5 Mistakes We Made With Our EDC Pistols

Intro and Purpose of the EDC Pistol Discussion

The hosts open by explaining that the video covers five common mistakes they have made or still see others making with everyday carry pistols. The goal is not to shame anyone but to share lessons learned from personal experience, viewer comments, and customer service questions. They emphasize that a concealed carry gun is not for show; it is meant to protect life when needed. The discussion will focus on practical considerations such as size, caliber, ammunition, recoil control, and trigger setup so that viewers can avoid common pitfalls and have a more effective and manageable carry setup.

Mistake 1: Choosing the Wrong Size Concealed Carry Pistol

The first major mistake is picking the wrong size handgun for concealed carry. The hosts note that some people even try to carry very large pistols like a Desert Eagle, influenced by movies, while others go to the opposite extreme with ultra-small guns. They explain that the firearms industry moved from larger, heavier pistols to very small micro compacts to improve concealability. While this solved the problem of hiding the gun, it created new issues with recoil, control, and manual of arms. A pistol that is too small can be difficult to grip, manipulate under stress, and run reliably, especially when dealing with malfunctions.

Micro Compacts vs Larger Pistols and Capacity Tradeoffs

Using examples like the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard and the SIG P365, the hosts describe how micro compact pistols are extremely easy to conceal but can be harder to shoot well. With less mass and limited grip surface, even common calibers like 9mm, .40, or .45 can feel snappy, making follow-up shots and malfunction clearing more difficult. They contrast this with larger pistols such as a Glock 17 equipped with an Aimpoint Acro, which one host carries daily. A full-size gun offers better recoil management and higher capacity, around 17 rounds versus roughly 6–12 rounds in many small guns. They stress choosing a gun that can be controlled effectively, then dressing around that choice rather than prioritizing concealability alone.

Mistake 2: Caliber Selection and Terminal Performance

The second mistake involves caliber choice. The hosts acknowledge that .22 LR can be fun and soft-shooting but question its suitability for defensive use due to limited terminal performance. They mention calibers such as .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .380 ACP, and especially 9mm, which they describe as the most commonly used pistol caliber. Within 9mm, they reference 115-grain and 124-grain loads. The key point is that a defensive caliber should provide effective terminal effects, meaning it can reliably stop a threat rather than simply being easy to shoot. Choosing a very light-recoiling caliber purely for comfort can compromise the primary purpose of a concealed carry weapon.

Ammo Choice: FMJ vs Hollow Points and Overpenetration

The hosts then focus on ammunition type within a given caliber. They show 9mm full metal jacket (FMJ) and hollow point rounds and explain why FMJ is a poor choice for concealed carry. FMJ is designed to penetrate deeply and can pass through walls, barriers, and the intended target, continuing until its energy is spent. This raises serious concerns about overpenetration and unintended injury to bystanders. In contrast, a hollow point is designed to expand, often to nearly twice its original diameter, and to stop inside the threat while dumping its energy. This improves the chance of quickly stopping a life-threatening attack and reduces the risk of the bullet exiting and striking someone else.

High-Recoil Calibers, Diminishing Returns, and Training

Beyond .22 LR and 9mm, the hosts discuss other calibers like 10mm Auto and 32 ACP. Some shooters are drawn to 10mm for its strong terminal energy, but the hosts caution that in small-framed handguns it can be difficult to control. Higher calibers often mean reduced capacity and significantly increased recoil, which can hurt shot placement and slow follow-up shots. They describe this as a point of diminishing returns: more power does not automatically translate to better real-world performance if the shooter cannot manage the gun effectively. While training is essential with any setup, they argue that relying on very powerful or very light calibers to solve problems can create new ones if recoil or terminal performance is not balanced with realistic shooting ability.

Mistake 3: Light Triggers and Negligent Discharge Risk

The third mistake centers on trigger modifications for concealed carry pistols. The hosts warn that installing very light aftermarket triggers can increase the risk of negligent discharges. In a defensive context, events unfold quickly, and a shooter may place a finger on the trigger, take up slack, and then decide not to fire. With an overly light trigger, even slight unintended pressure can cause a shot to break. They reject the idea that strict finger discipline alone eliminates this risk, noting that under stress, perfect control is unlikely. For carry guns, they prefer triggers that are safe and manageable rather than tuned to be as light as possible, to reduce the chance of an accidental discharge while drawing or handling the pistol.