Category: Gear and Equipment

This category features reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for firearms gear, tactical equipment, concealed carry accessories, holsters, lights, safes, and other essential tools. Learn how to choose the right equipment to enhance safety, effectiveness, and preparedness both on and off the range.

Concealed Carry, Firearms Training, Gear and Equipment

What to Bring to Your Colorado CCW Class

Mark Schneider

If you’ve signed up for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) class, congratulations — you’re taking an important step toward protecting yourself and understanding your rights. To help you get the most out of your concealed carry class, here’s a complete list of what to bring — and what to leave at home. Being prepared ensures you stay safe, follow the rules, and get the full benefit of your training.

1. Valid Government-Issued ID

Bring a current photo ID such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID. We are required to verify your identity to certify your course completion for your CCW application.

2. Your Firearm (Unloaded, in a Case)

Bring your unloaded handgun in a secure case. Do not handle or open the case once inside the classroom — wait for instructor directions. Firearms must:

  • Be unloaded
  • Be stored in a case
  • Have magazines removed

Never leave your firearm unattended in a vehicle outside.

3. Ammunition (Leave It in the Car)

You’ll need 100 rounds of factory ammo (unless told otherwise), but do not bring live ammo into the classroom. It must stay locked in your car until the live-fire portion begins.

4. Extra Magazines or Speedloaders

Bring at least one extra magazine for semi-autos. If you’re using a revolver, a speedloader helps save time. The more you bring, the smoother the shooting portion will go.

5. Required Clothing & Safety Gear

The following is mandatory for all live-fire range activity:

  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Appropriate range attire (no baggy or low-cut clothes)
  • Eye and ear protection
  • Brimmed hat (recommended for hot brass)

If you arrive without proper clothing or gear, you may not be allowed to shoot.

6. Note-Taking Materials

Bring a notebook and pen or tablet/iPad to take notes during the legal and safety sections. Be ready to write down:

  • Gun safety rules
  • Range commands
  • Legal definitions of deadly force and self-defense

7. Food, Snacks, and Water

Bring a packed lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. There will be a half-hour lunch break and short breaks every hour, but there may not be nearby food options.

8. Written Test – Be Prepared

All students applying for a new permit must pass a written exam covering Colorado law, firearm safety, and use of force.

✅ You must score at least 80% to pass the written test.

Pay close attention during the law section — it’s not just about passing, it’s about protecting yourself legally.

9. Live-Fire Qualification

You’ll be required to shoot from multiple distances (usually 7, 10, and 13 feet) and hit within the target silhouette.

✅ A minimum of 70% accuracy is required to pass the qualification.

Safe handling is just as important as hitting your mark. If you violate range safety rules, you can be disqualified.

10. Be On Time (Arrive 15 Minutes Early)

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before class begins. Late arrivals delay everyone and may not be admitted once the safety briefing begins.

11. Be Sober, Rested, and Presentable

You must be:

  • Sober (no alcohol, marijuana, or drugs — legal or not)
  • Well-rested
  • Practicing good hygiene
    This is a professional training environment. Treat it as such.

12. Follow All Firearm Handling Rules

Once you’re in class, do not touch, open, or handle your firearm until instructed. Instructors will walk you through all safe handling procedures — follow their directions exactly.

13. Communicate If You Need a Ride to the Range

Let your instructor know in advance if you need to carpool or get a ride to the range. We often help coordinate this for students without transportation.

14. Ask Questions and Enjoy the Experience

Don’t be afraid to speak up! Ask about the law, safety procedures, or anything you’re unsure about. This class is here for you to learn, grow, and feel confident.

📣 Ready to Train?

We offer professional, law-compliant CCW training in Denver and across Colorado — designed to help you shoot with skill and carry with confidence. Our classes include live-fire qualification and detailed instruction on Colorado’s gun laws, self-defense laws, and safe firearm handling.

👉 Colorado Concealed Carry Classes
🛡️ Compare Colorado Self-Defense Insurance Plans

🔍 CCW Classes Offered Across Colorado

We proudly serve students across the Denver metro area and beyond, including:

Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton, Englewood, Thornton, Westminster, Arvada, Centennial, Commerce City, Northglenn, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Loveland, Longmont, and Boulder. Whether you’re nearby or making a short drive, our professional CCW training is worth the trip — with expert instruction, live-fire qualification, and full guidance through the Colorado permit process.

Concealed Carry, Gear and Equipment

Should You Carry Backup Magazines?

Mark Schneider

There is an ongoing debate about whether CCW holders, Armed Security Guards and Law Enforcement should carry backup magazines or how many should be carried. Some argue that the average self-defense encounter does not require extra ammunition, while others believe in preparing for worst-case scenarios.

Three Back Up Glock 17 Mags in A Zero Nine Mag Carrier

Personally, I believe you should always carry a backup magazine—or even multiple backups. As a security professional, I carry three backup magazines on my vest while on duty. My duty firearm is a Glock 45, and since Colorado has a magazine limit of 15 rounds, I ensure I have enough ammo to handle any situation. When I conceal carry, I always carry a backup magazine using the Tulster mag carrier, which looks like a pocket knife sitting in my pocket and makes carrying an extra mag discreet and convenient.

Here are my key reasons why carrying a backup magazine(s) is essential:

1. Having Extra Ammo for a Gunfight

The most obvious reason is simply having more ammunition in case a gunfight lasts longer than expected. The USCCA’s 3-5 rule states that the average self-defense shooting for a CCW holder lasts 3 to 5 seconds, occurs at 3 to 5 yards, and involves 3 to 5 rounds fired. Statistically, that means a standard 15+1 setup should be enough in most cases.

However, statistics don’t mean much when you’re the one in the fight. I prepare for the worst, whether on duty or carrying concealed. According to Tom Givens, an expert in self-defense training, data from FBI gunfights (2012-2016) showed that 92% of engagements happened between 6 to 10 feet, with an average of 3.7 rounds fired. While that suggests a standard magazine should be sufficient, I’d rather have extra ammo than wish I had it when my life is on the line.

2. Dropped or Lost Magazines

In high-stress situations, psychological and physiological effects can impair performance. Factors like tunnel vision, loss of fine motor skills, adrenaline dump, auditory exclusion, and the fight-or-flight response all come into play. Under such stress, there’s always the possibility of accidentally dropping your magazine or hitting the mag release.

Other scenarios include:

  • The mag hitting an object while taking cover and dislodging.
  • The magazine breaking or failing.
  • Needing to clear a stoppage and dropping the mag.
  • The mag falling into an inaccessible spot—like under a car or into thick grass—during a nighttime encounter.

If that happens, do you want to waste precious time fumbling for your magazine, or would you rather grab your backup and get back in the fight? Even seasoned professionals make mistakes—Clint Smith, founder of Thunder Ranch, once broke his 1911 magazine getting out of a patrol car and his 1911 Handgun temporarily became a single shot gun.

3. Magazine Malfunctions Happen

Magazines are one of the most common failure points in a firearm. Springs wear out, feed lips get bent, and debris can cause feeding issues. If your primary magazine malfunctions in a fight, having a backup allows you to quickly swap it out and keep fighting.

4. Multiple Attackers

Self-defense situations don’t always involve just one threat. If you’re facing multiple attackers, your ammo could deplete fast. Home invasions, carjackings, and active shooter incidents all present scenarios where extra rounds could mean the difference between survival and running out of ammo.

5. Extended Engagements

While statistics suggest most gunfights are over quickly, not all fights are typical. If you’re caught in a prolonged engagement—such as an active shooter scenario, a barricaded suspect situation, or a gunfight while retreating to cover—you’ll want as much ammo as possible.

6. Active Shooter and Terrorist Attacks

In active shooter scenarios and terrorist attacks, you may face an extended fight, multiple attackers, or the need for additional rounds to neutralize the threat. In these unpredictable events, having extra ammunition can be a life-saving decision.

Consider the October 7th, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel, where attackers opened fire on civilians and security forces, leading to prolonged engagements and many casualties. Had those caught in the attack not had the proper amount of ammunition, the outcome could have been even worse. This kind of threat highlights the importance of being prepared for not only common criminal encounters but also the possibility of facing a terrorist or extremist attack.

7. Different Carry Considerations

Tulster Neo Mag on a Shield Arms Magazine
  • Security Work vs. Concealed Carry: When on duty, I carry three extra mags. When carrying concealed, I carry one spare with a low-profile Tulster mag carrier that looks like a pocket knife.
  • Low-Profile Carry: If you want extra ammo but are worried about printing, magazine carriers like NeoMag, SnagMag, or belt-mounted options make carrying easy.

8. Real-World Lessons & Historical Incidents

History has shown time and time again that having extra ammo can be critical:

  • 1986 FBI Miami Shootout – FBI agents ran out of ammo, leading to tragic results.
  • 1997 North Hollywood Shootout – Police were severely outgunned and low on ammo.
  • Kyle Rittenhouse Case – He fired multiple rounds against multiple attackers, and extra ammo was crucial.

Final Thoughts

While the statistics suggest that a single magazine might be enough in most gunfights, self-defense is about preparing for the worst, not hoping for the best. I firmly believe in carrying extra magazines because malfunctions happen, fights can last longer than expected, and multiple attackers are a reality. The addition of carrying extra ammo can be a lifesaver in the face of both everyday threats and extraordinary events like active shooter incidents or terrorist attacks.

Carrying an extra magazine(s) adds very little weight or inconvenience but provides a significant increase in survivability. Whether you’re a CCW holder, security professional, or law enforcement officer, a backup magazine(s) is an essential part of being truly prepared.

Concealed Carry, Gear and Equipment

Should You Carry With a Round in the Chamber?

Mark Schneider

A Guide for Police, Security Guards, and CCW Holders

For those in law enforcement, private security, or carrying concealed for personal protection, one of the most debated aspects of firearm carry is whether or not to have a round chambered. Whether you’re a police officer, a security guard, or a concealed carry (CCW) holder, the decision can vary depending on training, department policy, and personal preference. As someone who’s spent years in the security industry, I’ll break down the pros and cons of both approaches and explain how they impact your response time, safety, and readiness in high-stress situations.

Pros of Carrying With a Round in the Chamber

1. Speed and Readiness One of the most critical factors for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and CCW holders is how quickly you can respond to a threat. In high-stress, life-or-death situations, the time it takes to access your firearm, chamber a round, and engage a target could be the difference between life and death. Carrying with a round chambered allows you to bypass the extra step of having to rack the slide, making your firearm ready to fire immediately.

The Tueller Drill, often cited in police and security training, demonstrates the importance of action time versus reaction time. A suspect armed with a knife can cover 21 feet in less than 1.5 seconds, while it often takes even well-trained individuals longer to draw and shoot. If you add the time it takes to rack a round into the chamber, you’re slowing down your reaction time significantly. The average reaction time (the time it takes to perceive a threat and respond to it) is about 1.5 seconds, while action time (the time it takes to close the gap or initiate a threat) for an assailant can be much quicker. In situations where speed is paramount, chambering a round ahead of time ensures that your weapon is ready for action as soon as you need it.

2. Reduced Risk of Needing More Training Carrying with a round chambered simplifies the process. For police officers and security guards, who often carry a firearm for extended periods, carrying chambered doesn’t require additional skills to draw, rack the slide, and fire in an emergency. Carrying with an empty chamber requires extra training to ensure you’re not fumbling in a life-or-death situation, as drawing and chambering a round under stress can be a difficult and time-consuming task.

3. Confidence in Modern Firearm Safety Modern firearms, especially those commonly carried by law enforcement and security professionals, are designed with multiple safety mechanisms to ensure safe carry with a round chambered. For example, the Glock is equipped with a trigger safety, firing pin block, and drop safety, while the Beretta 92FS features an external safety. These features are designed to prevent accidental discharges (NDs), making it safe to carry chambered when handled properly.

Cons of Carrying With a Round in the Chamber

1. Higher Risk of a Negligent Discharge For some, the primary concern when carrying with a round chambered is the potential for a negligent discharge. This is especially a concern for those with less training or in the case of police officers and security guards who are under intense stress and fatigue. While modern firearms are designed for safety, the risk of a negligent discharge can increase if the person handling the weapon is not fully trained or if they are operating under stress or in close-quarters situations.

2. False Confidence for Inexperienced Carriers For individuals who are newer to carrying firearms, whether they are new security guards or first-time CCW holders, carrying without a round chambered can provide a false sense of security. It may seem safer, as it adds an extra layer of control by requiring the user to rack the slide before firing. However, relying on this extra step might lead to complacency in training. In reality, the ability to chamber a round under pressure is a skill that requires practice, and when you’re in a situation where every second counts, that extra step could cost you.

The Psychological and Physiological Impact

When discussing the decision to carry with a round chambered, it’s critical to understand how stress impacts both the psychological and physiological aspects of decision-making and performance. Law enforcement, security guards, and CCW holders all face life-threatening situations where stress and fear will likely play a role. It’s essential to recognize the effects these factors have on your ability to perform effectively.

Psychological Effects include:

  • Adrenaline Dump: Your body is flooded with adrenaline, which can cause your thoughts and actions to become disorganized, impairing your decision-making.
  • Tunnel Vision: Stress often causes a narrowing of your field of vision, limiting your ability to assess the situation fully.
  • Auditory Exclusion: Your ability to hear critical environmental sounds may be diminished, which can make it harder to evaluate what’s going on around you.
  • Loss of Fine Motor Skills: Under high stress, the fine motor skills required to rack a slide or perform delicate actions may be lost.
  • Gross Motor Skills Take Over: Your body may rely on larger, less precise movements, making drawing and firing your weapon simpler but less accurate.

Physiological Effects include:

  • Increased Heart Rate: A rapid heart rate can affect your coordination and motor skills.
  • Loss of Depth Perception: Stress can make it difficult to accurately judge distances, which is crucial when aiming.
  • Freezing or Posturing: The body might freeze up or prepare for combat in a way that’s not optimal for action.

Given these effects, trying to chamber a round in the midst of intense stress could be a critical flaw. Even if you’re carrying without a round chambered, the psychological and physiological factors in play could make it extremely difficult to perform the necessary actions to load and fire your weapon effectively.

The “Israeli Carry” Myth

You may have heard of the “Israeli Carry”, a term often used to describe carrying with an empty chamber. While it’s true that Israeli forces initially used this approach for safety reasons, it’s important to note that many Israeli security professionals now carry with a round chambered, especially in high-risk situations. The reason for the initial carry style was more about the variety of firearms used and ensuring safety.

In fact, the only modern firearm that you can’t carry chambered is the Sig P320 (just kidding!). But seriously, I do believe the revised P320s are safe to carry chambered, and I personally own two myself. So if you’re a P320 fan, you don’t need to worry about carrying without a round chambered—just make sure you’re aware of any safety concerns and use proper handling techniques.

Conclusion

When deciding whether to carry with a round in the chamber, it’s important to consider your level of training, the requirements of your profession (whether you’re in law enforcement, security, or a CCW holder), and your comfort with your firearm. Carrying with a round chambered is faster and more straightforward, but it also demands more attention to safety and training. If you’re a new shooter or less experienced, carrying without a round chambered might provide an extra layer of safety—but this decision could delay your reaction time in a critical situation.

Ultimately, being prepared for the psychological and physiological effects of stress, coupled with regular training, will ensure you’re ready to respond appropriately, no matter the situation.