nasty little buggers. You can get some pretty good ballistic numbers out of a 22 mag cartridge, and some folks have measured 12 inches in ballistic gel. Not ideal, but not too shabby, either. What’s great about the little NAA Magnums, like the pictured wasp, is that they’re very small and easy to conceal on your person.

For deep concealment, they’re perfect. You get 5 shots of 22 magnum, but they aren’t always the quickest to deploy, which, as we mentioned earlier, is key for winning a self-defense incident. The price is right, too, at about $250.

They also make .22lr models, and ones that fold up, can slide into your pocket, and are attached via a clip. Overall, for the money, this is one of the best .22 pistols you can have for concealed carry, that also pack a magnum wallop.

Ruger LCR .22lr and .22WMR:

Ruger won’t be left out of this lineup. The .22lr version of the LCR has an 8-shot capacity cylinder while the .22 mag holds 6 rounds. One thing that many folks dislike about these rimfire cartridges for self-defense, is that they’re not reliable. It’s just the name of the game when it comes to the construction of a rimfire cartridge.

Having a double action revolver helps mitigate some of the reliability issues in that if it doesn’t go bang, simply remaining on target and pulling the trigger again is all that’s needed to get the next shot off. Some of the other semi-auto 22 pistols will need a remedial action to get them ready to fire again, which can be a huge downside to that type of pistol.

Ruger’s LCR in either .22 caliber has a retail price of $579.00, and either of them are a great option for concealed carry .22.

Charter Arms Pathfinder and Mag Pathfinder:

Charter Arms tends to get a lot of bad press, but I’m not entirely sure why that is. I own one and it’s never given me any issues. Either way, if the last one is a bit too pricey for you, this is a good option as well. Either model carries 6-shots of .22 lr or .22 mag, and comes in a snubby revolver platform.

The price is under $400 for each one, though the Mag Pathfinder is a bit more money, getting closer to the $400 mark. The one downside to this revolver, is the incredibly long, hard trigger. You need to be intent on pulling it for it to go bang. If you have the finger strength to do so, this isn’t an issue.

However, I have seen some folks struggle to hit the target because the trigger was so hard and long that the front sight wobbled more than it should as the shooter fought the trigger pull.

As with all things, however, practice makes progress.

Walther P22:

Up until this point, each one of our best .22 pistols for self-defense were revolvers, and with good reason. Revolvers are very reliable, which is needed with rimfire ammo. That being said, there are two semi-autos on this list, and the Walther P22 is one of them. It’s a great option if you’re looking for extra capacity and aren’t afraid of the whole slide-manipulation thing if you’ve got a malfunction to clear.

It’s also the first gun on this list that doesn’t also have a .22 magnum option. Remember, .22 mag gets better ballistics and is more suggestive when it comes to stopping the bad guy from attacking. Either way, the P22 is a great option if you’re looking for nothing more than .22lr for self-defense.

The mag holds 10 rounds. When the gun is empty, weight comes to a whopping 17 ounces. The extra weight really helps mitigate what felt recoil the little .22 lr produces, so the shooter barely feels it at all. This makes this a great gun for those of you are recoil sensitve, or need extra help getting back on target with follow up shots.

No criticism here, we recommend you carry what you’re comfortable with.

Another benefit the P22 has over the other guns on this list of the best 22 pistols for concealed carry, is that the ergonomics are stellar. This means that, in most hands, the gun will fit very well. It does have an external safety, which I’m not thrilled about, but some people prefer this feature. You can find one new for right around $300.

Ruger SR22:

If there is one thing Ruger has done well, it’s the .22lr guns that they make. I mean, to some degree, everything they make is good. But, they’ve nailed the .22 guns. Their MK series, their 10/22, their revolvers, and finally, the SR22–a semi-auto rimfire pistol.

It holds 10 rounds, is quite concealable due to its small stature, and tips the scale at 17.5 ounces, empty. This weight helps mitigate the already low amount of recoil and is perfect for those just starting out looking to build confidence, as well as those who are serious about self-defense, but with a smaller, more tamable round. Either way, the SR22 is one of the best .22 pistols for self-defense, if .22lr is your chosen concealed carry round.

What about you?

What’s in your holster? Do you trust .22 lr or mag for your EDC (every day carry) purposes? Let us know in the comments, below.

Cool Historical Gun Accessories: The KAC Masterkey

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Back in the 80s and 90s, it seemed like anything was possible. The G11 space gun was in full swing, the TEC 9 reportedly advertised as being resistant to fingerprints, and Knight’s Armament was making some cool stuff. The coolest of the cool was the KAC Masterkey.

What’s a Masterkey?

The KAC Masterkey is a super small shotgun that attaches to the front of a rifle, typically an M4 or M16 platform. If you can picture, an M230 mounted to a rifle, replace the 203 with a shotgun. The Masterkey starts life as a Remington 870 Police Magnum and then shortened to 17 inches overall. The barrel is only 9.5 inches long, and it holds four rounds of 12 gauge.

Blackhawk Down Hero and Delta Force Operator Paul Howe With Masterkey

The Masterkey mounts to the gun with a quick detach mounting adapter and can also be equipped to a Knight’s Stand Alone Buttstock module to form a more proper shotgun if needed.

If you can’t tell by the name the initial design was built around the idea of taking locks off doors. Knight’s Armament was quite clever with the title, and I love the fact they call it the Masterkey. It was designed to allow an operator to take a door off its hinges and then instantly transition to their rifle platform.

This eliminated the need for a separate breaching shotgun and gave the operator a quick, and on hand option.

Why I love It

It’s a shotgun mounted underneath a rifle. What’s not to like?

The Masterkey name is brilliant and very accurate.

The design is by Knight Armament, and as a slight Knight’s fanboy, I appreciate it when they do stuff like this.

I like shotguns.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be Billy from Predator.

Sure it looks clumsy and adds some weight to the front of the gun, but plenty of movies and television shows have taught me that looking cool is way more important than being useful. That’s not to crap on the Masterkey system though. It is a niche role, and it did eliminate the need to carry an entirely separate breaching shotgun.

The Masterkey allowed breachers to streamline their system when it came to knocking down doors. The intention was always for it to be a breaching tool, however, in a pinch, it would be a devastating self-defense weapon.

The downsides are pretty critical. First, you are strapping over 5 pounds to the front of your gun, making it very unbalanced. Second, it’s a pretty big reach to work the pump. With a shotgun mounted to your rifle, it’s not the most natural thing to grip. Unlike an M203 it’s not smooth and round so gripping it where firing the gun is likely very odd.

Also while it did offer a level of versatility to the rifle platform, the Masterkey was not designed and should not be used, or even suggested as a less lethal option. You are pointing a lethal option at the target to use a non-lethal option, and that is something that shouldn’t happen.

Users

Finding any details on who used this weapon is tough. KAC typically makes these type of products for military and police sales. Supposedly the Masterkey was purchased for use by Delta Force, but did the Masterkey ever see operational use? Reportedly Paul Howe used one in the Battle for the Black Sea. There is also a mention of a pump-action shotgun attached to rifle in the book Blackhawk Down.

The Masterkey may not have been widely adopted, but the idea of an under barrel shotgun made its way into one of the best action movies of all time, Predator. However, Billy was carrying a Mossberg 500 mounted under an SP1. This configuration would surely make accentuating the tang safety difficult. The Masterkey has also made its way into tons of video games which know the rules about looking cool.

More importantly, the Masterkey design would later influence designs like the M26 MAS system. The M26 MASS is a purpose-built shotgun designed for being mounted underneath a barrel. It features a more straightforward straight bolt action and a box magazine.

There is also the even more straightforward and lighter single shot versions like the Hera HASTA and the X-12 that add shotgun firepower under a rifle’s barrel. These are much lighter systems, but if you need to shoot a lock twice, you better be fast on the reload.

The Masterkey’s legacy will live on. The idea of mounting a shotgun to a rifle is far from dead. However, the Masterkey is very 1980s, and the design shows it. Maybe I’m nostalgic for the 1980’s wild west gun design, but man do I want a KAC Masterkey on my mini 80 percent lower receiver AR.

 

Best Gun Holster For Runners

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best gun holster for runners

What’s the best gun holster for runners?

I don’t exercise as much as I should. However, I do find myself on the treadmill downstairs from time to time, as well as treating my knees to some good old fashioned torture testing while jogging around the neighborhood.

Being that people generally suck and animals are unpredictable, I always carry a gun on my person, even when I go running around the neighborhood or on the treadmill.

In fact, there is a bit of a stigma about people being attacked while running, as they’re distracted and unaware of any lurking baddies willing to hurt you.

So, while some people think I’m crazy for wearing and/or recommending a gun holster for running, bad stuff can happen to decent people at any time–to include on your jog.

Unlike other websites who try to tell you what the best jogging holsters are without trying them, I actually have experience with all the holsters on this list, minus the fanny pack, which is something a good friend of mine uses and I trust his opinion.

Here are my top pistol holsters for runners.

Best Gun Holster For Runners – Brave Response:

brave response appendix
Brave Response Appendix. The best choice for concealed carry joggers.

The Brave Response holster is number 1 on this list for a reason. The rest of the “best jogging holsters” really limit the size of the gun you can carry on your body for self-defense. Not so with the Brave Response because it doesn’t require any other clothing to work.

If I had to call it something, this would be the “best belly band holster for running.”

I have carried everything in my Brave Response Holster from a 5″ Coonan 1911 to a small J-Frame, and it works well. I own both versions of the Brave Response, the classic (linked to above), as well as the newest addition, the Appendix holster. Both are great.

This is kind of like a belly band, but isn’t, if that makes any sense, but doesn’t use any neoprene.

By the way, I feel as though any holster manufacturer who wants to be taken seriously should not use neoprene. If you’re like me, neoprene up against your body is a recipe for wetness because it doesn’t breathe well.

Backside of the Brave Response Appendix

The Brave Response Holsters are made of this shark skin cloth that breathes very well.

Also unlike the other holsters on this list, this one can be cleaned a lot easier. It’s machine washable. So, if you sweat like a boar in a bacon factory like me, this is right up your alley.

(I’m working on the Brave Response review)

JM4 Tactical QCC:

best gun holsters for runners
Here are two of my Quick Click and Carry Holsters. The one on the top (left) is the Roughneck. The other is called the High Ride. Both are great.

The JM4 Tactical QCC holster is perfect for jogging because, unlike a traditional concealed carry holster, no belt is required. This holster does not have a traditional clip. It utilizes leather and rare earth magnets that are SUPER strong to not only attach the gun to your body, but retain the gun inside the holster.

This IWB gun holster was originally designed for people who only wear active type clothing like yoga pants, basketball shorts, etc. I’m friends with the owners, and own 5 of these holsters. They’re that good and very highly recommended.

In fact, being that a lady helped invent this one, I’d consider it the best women’s gun holster for running–and no I’m not female. I do know a few ladies who do use this holster for running, horseback riding, and other jumpy and bouncy tasks. They all love it. 

My advice here, is to use a smaller gun because a pistol that’s too heavy can begin to sag the pants down a bit. Something like a Glock 43, SIG P365, or S&W Shield is perfect for concealed carry running. (here is my JM4 review)

Sticky Holster:

My personal MD-1 Sticky Holster that I've owned for a few years. I think it's time for a new one.

I have gone jogging with a Sticky Holster in my pocket before, and have a friend who has tied her drawstring around it in such a way that she can carry it in the appendix position while jogging.

I have not done the second method, though know how it is done. What I have done, though, is jog around like a whale with legs with a SIG Sauer P938 in a Sticky Holster in my pocket.

This is not my preferred method, but it does suffice if I can only afford one holster that needs to serve multiple purposes.

The main takeaway here, is that the gun/holster combo has to be small enough to fit in your pocket, and you need pockets big enough to make sure the gun doesn’t bounce out while you’re jogging.

(here is my Sticky review)

5.11 Tactical Fanny Pack:

The fanny pack holster is a funny one, but it totally makes sense if you’re looking for the best jogger’s holster. In normal day to day life, people may look at you kinda funny if you’re wearing one of these antique devices.

But, when you’re working out, the fanny pack holster just makes sense and nobody will give you a second look.

Why? Because it’s actually responsible for people to carry an ID, some cash, etc., on them even while jogging around town or on the local trail. Because you don’t want to carry that stuff in your hand, the fanny pack just makes sense.

And, when coupled with a fanny pack gun holster like the one pictured above, it makes even more sense because you know you can get to your gun in a decent amount of time should you feel the need to defend yourself against man or animal.

This option is designed to carry a gun and spare mags in case you really find yourself up that creek, and it’s reversible for left handed shooters, and right handed.

The key takeaway here, is to make sure that your holster fanny pack is meant to be a holster, which helps to distribute the weight of the gun better as well as aiding in draw stroke speed.

Here is a link to the 5.11 Tactical one pictured above.

Concealed Carry While Running – Conclusion:

There is a ton of bad advice out there concerning concealed carry holsters for runners.

I decided to write this article to dispel some of the garbage I saw being spewed from people who have clearly never actually tried running with a shoulder holster or wide clipped appendix carry Kydex holster that requires a BELT.

Both of which don’t make a lot of sense, by the way. So, what’s your preferred holster for running? Let me know in the comments below.

Best AR-15 Trigger

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As someone with more than an average amount of experience with the AR-15 pattern rifle both in the civilian world working for the gun industry for quite a few years and in the Marines, I can say that the stock triggers in America’s Rifles leave a lot to be desired.

They can be gritty, inconsistent, and some are just downright awful.

What are the best AR-15 triggers?

Why you need a new trigger for your AR-15 rifle:

I’ve had one in an AR that double tapped, fired bursts, and sometimes fired on the pull and release. It was a budget trigger train-wreck and I nearly shat myself the first time it happened. Because of this I’ve been on a journey to find the best AR-15 trigger I could.

Don’t get me wrong, for the most part they get the job done and there isn’t anything necessarily wrong with a stock trigger. That being said, the stock AR-15 trigger that comes in a lower parts kit (LPK) or installed on your budget AR-15, can and likely should be upgraded.

In fact, behind the grip and the hand guard, the trigger is more often than not the next upgrade to your average AR-15 platform rifle and with good reason.

This is the best AR-15 upgrade for accuracy and performance, besides a proper set of sights or an optic, and, of course, proper training.

Why? Because a smooth, crisp, and consistently breaking and resetting trigger is paramount to your accuracy as a shooter.

Let’s take a look at the best AR-15 triggers that I’ve found —

Geissele Automatics SSA E –

best ar-15 trigger

Geissele (pronounced guys-lee) is no stranger to making quality AR-15 parts. I guess it wasn’t really a surprise when they announced earlier this year at SHOT Show, 2019 that they were actually entering the AR-15 manufacturing market.

Every trigger of theirs I’ve ever shot was smooth as butter and is a night and day difference from your standard mil-spec trigger.

The Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced (SSA-E) is the one I’m recommending right now.

It’s built on the chassis of their famous SSA trigger and provides enhanced trigger control and weapon accuracy while maintaining the robustness and reliability of their two-stage trigger.

The SSA-E’s feature a reduced 2-2.5 pound first stage and a .9-1.3 pound second stage pull. This is a little lighter than the standard SSA weights, resulting in a smooth trigger with a light first stage take-up and a crisp, second stage break.

This is a fantastic feeling trigger meant for both combat and accuracy and you cannot go wrong here. This is one of the best AR-15 triggers on the market.

Timney Competition

best ar15 competition trigger

Timney makes one of my absolute favorite single stage triggers, and is one that FN installs on their higher end rifles which speaks volumes to me.

The one that FN included in the latest rifle I reviewed for them, which can be found here, had a 3.5 pound pull. However, Timney makes many different pull weights for these single stage bang switches.

Every Timney trigger I’ve ever had the pleasure of squeezing has felt fantastic and is more in line with what you’d be used to on a bolt gun, instead of an AR-15. This is one of my personal go-to companies whenever I need a good single stage competition trigger.

It’s a self-contained module and is ready to install into your small-pin AR to deliver a smooth, crisp, creep-free single-stage trigger pull. It is 100% drop-in—and requires no gunsmithing, fitting, or adjusting. All components are inside the lightweight, aluminum housing.

It installs using your rifle’s original hammer/trigger pins and the design prevents the pins from walking out. Available trigger weights are 3, 3.5, and 4 pounds.

This is the best AR-15 trigger for shooting competitions.

HiperFire Hipertouch

I have friends who only run HiperFire triggers in their ARs. They make great triggers that are a little different than the rest on this best ar15 trigger list. You can spot the difference, right?

If you look closely at this trigger, and compare it to one of the Geissele triggers, you’ll notice a pair extra springs that are integral to the overall design.

The design of this drop in AR-15 trigger is such that it offers up a very light pull, but doesn’t sacrifice hammer weight. What this equals is a superb, light trigger with unmatched reliability.

Oftentimes, when a trigger weight is adjusted to be lighter it sacrifices hammer force. This can sometimes result in a light strike, which is obviously not the best case scenario.

Even better, the Hipertouch triggers feel excellent and are on par with the other expensive triggers on this list.

CMC

CMC is where we start to drop in price a bit to the more affordable range but with a still much better than stock feel drop in trigger. I’m not going to offer any one CMC trigger over the others because I don’t have as much experience with them as I do the other companies on my best AR 15 trigger list.

Still, the ones I have handled were, for the price, a great option. I know I’m starting to sound like a trigger snob and maybe I am to some degree, but I just like the feel of a high quality trigger.

This is an AR-15 drop in trigger company that uses stamped steel as the housing, instead of aluminum alloy like the other drop ins on this list.

This is a good option for those who can’t spend $250+ on a trigger.

Geissele G2S

Yes this is Geissele’s second product on this best AR-15 trigger list. When you’re good, you’re good. And the G2S is a much more affordable option than the SSA-E is and it is still a fantastic trigger–likely the best value on this list.

Geissele built their 2 Stage (G2S) to be a high quality, cost effective option of the SSA. It is a non-adjustable, two stage, precision combat trigger that allows accurate trigger control. The G2S is manufactured from the same tool steel as the SSA.

Comparing the G2S to the SSA-E from the outside, you can’t see a difference except that there aren’t laser markings. The feel and reliability are the same, with the G2S having a different way of holding the hammer pin in place.

If I had to pick a “best budget AR-15 trigger,” or the best AR-15 trigger for the money, it’d be this one.

Franklin Armory

Say what?! Yeah, I put Franklin Armory on this list of the best AR-15 triggers, but not for the same reason as the other companies listed. The main reason why they’re here, is because it IS a decent AR-15 trigger, but also because of the giggle capabilities it comes with.

No joke, I still remember the first time I shot the binary firing system. And, in my opinion, anything that sticks in your memory like that and is loads of fun is worthwhile to being put on a list.

In case you didn’t know, the BFS trigger fires a shot on both the pull and the release which really increases your rate of fire. I have every intention of buying one of these for my PTR32P (7.62X39) because of how cheap ammo is for that platform.

Now, I want to insert a disclaimer here, because this trigger is not for everybody as they can take some getting used to. And, when you really start to get your finger moving it can cause some finger fatigue.

It should probably go without saying that you obviously burn up more ammo and sacrifice some accuracy. But, it’s a lot of fun and different from every other trigger on this list.

Which is your favorite AR15 trigger? Did yours show up here on my list? Let me know in the comments below.

Best Sig P938 Holster for Concealed Carry

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best sig p938 holster
Here is my P938 in a JM4 Tactical Relic Holster

Who Makes The Best Sig P938 Holster?

I’ve owned a Sig Sauer P938 for a few years now, and can say that it’s the ideal concealed carry gun. It’s small, easy to conceal, quite effective at the range and at halting bad guys in their tracks with 9mm Parabellum self-defense cartridges loaded in the magazine.

But, I can talk all day about this little micro pistol and how I love its 1911-esque ergonomics in a small package, but this isn’t a gun review. The holsters I present here are not ordered from best 938 holster down in descending order.

Instead, I’ve listed a few holsters in a few different categories because I understand that everyone wears their guns in different positions. Here are the most popular methods of carrying, with what I’d consider to be the best Sig 938 holster for each category.

sticky holster
Here is my pocket rig: P938 in a Sticky Holster

Best Sig P938 Pocket Holster —

Sticky Holsters:

The P938 is the perfect size to pocket carry, and I can say that I’ve pocket carried it on many occasions, and still do regularly. In fact, as I sit here and type this, I’m pocket carrying my Sig Sauer P938 in my Sticky MD-1 holster.

I’ve owned this holster as long as I’ve owned the gun and it’s held up through thick and thin, and what’s really great about it, is that if I need an even smaller setup, I pocket carry a small 2 inch snub nose revolver.

This pocket holster is one I’ll never get rid of, and if it gets damaged I’ll likely get another. I pocket carry this gun all the time and my life would have a void without it.

sig 938 holster
Here is my P938 in a JM4 Tactical Relic Holster

Best Sig P938 IWB Holster —

JM4 Tactical RELIC:

This one is relatively new to the market, but I can say that I love it so far and it’s my current go-to for this gun when it’s not in my pocket but prefer to carry IWB. It’s far from cheap, but the quality is unlike anything else I’ve seen out on the market.

other side

They took high quality leather and sewed it to the inside of molded Boltaron polymer. It’s sexy and performs better than anything else on the market. Get used to me talking about this one, because I’ve got a review coming your way in a little bit.

This definitely wins my vote for top P938 IWB holster, and can be worn appendix if that works for your body type, or anywhere inside the waistband.

Check out the RELIC here.

Best SIG P938 Holster for Working Out

Brave Response

This is the holster I’ve had the longest on this list. I’ve had it since Brave Response developed it and have carried just about every pistol I own in it at one point or another.

This thing is built for comfort and is perfect for running, going to the gym, going to work, or anything else. It is highly recommended, if not a bit strange. If I had to use one phrase to describe it, it would be “belly band.” But, that’s not even entirely correct because it’s not like the other belly bands. It has to be worn to understand.

The reason why it’s great for working out is because it is not dependent upon other clothing or a belt in order to work. Well, I strongly urge you to put clothing on, but other than that it is a self-sufficient system that utilizes Velcro to attach to your body.

Best SIG Sauer P938 Appendix Holster

Crossbreed Mini Appendix

I admittedly don’t have as much experience with this one because I have a hard time carrying in the appendix position based on my body structure. Still, I’d be remiss not to put something here for appendix carriers (think in front of your stomach) since the Sig Sauer P938 is such a great gun.

I have heard great things about this holster, so I’ll call it the best SIG P938 appendix holster.

Best Sig P938 Holster for OWB —

Mission First Tatical

Some of you may be scratching your head on this one. I mean, why would I want to carry such a small gun OWB? I’m actually a big fan of carrying a small gun OWB and bigger guns IWB. I know it seems backwards, but bigger guns are easier to conceal inside the waist, and reverse for smaller guns.

Personally, I think MFT’s OWB holster is the best Sig p938 holster that I’ve found for carrying in this manner.

The material it’s made of is called Boltaron. It’s much stronger than Kydex plastic is and just holds up better. I’ve owned one of these since the first batch MFT made. It’s a solid option.

Who do you think makes the best Sig P938 holster? Let us know in the comments below.

Shotgun Choke Tube Selection

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Shotgun Comeback
Shotguns

With all the variables in shotshells today choke tube selection has become almost as an important issue as shotgun fit which is quite critical when trying to hit something with your shotgun. Having the right choke tube for the right situation is a critical part to shotgun shooting.

Whether you are hunting waterfowl with steel shot or turkeys with lead shot, choke tube selection is very critical.

When you look at all the different materials that shot is made from it only stands to reason or common sense says that not all shot is going to react to the same choke tube the exact same way. Angle of choke is somewhat different and the lead or parallel section of the choke tube may need to be longer or shorter to accomplish a good pattern for the shotshell and shot material you’re shooting.

For the average person who has purchased a new shotgun realizes that his or her new shotgun came with several choke tubes and they will work for almost all shotshell and shot combinations to a certain degree and they are happy with their purchase, however to someone who shoots their new shotgun a lot or starts to pattern test it, soon realizes that better performance from the choke tubes would be advantageous for their shooting skill.

Current Choke Tube Choices, Constrictions:

.000″ Constriction = Cylinder Bore.
.005″ Constriction = Skeet Choke.
.010″ Constriction = Improved Cylinder Choke.
.015″ Constriction = Light Modified Choke.
.020″ Constriction = Modified Choke.
.025″ Constriction = Improved Modified Choke.
.030″ Constriction = Light Full Choke.
.035″ Constriction = Full Choke.
.040″ Constriction = Extra Full Choke.

Current Choke Tube Choices, Various Performance:

1. Standard Performance.
2. Improved Performance.
3. Special Purpose.

Now lets look at the line up of choke tubes from one of the best known choke tube manufacturers here in the U.S.A.

1. Standard Performance: Carlsons Factory-Style choke tubes; These factory-style flush mount replacement choke tubes feature corrosion-resistant, 17-4 hardened stainless steel.

Lead shot, Steel Shot, Copperplated Shot, Nickel Shot, Hevi-Shotshells™, and Buck Shot can be used in these shotgun Choke Tubes.
For use with lead shot in all constrictions.

Warning – Steel shot larger than #BB should not be used in any choke tighter than modified, BB and smaller size steel shot may be used through full choke constriction.

2. Improved Performance: Carlsons Extended sporting clays choke tubes; These Sporting Clays Choke Tubes are made from 17-4 hardened stainless steel and precision machined to produce a choke tube that patterns better than standard choke tubes.

These choke tubes feature a 25% larger parallel section in the choke thus throwing more consistent patterns than conventional choke tubes.

Each choke tube is knurled on the end to allow for quick and easy removal. Each choke tube has the constriction laser marked on the end for easy reference.

Lead shot, Steel Shot, Copperplated Shot, Nickel Shot, Hevi-Shotshells™, and Buck Shot can be used in these Sporting Clay Choke Tubes.
Actual Performance Improvement: These Sporting Clays Choke Tubes will throw tighter/denser patterns than Flush Mount Choke Tubes due to a longer parallel section in the choke tube.

Warning – Steel shot larger than BB should not be used in any Sporting Clays Choke Tube tighter than Full Constriction.

3. Special Purpose; Steel Shot: Carlson’s Extended steel shot choke tubes; These choke tubes feature a longer parallel section allowing for less flyers, denser patterns and extend 3/4 ” outside the shotgun barrel eliminating damage to your barrel caused by prolonged steel shot use. The longer parallel section allows for use of larger steel shot in tighter choke constrictions. They are made of 17-4 stainless with a knurled extension and a blue finish.

All steel shot sizes may be used in the close and mid-range shotgun choke tube.

Close Range Extended Steel Shot Choke Tubes – for hunting over decoys, throws tightest pattern up to 35 yards.
Mid Range Extended Steel Shot Choke Tubes – for those situations where you are shooting 25 to 40 yards.
Extended Range Steel Shot Choke Tubes – for taking shots 40 yards and up.
Warning – Do not use steel faster than 1550 FPS or steel shot sizes larger than BBB through the Long Range choke tube.

3. Special Purpose; Lead Shot: Carlsons Ported turkey choke tubes; These super-full choke tubes have been specifically bored to deliver dense, full patterns at both short and long ranges.

Knurled for easy installation and removal.

These Extended Turkey Choke Tubes feature a long 1.050″ parallel section to produce the optimum pattern with your shotgun.
These choke tubes are ported to let gases vent quickly, greatly reducing recoil and muzzle jump. Crafted of blued aircraft stainless steel.

3. Special Purpose; Hevi-Shot: Carlsons Hevi-Shot dead coyote choke tubes; For use with Hevi-Shot, Bismuth or lead, this high performance choke tube has been specifically designed for the coyote hunter to deliver devastating downrange patterns upwards of 70 yards when shooting larger shot sizes.

Produces very dense patterns when ultilizing T and Buckshot loads.
Great for waterfowl and predator hunting.
Warning – Not for use with steel shot!

3. Special Purpose; Flite Control Wad: Carlsons Black Cloud shotgun choke tube; This Extended choke tube is constructed of a Titanium-coated steel, the titanium coating helps the uniquely designed FliteControl Wad in the Black CloudT ammunition perform downrange with less build-up in the choke and allows the Flitestopper shot to do its job.

While these choke tubes are specifically designed to get the most performance from Federal’s new Black CloudT ammunition, they perform extremely well with other steel shotshells.

The Mid Range model can be used with all steel shot sizes, and with ammunition that exceeds 1500 fps.
Note: Black CloudT ammunition has been designed to be used with choke tubes that do not use porting or wad stopping devices.

Warning – The Long Range model can be used with all steel shot sizes, except T & F, and with ammunition performing at velocities below 1550 fps.

Which shotgun choke tube is your go to, and for what purpose? Let us know in the comments below.

History of Colt

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In 1855, Samuel Colt incorporated his business in Connecticut as the Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Mfg Co., with an initial issuance of 10,000 shares of stock. Sam Colt retained ownership of 9,996 shares and gave one share to each of four business associates.

By 1856, the company was producing 150 weapons a day; and the reputation of Colt firearms for exceptional accuracy, reliability, workmanship, and design had spread throughout the world.

Samuel Colt died on January 10, 1862, at the age of only 47, having produced in his lifetime more than 400,000 guns. His estate was reportedly worth $15 million, a fantastic sum for the time. Following Sam Colt’s death, control of the company remained in the capable hands of Mrs. Elizabeth Colt and her family until 1901, when the company was sold to a group of investors.

By 1955, the company was losing money so, Colt’s board decided to seek a merger partner. They found Leopold D. Silberstein and his company, the Penn-Texas Corporation, a new type of holding company called a “conglomerate.”

Changes came again in 1964, when the parent company reorganized under the name Colt Industries and the firearms subsidiary became Colt’s Inc., Firearms Division.

Another significant event in 1986, however, was the commencement by the United Automobile Workers Union of a bitter strike, which began on January 25, eventually, the strike was brought to an end in March, 1990, with the sale of the Colt Firearms Division to a three-party consortium that included private investors, the union employees and the Connecticut State Employees’ Pension Fund.

Just two years after the sale, Colt firearms was bankrupt and it entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization proceedings in March, 1992. Litigation commenced over rights to the Colt name and trademarks.

Despite bankruptcy and litigation, however, the business of the company somehow progressed. In 1994, while still in Chapter 11, the company closed the Hartford Armory and relocated the entire business to the West Hartford manufacturing facility from which it operates today.

In September, 1994, a new group of investors purchased the company and Colt finally emerged from the eight-year period of turmoil that began with the January, 1986 strike.

The most significant event of 1999 was the arrival of Lt. Gen. William M. Keys USMC (Ret.) as President and Chief Executive Officer. A decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, Gen. Keys took the helm of the company at a critical time.

Dozens of municipalities around the country had brought lawsuits against Colt and other leading handgun manufacturers, distributors and dealers and the cost of defending the litigation threatened to bring the company and the other manufacturers to their knees.

Gen. Keys shepherded Colt through the legal thicket and presciently and successfully reoriented the business back toward military and law enforcement customers.

Those efforts culminated in the 2002-03 spinoff of Colt’s military and law enforcement rifle business to Colt Defense and the establishment of the Colt M4 carbine as the standard-issue combat rifle of the United States Army and Marines. As a combat veteran and an avid shooter and collector himself, Gen. Keys has provided the company with a leader who appreciates and understands firearms as few others do.

The year 2005 marked the 50th anniversary of the Colt Python®. Highly embellished with gold inlays and select walnut grips, the 50th Anniversary Colt Python was a smash hit with collectors.

In 2007 they leaped back into the concealable carry market with the Colt New Agent® pistol. 2007 also marked the end of the 4,000-unit run of the model O1911. In its place, the O1918 WWI Black Army was introduced. A limited run has been placed on the O1918.

In 2008, Colt brought back the Frontier® Six Shooter and Sheriff’s & Storekeeper’s models for collectors. The Combat Elite® also was reintroduced in 2008, offering an upgraded XSE package that provides users with options above standard XSE series guns.

For 2009, the company has brought back the 10mm Delta Elite®. A competition model for the avid shooter, the 10mm retains its original design with a forged stainless steel frame, slide, slide stop, and barrel.

Fast forward to 2017, Colt’s Manufacturing brought back the first snake gun after decades of being gone, and this year the first magnum version.

Browning’s History

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John Moses Browning:

John was born in Ogden, Utah, and was an American firearms designer who developed many varieties of firearms, cartridges, and gun mechanisms, many of which are still in use around the world.

He is the most important figure in the development of modern automatic and semi-automatic firearms and is credited with 128 gun patents—his first was granted October 7, 1879.

He influenced nearly all categories of firearms design. He invented or made significant improvements to single-shot rifles, lever action rifles, and slide action firearms. His most significant contributions were in the area of autoloading firearms. In 1880, with the aid of his brothers, he established his arms factory. (J.M.Browning)

Browning Arms Timeline:

Nov. 26, 1926 JMB died of heart failure at Liege, Belgium.

Sept., 1927 J.M. & M.S. Browning Company was incorporated in Utah with the Browning Arms Company as a subsidiary. It offers a wide variety of firearms, including shotguns, rifles, pistols, and rimfire firearms.

The company was founded to market the sporting (non-military) designs of John Browning, one of the more prolific firearms inventors. Nearly all of John Browning’s designs have been manufactured by other companies, including Winchester, Colt, Remington, Fabrique Nationale de Herstal of Belgium, and Miroku.

They are best known for the Browning BPS shotgun, the A-Bolt rifle, X-Bolt rifle, the Auto-5 semi-automatic shotgun, the BAR semi-automatic rifle, and the Hi-Power 9mm pistol. Browning also manufactures a set of trap shotguns in the Cynergy series.

1951 J.M. & M.S. Browning Company liquidated, and Browning Arms Company became an importer with wholesale functions.

Jan. 1, 1955 A newly created Browning Industries accepted the import functions previously held by J.M. & M.S. Browning Company. Browning Arms Company became the parent company.

1958 Browning Arms of Canada created, 70% Browning owned, 30% FN owned.

1964 Corporate Headquarters relocated to Route 1, Morgan, Utah.

1965 They began negotiations with Miroku Firearms in Japan.

1968 St. Louis sales operation relocated to Morgan, Utah. Warehouse/parts and service moved to Arnold, Missouri.

1977 90% of Browning Arms Company outstanding stock was purchased by FN and Miroku.

Miroku Corporation is a Japanese manufacturer located in Nangoku, Japan. A large part of their business is manufacturing firearms, including shotguns produced for Browning Arms Company. In the UK and European markets those products are sold under both the Miroku and Browning brand names.

Miroku produces arms for Browning, but are much cheaper to manufacture with Japanese labor, but generally accepted as rugged and reliable firearms.

2001: In partnership with Winchester Ammunition, they develop the new 300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) cartridge.

2002: The Winchester 300 WSM cartridge becomes a family with the addition of the 270 WSM and 7mm WSM.

2003: Browning and Winchester take the short magnum concept to the next level with the introduction of the 223 and 243 super short magnum. This not only includes these new calibers, but a new class of bolt-action rifle – the super-short action.

2004: The 25 WSSM short-action caliber, (.257 bullet diameter), perhaps the ultimate whitetail deer cartridge.

2005: The 325 WSM cartridge, designed to rival the 300 Win. Mag. and the powerful 338 Win. Mag., is new in three bullet weights. It offers serious power with greater velocity in a lighter rifle.

John Moses Browning’s seminal achievement is the M1911 series handgun. We have a few 1911 reviews on our website from various manufacturers, please feel free to read them.

Dan Wesson Guardian

Rock Island 22 TCM

Zenith Tisas

Detonics Combat Master

Black powder Rifles

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History:

The history of black powder rifles in the United States of America starts around the year of 1730 with the introduction of the Sidelock, Flintlock, Longrifle muzzle loading rifle “(Muzzleloaders)”, of which there were approximately 7,000 manufactured.

Rifling Twist Rate, 1:60″.

 

Then the introduction of the Sidelock, Caplock, Hawken muzzle loading rifle, in the year of 1823 of which there were approximately 300 manufactured.

Rifling Twist Rate, 1:48″.

 

Then the introduction of the Sharps, Percussion Cap, Inline, breech loading rifle around 1848, most Sharps Inline rifles were later converted to the 45-70 black powder cartridge after its introduction around 1865. There were approximately 100,000 Sharps black powder rifles manufactured of various designs and calibers.

Rifling Twist Rate, Various; 1:42″ – 1:18″.

 

From 1865 to about 1980 black powder rifles continued to be manufactured at various levels. Then Sharps Inline design of black powder rifle re-emerged, this time it emerged as a Inline Muzzleloader and not a breech loader, of which there have been 100’s of thousands manufactured as special black powder hunting seasons emerged in the United States.

Rifling Twist Rate, 1:28″.

 

Muzzle Loaders:

A black powder muzzle loading rifle is defined as; a shoulder fired firearm of which there are spiral grooves cut into the bore called rifling, of which is loaded with black powder and bullet from the muzzle end of the firearms barrel or muzzle-loaded.

It was at the time of the flintlock ignition system that rifling inside the barrel was now seen thus ending the era of muskets and musketeers. Rifled guns (rifles) were used to expel one projectile at a time accurately at a greater distance do to the spin imparted to the projectile, soon after the elongated bullet arrived, which greatly extended the accurate distance of a rifle.

Breech Loaders:

In the 1840’s percussion caps overwhelmingly replaced flint ignition systems in black powder rifles and at the same time Christian Sharps introduced an all new type of black powder rifle using percussion caps, but, the rifle loaded from the breech instead of the muzzle.

The Sharps single shot rifle design was very unique, instead of having a fixed breech plug it featured a breech block that rose and fell vertically in mortises that were milled into the receiver walls and this was done so precisely that the gases could not escape from the barrel.

The Sharps rifle fired a paper black powder cartridge, once the cartridge was loaded into the breech the lever attached to the breech block was drawn up, this allowed the breech block to rise and shear off the end of the paper cartridge exposing the powder charge, the rifle was then capped with a percussion cap and fired. These first rifles were later converted to metallic black powder cartridges.

Inline Rifle Design:

The Christian Sharps rifle design of the first breech loading, percussion cap, black powder rifle, was also the first true black powder rifle Inline ignition system as well. Tony Knight of Knight rifles reintroduced this idea well over 100 years later to which he had received much praise for his design. To Mr. Knight’s credit he does admit he only improved on an old black powder rifle design.

Note: Sharps rifles were well known for their long distance accuracy. Enough so that military versions of Sharps rifles issued to their users, those issued the Sharps rifle were known as Sharps shooters, later condensed to “sharpshooters”.