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Mike Spight's avatar

Same here. At 76 years old, I no longer feel the need to EDC a 1911 GM, G17/19, Hk VP9 or full sized service pistol of any type. Nor do I want the weight and bulk.

My normal EDC is a custom, vintage S&W Mod 36 or 37 with a couple of reloads in either HKS speed loaders or Tuff Strips, a lock blade knife by Jason Clark or Jesse Jarosz, a SF EDCL2-T light that I’ve carried for years, a sap, and a Sabre Red 1.5 gram OC spray.

Not the same as you (with the exception of the Sabre Red), but similar thinking and analysis. I wanted a lighter, less bulky handgun that I can run effectively. I do a lot of revolver training every year, and feel comfortable with a J frame in either a pocket or AIWB holster.

As my friend, the late Pat Rogers always said: “Mission drives the gear train”.

If your revised OC and hand held light support your daily mission, that’s all that matters.

it's just Boris's avatar

FWIW, I've been quite happy with a Nitecore EDC23 EDC Flashlight. Flat, good light pattern and output, multiple light levels up to 2500 lumen, and a couple of interlocks so it's never inadvertently turned on in my pocket. (Yet, of course...) As a gadget junkie I also like that it has a little screen that gives me an estimated run time for the light output it's delivering.

Rechargeable only. Which could be a plus or minus depending on your way of looking at things. For me it's a plus, especially for the one that lives in my travel kit.

Miguel Gonzalez's avatar

I just dropped coin on the Nitecore. On sale in Amazon.

Steve S6's avatar

Farnam's thoughts: https://defense-training.com/flashlights-3/

I have the EDC29, great light. Bright? OMG, like a searchlight at max. Two button control, superb for ED and tactical. Have not had to "blind" anyone yet. Plenty of runtime.

it's just Boris's avatar

I have the 29 also but wind up reaching for the 23 more often. It's more compact, but more relevantly for me had a physical safety switch, not a button press pattern.

Both approaches work. I just find the physical switch easier to deal with. (Including less likely to be messing with the 3+_;#)&!! push pattern, and finally getting it just as Mrs B wanders into the light cone.)

Steve S6's avatar

Hmm, the 29 has a separate lock out switch if that's what you're referring to. Two position slide switch on the side. I've several lights and they all have a different "manual of arms". Matter of training just like different brands of handguns.

it's just Boris's avatar

Aaaand brain fade on my part. I have a 27 variant, not a 29. My bad!

Tom from WNY's avatar

I sympathize. My setup is a Surefire G2 Nitrolon (either halon or early LED) and Sabre Red NY legal OC stream in a belt pouch with my phone. The Benchmade Mini-Griptilian tanto is in my watch pocket (if it fits, otherwise in my pocket) along with a spare mag. The Kel-Tec PF-9 is in the opposite pocket. Old school, paid for, proven and effective. I will upscale both gun and blade as needed.

Concealment is a priority in NY.

I'm liking cargo pants as of late.

Bob Dohd's avatar

Having used both the wedge and the wedge xt, I like the switch in the wedge better. it is a great EDC, and I have one with me everywhere I go. I also like the longer lenght of the wedge so it stays upright in my pocket and not fall down to the bottom like the xt is prone to do. I remove the clips because it advertises too much (and I am tired of scratching stuff as I fit through tight areas)

Dale Flowers's avatar

I seldom go anywhere that I'd need a light or OC spray. Also, fearful of OC spray blow back. Rarely ever go anywhere at night anymore. Never go anywhere where I'd need my WASR-10, PMR-30 or G21. My EDC is a thin 3.5" folding knife and either a Ruger LCP or a S&W 638 and 1 reload. Have a Sig P365, thinking about switching to that. But if we ever get open carry here in Florida I'm wearing my long barrel Colt New Service .38-40 revolver or maybe the Howdah.

Miguel Gonzalez's avatar

"Also, fearful of OC spray blow back"

Stream or gel....

Dale Flowers's avatar

Stream, mist, globules. I never want to be embraced by someone I sprayed.

Dan D.'s avatar

Two practical suggestions on the chemical: First, civ/jogger spray is stronger than LE spray since the intent is different (civ: maximally incapacitate the bad guy so you can run away, LE: mildly incapacitate so you can run toward and cuff); this is from the Sabre guys at SHOT a few years ago. Second: Sudecon wipes *always* in the kit for overspray or if you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.