Keep a 1% gun so you carry 100% of the time
On rare occasions function follows form when it comes to my EDC. Ideally, I tailor my clothing to maximize my EDC — which works out fine 99% of the time. But sometimes the clothing I wear for special occasions — like suit & tie events, severe weather, or even a quick trip to my truck — calls for something else. I need a carry gun that I go to for that 1% of the time.
Abandoning carrying altogether is not an option for me. My 1% gun is simply a gun I don't normally carry, but is a practical and realistic option that’s ready for those special occasions. That’s my S&W M&P 340 J Frame five-shot chambered in .357 Magnum in a Mika pocket holster with 6 extra rounds in a pouch.
Here are three examples when my wheel gun is my better option:
I have extreme weather overalls reserved for extra cold or snowy days either on the range or at home. I found myself wearing them last winter when we got hit with extreme cold and snow here in Pennsylvania. Obviously my AIWB set up isn’t practical with the overalls. When I’m wearing the overalls I’m able to carry my revolver in my pocket as I do my outdoor chores.
I live in an urban area. Getting a parking spot near my house is a rare luxury. Generally, I have to park a block or more away. This is where people can get lazy and adopt an "I'm just going out for a second" attitude. Picking up my revolver and putting it into my pocket is a reasonable option, especially if I’m just going to clear off my truck and do some shoveling.
Tuxedo or suit and tie events can be challenging. With no belt on a tuxedo, wearing a jacket, vest, cummerbund, etc., I need a more comfortable, less obtrusive option that allows me to do things like take my jacket on and off for pictures and interact / hug people throughout the day.
Overalls for severe weather make my typical AIWB impractical. So I turn to my 1% gun.
Is it as good as my normal AIWB G19 Gen 5 with a spare mag that I train, practice and dry fire with virtually every day? No, it’s not. Is pocket carry ideal? No, it’s not. It's about having options. It's about carrying 100% of the time no matter what.
Are you carrying 100% of time? If not, what are the scenarios where you aren’t carrying because your standard EDC set up just won’t work or isn’t practical? Do you have a 1% gun that you can go to that will ensure you don’t go out unarmed? Give some thought to what might be a good option for you. Then put the time in to practice with it.