When discussing EDC online, the topic of effective comfort will inevitably come up. Whether it’s about the size of your carry gun, the type of holster, or the preferred carry position. Often, “comfort” is used to excuse suboptimal choices like hybrid holsters, small-of-the-back carry, or anemic calibers, which explains the existence of the phrase “carrying a gun should be comfortING not comfortABLE.”
Building an Effective EDC For Your Lifestyle
However, many people who invoke this expression do so in a dismissive way that can ignore the experience of the person with the issue and discourage them from pursuing a workable solution.
Back when this idea was introduced in the early 90s, defensive handguns were basically all full-sized duty guns. It was either the Beretta 92, 1911, Hi-Power, S&W 3900/4500 Series, or K-Frame sized revolvers.
Glocks as a whole were new arrivals on the scene, the 19 was only a couple years old, and the 26 wasn’t introduced until ’94.
The flip side of that coin were the tiny pocket guns like the Seecamp 380s and 32s, and maybe the PPK. The 5-shot J-frame was the closest thing they had to a happy medium.
Fast forward 20 years and now the market is awash with options like the Sig P365, Glock 43X, and more. So there is a lot less compromise in performance than in years past.
Now, all things considered, I’ll always opt to carry my Glock 19 whenever possible. Truth be told, the PHLster Enigma has made that a much more feasible proposition in instances where I would have had to compromise previously.
That said, I do think it’s entirely possible to strike that happy balance of a suitably effective defensive firearm that doesn’t require you to make it the focal point of your day-to-day decisions.
The point is, if you find yourself in one of these discussions, don’t be so quick to dismiss what the other person is saying. They may just be using the terminology they have to ineffectively communicate an issue they don’t completely understand. Take it as an opportunity to educate, not just shame them into compliance.
