What is Every Day Carry (EDC) and what should be considered?

Well let's start by breaking it down Every Day- this seems pretty self-explanatory it means happening or used every day; daily, commonplace. Carry - the action of keeping something, especially a firearm, on one's person. So if we combine the two we would come up with something to the extent of; carry your firearm daily, making it commonplace in your lifestyle or routine. Once you make the decision to carry, commit. Carry every day. It takes 1-2 months to establish a new habit and keeping the things you intend to carry together helps ease the transition from awkward to natural.

When it comes to EDC may not just consist of carrying a well maintained, operational and concealable firearm; you must also consider the other things that are needed. A well made comfortable holster designed for your particular firearm is a necessity. You will need to insure you have your proper identification on you at all times ie. CHL, drivers license. You should also carry a spare magazine. I would recommended that you carry some type of personal defense ammunition; hollow points (HP). Due to their expansion HP ammunition is less likely to pass through an attacker compared to full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition. These are the bare minimum items for EDC, people add items to this list to fit their needs. Some add items like flashlights, watches, Bug Out Bags (BOBs), first aid kits etc. These additional items are all personal preference. The main thing to remember about your EDC is that it is comfortable, concealable and effective for your lifestyle.

I am not going to get into which firearm you should or shouldn't carry, which ammunition you should use or what holster would be best. I will leave that for another post where I will do some comparisons on different ammunition and firearms. I believe that the firearm and ammunition you carry is at your discretion. Size, caliber, make, bullet type, weight and manufacturer; I could care less, if it is comfortable, concealable and effective for your lifestyle, just CARRY. I know that some will disagree and they are welcome to their opinions. Please feel free to comment with your EDC set up and thoughts.

My EDC:

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm with Talon Grips

Spare 7 rd magazine

115 grain Fiocchi Extrema XTPHP ammunition

Osborn Holsters Tactical Tuck Holster

*CHL and Drivers License in my NRA ID wallet (front pocket)

*Wallet (back pocket opposite of firearm)

Smith and Wesson 1st Response Rescue Knife

Car Keys, Cell Phone

*This is to ensure that if i need to present ID to Law Enforcement my hands stay away from my firearm