RECOIL Presents: Concealment

COVER PHOTO BY STEVEN KUO 1 PISTOL SMITH & WESSON SHIELD X MSRP: $599 URL: smith-wesson.com 2 OPTIC VORTEX OPTICS DEFENDER-CCW ENCLOSED SOLAR MICRO RED DOT MSRP: $400 URL: vortexoptics.com 3 WEAPONLIGHT STREAMLIGHT TLR-7 HL-X SUB USB MSRP: $295 URL: streamlight.com 4 AMMO FEDERAL PERSONAL DEFENSE HYDRA-SHOK DEEP, 9MM, 135-GRAIN MSRP: $39 URL: federalpremium.com 5 SUIT JACKET 5.11 TACTICAL FOUNDER’S JACKET MSRP: $175 URL: 511tactical.com 6 BELT TENICOR ZERO BELT MSRP: $79 URL: tenicor.com 7 HOLSTER TIER 1 CONCEALED XIPHOS ELITE MSRP: Starting at $95 URL: tier1concealed.com…

Gracing the cover is the S&W Shield X, the latest and most-refined carry nine Smith has ever produced. Steven Kuo outfits it, takes it to the range, and takes us to school — read on for more. Complementing this 21st century shooter is another from Smith & Wesson, a Model 2 made in 1878 Mike Searson somehow scrounged up for our Crap Shoot column. Do you like 2011s? Do you want to carry a really cool one? Patrick McCarthy takes the already-very-nice Staccato C’24 and makes it more-betterer and shows us how (and we know he actually likes it because he’s been shooting the hell out of it). Also regarding pistols, Brazil-based Taurus launched a whole new line called the TX9 (actually, the name is technically the “TaurusTX9” as one…

1 EVAN PERPERIS THE COMBATIVES BLUEPRINT FORMAT: Softcover URL: amazon.com MSRP: $30 NOTES: It’s rare to find a single volume that effectively bridges the gap between every range of fighting. Drawing on his experiences as a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier and a lifelong pursuit of martial arts, Evan Perperis explores the full spectrum of engagement in The Combatives Blueprint. From ground grappling to artillery support, each of the eight combat ranges is meticulously analyzed using ancient Greek pankration as a framework. This 293-page resource isn’t a historical reconstruction; it identifies key concepts and training gaps by integrating lessons Perperis learned from Army combatives, jiujitsu, blade work, and firearms. Whether you’re a newb or a pro, this book offers a no-nonsense look at what actually works when the stakes are…

It was the glint of the nickel finish of this little single-action top break that first caught the eye when perusing the local Cabela’s Gun Library. It was made by Smith & Wesson in 1878, and dang if it didn’t have great character — and with a price tag of $129, it was plucked from the case. HISTORY The Smith & Wesson Model 2 Single Action (Second Model) is a top break revolver chambered in .38 S&W. The finish on this one is nickel. The rifling is sharp and showed no signs of corrosion. The cylinder holds five rounds, and the revolver uses a spur trigger with no trigger guard. Reportedly, 108,255 of these little guns were made between 1877 and 1891. There is another version of the Model 2…

HELICAL CONCEALMENT HELICAL WING SYSTEMS URL: helicalconcealment.com FITS: Variety of fitments; check website for details MSRP: Starting at $65 NOTES: One of the things that makes our country so great is the opportunity for almost anyone with an interesting idea to start a business, launch a new product, and pursue the American dream. While the business environment has gotten both tougher and easier at the same time with the ubiquity and accessibility of social media marketing along with modern production options such as additive manufacturing, entrepreneurs can bring their creations to market more quickly than ever before. Helical Concealment is one such example. Its founder, Bob Beck, has been a gun guy his whole life. However, he went to school at the esteemed Art Center College of Design for product…

Low power variable optics, or LPVOs, have become extremely popular over the past 25 years or so. These are traditional riflescopes that feature a variable zoom range starting at 1x and cranking up to higher magnification — from 4x back in the day to now 6x, 8x, 10x, and beyond. This provides a great deal of versatility, as you can use the scope at 1x for close, quick engagements while also dialing up the magnification for positive target identification, precise targets, and longer distances. Early adopters included competitive shooters and top-tier military units, with the benefits being appreciated by a wider audience over time. Nowadays, it’s common to see LPVOs mounted on civilian, law enforcement, and military rifles. However, versatility typically comes at a price — nothing in life is…