The video opens with Clint explaining that many viewers ask how to get into concealed carry, what to carry, and how to carry it. He says they will offer three different perspectives from the Classic Firearms team: himself, Ka, and Sarah. They are at Take Aim Training and Range to talk about what each of them carries, how they carry it, and then run a few drills on the range. The emphasis is on everyday concealed carry for regular people, not competition or duty use, and on sharing personal preferences so new carriers can see different workable setups.
Sarah starts by showing her carry pistol, a SIG P365 XL Rose, carried in a Filster Enigma system with an Eclipse or ZG-style holster. She explains that she is using the newer sport belt instead of the original belt that comes with the Enigma. The original belt is narrow, stiff, and digs into the body, while the sport belt is made from a neoprene-like, stretchy material that conforms to the body and is wider, so it distributes pressure and is more comfortable. She also highlights her upgraded leg leash from Runcle Concepts. The stock leg leash is thin, stiff, and uncomfortable, and adjusts in one long section that can be confusing. The upgraded leash is thicker, has two separate adjustment points, and includes an elastic section at the end so it can be worn snug without cutting into the leg. Clint and Sarah explain that the leg leash is important because it provides downward tension that keeps the holster anchored during the draw. Without that tension, beltless wraparound systems can allow the holster to shift or lift when the pistol is drawn. Clint compares it to the old shirt stays used in the military that keep a shirt tucked in, joking about how those can snap and sting.
Clint then talks about his carry gun, the SIG P365 XL Macro. Viewers of the channel will recognize it as his usual choice. He notes that he still has not added a red dot because he wants to take his time choosing one and maintain a good co-witness with the iron sights. His pistol is equipped with a Streamlight TLR-7A light, and he mentions that he likes having a light on a carry gun for identifying what he is aiming at in low light. He points out the 17-round magazine capacity plus one in the chamber, the integrated compensator, and the night sights that are easy to see. He likes that the gun has a full-size style grip while remaining slim, but he acknowledges that the longer grip and baseplate can print a bit more under a shirt. The conversation turns to the tradeoff between concealment and capacity, with Clint leaning toward higher capacity even if it means slightly more printing, while still trying to keep the gun reasonably discreet.
Ka explains that his normal carry gun is a Springfield XDS 9, but for this video he is running a Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus Performance Center model. This pistol has a ported barrel and slide and is topped with a Crimson Trace red dot sight. Ka says he does not have a lot of time behind this specific gun yet and wants to see how it performs, but his first impressions are that the slide feels smooth and the trigger is good. He carries it in a Secret Squirrel Concealment holster. Clint adds that he has also been shooting this model and likes the bright fiber optic sights for daytime and lower light, with the Crimson Trace dot helping with faster target acquisition. A Streamlight TLR-6A light is mounted on the pistol. They briefly mention that the trigger guard is on the smaller side, which can be a consideration if someone is wearing gloves.
All three shooters are carrying in the appendix position for this range session. They acknowledge that some people prefer strong-side or behind-the-hip carry, but for them appendix works well, especially for concealment and speed of draw. Sarah notes that the Filster Enigma is designed specifically for front-of-body carry and does not easily transition to other positions. Ka’s Secret Squirrel Concealment holster offers more flexibility and can be moved to different positions if desired. Clint is using an Alpha Omega-style holster with a sidecar for an extra magazine. He comments that the holster would be more adjustable without the sidecar, but he likes having the spare mag attached. He also wears a Nexbelt with a ratcheting system that allows quick micro-adjustments, such as loosening the belt after a big meal and tightening it again when needed. The group emphasizes that a good holster and belt combination should keep the gun stable, allow a consistent, repeatable draw, and be comfortable enough to wear all day so that people actually carry regularly instead of leaving the gun at home.
The team moves to the firing line to run simple concealed carry drills focused on drawing from concealment at close distances. They mention that most defensive encounters with handguns tend to occur at very short ranges, from within arm’s reach out to around 10 to 15 yards, though there are exceptions such as incidents in large public spaces or situations involving rifles at longer distances. Their first drill is straightforward: stand in front of the target, respond to a verbal cue or shot timer, clear the cover garment, draw from appendix, and fire controlled shots on target. Ka runs the drill first, drawing, stepping off the line, and firing four rounds, finishing in about 1.8 seconds. Sarah follows with a smooth draw and two accurate shots in just under two seconds. Clint then runs the drill with a similar time, around 1.8 seconds. They stress that the purpose of these exercises is to build consistent, safe gun-handling and efficient draws rather than to chase the lowest possible times at the expense of control.
After the initial runs, they talk about the importance of reliably clearing the shirt or cover garment. Clint references a previous video with the Canik MC9 where the rear sight snagged the shirt on the first draw from a new holster, illustrating how clothing can interfere if not managed properly. They recommend practicing lifting the garment high and out of the way with a strong, deliberate motion so the pistol can be gripped cleanly and drawn without snagging. Movement is another key point: Ka mentions the concept of getting off the “X,” meaning stepping or moving off the direct line of attack while drawing and firing a few rounds, depending on whether the aggressor is still a threat. They also touch on close-quarters or standoff drills where an aggressor may be within arm’s reach and possibly reaching for a weapon. Throughout the discussion, they stress that a handgun is a last line of defense, to be used only when de-escalation and avoidance have failed and the other person has escalated to a level that justifies the use of a firearm. They emphasize the need for sound judgment, awareness of surroundings, and understanding of local laws, in addition to technical shooting skills.
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