Many people have written commentary on the dangers of
off-body carry. To hear some of them,
the minute you decide to carry off-body, your firearm will be stolen, your dog
will be run over, and your car will get totaled in a horrific accident
involving a pumpkin transportation truck.
Sarcasm aside, there are definite risks to consider before
deciding on any carry system, but especially one that involves not having your
firearm physically attached to you.
Massad Ayoob covers some of the risks in his books, but also
acknowledges that for some people/situation combinations, off-body carry is
necessary, and is better than not carrying at all.
Unfortunately, I fall into the necessary
category, and I would say that the majority of my carry is now off-body.
For my needs, I have adopted a
three-component system made up of the High Speed Gear Armordilla, G-Code OSH
holster, and the G-Code/Upstate Tactical Supply Modular Velcro Panel.
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| Closed w/ flap |
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| Front view w/ flap folded back |
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| Only about halfway full |
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| Blackhawk speed clips attaching flap |
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| Top entrance to concealed compartment |
The Armordilla is a high-quality attaché case designed to be
modular not only through its use of MOLLE on the exterior, but also through its
use of a removable flap. Thus, you can configure it in a standard attaché
case/messenger bag, or in more of a grab and go bag with mag/utility pouches on
the MOLLE front. Either way, there are
several options for concealing your firearm.
The bag itself has a large hidden compartment lined with hook and loop
on the back side with access from top and sides. The removable flap has a back zippered
compartment with hook and loop as well.
I choose to utilize the dedicated back compartment for my concealment
needs.
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| G-Code OSH with Modular Velcro Panel |
The G-Code OSH shouldn’t need a lot of introduction, but
just in case, I personally feel it’s one of the best thought out holster
systems on the market. G-Code’s entire
line is designed to be modular, either through the use of their RTI wheel, or
through bolt-on attachment. G-Code’s
website includes attachments for MOLLE, drop leg, paddle, belt, or shoulder
holster wear. I have been using Kydex
holsters since my first Fobus in 2003-ish (I still have that holster), and the
market now is pretty much flooded with them.
Just about everyone that has two pieces of foam is cranking out
holsters, some of which are excellent, and some of which are just clones
without a lot of originality. While G-Code’s
holsters themselves are excellent, and I especially like the tension adjustment
and ability to choose with or without a shirt guard, the system is what you are
really buying, and it’s worth a close look.
G-Code doesn’t sell a hook and loop compatible attachment on
their site, but they have worked with Upstate Tactical Supply of South Carolina
to develop two different models (RTI and non-RTI) to adapt their holsters to
the popular shoulder/sling/messenger bags used by so many today. There’s not much to say about the panel
itself. It’s very simple, but it’s very
solid. The panel is approximately 4
inches across, which provides plenty of purchase on the loop inside the Armordilla
pocket. I have the tension on the
holster set on the tighter side to avoid any sort of
please-ignore-the-gun-that-fell-out-of-my-bag moments, and have had no issues
in my practice time with the holster slumping in the pocket or with holster
movement or release during draws. I will
say that you need the little plastic spacer that comes with the G-Code to
properly attach the holster to the panel.
If you try to go straight to thepanel without the spacer, you will have
issues with the holster and panel interfering with each other, at least with my
1911 Commander sized holster.
As a side note, the Armordilla comes with a nylon
holster. Nothing against High Speed
Gear, their stuff is quality, but given the option between a one-size fits all
nylon with no retention, and an adjustable tension Kydex holster that I know
will hold the firearm securely and be available for re-holstering if needed,
I’m going with Kydex.
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| Loop section to create gap |
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| Concealment compartment from side access |
A little trick I’m trying for my draw is taking a
small piece of loop and creating a gap for my hand to break into the
compartment. The three access points are
closed with hook and loop (naturally), and trying to get into it by ripping it
open slows access. With the small break
created, I can insert a knife-hand and break the seal as I go in, then grip the
firearm and remove whatever seal was left as I draw. Overall, I’m a big fan of all three pieces of
gear, and I think they will serve me well for as long as off-body is necessary.
