As my love affair with pistols has matured, it has been commensurate that holsters have become a bigger and bigger part of my inventory. There are so many different options out there it can often be hard to choose. I’ve become a bit of a fan of Safariland holsters, the style and quality fit my taste and needs. Perhaps knowing I am a fan, Safariland sent me one of their new Gravity holsters. Today I aim to share with you my experience with it.
The Gravity holster is a paddle style holster, using a polymer paddle as an anchor point underneath your belt. Like other paddle holsters, the Gravity can be put into place or removed without the need to remove or even loosen your belt.
There is a flexible hook feature to keep the holster affixed to your waistline during the draw. Removing the holster requires flexing the holster away from the paddle to allow the retension hook to pass the belt.
Like most Safariland holster, the Gravity is made from a polymer blend molded to fit your pistol. In this case a Glock 19 pattern that will fit a variety of my handguns. The holster pocket can be adjusted for tension by a clamping screw backed by a rubber stopper. Inside the pocket, you will find a suede liner to protect your pistol from rubbing on the steel fasteners. And on the exterior you will find the traditional Safariland Cordura wrapping, in whatever pattern you choose.
Wearing the Safariland Gravity Holster
The Gravity holster rides outside your belt, meaning you are either open carrying or covering it with a shirt or jacket. Due to my daily program I often carry openly, or at least with no concern for concealment. This allowed me to put the Gravity through vigorous daily use; driving in the truck, sitting in my office, walking around a busy shop, etc.
For the most part I used my Ruger RXM for the daily carry in the Safariland Gravity holster. The fit was perfect, and allowed excellent draw access which I often practice during my day. While you can carry the Gravity holster in various locations, the most obvious and comfortable for me was at the back of my right hip.
Adjusting the cant of the holster to best fit my draw angle was easy, using the provided Allen wrench. I had ordered the Gravity cut for pistol optics because that how I roll now. My RXM and several other G19 pattern clones fit and functioned great. There is no mechanical retention other than the squeeze of the polymer and tension screw, so keep that in mind.
Safariland Gravity Holster Features
Adjustable Cant
Fully covered trigger guard
Adjustable tension allows for customized draw resistance
Front sight clearance 13/32” (0.406”)
Accommodates any Safariland 3-hole pattern holster mount
Fits belt widths up to 1.75” (45mm)
IDPA and USPSA approved
Pros and Cons
I carried my pistols for the better part of two months using the Gravity, and have come up with what i think are some fair assessments. Having the ability to quickly put on and take off the holster was one of my favorite features. I did find that I frequently did have a bit of a challenge getting the hook over my belt and pants. While this might make for comedic gold when watched from a safe hearing distance, it was a touch irritating. However I would much rather it be secure and solid when attached with a little effort to remove, than to have it come off too easy. I also noticed that when wearing a shirt, there is the classic problem of getting shirt jammed into the holster when re-holstering. This is simply a part of concealed carry, and something you need to be aware of.
OWB holsters are far more prone to printing, which this one certainly could be depending on my fashion sense any particular day. But again, these are things you just deal with as a CCW enthusiast. It appears at printing that the Gravity is only available for right-hand draw, and I didn’t see a weaponlight option either.
Carrying a concealed weapon can involve a lot of compromises, and I think the Gravity Holster does a fine job of giving folks options. I’m a member of the clean plate guild, which means IWB holsters are often uncomfortable. The Gravity gives a very secure alternative that doesn’t require wearing a Mu’umu’u. It keeps my pistol right where I expect it to be, and has the adjustability to customize. It can even be mounted using the Safariland QLS system which I am also a big fan. All this in a holster that looks sharp and comes from a company with great service history.
Conclusion
I have enjoyed using the Gravity Holster the past few months, and I expect I will continue to enjoy it for years to come. Handguns and their holsters have become to me like my wife’s shoes. I often select a holster and firearm based on the days activities and wardrobe, having the Gravity holster is another excellent tool to have on my belt when carrying.
If you read my previous article about the Onnais Security Safe, you might feel a little bit of Deja vu. All these amazing little technological gadgets keep working their way into our lives, simplifying tasks and supposedly improving things. Today I am bringing you another one of those products from Onnais, but this one is a little different. The Onnais Defender EDC SE gun lock is designed to keep your handgun close and ready should you need it.
The Onnais Defender
Much like the other products made by Onnais, the Defender EDC gun lock is made to keep handguns secure. Lets be honest though, most of these devices can be circumvented or destroyed. This product is the same way, someone with the right tools and time could break into this product. But in my opinion that isn’t what it’s for.
The Onnais Defender in my opinion is made to keep honest people honest, and keep kids away from danger. It might not keep a dedicated thief from doing his thing. But it will certainly keep kids and other unauthorized users from accessing your gun.
here you can see the steel jaws that lock the pistol by its trigger guard. also you can see the programming buttons
The Defender functions much like a holster, it uses a rubber lined cradle to support your handgun. A set of metal claws secure the pistol by its trigger-guard, covering both the trigger, mag-release, and slide lock (on most guns). It is made to be attached to a wall or other firm foundation to prevent moving.
The electronic components of the Defender uses some great technology to grant you quick access. With triple security points using electronic key-pad, a fingerprint scan, and a manual key to allow access. With programmable code, and multiple fingerprint scans from multiple users, you are in control of who can remove the pistol. And the fall back security of a key should the electronics fail.
charging the unit with the included USB-C charging cable
Setup Of the Onnais Defender
It took me a moment to get the controls figured out, but the included instructions are handy. And if that’s not enough, there are some great videos on youtube explaining how to do it. You can start by setting up a code for the keypad, you can select and change the code any time.
After setting the code, you can add a fingerprint scan for even quicker access. I entered one finger from both hands so I don’t even have to put down my drink while gaining access. I also added my wife’s fingerprint as well so she too has access.
Mounting
The mounting bracket is included with the device. And allows you to screw the bracket to a large piece of furniture, bed frame or wall. Again, much like the device itself, the bracket is robust enough to prevent unauthorized access. But probably won’t stop the crowbar of a thief. Once the bracket is mounted, you can attach the Defender to it. It can be removed and attached with ease as it slides into a dovetail mount, making it a quick job to charge the battery every few months.
Operation
To lock your pistol, you simply set it in the rubber cradle, then push down on the locking lever on the left side. This compressed the pistol slightly into the rubber while the jaws pull tight against the trigger guard.
To remove the pistol, you use either of the three unlocking methods. The fingerprint is the fastest, with a gentle touch there is a beep and a green light illuminates around the pad. The keypad also beeps and illuminated blue while entering the code. When the last number is keyed, a green light is shown and the locking jaws snap open.
The key entry is done from the bottom of the device, and releases the jaws with no beeps or lights. Just a click as the jaws release.
Pros and Cons
The pros of this device are pretty clear; it gives you incredibly fast access to your firearm while preventing others from the same. It allows you the ability to safely leave a pistol in condition 1 or better, so its ready if you need it. It fits a wide variety of handguns, and is affordable enough you can get more than one unit for various locations in your home or vehicles if desired. It’s easy to set up, and has redundancy built in for access. The buttons to reset and program the device are obscured under the pistol unless it is unlocked.
the mounting of the Defender EDC is robust enough to keep honest people honest
There are a couple things I guess you could call down sides though I think its fair to say they are good compromises. While it does secure your handgun, a serious delinquent could defeat the device with enough time and a few tools. So I guess I would only want to use this device in controlled conditions like a home, office, or personal vehicle.
Another thing I wish the Defender EDC would allow is the use of a weapon light. I expect many people outfit their EDC pistol with a light, and it would make sense for a home defensive pistol to have one. But I also understand that allowing the use of a weapon light with the Defender would add a layer of complexity or compromise. Making it either far more expensive with various options for different light models, or compromising it’s ability to secure the pistol if a specific weapon light wasn’t used.
Conclusion
All in all I think the Onnais Defender EDC SE gun lock is a great security device. While there are a few compromises, I think they are well worth it. Making it an affordable security option for folks who are always on the move, and usually with a handgun on them. It gives you the option to have immediate access to a hot handgun while also having the confidence that only you can get to it. That is well worth the $109 price in my opinion. Onnais was even kind enough to offer our readers a discount, so enter the code: Thecoldboremiracle when checking out.
Some ancillary shooting equipment is for comfort, and others are simply a must have. Today we are talking tripods, which in my opinion is a must have for some shooting situations. Specifically we are talking about the Two Vets Tripods No Name V2 Inverted tripod. Inverted meaning that the legs are configured with the larger diameter sections at the bottom.
This and many other features of this tripod give you a great deal of support while shooting. While I am just a bit of a redneck who enjoys putting bullets in very specific places, I think I might help understand why you should add something like this to your kit.
The No Name V2 Inverted
Despite being a tripod without a name, the V2 has a great deal of features you’d expect from big names. By inverting the legs, and putting the narrower sections of the leg at the top, Two Vets reduced the size of the tripod head. Making the whole tripod more compact overall when collapsed.
Additionally by inverting the legs, the twist locks for each section are at the top of each section instead of the bottom. This makes deploying the legs quick by simply twisting the lock and sliding the leg out and twist again to secure it. This is further enhanced by very short 1/4 turn twist locks, so you don’t have to sit there and wind your wrist to get the legs secured.
Locking the legs in various positions is done using a spring-loaded lock that can be pushed from the back or pulled from the front. Making it easy from any position to adjust the legs. Additionally there are various threaded holes in the head and leg tops allowing you to attach accessories.
note head details: threaded bosses for accessories, leg-locks and ball head
But There’s more
Fantastic additional features like the Area 419 ARCA Lock Dual clamp that works with ARCA rails or picatinny rails. And venting the legs to prevent air from slowing the deployment or stowage. Spikes are built-into the rubber feet and easily swapped out in the field. Centered under the head, there is also an anchor point you can hang a backpack or other weight from to help add stability to the tripod.
Spikes are concealed inside the rubber feet, they are easily threaded into position when required. Top quality on everything here, rubber grommets to prevent loosening, and both wrench-flats and a thru-hole to allow easy changes in the field.
Ball Head
The No Name V2 can accept any of the Two Vets ball heads, I chose to go with the 65mm head, because of the often heavy rifles that it will support. The ball heads allow smooth panning on the tripod with labeled degrees, as well as near infinite articulation. There are tension clutches built-in to add resistance and lock up the head should you choose.
Before I’d even left the house, I could see that a great deal of thought had been put into this tripod. It obviously had been built with shooters in mind. I do most of my shooting in the rugged Rocky Mountains and dry deserts of the intermountain west. My day to day shooting can be anywhere from 2400 feet above sea level clear up to 10,000 feet where the air in thin. I was particularly excited to get this tripod assimilated into my kit.
Getting over the top of vegetation often requires more than a bipod
Building a good shooting position is important whether you are a PRS competitor or a hunter. I enjoy both, and have incorporated tripod use into them both as well. Sometimes a tripod is just too easy not to use for a comfortable and pleasant shooting position. Whether it be just to get comfortably above grass and brush on the ground before you, or to shoot comfortably from a standing position at squirrels in a tree.
Deployment
Deploying the No Name tripod is quicker than other tripods I’ve used. Instead of loosening the lock ring and either waiting for the leg to drop or pull it it out myself; I can simply twist a quarter turn, pull the vented leg down to where ever I need it, and twist it back into locked position.
the Area 419 ARCA Lock dual clamp allows you to attach both ARCA and picatinny rails, the switch you see on the right side is to engage or deactivate the ARCA Lock teeth
Folding the legs into the needed position was also enhanced by the easy to operate leg locks. I quickly found that you can either push them out from the back or pull from the front. And hooking up a rifle to the ball head was easy using the Area 419 dual clamp. I used it to easily attach both ARCA rail kitted rifles like my custom 22 or picatinny rail like on my custom 25 Creedmoor.
We can always wish for more compact tripods, but I found the No Name to be a good fit into my Eberlestock Just One pack that I have been using in these mountains.
Adjustment
I already mentioned how easy it is to quickly adjust the leg-length of the No Name. Adjusting the angle is also quick, pulling out the locks to stop the legs at one of the three angles. The real rock star of adjustment though is the 65mm ball head on top of the tripod. Rotating a full 360 degrees with adjustable tension for your liking.
The large bowel also has two cuts at the front allowing a ninety-degree angle if needed for high angle shooting. A large tension knob makes it fast and easy to apply the clutch to the ball head. You can pull the knob out to reset its timing for maximum comfort. I found it a comfortable place to hold the tripod as well while setting position on targets.
With all these options I found it was convenient to get setup in nearly any position. It was just a matter of adjusting the leg-length or angle to get a solid setup.
Durability
All this is nice, but only if it lasts. The No Name is very well built, everything about it suggests it is high quality. Even the fasteners are engraved suggesting they take care of every little detail. The high quality parts and finishes are made to endure tough use.
The carbon fiber legs are very rigid, even when extended the whole assembly gives a very robust feeling. All three sections of each leg are timed to stay indexed together, and even when the twist lock is loose they keep their correlation.
O-rings on threaded accessories keep things from coming loose and falling off, which I have had issues with before with other tipods. The only thing That has come loose in all of my shooting has been the threaded ball head attachment point. I suppose some simple blue loctite would take care of that, so it’s not a big deal.
Shooting prairie dogs on flat ground is often aided by a little elevation, this Savage B17 brought hell from above the No Name tripod
Pros and Cons
I could come up with very few things about this tripod that I didn’t like. However I mentioned the ball head can come loose when turned counter clockwise, but I also mentioned thats an easy fix I simply haven’t chosen to apply. You might suppose the tripod is a little bulky for some activities one could say, both in size and weight. But this is something you know going in. If you are looking for a super compact and lightweight tripod for hunting backcountry, you might chose another option. But if you want heavy duty strength and rigidity for shooting competitions or perhaps law enforcement sharpshooter detail, this is a very good option.
Here you can see how the ball head screws onto the top of the the tripod head. Tightening the panning-clutch followed by snap-spinning the head on seems to take care of any loosening issues.
For purposes like that the No Name V2 is a very good option. If offers quick and reliable deployment, with a sturdy and adjustable stance. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where the No Name wouldn’t be a valuable asset for building a solid shooting position.
My Conclusion
As you might have gathered at this point, I really like this tripod. I’ve used a few different tripods over the years and I really prefer this one. Not only is it a good product but it comes from a company that has good values and knows what their customer wants. And at the risk of sounding a bit cheesy, their product stands for itself.
Using the bones in my body in conjunction with the No Name tripod to create a rigid structure
You can spend a ridiculous amount of money on carbon fiber tripods, and this one certainly isn’t the cheapest. But I think if you are in the market for a good shooting tripod, your money would be well spent on Two Vets products.
Technology is working its way into every facet of our lives. As the shooting sports and tactical market have continued to flourish, there are more and more technological gadgets involved. Today we are talking about chronographs, a device made to measure the velocity of a projectile moving in flight. Chronographs have changed a lot even since I started using them, and today we are taking a comparative look at two leading chronograph models that you definitely should consider; the Athlon Rangecraft VS. Garmin Xero C1 doppler radar chronographs.
Who Needs a Chronograph?
If you are reading this you are probably like me, looking to upgrade to something better than what you’re used to. Long-range and precision shooting require accurate data for ballistic solvers, and velocity is one of the top data points.
For years we setup sky-screens and carefully aligned devices to avoid shooting our gear. Then things changed with Magneto Speed bayonets, carefully attached to the firearms itself. This was a big step in simplifying the process of getting your data. But now we live in a world of bluetooth and Doppler radar. And todays subjects have crammed the technology into something you can carry in your pocket, and simply set them near your rifle to obtain velocities.
I love the idea of being able to easily and quickly setup one of these devices to get an accurate and current velocity for what my ammunition is doing right here and now. This incredibly valuable data once input to your ballistic equation can be the difference between a hit and a miss at any significant distance.
Comparing the Athlon Rangecraft and Garmin Xero Chronographs
Garmin Xero C1 versus Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Chronograph
Feature
Garmin Xero
Athlon Rangecraft
Dimensions
3.03″ x 2.38″ x 1.36″
3.5” x 2.7” x 1.2”
Internal Battery
LIthium Ion
Lithium Ion
Water Rating
IPX7
IP67
Display Type
sunlight-visible, transflective, monochrome
Transreflective LCD Screen
Weight
3.72 oz without tripod 5.67 oz with tripod
4.7 oz without tripod 9 oz with tripod
Battery Life
6 hours
6 hours
Temp Operating range
14°F to 131°F / -10°C to 55°C
14°F to 122°F / -10°C to 55°C
Memory/Shot History
50 Sessions / 100 Shots per Session
50 Sessions / 100 Shots per Session
Charging/Interface
USB-C
USB-C
Connectivity
Bluetooth Enabled
Bluetooth Enabled
Mobile App Interface
ShotView™
Athlon Ballistics
In the Box
Lets start with the basics, these are two very similar products. Both come packaged in a handsome box filled with manuals and information on how to use it. The Athlon unit came with a zippered semi-rigid soft-case that holds the chronograph and tripod neatly.
The Xero also has some nice accessories, you just have to buy them. I found several nice options on Amazon like a silicone exterior for the Xero, and a nice soft case similar to the Athlon one.
if only Garmin included this case…
Both units com with a compact tripod, and both of these units are very lightweight, there isn’t a lot to them. The Garmin tripod is polymer, and the Athlon tripod appears to be metal. To be honest I like the Athlon tripod better, its heavier weight is more likely to keep the tripod standing. Especially if its anywhere near a muzzle brake.
Both chronographs came with a USB-C charging cable, for easy charging with the rest of your stuff. I even charged mine in the car on the way to the range.
Controls
The Rangecraft chrono has five buttons for controlling the unit; A power/back button, a option/delete and an OK button used for selecting menu items. On the side of the unit there are two up and down selection buttons.
The Xero C1 has four buttons; A power/back button, an OK selection button, and an up and down selection buttons.
The controls on both units are so similar you can almost follow the same process for both when firing them up. Both units give you the option to input the bullet weight you are using, this data point can be used to calculate energy within the chronograph. Both units have a charging point that is covered by a rubber cap.
Using both of these chrono’s on the range together got confusing very quickly. Just because the buttons aren’t in the same place, and I found myself punching the wrong thing as I went back and forth between the two units.
testing some 6.5 Grendel loads, need more speed…
Both units allow you to select from various weapons types. There is a setting for rifle, pistol, archery, and air guns. There is also an “other” option, perhaps for AOW’s? 😂🤣😂
In either of the firearm modes, it allows you to select from multiple velocity ranges. The Rangecraft from 600-1800 or 1800 up to 5000 fps. The Garmin version is 600-1700 or 1700 up to 5000 fps. Once again you can see that both of these are extremely similar.
Phone Applications
Both of these chronographs have bluetooth interface that you can use to both analyze the data, as well as store and export. The Garmin app is the ShotView™ application, it has detailed data storage and organization for your shooting sessions.
The Athlon Ballistic app is the app to use with the Rangecraft Velocity Pro chronograph. It does much of the same, allowing you to analyze, store and export data. The added benefit is the data can be used right there in the app to add to your ballistic profiles for immediate firing solutions.
Chronograph Accessories
Besides the carrying case’s there are some other great accessories for these chronographs. Leophoto makes a nice ARCA mounted chronograph support that appears will work for both units. My favorite accessory is the Area 419 ARCA Lock Arm for the Garmin chronograph, and with minimal alteration I got my Rangecraft to fit it as well.
Kinetic Development Group also makes a great looking little Kinect Mount that attaches to your rifle by M-LOK. I haven’t used it before but based on looks and my experience with KDG products I expect it would be a fantastic option. It also appears it might fit both units.
On the Range with the Garmin Xero C1 and Athlon Rangecraft Chronograph
To compare these two units, I made a special range trip. I brought several firearms for a variety of different test results. Results from a 9mm pistol, a 6.5 Grendel, 8.6 Blackout, 5.56 carbine, and a 308 Winchester carbine. It was a fair spread of velocities and bullet types that would all test the capabilities of these chronographs.
Both of the chrono’s seemed to be within 10-25 FPS of each other on most everything I shot. And they were both within 10-15 FPS of velocities tested against a Magnetospeed chronograph as well. I don’t know what caused the disparity between the units, perhaps using the two together might have been causing the issue. I’m not sure how Doppler works but perhaps they were interfering with each other.
They were both reliable in picking up a signal on each shot. And they were also both good at not picking up bullets that weren’t mine. When someone close to me would shoot, neither of the units would register the shot.
Update: because folks kept asking, I retried a few different times to see how much difference there was between the velocity readings compared to a Magneto Speed chronograph. It does seem that the Garmin Xero C1 was closer to the Magneto Speed more often than the Athlon Rangecraft.
You can also select your preferred metric units. There are FPS, MPS, miles and kilometers to cover everyone. And if you prefer grams and joules over grains and foot pounds you can also select between those on the Rangecraft Velocity Pro. The Xero allows you to customize the layout for your data points for analysis.
Usability
Since these two are very comparable in function and size, it’s a little hard to judge some features. The Athlon has an additional button which gives it a very slight edge in controllability. Only because you don’t have to double up the pushing of buttons for certain purposes. The Athlon is heavier, but we’re talking ounces here so don’t worry about it too much.
The two different screen types definitely show in differing light. I thought the Garmin’s darker screen would be harder to see in hard sunlight, but it wasn’t bad at all. Both units have the ability to adjust the brightness of the screens, and select black on white or white on black. The Rangecraft also has dark setting, and a grey option. Though to be fair the differences were minimal.
The Xero also has a Pro Settings where you can turn the bullet weight entry prompt off and on. As well as the alignment diagram, I kind of wish the Athlon had the same feature. If nothing else just for less clicking buttons while setting up.
The convenience of having such quick access to velocity data is exceptional. And a definite game changer to have something this simple in your pocket for any and all shooting scenarios.
Both units easily paired to my phone through their respective apps. And both prompt you with a QR code to download the app when you select connection. The connect feature can also be turned off, to isolate both units from connecting. The USB-C charging point was easy to access and keep both units powered up before use.
The battery life is great in my opinion. I rarely have velocity testing sessions that last more than an hour or so, but these units after several hours of use were still showing 75% battery life. And that’s not bad considering all the button pushing and changes I made during that time.
Pros and Cons
Cons
Today we’ll start out with demerits of each unit starting with the Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro; While it is slightly heavier, I actually prefer its heavy bipod to hold it down. I also found that there seemed to be a very slight delay in the button response. Often causing me to select unwanted menu choices and such, this is simply something you’d get used to with use I suspect.
Shooting a pistol standing next to the bench with either unit recorded velocities handily
The Garmin Xero C1 on the other hand is costlier, available on Optics Planet for $599. If you already are a Garmin kinda person, with GPS’s and watches and such that might be worth it to you. I also wish it came with some kind of case, for an additional two hundred clams you’d think they could throw in even the 15$ case I showed above from Amazon.
Pros
On the positive side for the Rangecraft, it is significantly more affordable than the Garmin. It can also be had on Optics Planet for $399. I mentioned the nice case it came with, as well as the more inclusive Athlon Ballistic app interface.
By comparison, the Garmin Xero has much wider aftermarket support. With a great deal more accessory options from big names you can trust. The Xero is lighter overall, and a touch smaller as well, which is great for on the go shooters. Additionally there is a bit more customization option with your data when using the Garmin.
the Area 419 ARCA Lock Arm was designed perfectly for the Xero C1
Both units are exceptionally convenient, and might be the most pleasant thing to add to your shooting bag this year. Allowing you to get velocities without attaching anything to your barrel. While they are a little more expensive than what we are used to, the added convenience is well worth the money in my opinion.
My Conclusion
If you are the kind of shooter that needs quick access to velocities, then I can fully endorse purchasing either of these units. But I can absolutely make an argument for economy here. You may have been telling yourself throughout reading this review: “he keeps making these sound like the same thing”. And that is almost my exact impression as well.
While either of these units I believe will perform as well as any of us might need, there is very slight difference between them. The Garmin might have a couple data features over the Athlon, but in all honesty, I cannot see anything worth shelling out another two-hundred dollars for. I have nothing against either of them. But if I was to go back in time with six-hundred dollars in my pocket to spend on a chronograph, I’d come back with the Rangecraft and two-hundred dollars worth of primers or something. If that sounds like something you would also do, follow me for more money saving advice.
For a beginner, carrying a firearm in a purse can feel a little daunting at first. Sure, on body carry is often considered more secure and accessible, but a purse can offer all that if utilized in a safe way. The trade-off? You might wonder how easy it is to get to your firearm quickly or whether your purse is secure enough to keep everything you need in place. The GTM CCW Purse offers a solution to these points in a high quality made, easy to use purse with a variety of stylish options. Giving users a secure way to carry without feeling like you’re compromising on safety or fashion. After testing it, I can say it does a pretty solid job of checking the right boxes for both security and style.
The bag selection I chose, The Clutch Purse, is perfect for everyday sub-compact carry, while being roomy enough for a wallet, keys, and even some lip gloss. The adjustable strap offered versatility, and I loved how the brass finished hardware added a touch of class to the overall look of the bag.
For some time now, I carried the bag while running errands from toting kids to sporting events to a date with my husband. I am happy to report that it strikes a nice balance between function and style, though there are few considerations to keep in mind.
Key Features: Premium leather finish with a soft finish
Ambidextrous design of the conceal carry compartment
Multiple internal pockets for organization
Includes velcro holster for key positioning
strong buckles and rings together with robust straps keep these bags secure
Initial Impressions
The GTM CCW Clutch Purse immediately impressed me with its high quality leather that was incredibly soft. The sleek design made it hard to believe it was a concealed carry bag over just a luxury purse. The first thing I noticed was how the concealed carry compartment blended into the bag well. It doesn’t scream “gun carrier”. This definitely gives it a discreet, everyday look to the bag.
the over-the-shoulder Sling Backpack is nice for those who prefer the style
The clutch is perfectly sized for casual outings, as it just fits the essentials like a phone, wallet, keys and maybe some compact makeup. Still, there is ample space for your compact or subcompact firearm in its very own designated zippered pocket.
Carrying With the GTM Purse
I carried this purse everywhere I went (yes, even to the bathroom.) I did not leave it behind, not once. Here is how it performed:
Concealed carry compartment
The concealment pocket is located on the back side of the clutch, offering a secure space for your firearm. It is roomy enough for a compact handgun, and the velcro lined holster allows for adjustment to your comfort.
both bags had room for compact and similar pistols, but not much more.
Ease of use
With a little practice, I found it easy to access my firearm. I also liked that the holster was ambidextrous, making it comfortable for everybody.
Comfort and usability
The strap was high quality and comfortable, it adhered to solid rings that had reinforced webbing. This was something I find to be important when considering any bag and can make or break it for me, as someone who worked in luxury retail. The interior compartments helped keep everything pretty organized, from my phone and cards to lip balm and other essentials you may have. The purse is not weighted down enough to be bothersome, even when fully packed.
plenty of storage compartments and separations for organization
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Stylish and discreet– it looks like a high end clutch. Soft, premium leather. Easy access to concealed firearm with adjustable holster. Strong shoulder strap and robust solid hardware. Interior pockets to keep everything organized
Cons:
Best suited for smaller firearms like compact or subcompact. Larger firearms may not fit properly, making for a bulkier bag.
Necessary trigger guard depending on firearm. For those carrying a firearm with a trigger blade-safety, a proper trigger guard may be required for extra safety. The Velcro holster provides some structure but I can see it not always offering the level of protection needed for more sensitive models.
We used various pistols to test the fit of the GTM purses, but mainly we used the Ruger EC9 and the Taurus TX22 Compact.
Final Thoughts
The GTM CCW Clutch is a practical yet stylish option for women who need a discreet way to carry a firearm. It is obvious that it was designed with ease of access in mind, so you can quickly retrieve your firearm when necessary, while also being manageable for daily use. However, the leather holster may feel less secure for some and could require additional accessories for safety, and it’s best suited for smaller firearms. Obviously, you can customize different holster options depending on the firearm you choose to carry.
Priced at 149.95, this CCW clutch is a solid choice for those who value practicality. If you’re looking for something sleek and easy to carry for the basics, the clutch is a great option–but it may not be the best fit if you carry a larger firearm or need more space for everyday items. Nevertheless, Gun Tote’n Mamas offers a wide array of options for your specific needs and firearm sizes.
As one who frequently talks about technology and the improvements it brings to our hunting activities, I am always looking for more. And today I am excited to present you with another fantastic addition to my hunting gear lineup. Eberlestock has long provided high quality backpacks, particularly high quality backpacks specifically designed for precision marksmen and hunters. Today I share with you my experience with the Eberlestock Just One Pack, a modular expandable design that promises to get you, all your gear, and your game comfortably back to civilization.
I am no stranger to Eberlesrtock packs, both myself and others in my hunting party have been using their products for years. I have always appreciated the robust manufacturing and high quality components they use in their products. I also have a smaller Eberlestock pack that I use as an EDC SBR transport, you can read more about that one here: the Eberlestock Cherry Bomb.
What Sets Eberlestock Apart
There are plenty of great backpack companies out there, and many of them make some great products. But if you’ve handled many of them, it doesn’t take long to figure out what makes Eberlestock packs better.
Materials used in constructing a backpack are very important. We’ve all had packs that are made from thin material that is easily ripped or snagged on thick brush. Eberlestock packs use a thicker material called Microsuede, a plush soft exterior with an almost fleecy feel. This makes them quieter when slipping through thickets, and the tougher underlayer gives them strength against abrasion. Another feather in the cap, is the popular patterns, colors, and camos that you can can get Eberlestock packs in.
High quality polymer buckles and strong zippers with tethers are normal with Eberlestock
High quality fasteners like buckles and zippers also make the Eberlestock packs stand out. Large and even oversized zippers that last much longer that those used by most manufacturers. Even when dirt, snow, blood, and other contaminants are added, these big zippers still close smoothly and quietly. Strong polymer buckles allow quick and easy connections on Eberlestock packs, they also make it fast to reconfigure your pack, and add or remove things to it.
The Eberlestock Just One
Features
Compatible with Hunt EMOD Packs and Duffels
Made of 500D Cordura (Solid) and Microsuede Finish (Camo)
Hydration System Compatible
Vertical and Horizontal Compression Straps
Floating Top Lid
Integrated Rifle Scabbard
Internal Aluminum Intex No Shelf Frame
Turnover Construction Shoulder Harness
Tri-Glide Pull Forward Hipbelt
Stretch Side Pockets
Specifications
Dimensions: 24”High x 13”Wide x 7.5”Deep
Total Volume Collapsed: 3580c.i. / 58.7L
Total Volume Expanded: 6500c.i. / 106.5L
Center Mesh Compartment Closed: 1080c.i. / 17.7L
Center Mesh Compartment Expanded: 4000c.i. / 65.5L
Weight: 6lb 6oz (Solid Colorways)
Weight: 7lbs (Camo Colorways)
The Eberlestock Just One pack has an incredible host of storage options, you can tell this pack was designed for the backcountry hunter type. Lets go over some of the main features of the pack.
the Rifle scabbard of the Eberlestock Just One rests against your back, riding on top of the rifle scabbard is the secure pocket for a hydration bladder
First and most obvious to the untrained eye, you’ll notice the curious scabbard that extends at the bottom of the pack. The scabbard lies at the very base of the pack, riding right against the users back. This keeps the weight of the rifle as close to your center of gravity as possible, and at the same time it keeps your rifle protected from the elements, and perhaps more importantly it keeps your hands free while hiking. Configured to keep the muzzle down, the end of the scabbard is heavily reinforced with tough material to protect your muzzle.
The pack is anchored to a lightweight aluminum frame, to which the front harness of the pack is attached. Thickly padded shoulder straps with full length adjustment buckles located within easy reach at the bottom. The shoulder strap anchor point is also adjustable, allowing you to raise or lower it to adjust your ride height. There is also a thick pad at the waistbelt area to comfortably transfer weight to your hips, the waistbelt itself is also comfortably padded.
tightening the waist belt
The waist buckle system uses a snatch-block-like design which I quite like, tightening the belt is done by pulling the tail from your hips forward, instead of pulling from your belt buckle out. The large padded wings of the waist belt have molle strips to allow you attach accessories like pouches or a holster. There is also an adjustable chest strap to keep the shoulder straps in place.
the dual vertical storage compartments have room for plenty
Moving to the storage compartments of the Just One Pack, there are two main compartments that open and close vertically using a zipper for closure. The large compartments will fit quite a few things, even a full size spotting scope or a large thermos. And if you are a thermos guy here is your reminder to get your colonoscopy scheduled.
The expanded storage compartment of the Eberlestock Just One pack, the mesh is ideal for allowing meat to cool
The two large storage compartments sandwich an even larger meat storage compartment. But in its compact configuration, the mesh material meat compartment is collapsed between the outer vertical storage compartments. And it is held so using another high quality zipper with two wide-band buckle-straps to either secure or compress the load.
There is another strong molle cover that comes from the bottom, this can either be used as a meat shelf while carrying the pack opened fully or used to compress gear in the closed configuration.
the drawstring cinch that encloses the largest compartment of the pack. Also note: mesh material to allow airflow to meat while packing out, and green inner pocket and bladder suspension clipHydration bladder installed
At the top of the pack is a floating lid, that can be extended or compressed depending on how you load the pack. The lid features a couple zipped storage compartments itself, big enough to store a whole days worth of snacks or whatever else you might want. The Just One Pack is compatible with hydration bladder systems, and also has some convenient stretch pockets on either side for things like water bottles.
The spacious lid of the pack has various soft pouches for carrying other items, they are lined with fleece as well to avoid making noise. There’s even a tether inside you can snap your keys to to avoid loosing them.
Setting Up the Just One Pack
There was a few things I wanted to add to the Just One pack, accessories based on my typical backcountry usage. Just so we understand each other I’ll explain most of what I do. I’m a big game hunter, varmint hunter, and anything else I can get my hands on. My favorite way to carry out these practices is in the remote mountain forests and deserts plains of the west. That might include hiking a few miles into alpine canyons in the spring to chase after Marmots, or chasing after elk in their winter grounds in late December. I never go anywhere without a rifle, and I like to have everything I need for a day or so worth of survival with me for these adventures.
For this reason I would add a couple different accessories to the Just one. For example, I almost always carry a suppressed 22 pistol when I’m in the back country. Whether it be for fun or for quickly dispatching close encounters with small game. So I wanted to add a holster to the waist belt. I also wanted to add a hydration bladder, even though I am not a big bladder kind of guy. I usually keep a water bottle or two in my pack, but because it it so easy to do I would try it here today. I would also use the Just One pack in conjunction with my Eberlestock Recon bino harness. Not just because they match, but because it is my favorite bino harness, you can read more about the Recon bino harness here.
My initial experiences with the Eberlestock Just One pack would take place in the cold of winter high in the Rocky Mountains. Carrying all my gear for the day was pretty easy, things like spotting scope and electronic predator call fit nicely in the broad pockets. I noticed that the pockets even have a bit of a stretch factor, to allow more room.
Putting my rifle into the Just One scabbard took a little more effort than I had anticipated. Adjusting the tension of certain straps and buckles certainly helped, and additionally the suppressor on the end of my barrel complicated it some as well. But once I had the rifle, and all my other gear loaded it was time to shoulder the pack.
The first thoughts as I started hiking through the snow, was how comfortable the pack felt. My current load was significantly less than the Just One pack would carry but it was incredibly comfortable. The added weight of a deer or heavy load of elk while welcome would certainly make it more cumbersome. But there is an impressive level of comfort in suffering through such a load.
Adjustments
With all my gear in tow, I found it expedient to adjust the ride of the pack. Setting the waist belt across the hips and cinching it down, and adjusting the shoulder straps for a comfortable ride.
The soft shoulder straps have a mesh covering, which will certainly help breathing when you are hot and sweaty. The same mesh seems to be incorporated to every surface that makes contact with your body. This was a nice feature not only for the breathing I mentioned, but also because it has a low friction feel so clothing doesn’t get captured and pulled as you move.
Shoulder straps are secured by a sternal strap incorporating the typical elastic tensioner. This keeps the shoulder straps from wandering off your shoulders and keeping comfort at a maximum. I also found it was a nice spot to capture my hydration tube and mouthpiece to avoid it swinging around and getting caught in brush.
the top anchor point of the shoulder straps can be adjusted up or down
I was quite happy with the placement of my Condor VT nylon holster, locating it on the belt of the Just One pack kept it out of the way but easily accessible. It was far enough back that it wasn’t getting snagged on brush or interfere with my swinging arms as I hiked, but it was also just a short reach to grab my pistol should I need it. The adjustable nature of the holster also made it nice to fit a variety of my pistols.
Pack Expansion
While I have yet to fill the Eberlestock Just One pack with any meat, I wanted to see how much room it offers. The main storage compartments zip together in the middle, and have two wide straps to secure whatever you load into them.
Once opened up, there is a surprising amount of additional space. Actually my back hurts thinking about how much elk I could fit into the expanded compartment, especially once taken off the bone. One the bonus side, I can think of many times I wish I would have had this pack for hauling meat out.
The cunning design of using the mesh material supported by robust nylon straps was a great touch. Its hard enough oftentimes to get game meat cooled down, and once you put it in your backpack it seems to capture whatever heat is left in your meat. Using mesh to line the compartment ensures that air can continue to cool and ventilate your trophy.
Pros and Cons
The pros of the Eberlestock Just One pack are bountiful. As I mentioned earlier, the high quality of Eberlestock products is quite obvious. Strong materials and fasteners make for great durability. The soft padding in all the right areas and the aforementioned mesh contact points provide maximum comfort particularly when loaded heavy. Plenty of storage for a hard day of hunting or a light overnight hunt considering you’ll be bringing most if not all of an animal out with you. All this while also giving you the comfortable option of carrying your rifle in the scabbard for hands free hiking.
having both hands free while hiking can come in handy
There must be some cons to this pack though right? Despite my great satisfaction, there are a couple things that I think I would change having used the pack for a while now. The main one has to do with the Just One pack’s signature feature, though I think its understandable. Whether the scabbard was designed for suppressor or not, it can be challenging to get the rifle in and out of the scabbard with a suppressor installed. Same goes for a bipod.
Some summertime hunting carrying the Browning X-Bolt 2 in the Just One Pack
The scabbard running right alongside the frame of the pack presents a little challenge of getting the a suppressor over the edges of the bottom of the frame. While it is much easier to get the rifle in and out without a suppressor, I still chose to leave it on vs. removing the suppressor every time I stowed it. The bipod could probably have been left on as well had I loosened up some of the lid straps on the pack. But I don’t like how snaggy Harris bipods can be, so it was easier to just remove it.
If shooting action is imminent, pulling the rifle from the scabbard is a good idea
This concern isn’t a big deal when you come to terms that it’s simply not going to be a fast operation to stow or remove your rifle from the pack. It is for long-term carrying of your rifle, so don’t plan on pulling out your rifle if you spot a fleeing buck. Removing the pack was necessary for me to get the rifle in or out of the scabbard.
My Conclusion
As these mountains begin to thaw, I am filled with excitement for my spring chucking adventures. The Eberlestock Just One pack will for sure come along, carrying my rifle, extra ammo, enough snacks to keep the kids and I satisfied, and enough gear to spend the day camping in the backcountry comfortably.
And no doubt I will also bring the pack along next fall, to help pack out both deer and elk from the recesses of these same mountains. The Eberlestock Just One pack is optimized for guys like me who might just be carrying a day or two’s worth of varmint gear, or who might be boning out a whole elk to carry back to civilization. If you find yourself in that same kind of place, rest assured that the Just One pack will get you there comfortably.
-CBM
2025 Update:
After a year of hauling gear around in this pack I can say I like it even more. I packed out several quartered deer this past season, and carried camping gear, food, photography equipment and more. I still stand behind my comfort statement, this pack makes heavy hauling in rough country as pleasant as it can be.
Firearm security has always been an important subject, but these days it is more than just a safety issue. Our society has become both more sick and litigious, with ambulance chasing lawyers going after gun owners and manufacturers alike. Nobody likes hearing about firearm related accidents or thefts, and the best way to combat these issues is security and education. Today we are going to talk about a security product that makes keeping your handgun both ready and secure. The Onnais Iron SE security safe is a lockbox to keep your handgun safe and secure without giving up readiness.
large handguns like this Staccato XC fit snuggly in the Iron SE safe
Having a quick access to your firearm can be a life or death situation, but so can having an unsecured firearm. Products like the Iron SE are made to balance that situation, making it both simple to access your gun, but extremely difficult for the wrong person to gain access.
The Onnais Iron SE Security Safe
The Iron SE safe from Onnais is a steel lock box that uses both a biometric fingerprint to unlock, or a code you can punch in to gain access. It also comes with a hard set of keys that can also be used. The steel box is lined with foam to prevent scratching your firearms, and also has a nice little built-in night light for when its dark.
The electronic parts of the safe are pretty simple, and easily set up using either the included instruction booklet or you can scan a QR code to watch a video on how to do it. Also included is a cable you can use to secure the safe to something to prevent it being moved. There are also holes through the bottom of the box, that allow you to attach the safe to another surface with bolts or something.
security cable allows you to attach the safe to something imobile
The box has a nice durable finish, and is fairly low profile. It would easily tuck under your bed or nightstand. Or anywhere else like a vehicle or tool box.
Security Safe Setup
It literally took me a couple minutes to get the safe programmed and setup to my liking. Following the directions to setup are simple, and there are audible beeps to let you know when you’ve done the process right or wrong. It requires installing four AA batteries inside for operation, but there is also a USB-C jack in the front that you can use to power the safe should the batteries go dead.
four AA batteries provide power
Having three ways to get into the safe is a good feeling, using your fingerprint is the fastest with just a beep before the lid slowly springs open. Or you can punch in a 5-15 digit code into the keypad with the same result. And the keys are always a failsafe option should the others fail.
the external setup controls
Once set up, I was quite pleased with how easy it is to quickly get into the safe.
Pros and Cons
As someone who has a lot of guns, (an indeterminant amount of guns for any ATF agent reading this) I can really appreciate having a safe like this around. If you have children or untrustworthy adults around, its nice to have the ability to quickly secure and gain access to your pistol. The Iron SE safe gives you the ability to have a pistol in firing condition handy and yet secure. If you are talking about Glock 19 size pistols or smaller, you can even fit multiple pistols in the safe.
The access and setup are easy enough for even folks without a lot of tech experience, but you’ll need at least one finger. I wouldn’t mind having the larger version of the safe, so there is room for both his and her pistols inside. But perhaps having more than one safe would be better.
If I had to critique anything on the safe, I’d first throw out this caveat. I’ve often heard people say; padlocks only keep honest people honest. And I think that’s the idea behind this safe. Anyone with time and a few tools could break into this box with enough effort. But it is more than enough to keep children or nosey adults out of your business.
All that said, I think for the $66 dollars that you can purchase this safe, its easily a good buy. Well worth the money knowing that your pistol is out of reach to casual passers by. The manufacturer was even kind enough to offer you a discount if you are reading this.
enter code: Thecoldboremiracle at checkout for a discount
Final Thoughts
Part of me wants to get a couple more of these safes, to be able to secure hot pistols wherever I want in my home and office. Easy and secure access to a pistol is a way of life for many people, and this safe makes it even easier. With various ways of access that are all pretty easy, and you can buy it at a very reasonable cost.
Leather has a long history with regard to firearms. And though there have been many advancements with materials, leather still seems to maintain its spot next to to firearms. Today’s subject is about a leather product that continues that intimate relationship, and we’ll go into why after hundreds of years, gun-leather continues to be a commonly used word. 1791 Gunleather manufactures high-quality leather products for both guns and other tools. And today we are taking a look at the 1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom Holster.
1791 Gunleather
According to their website, 1791 manufactures high quality leather products with an angle towards gun carrying and other waist mounted tools. Holsters, belts and other tool carrying leather products all made from American steerhide.
I’ve used one of their products previously which came in handy when I couldn’t use a holster. You can read about my experience with their EDC tool-carrier here, and after using that for some time I figured I would try one of their award winning Ultra Custom holsters.
1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom Holster
Since I’ve been carrying concealed pistols for several decades now, I thought it would be proper to better familiarize myself with good CCW holsters. The Ultra Custom holster from 1791 is an IWB holster that uses the natural qualities of leather for a secure and safe carry experience.
The Ultra Custom holster comes in various sizes to accommodate for your choice in handguns. Since I have a variety of similar handguns, I selected one for a Glock 19 sized pistol. One of the features of the Ultra Custom is its memory lock technology, which I assume is some kind of process they use on the leather to make it moldable by the end user. It also comes with two belt clips (1″ and 1.5″) that secure the holster to your belt while allowing you to tuck your shirt if your that kind of guy. Securing the clip is done with some very solid screws that attach to a threaded nut-plate under the leather.
The 1791 Ultra Custom holster with its included manipulation tools for custom fitting
Custom fitting the holster to your firearm is done using heat. The holster comes with a thick zip-seal plastic bag that you use to submerge the holster in 165* water for five minutes. After which you insert your pistol and allow it to cool, as the holster cools it seems to shrink to fit your pistol. Several tools are included to help you custom mold the holster to fit your needs.
pulling the heated holster from the bag after a hot water bath
The process was pretty straight forward, and if reading isn’t your strong-suit there’s a QR code on the box to take you to a video to walk you through it.
Carrying the Ultra Custom holster
Once I had the holster fit and assembled, it was time to put it to use. I’ve always been more of a OWB holster kind of guy, but this was a good place to start. A good belt is always recommended when carrying a pistol, whether you use one from 1791 or somewhere else, get you a good one.
Comfort
One of the first things I noticed while carrying this holster is that its smaller than others. A smaller footprint is definitely a plus when carrying, both for comfort and printing. I also noticed it was a touch thicker than I expected.
carrying the holster up front was comfortable and convenient
Tucking the holster in my normal carry position at the back of my right hip was a little less than ideal. It wasn’t as comfortable, and it also printed more than I would like. I ended up carrying the holster either in the small of my back, or appendix. It was far more comfortable there and was easily concealed.
Sitting in cars and other places I was pleased with how comfortable the soft leather felt. The back-strap of the holster covers the slide nicely, preventing it from rubbing against your skin.
Drawing my Dagger pistol from the holster was easy and smooth
Draw
Drawing from the holster was clean, even when drawing from positions I typically don’t carry. The fit of the 1791 holster to my pistol kept it snug and in place, despite not having any specific retention feature. It was also easy to re-holster the pistol after drawing.
Security
The single belt-clip on this holster seemed to be sufficient in keeping it in place. The friction of the soft leather also seems to add to the foundation of the holster in your belt. The custom fit feature definitely matches up well to my pistol, and at no time did I feel like the gun would have come out. I think it would take some aggressive motorcycle riding or roller coaster rides to risk a pistol coming out of this holster. And even then it’s very doubtful.
the holster was easy to clip in and out of your waistband
Getting the holster in and out of your waistband was relatively easy. Making the holster good if your the kind of guy who is always switching it up.
Pros and Cons
As if the smell of American steer hide wasn’t enough, the handsome finish of the leather gives a very high quality feel and look. And the thick leather will surely protect your pistol from whatever it might contact. I also mentioned how comfortable the holster was, and how I appreciate its smaller footprint. It does have a good balance between covering the pistol, and not being oversized.
If I had to come up with some downsides the the 1791 Ultra Custom holster it would be this; There is not quite enough coverage to protect the magazine release, which could cause the magazine to be dropped inadvertently. It would take some very specific stabbing actions to happen, so I think it is a very low priority but something you should know. I also wish there was a way to make the holster just a little bit thinner, to make it even more comfortable and concealable. But we could say that about any other holster as well.
Whether you are a big fan of gun leather, or you just like to keep the comfort of what has worked for hundreds of years, the 1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom holster is a good option. It’s ability to mold to better fit your pistol is a nice feature, and it fits nicely into most waistbands. It’s a great way to ensure your pistol is always where you need it, and ready for use.
