Gear Monday Morning Carry: Size Doesn’t Always Matter Recoil Staff March 6, 2017 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. Not every EDC requires sufficient ammunition to fight off half a horde of ill mannered hoodlums Bishnu Shrestha style. Today’s look at a possible EDC loadout is centered on something little and slightly outside the norm. While we'd agree that many problems can be solved with a full size 45 auto Colt 1911, this EDC is focused around its much smaller brother — the Colt Model 1908 25 Auto. Arguments can be made against the consistent lethality of the 25 Auto, but no one can accuse if of lacking style. This specific version has been refurbished by Jason Burton of Heirloom Precision. This gun is loaded with Hornady XTP 35 grain hollow point and fits nicely in a jacket pocket or tucked in the front pocket of your favorite pair of jeans. Other bits of kit and gadgetry in this loadout hail from Apple, Lifeproof, Ban Tang Knives, MTM Special Ops Watches, Xikar, Flagrant Beard, Padron Cigars, and one particular gift shop in Perth, Australia. Known for what have been described as “stupidly sharp blades”, Ban Tang fixed blades are some of the keenest EDC fixed blades on the market. Light and made for cutting, you won’t be using one this one as a pry bar anytime soon, not if you want to keep the edge — but you could easily use it as a emergency razor if needed. The Mini-bowie is a defensive and cutting tool that fits inside the waste band with little fuss and the included kydex sheath retains it well. The Flagrant Beard wheat stitched belt makes for a great every day belt for lighter carry pistols. Amish made here in the United States, this 1/8” thick belt does its job and looks good doing it without needing spikes, roses, studs or any other embellishment. For those of you cigar smokers out there (and those of you who just wish you were enjoying a stogie), Padron Cigars has been making some of the smoothest smokes out there since 1964. The Padron Series Delicias is a great reasonably priced smoke for taking along with you on your travels. The MTM Black Falcon watch offers three LED lights at the turn of knob. Offering you some light in the early morning when you drop your keys, or if a damsel in distress drops her contact at the bar, MTM offers this ridiculously well built watch with a 10 year rechargeable battery life and water “resistant” to 100 meters. Other things you would find us carrying is a Xikar cigar punch, and Apple iPhone 6 in a Lifeproof case. What do you have on or in your pockets, right now, and why? Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
