There’s no doubt about it – a pistol is the best form of self-defense going. But what about when you can’t bring your gun, or when the situation doesn’t warrant its use?

Whether you’re looking for a non-lethal self-defense solution, or you’re looking for something to back up your gun, concealed pepper spray is a viable option for EDC – as long as you know how to use it correctly.

So, let’s talk about how pepper spray works, the legal ramifications of using it, and how to best go about adding it to your everyday carry setup.

What is Pepper Spray?

We all know pepper spray as something that can stop an assailant in their tracks thanks to its burning, blinding properties. But what is pepper spray made of, and how does it work exactly?

Pepper spray, also known as Mace, capsicum spray, or OC spray, is an aerosol spray containing oil that causes burning, pain, and tears when it makes contact with someone’s eyes.

Defensive spray is primarily made up of an oil called oleoresin capsicum, which comes from plants in the Capsicum genus, including a variety of peppers like chili peppers, according to Medical News Today.

The same chemical that gives these peppers their spicy flavor is the main ingredient in pepper spray – though at a much higher concentration. It’s easy to see why this spray causes such an adverse reaction when it makes contact with someone’s eyes or skin.

There are several types of OC sprays, including sprays, gels, and streams, some of which contain a UV marking dye to help police identify attackers.

What Are the Effects of Pepper Spray?

Though considered non-lethal, the physical effects of OC spray include a wide range of symptoms – none of which are pleasant.

According to Medical News Today, the consequences of coming into contact with pepper spray include:

• Involuntary eye closure, eye pain, and temporary blindness
• Throat burning
• A runny nose
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing, dry cough, or gasping for air
• Chest pain
• Gagging
• Dizziness
• Panic
• The inability to speak
• Loss of consciousness
• Rashes, blisters, or burns

These symptoms are incredibly painful and last approximately 30 minutes or so.

Can Pepper Spray Blind You?

Considering how agonizing the symptoms of capsicum spray can be, one has to wonder whether this high concentration of chemicals can have any permanent effects on a person’s eyes.

According to an article from the Vision Eye Institute, while the immediate, uncontrollable, symptoms of OC spray can cause temporary blindness, there is a very low likelihood that a single exposure will have any long-term effects.

“Overall, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that pepper spray will cause permanent damage to the eye; however, repeated exposure could certainly cause permanent damage to the cornea,” the article reads.

According to Medical News Today, around 10% of people experience corneal abrasions (AKA eyeball scratches) after being exposed to OC spray – which is likely a result of them rubbing their eyes. Like most symptoms associated with pepper spray, these scratches are temporary and tend to go away on their own.

Should You Use Concealed Pepper Spray for EDC?

Like most topics in the self-defense world, there are arguments for and against the idea of incorporating pepper spray into your concealed carry system. While defensive spray can make a great non-lethal backup to your carry gun, it’s not foolproof.

Pros

Though it should never be used as an alternative to your carry pistol, there are plenty of reasons why one might want to add OC spray to their carry system.

First, it is a non-lethal form of defense that is perfect for circumstances in which you need to protect yourself, but deadly force is not justified. In these situations, pepper spray works better than other alternatives like a knife or your fists because you can still deploy it from a distance and the odds of you getting seriously hurt are lower.

Second, you can take defensive spray to locations where you can’t bring your weapon. Places like gun-free zones and other areas where firearms are prohibited often have no such laws regarding OC spray (though you should always verify). And while it’s not your trusty side piece, it’s better than nothing.

Next, pepper spray is a great option for anyone who can’t carry a gun. Whether you’re underage, prohibited from carrying firearms, or haven’t had the time to get your CCW permit (what are you waiting for?!), you still deserve to be safe. And if you can’t carry a pistol, capsicum spray is the next best thing.

Finally, defensive spray is super cheap. If you can’t afford a firearm, a $15 can of pepper spray is a decent substitute. And again, it’s better than going unarmed.

Cons

While there are many reasons to carry OC spray, there are a few downsides as well.

First, defensive spray can be unreliable in outdoor conditions. If the wind is blowing, not only can it prevent the spray from reaching your attacker, but it could send it into your face instead, which ends up helping the bad guy instead of stopping them.

Next, not everyone will have the same reaction to pepper spray. Someone who is highly intoxicated, for instance, may not even register that they’ve been sprayed. Glasses, masks, or other clothing items could also create a barrier that makes OC spray less effective. And those who have been sprayed before might be able to fight through the pain.

The unfortunate reality of these situations is that not only will your spray be ineffective at stopping your attacker, but it could also anger them and cause them to become even more aggressive. And by the time you realize the spray isn’t working, it could be too late to draw your gun.

Another problem with OC spray is that the risk of blowback is pretty high. Whether there’s wind, the AC is running, or a ceiling fan is on, there’s a good chance that when you deploy your spray, some will get on you as well. Even if you manage to sidestep any potential blowback, if you end up grappling with your attacker at all (which is not unlikely), those burning OC oils can transfer to you.

Finally, carrying both a firearm and pepper spray could be a problem if you accidentally grab the wrong one. When you need a gun, you need a gun. Period. And if you accidentally reach for your capsicum spray when you need a bullet, the consequences can be deadly. Along the same lines, if you draw your pistol when the situation doesn’t warrant it, you could wind up shooting someone you only meant to incapacitate.

Even if you don’t reach for the wrong weapon, that split second of hesitation you may take thinking about which one to draw could be the time your attacker needs to gain the advantage. Sometimes it’s better to have one reliable self-defense tool to avoid choice paralysis than to carry a whole range of weapons.

How to Use Pepper Spray

Using OC spray might sound like a no-brainer. After all, you just have to point and spray, right? While that might be the gist of it, there are a few safety and defensive factors to consider before pushing that button.

To use capsicum spray, grip the can in the palm of your hand with your thumb on the trigger. This not only makes the container easier to hold, but it also helps prevent your attacker from swatting it out of your hand.

Point the can in the direction of your attacker, unlock its safety mechanism, and press down to release the spray. Be sure to point the can directly at your opponent’s eyes, and spray the substance in a back-and-forth motion across their face in one-second bursts.

Once the aggressor has backed off, quit spraying. If you do need to spray a second time, aim for their mouth and nose, the USCCA recommends.

By this time, your attacker should be blind, disoriented, and in a lot of pain, giving you an opportunity to escape. Get away from the aggressor and head to a safe place, then call 911 to report what happened.

Be sure to tell the dispatcher exactly what went down and give them a description of the suspect. Let them know that you used pepper spray to defend yourself, and don’t forget to tell them if your spray had dye in it to help them locate the person they’re looking for.

Once you’re in a safe place and police are on their way, stay put. Once officers arrive, they will likely want to question you about what happened. And, because the effects of defensive spray may not stop your attacker from pursuing you further, especially if they are intoxicated, it’s best to stay where you are until you know it’s safe.

Tips for Using Pepper Spray Safely

Like with any weapon, there are certain safety factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a can of pepper spray.

First, be SURE that can is pointed at your attacker and not at yourself. It may sound silly, but it can be easy to get things turned around in the heat of the moment, and it happens more often than you’d think.

Along those same lines, be aware of pepper spray blowback. This is especially important if you’re outdoors. It should go without saying, but you should never spray Mace directly into the wind unless you want to be the one getting a faceful of chemicals.

But even if it doesn’t seem windy, there is a chance that you will get some spray on yourself, so be prepared. One of the best ways to mitigate this issue is to take a sidestep after spraying to avoid any potential blowback.

Next, before you deploy your OC spray, make sure your stream is going to hit the attacker and the attacker only. Be aware of any other people nearby and try not to spray the innocent, like your jogging buddy, your kid, or a stranger passing by.

Finally, proper storage is critical when it comes to pepper spray, especially if you have animals or small children. Keep your spray in a safe, temperature-controlled place where curious youngsters can’t access it.

What to Do if YOU Get Sprayed

Whether you accidentally spray yourself, the wind blows some toward you, or your attacker sprays back, here’s what you should do if you come into contact with pepper spray, according to Medical News Today.

• Do NOT rub your eyes – it will only make it worse.
• Rinse the exposed area with clean water and soap.
• Remove any clothing that got spray on them.
• Try not to touch the affected area. The last thing you want to do is spread the burning chemicals to other parts of your body.
• Blink your eyes rapidly to help flush out the chemicals.

The symptoms of OC spray should only last around 30 minutes. If your symptoms persist past an hour, or you’re having trouble breathing, you should seek medical attention.

How to Carry Pepper Spray

So you’ve decided to add OC spray to your EDC setup. But what’s the best way to carry it?

The considerations that go into how and where you carry pepper spray are very similar to those that go into carrying a firearm. No matter what you’re carrying, you want it to be safe and accessible.

While you can carry it on a keychain or in a bag or purse, the best way to carry pepper spray is in your pocket or hand where it is easily accessible.

Some canisters of defensive spray come with a clip so you can attach them to your EDC belt alongside your firearm. Just be sure to keep your gun and spray in entirely different spots and train with them both frequently, so you don’t accidentally mix them up in the heat of the moment.

And, as always, your OC spray should be carried in a way that keeps it out of the hands of unauthorized users. That means your diaper bag is probably not the best place to keep it.

When to Use Pepper Spray

Self-defense is all about using the correct amount of force necessary to neutralize a threat. Using too much or too little force in a defensive situation can have serious consequences.

OC spray is not meant to replace your carry gun. Rather, it should be used as a backup or alternative to your firearm, depending on the situation. Pepper spray should be used to defend yourself in the event someone attacks you, but the use of deadly force is not justified.

You should never attempt to use defensive spray to protect yourself in a situation where a gun is required to stop the threat. So, even if you start with pepper spray, you should be prepared to draw your weapon if the situation intensifies.

On the other hand, just because capsicum spray isn’t lethal, it is considered assault if you spray someone without justification – much like punching someone in the face. So, how do you know if your use of OC spray is justified?

You should only use pepper spray in self-defense, plain and simple. Every state has different laws, so it’s important to understand what is considered self-defense where you live. Beyond that, it will be up to you to determine whether you’re legally justified in using defensive spray in a given situation.

Whether or not deadly force is justified in a situation is up to local laws and your discretion in the moment, so be sure you understand the difference before heading out into the world with a weapon of any kind.

Which States Can You Carry Capsicum Spray In?

It is perfectly legal to carry pepper spray for self-defense in all 50 U.S. states. It is important to note, however, that many states do have their own specific laws and regulations when it comes to OC spray.

For example, some states restrict the amount of spray you’re allowed to carry, while others regulate the strength of the spray. Many states also require you to be at least 18 years old to buy or carry capsicum sprays.

Every state is different, so be sure to check the rules where you live before incorporating pepper spray into your EDC setup.

Training With OC Spray

Just like with your carry gun, it’s important to regularly train with your pepper spray to ensure you know how to use it when seconds count.

Much like dry fire training with your pistol, you can practice drawing, aiming, and disengaging the safety of your OC spray at home until you’ve got the motions down. Just be sure not to keep the can pointed in a safe direction, and be careful not to accidentally deploy the spray – especially indoors (we promise you’ll regret it).

It’s also a great idea to head outside for a test spray to give you an idea of the amount of pressure you need to spray, how far the substance will go, and generally what to expect. This also helps ensure your spray hasn’t expired and is operational.

As always, safety first, so don’t do your practice spray anywhere near people or animals and consider wearing gloves, long sleeves, and goggles to keep from getting any of it on you.

Choosing the Best Self Defense Pepper Spray

If you’ve ever browsed for pepper spray, you know there are countless variations. From gels to sprays, to those with keychains and dyes, how do you know which is best for you?

Before you can choose the best spray for your needs, it’s important to understand what you’re looking at so you don’t look like a deer in the headlights in the aisle of your local sporting goods store.

The first thing you should decide is the type of OC spray you want to use. There are three main types of sprays available on the market: sprays, streams, and gels.

A spray or “fogging” device is designed to spray its contents in the form of a fine mist – much like a can of hairspray, according to the NRA. The benefits of this form are that it can cover a larger area and does a great job of getting into a person’s lungs and eyes. It can also create a cloud that lingers in the air for a moment that creates a barrier between you and your attacker.

The downside of a spray is that it can’t go as far as other forms do, and there’s a larger chance that it could blow back onto yourself if there’s any wind.

Stream-style OC sprays are a great option that squirts the capsicum substance at your attacker. While this type is much less likely to blow back onto the defender, it’s also harder to hit your assailant thanks to its more concentrated stream, so you have to have good aim. It does have the farthest reach of all the forms, though, and is most popular among civilians.

Finally, gels are a thicker version of the stream-style pepper spray. Though effective at sticking to its intended target, especially since it’s difficult to wipe off, this style of spray can be slower-acting and, like the stream, requires a certain level of precision to work.

Once you’ve decided on the type of spray you want to use, you’ll need to take a look at factors such as OC content, size, range, and carry style.

The first thing to look at is the percentage of Capsaicinoids (AKA “spicy stuff”) the spray contains. Most defensive sprays contain somewhere between 0.18% to 1.33% Major Capsaicinoids (MC) with bear spray having the highest concentration at 1-2% MC, the NRA writes. The higher the MC percentage, the stronger the spray.

The next thing to look at is the effective range of the spray you’re looking at. It goes without saying that the farther away you can be from your attacker, the better. So, you want to choose a pepper spray that can travel a nice long distance. Most sprays advertise a range of anywhere from 10-18 feet. Keep in mind that’s the maximum distance and doesn’t factor in things like wind or movement, so understand that number may be a bit shorter in actuality.

Next up is the sprays per can. Most OC sprays are fired in short, 0.5-2 second bursts, though some can be sprayed continuously until the can is empty. The type you choose is up to your preference, just be sure you know how many sprays are in the can you buy, or how long it can spray continuously, so you can be prepared.

Lastly, you want to look at the design of the can itself. Defensive sprays come in many forms, with many different purposes and safety mechanisms. Some have a twist safety feature, while others have a cap over the top of the spray nozzle. Pick whichever one is easiest for you to operate and be sure to practice with it regularly.

The design of the spray canister is important as well. There are OC sprays designed to be carried on a key ring, some come with hand straps for running, while others are just a simple can. Pick whichever one best fits your lifestyle.

One form of spray thatsome experts do not recommend using is the gun-shaped container. While these are helpful in aiming and spraying at your intended target, they do open up the possibility of escalating a situation.

The last thing you want is for someone to think you’re holding a pistol when you aren’t and react inappropriately. And you never want to accidentally mistake your pepper spray for your actual gun, or vice versa, in the heat of the moment.

Defensive Spray Recommendations

The best OC spray for you will depend on your needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

Before you buy a can of pepper spray, you should always do your research to make sure it will meet your needs. That being said, here are a few recommendations to get you started.

One of the most popular capsicum spray brands on the market today is SABRE. These guys sell everything from small keychain canisters to full-on bear spray and everything in between. SABRE sprays are incredibly high-strength, have a range of 10-25 feet, and are individually tested. They sell sprays with UV marking dye, running straps, and practice canisters, among many others.

Even though “Mace” is often used interchangeably with “pepper spray,” it’s actually a brand name, not a general term for OC spray. Mace is one of the most well-known defensive spray brands of all time, and for good reason. The company is all about educating people about self-defense and sells a wide variety of concealed pepper spray products, including a range of sprays and gels that come in a lot of colors and styles.

Finally, we would be remiss not to include Fox Labs as one of the best pepper spray brands going. While they have a wide range of products, their “Mean Green” spray, in particular, is worth checking out. It is not only incredibly strong heat-wise, but also contains a bright green staining dye that’s hard to miss.

Does Pepper Spray Expire?

If you plan to carry pepper spray, understand that it will need to be replaced every so often. A can of OC spray will expire, just not for the reason you would think.

While the actual ingredients in capsicum spray don’t expire, the canister itself will eventually go bad, according to the Pepper Spray Store. Most pepper sprays use aerosol to propel their contents, which can leak out of the canister over time and cause it to lose pressure.

For this reason, it’s important to replace expired pepper spray and test the cans you have regularly. The last thing you want is to reach for your defensive spray and find that it has weakened, or worse, won’t spray at all.

Most experts recommend giving your can a test spray every 90-180 days or so, just to ensure it’s in working condition.

To help give your capsicum spray a longer shelf life, make sure to store it at room temperature. So, while it can be tempting to leave it in your car, don’t. Exposing your can of pepper spray to extreme heat or cold can speed up the expiration process, so it’s best to keep it on your person or in a temperature-controlled environment.

Summary

Pepper spray is a commonly used self-defense tool that can make a great addition to your everyday carry system. Before you do so, however, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your local laws, learn how to properly use OC spray, and understand the risks associated with it.

If you’re looking for a new IWB, OWB, or pocket carry holster, visit our Holsters by Gun Model page for Kydex holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice.

Interested in items beyond holsters? Check out our Resources Page for links to recommended products like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more, and browse our selection of belts, apparel, and accessories at our website, vedderholsters.com.

To stay up-to-date on all the latest Vedder Holsters content and offerings, check out our blog and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. And be sure to visit our sister company, GeoGrit, for all of your American-made minimalist wallet needs.

Check out the original post at VedderHolsters.com.

As concealed carriers, one of the best training tools we have is to study a variety of self-defense cases and learn from them.

By evaluating these situations and looking at what went wrong, what went right, and how it might have been handled differently, we gain a better understanding of how these incidents unfold and become better prepared to defend ourselves.

On September 16, 2016, an Atlanta restaurant manager successfully defended her home against three armed intruders when they broke in looking for cash. Let’s get into it.

Incident Breakdown

Just before 3:45 a.m. in an unincorporated neighborhood just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, two residents were asleep in their separate rooms when three men broke into the house.

The event was captured on the home’s security system, so you can clearly see what went down from two different angles. Official footage of the incident can be viewed here, so you can watch what happened for yourself. WARNING: the video may be disturbing to some viewers.

At the beginning of the video, three men are seen entering the house through the front door, each armed with a pistol. They quickly spread out, looking throughout the home, which is filled with boxes and restaurant supplies as it was being occupied by local seafood restaurant manager Chen Fengzhu, and one of her employees, Ruben Mejia, for work-related reasons, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

One man, seen in the video wearing a wig, heads toward the kitchen, one in a hat heads down the hall, and another wearing a white hoodie spends a moment trying to close the front door. The man closing the door hears something going on down the hallway and goes to check it out with his gun drawn.

Although we can’t see it in the video, the men were in Meija’s room during this time, holding a gun to his head and demanding money, he told WSB-TV 2 in an interview.

“They come inside my house, they break the door,” Mejia said. “They asked me about money. I say, ‘I don’t have any money.’”

Knowing that Chen was asleep in her room down the hall, Mejia reportedly tried to make as much noise as possible in hopes that she would wake up and call 911.

Case Note: This is an excellent example of staying calm and compliant in a life-threatening situation, while still taking steps to raise the alarm. In this incident, Mejia did a great job of alerting the other person in the house that there was danger, without tipping off the invaders to her whereabouts.

In the video, we then see the man in the hoodie walking back into the frame and talking with the man in the wig. The two of them head into the kitchen, look out the back door, and walk back into the entryway. The one wearing the hoodie goes back down the hall toward Mejia’s room and trades places with the man in the hat, who reappears on camera.

That’s when we see Chen appear in the hallway at the back of the house. The two men immediately notice her, point their guns in her direction, and start moving toward her. Chen begins firing her weapon, and the men duck and run out the front door. Chen, who is holding her pistol in one hand and her phone with police dispatch on the line in the other, chases after them – continuing to shoot.

“First, I chose to call 911. I called on the phone while I took out the pistol, but my phone call couldn’t get through. So I had to open fire on them while calling 911,” Chen later recounted in an interview with the CCTV Video News Agency. “I didn’t feel scared at that moment, and all I thought about was how to deal with the situation.”

Case Note: Whenever possible, it’s always best to call the police before engaging with a home intruder. It is important to get help on the way as quickly as possible in these situations, as it will take some time for them to arrive.

The man in the hoodie then comes flying out of the other hallway, running in front of her and pointing his gun at her as he passes by. Chen continues shooting out the front door at the other two men, striking one in the torso, and the man in the hoodie runs through the kitchen and out the back door, breaking the glass to get out. Police said at least one of the men returned fire during the incident.

Case Note: In a situation like a home invasion, it’s important to remember your safety should be your top priority. Take cover whenever possible to protect yourself in the event the intruders shoot back. Fortunately, the residents in this case were uninjured, but it could have taken a very different turn if one of their bullets had found its mark.

Once the intruders were gone, the video shows Chen and Mejia walking through the house and turning on the lights. They check to make sure one another is okay, and Mejia takes the gun from Chen, finding she had completely emptied it on the intruders.

Case Note: Once a home invader retreats, it’s highly recommended to return to a safe room, lock the door, and wait for authorities to arrive as you never know for sure how many intruders are in your house. Like in this case, robbers often work in groups, and there is always the risk that another intruder is lurking around the corner.

The Aftermath

When police arrived at the house, they found one of the burglars (the one seen wearing a wig in the video) lying in the driveway. The man, who they later identified as 28-year-old Antonio Leeks, had been shot in the torso and died at the scene after first responders attempted life-saving measures, according to a Gwinnett County Police press release.

“Police took off the burglar’s clothes and attempted to resuscitate him for about 15 to 20 minutes, and then they told me they had failed to save him,” Chen told CCTV+.

Chen and Mejia were both transported to the Gwinnett County Police Headquarters for questioning, but no charges were brought against Chen as she was found to have acted in self-defense, according to a WSB-TV 2 report. Georgia is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law, meaning a person does not have a duty to retreat before using deadly force when faced with a forcible felony – like armed robbery, according to the U.S. Concealed Carry Association.

“She exercised her right to defend her livelihood and property,” Cpl. Deon Washington with the Gwinnett County Police Department told WSB-TV 2.

A police investigation revealed that the two remaining suspects had likely fled the scene by vehicle. Although they expected the suspects to be quickly apprehended thanks to the security footage that clearly caught their faces on camera, it wasn’t until 18 months later that one of the remaining suspects was identified. The other was still at large at the time of this writing.

The suspect who was caught – the man who is seen wearing the hoodie in the video – was identified as 35-year-old Bernard Eugene Little from Atlanta. Little was arrested on March 29, 2018, booked into the Gwinnett County Jail, and charged with felony murder and armed robbery.

In the state of Georgia, if someone is committing a felony and another person dies as a result, they can be charged with murder even if they were not the one who killed them. Or, as Georgia Code 16-5-1 states, “A person commits the offense of murder when, in the commission of a felony, he or she causes the death of another human being irrespective of malice.”

Reflection

After learning the details of the encounter, it’s time to reflect on what happened and how you might have handled the same situation.

Do you think the shooter was justified in this incident? Why or why not? Do you think there was anything that could or should have been done differently? How would you have handled the same situation? Be sure to share your thoughts on this concealed carry case with us on social media @VedderHolsters.

Knowledge is power, and analyzing incidents like these can only serve to better prepare you to respond appropriately in the event you are faced with a similar situation. For more resources on training, information on local gun control and concealed carry laws, and general CCW tips, check out the U.S. Concealed Carry Association.

If you’re looking for a new IWB, OWB, or pocket carry holster, visit our Holsters by Gun Model page for Kydex holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice.

Interested in items beyond holsters? Check out our Resources Page for links to recommended products like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more, and browse our selection of belts, apparel, and accessories at our website, vedderholsters.com.

To stay up-to-date on all the latest Vedder Holsters content and offerings, check out our blog and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. And be sure to visit our sister company, GeoGrit, for all of your American-made minimalist wallet needs.

Check out the original post at VedderHolsters.com.

Vedder Holsters was founded on the belief that quality concealed carry resources should be accessible to everyone who wants to exercise their right to carry.

And now, we’re excited to introduce Women of Vedder – a community designed for women interested in firearms and self-defense.

Women of Vedder is a space to discuss concealed carry, ask questions, enjoy educational content, and access exclusive promotions and giveaways. But more than that, it’s a supportive group of women dedicated to taking their personal protection into their own hands, and helping each other along the way.

The women-only Facebook group launches on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023. We hope you’ll join us in uniting women in the gun community and encouraging shooters of every experience level on their journey of self-defense.

Closing the Gap: The Rise of The Female Gun Owner

For a long time, women were a quiet minority in the firearms community – but that’s no longer the case.

Over the past several years, the number of women who own and carry guns has dramatically increased. We’re now the fastest-growing demographic in the industry, and about half of all new gun owners in 2021 were women.

And there are some very compelling reasons as to why.

According to a 2021 A Girl & A Gun survey, many women cited civil unrest, political concerns, the pandemic, rising crime rates, resource shortages, and personal experiences as the reason they decided to purchase a gun and seek training.

At the end of the day, many women simply want to be prepared to protect themselves and their families in a volatile world. And others just enjoy shooting!

Even though the number of women who carry is on the rise, the industry as a whole hasn’t caught up yet. Women are looking for information, resources, and quality gear that fits their lifestyle, and that’s where WOV comes in.

The Mission Behind ‘Women of Vedder’: Brooke’s Story

It’s no secret that women have unique experiences when it comes to using and carrying firearms.

What works for men doesn’t always work for women – we’re built differently, have different preferences, and often carry for different reasons – and it can be hard to find the solutions we’re looking for.

That’s exactly why we decided to start Women of Vedder, to create a space where women can feel comfortable discussing and learning about concealed carry concepts specific to the female experience, without fear of judgment.

Every woman has a story to tell. Most of us can remember the exact moment and reason we decided to arm ourselves, and many can relate to the feeling of trying to learn and be included in what can be an intimidating culture.

When Vedder Holsters Co-Founder Brooke Vedder started carrying, she recalls the way it felt to look for answers online, only to face judgment as a beginner. Her relatable and all-too-common story is what inspired the concept behind Women of Vedder, and its open and supportive structure.

Here is her story:

“I was raised in a family that had strong Second Amendment beliefs. My dad immigrated to the United States when he was a child, so he always valued the rights we have as Americans. Safety was a big priority in my childhood, and we were raised to keep ourselves secure and take care of each other. As big as we were into safety, we didn’t train a lot growing up, so my comfort level wasn’t as high as I would have liked it to be surrounding firearms.

“When Mike and I started Vedder Holsters, my gun knowledge was mediocre at best. My primary role in the company is accounting and systems related, and I wasn’t very involved in the firearms aspect of the business at first.

“When I started having kids, my perspective changed. I had more to consider than just myself. It was at that time that I began to carry more than I ever had in the past.

“I began looking for information because I knew that I wanted to give myself the absolute best chance at defending myself if I was ever faced with a life-threatening situation.

“I started by looking online casually, and I couldn’t find a place where I could go to get the answers I needed without also receiving a lot of judgment for not already knowing. It was intimidating to ask the questions I needed to feel comfortable making the choices that needed to be made as far as what my carry gun would be and getting comfortable using it.

“This was a problem, because that information is so important to have in order to safely carry and feel comfortable doing so.

“I was in a unique situation because at Vedder Holsters I was surrounded by very knowledgeable people who were happy to train me until I was completely comfortable carrying. I did think, however, that many women may be in the same situation that I was and not have a good place to go for information and to ask questions.

“Experiences like that are what led us to create a space where women could come and ask questions, find information, and learn about concealed carry. So that if they choose to carry, they can do so safely and feel more comfortable and confident the next time they go to their local gun shop or range.”

By Women, For Women: About WOV

Whether you’re a professional shooter or just beginning your journey, you need a community of like-minded women who have your back.

The Women of Vedder Facebook group was specifically designed to offer support, resources, and education for women in the gun community. Our hope is that members will encourage one another by asking questions, offering tips and tricks, and showing off their skills.

WOV is run entirely by the women of Vedder Holsters, for the women who love Vedder Holsters (or will love us!). Our personal experiences are what drove us to create a group like this, and we hope you’ll be inspired to share your own stories as well.

We have a lot of big things planned for Women of Vedder, and we hope you’ll join us along the way! In addition to being part of a greater, like-minded community, you’ll also have access to exclusive content from our team and a variety of experts in the industry.

Group members will have the opportunity to give input on future Vedder Holsters products from time to time, as well as request articles and videos covering specific topics – because we want to provide the content you actually want.

We’ll also be hosting exciting events, giveaways, and promotions that will only be available to members of our group. So, stay tuned and be sure to share with all your gun-toting friends so they don’t miss out!

To join Women of Vedder, visit our Facebook group here. Keep reading to learn more about the story behind Women of Vedder, and why we feel it’s so important to have a space dedicated to women in this market.

We’ll see you there! 

Check out the original post at VedderHolsters.com.

Anyone who prefers their chocolate “loaded” is familiar with the chocolate martini. Although there are countless variations of this classic cocktail, it’s most commonly made with a combination of vodka, chocolate liqueur, and Irish cream liqueur, and it is simply divine.

However, a martini isn’t complete without its garnish, and chocolate martinis allow you to get more creative than with many other variations. Still, there are rules to follow. A proper garnish should bring both style and flavor to a martini, adding to the sensory experience without taking away from the drink itself. A garnish has the power to turn an otherwise ordinary cocktail into something extraordinary or make it downright forgettable, so choose wisely!

Fortunately, chocolate martinis are one of the easiest cocktails to garnish. That sophisticated glass and smooth chocolate surface make the perfect canvas for whatever your heart desires. If you need some inspiration, we’ve got you covered with these creative ways to garnish your chocolate martinis.

Double down on the chocolate

What better way to garnish chocolate than with more chocolate? Chocolate is by far one of the most foolproof ingredients for decorating a chocolate martini, and it opens up plenty of room for creativity as well. You can make it as simple as dusting the top with any number of different types of cocoa powder, or as complex as creating intricate chocolate decorations.

If you want to get fancy, you can make decorations by piping tempered chocolate into a shape or design before letting it dry. You can make anything from hearts to flowers to swirls — you’re only limited by your imagination. One unusual but intriguingly effective hack is to create beautiful chocolate garnishes with bubble wrap. By spreading melted chocolate over clean bubble wrap and letting it harden, you can create a stunning, textured garnish in no time. 

Chocolate ribbons are another great garnish for a chocolate martini, and once you get the hang of it, they’re easy to make. Use a vegetable peeler to make perfect chocolate ribbons by gently scraping the edge of a chocolate bar, resulting in pretty curls. 

Give it a swirl

As one of the most elegant styles of glassware, the martini glass has a cone-shaped body and long stem, all practically begging for a swirl. This elegant look can be easily achieved by taking your choice of syrup and lightly swirling it into your glass, starting from the bottom up, before adding the liquid.

Not only does this give your cocktail an elegant look, but it adds great flavor as well. Whether you want to add extra chocolate, butterscotch, or fruit syrup, just be sure to choose a quality ingredient that will add flavor to your martini. Ghirardelli offers a range of flavorful dessert sauces, or you can make your own in flavors like strawberry, salted caramel, or blueberry. That said, there are no rules when it comes to syrup swirls, beyond that they should taste fantastic and be thick enough not to mix too readily with the liquid you’re adding to the glass.

Choose a unique rim for your glass

A rim is one of the most common ways to garnish any drink. Rimming your glass is one of the easiest and most fun ways to beautify and enhance the flavor of any cocktail, and it can be especially fun for chocolate martinis.

The best rims for a chocolate martini depend on the season, occasion, and aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. No matter what you decide to run with, the process of rimming a cocktail is the same. You’ll need to start with a liquid bond — like fruit juice, chocolate syrup, or caramel sauce — followed by a grainy ingredient like sugar, toasted coconut shavings, or crushed candy. Simply wet the rim of your glass, then dip it into a plate full of your unique ingredients for flavorful cocktail rims, and voilà!

It’s also fun to get creative with this element. Crushed peppermint candy is always a great pairing choice when it comes to chocolate, and you can use white or dark chocolate syrup to bond it. Crushed cookies, pretzels, and sprinkles are also great toppings to rim with a chocolate base. You can also make a salted caramel rim by starting with a caramel sauce and rolling it in a sugar and sea salt mixture.

Sweeten things up with a candy garnish

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, topping your chocolate martini with a candy garnish might be just the thing you need to elevate this already delightful cocktail. So many candies pair well with chocolate martinis, adding not only a pop of color and a bit of flavor but something fun to snack on as well, adding to the overall sensory experience.

Mint, peanut butter, and fruity candies all taste great when paired with chocolate, not to mention toffee, marshmallow, and vanilla. So don’t be afraid to use anything from gummy bears to candy canes to a Snickers bar as a garnish for your chocolate martini. Depending on the candy, you can sprinkle it on top of your drink, affix it to the side of the glass, or even stick two to three pieces onto a cocktail skewer for a larger garnish. You can get as classy or as playful as you like with this one, and either way, you’ll have a sweet and indulgent cocktail that’s reminiscent of dessert. 

Play around with fresh or freeze-dried fruit

Fruit and chocolate are a match made in heaven, especially since the unexpectedly modern origin of chocolate-covered strawberries. Nowadays people pair everything from oranges to blueberries to watermelon with chocolate. And, since fruit makes such a fantastic cocktail garnish to begin with, it only makes sense to use it as a garnish for a chocolate martini.

You can always take the simple route by sticking a slice of fruit onto the rim of your glass. Or, if you’re feeling creative, hand-cut fruit fans make a stunning cocktail garnish guaranteed to impress. Making these garnishes involves thinly slicing your choice of firm fruit, spearing the slices onto a toothpick or cocktail skewer, and spreading them out into a fan shape. Or, for a unique twist on the fruit garnish, float a piece or two of freeze-dried fruit on the surface of your martini, or use dehydrated fruit to garnish your rim. 

Stick with a honeycomb garnish

Sweet, flavorful, and sticky, honey is one of nature’s best desserts. Honey or honeycomb also happens to pair well with both chocolate and cocktails, making it one of the tastiest and most creative ways to garnish your chocolate martinis. There are two ways you can go about this. The first is to garnish your cocktail with a cube of raw honeycomb, while the second involves making honeycomb toffee. Both are a fantastic addition to a chocolate martini, so it comes down to your preference.

Raw honeycomb is not only a unique and sensory-rich garnish, but also has natural aesthetic appeal thanks to its hexagonal pattern. To make a honeycomb garnish, cut a block of it into small cubes, pierce them with cocktail spears, and freeze them until ready to serve. The best place to buy raw honeycomb is at your local farmer’s market or natural food store, or through an online vendor like the Savannah Bee Company.

If you’re not a fan of raw honeycomb or need a quick solution with ingredients you already have on hand, honeycomb toffee is a great alternative. This recipe is made with sugar, honey, water, and baking soda, and the result is light, crunchy, candy-like pieces that you can use as a garnish on their own, or dip them in melted chocolate with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Add a little cookie crunch

Cookies. Need we say more? Not only are they one of the most nostalgic desserts, but they’re also easy to customize and make into a fantastic chocolate martini garnish. There are multiple techniques you can use to garnish your cocktail with a cookie, including using the crumbs for a rim, balancing a small cookie atop another stabilizing garnish like whipped cream, or positioning a half or whole cookie on the rim itself if it’s soft enough to cut.

As far as the type of cookie you should use, the sky’s the limit. Manufactured cookies like Oreos, Biscoff, and Girl Scout Cookies all taste great with chocolate drinks. If you enjoy baking, you can get as creative as you want, and may even want to make mini cookie garnishes. There are so many types of cookies to choose from, and you can’t go wrong with any of them — although chocolate chip, peanut butter, shortbread, and biscotti are all classic choices that pair well with a chocolate martini.

Beautify your martini with edible flowers

A garnish is largely about adding aesthetic appeal to a cocktail, and what’s more beautiful than a flower? Because you’re incorporating them into a beverage, edible flowers are typically the best choice. Fortunately, there are plenty of edible flowers to choose from that not only look pretty but also add flavor and aroma to the cocktail.

When choosing a floral garnish for a chocolate martini, consider the type of chocolate you’ll be using. If you’re making a white chocolate martini, you can use nearly any flower, as the chocolate’s subtle sweetness will allow even the lightest floral notes, like rose and lilac, to come through. Milk and dark chocolate martinis tend to pair better with more fragrant flowers, as the strong cocoa flavors can easily overpower lighter floral varieties. Some of the best flowers to garnish a classic dark or milk chocolate martini include pansies, lavender, cherry blossoms, and hibiscus.

Pour in some cereal

You may not be enjoying your martini during breakfast, but reaching for that box of cereal in your cupboard might be just the thing you need to add a little playfulness to the drink. Not only does cereal add different flavors and a crunchy texture to a cocktail, but it can incorporate some nostalgia and whimsy into the martini.

Although puffed cocoa cereal is an obvious choice — a concept introduced with Bar Margot’s Weekend at Vinnie’s cocktail , instantly becoming one of the most unique cocktail garnishes from bars around the U.S. — you can get as creative as you want. There are so many cereals to choose from, with Golden Grahams, Reese’s Puffs, and Cookie Crisp all pairing nicely with chocolate, while Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops are fun options as well.

When choosing a cereal, avoid anything that might get soggy too quickly, since a martini is a slow-sipping cocktail. The last thing you want is a lump of mush in your drink. Once you’ve determined your cereal of choice, simply sprinkle a small pile onto the top of your martini just before serving, and enjoy. 

Sprinkle in a few espresso beans

For a chocolate martini with an added pick-me-up, espresso beans make a subtle and sophisticated garnish. Traditionally used in espresso martinis, a high-quality bean also works well to give chocolate martinis a mocha twist. But, there’s more to it than simply tossing a few java beans into your drink. Exactly three beans are traditionally used to garnish an espresso (in this case, chocolate) martini, a trifecta that represents health, wealth, and happiness.

Like most garnishes, the espresso beans aren’t necessarily meant to be eaten, although they are edible and can make for a nice, crunchy addition to your drink. Either way, you’ll want to choose a quality espresso bean with a bold, rich flavor that’ll add beauty and aroma to your cocktail. Using actual espresso beans over coffee beans is ideal, as they have an oily sheen that looks great atop a creamy chocolate martini.

Go sweet and salty with a bacon garnish

If this suggestion sounds strange to you, you’ve likely never experienced the sweet-and-salty match made in heaven that is bacon and chocolate. Trust us when we say a bacon garnish will not only make for an interesting conversation starter at your next gathering, but it will create a fantastic flavor profile as well.

Fortunately, it’s a pretty easy garnish to whip up, too. While you can simply fry up some strips of bacon and pop them into your chocolate martini, chocolate-covered bacon is even better. To make chocolate bacon, simply use your preferred method to cook some bacon until it’s crisp, let it drain and cool completely, and use a basting brush to spread melted chocolate on both sides of each piece. Whether you cover the entire piece in chocolate or just half is up to you, as is the type of chocolate you prefer. 

If you want an extra sweet garnish, you can make candied bacon by sprinkling a layer of brown sugar over the top as it cooks. Either way, you’re sure to be pleasantly surprised by how well this pairs with a chocolate martini. 

Spice it up with a hot pepper

If you’re a fan of spicy cocktails or Mexican hot chocolate, a hot pepper might be the perfect garnish for your chocolate martini. Chocolate and spice are a fantastic combination, and a hot pepper garnish will give your martini a spicy twist. To do this, simply take a clean pepper of your choice and drop it into your martini just before serving. You can even toss a pepper or two into the shaker as you make your chocolate martini to add extra heat.

Several types of peppers pair with chocolate-forward beverages that can add a nice kick without overpowering your cocktail. Chili peppers and jalapenos both work well as chocolate martini garnishes while adding a nice pop of color to your drink. That being said, specific types of peppers tend to work better with certain chocolates than with others, which should be considered when choosing a garnish. Chipotle, for example, is a great option for adding a little smokiness to a dark chocolate martini, while ancho chilis are best with milder chocolates. Meanwhile, guajillo is a great choice for any type of chocolate martini.

Add some pizzazz with a smoked cinnamon stick

Some garnishes add subtle beauty to a cocktail, and some are just straight showmanship. If you prefer the latter and aren’t afraid to play with a little bit of fire, a smoked cinnamon stick might be the perfect choice for your chocolate martini — especially if you’re serving these up while entertaining guests.

A garnish should be an experience for all of your senses, and a cinnamon stick provides just that. Not only is it a beautiful addition to your cocktail, but you can torch a cinnamon stick to add spicy flavor and a wonderful, warm aroma as well. And this garnish is easier to execute than you might think. Simply use a kitchen torch or lighter to heat the cinnamon stick until it begins to smoke, then carefully balance it on the rim of your glass to create a smoky garnish that will leave an impression without requiring much prep work.

Finish with a classic citrus curl

Perhaps the most common cocktail garnish, citrus is one of the best ways to enhance a chocolate martini. Lemon, orange, grapefruit … we learned long ago that citrus varieties are among the best fruits to pair with chocolate. A citrus wedge, slice, strip, or curl are all great ways to add a bit of color to a traditional or white chocolate martini.

Curls are perhaps the most elegant of the citrus garnishes. If the idea of making a curl is a little intimidating, don’t worry. It’s a lot easier than it looks. Utilizing a cheese slicer is one of the best kitchen hacks for making citrus curls, and is much safer and easier to use than the classic Y-style peeler. Whatever method you choose, use fresh, vibrant fruit, and carefully balance the garnish on the edge of the rim for an elegant look.

Get cozy with a toasted marshmallow

There’s something about a toasted marshmallow that takes you right back to childhood camping trips. But marshmallows aren’t just for kids anymore. A toasted marshmallow makes a fantastic garnish, adding a smoky-yet-sweet element to a cocktail, and this creates a stunning visual contrast when placed atop a dark and creamy chocolate martini.

There are a few ways to do this, depending on how much marshmallow action you’re looking for. The first is to spear a marshmallow with a cocktail skewer and toast it with a lighter or kitchen torch. Then, balance it over the rim of the glass. For an extra showy garnish, you can light the marshmallow on fire just before serving. If one marshmallow just won’t cut it for you, sprinkle a few (or a lot of) mini marshmallows onto the top of the drink, and gently toast them with an open flame. 

Top with a swirl of whipped cream or meringue

A chocolate martini is like dessert in a glass. Why not garnish it like one? Whipped cream and meringue have long been the toppings of choice for a wide range of desserts, and make a great addition to a chocolate martini as well. A dollop of regular whipped cream makes a lovely garnish on its own, but if you want to get more creative, adding a vanilla, peppermint, or coconut extract to your homemade whipped cream can add a boost of flavor as well. Bitters are another great addition to a whipped cream cocktail garnish, and can add some complex notes of spice and fruit.

If you want to get extra fancy, adding a swirl of meringue onto your martini is a great way to add some flair. Whether flavored or plain, this airy, glossy, and subtly sweet garnish is both visually appealing and tasty. It’s simple to make a meringue recipe, too, consisting of only egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and extracts if you’re looking for added flavor. 

Check out the original post at TastingTable.com.

Dads are the best. They’re protective, supportive, and have the funniest terrible jokes, but they’re not always easy to shop for. 

When you ask some dads about what they want as a gift, they have a long list of things they want. And others just… don’t. When you ask them for a gift list, they tell you they want (drumroll please) absolutely NOTHING. 

How are we supposed to work with that? 

Buying gifts for a dad who wants nothing isn’t easy. But our dads do so much for us, and when it comes time to show them our appreciation, we’re going to give them something whether they like it or not. 

These poor chaps are probably tired of receiving ties and tube socks, so without further ado, here are the top 10 gift ideas for dads who say they want nothing. 

A Unique Experience 

One of the absolute best gifts for the man who has everything and wants nothing is to pay for an experience he’ll never forget.

The best part about this gift is that it can easily be tailored to his interests while not taking up any space in his house. Everything from driving a racecar to tickets to see his favorite musician, comedian, or sports team, to a pass to a nearby air and space museum will surely make him happy. 

If you need inspiration, check out sites like Xperience Days or Eventbrite to see what’s going on in his area. No matter what your dad is into, there’s sure to be something right up his alley!  

GeoGrit Wallet

If you’re looking for the perfect gift he never knew he needed, you may want to buy your dad an American-made GeoGrit slim wallet. 

These ergonomic, minimalist wallets are durable, RFID-blocking, and small enough to fit in your front pocket. And best of all, they’re backed by a lifetime warranty, so he’ll never have to buy another wallet again.

You can customize one of these wallets especially for your dad, by choosing from one of seven aluminum and carbon fiber designs and opting for either a cash strap or money clip, depending on his style.

BBQ Sauce or Seasoning Kit

If your father is into barbecuing (or just eating it, either way) you can’t go wrong with a variety pack of BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or grilling rub. 

If you want to personalize it, you could grab him a few bottles of rub or sauce from your favorite local restaurant or farmer’s market. Otherwise, The Tailgate Foodie offers a wide selection of seasoning gift boxes, BBQ sauce samplers, and even wild game kits for the outdoorsman. All their products are handmade in Wisconsin and are very popular among grilling enthusiasts.

If you think he’d want to try making his own, he may like this kit for making whiskey-infused hot sauces or this artisan BBQ sauce-making kit. No matter what you decide to go with, he’ll enjoy sampling the various sauces and may even spark up a new hobby! 

A New Knife

A man can’t have too many knives, can he? 

A knife makes a great gift for the dad who doesn’t want anything. Even if he already has 10, he’ll be excited to get another one. That’s just how it works! 

We’d recommend getting him a nice knife that he can use for years to come. Spyderco, Kershaw, and Gerber offer a variety of knives and multi-tools designed for work, fishing, hunting, and everyday carry. 

If you scroll through their selections, you’re guaranteed to find a unique, high-quality knife your dad will be excited to carry. 

Model Building Kit

If you’ve got a dad who enjoys tinkering, building, or puzzles, you can’t go wrong with a model building kit of some sort. 

Lego makes a wide variety of advanced building kits designed for adults. You can find kits to make everything from cars, spaceships, roller coasters, and the Egyptian pyramids, as well as themed sets from a variety of movies. 

But Lego isn’t the only one making kits like these. Rowood makes intricate wooden 3D puzzles, allowing you to build things like scale models and marble runs. Piececool is another one that offers cool 3D model building sets, and has metal kits to build pirate ships, tanks, and more! 

Once you start shopping for one of these kits as a gift for your dad, you’ll probably end up buying one for yourself as well. They’re just that fun.

Lantern Speaker

One of the coolest presents for dad, or anybody, really, is a Bluetooth speaker lantern. 

These nifty devices double as a lantern and a speaker, so you can play music while camping, picnicking, or grilling in the backyard. You really can’t go wrong! 

For a really nice option, you could opt for the MIFA lantern speaker, which is also waterproof. For something a little less costly, the DiKaou outdoor torch speaker or the Energizer lantern Bluetooth speaker are both excellent options. 

If your father spends time outside and enjoys listening to music, there’s no doubt he’ll appreciate this gift. 

Shave or Beard Care Kit

Whether your father stays clean-shaven or is the big beard type, he’ll enjoy some self-care products for his facial hair. 

If your dad would rather die than shave his beloved beard, you can’t go wrong with a kit complete with beard oil, balm, and wash. Grave Before Shave offers a variety of products for the bearded men in your life, and Viking Revolution and The Beard Club also offer great options. 

If your pop is on the other side of the equation and keeps a clean-shaven appearance, then you may want to opt for a classy straight razor kit from Gentleman Jon or a shaving kit from Leponix. 

Either way, your dad and his beard (or lack thereof) will be very happy you thought of them. 

Silly Koozie 

One of the best cheap gifts for a dad who wants nothing is a funny koozie to keep his beer or soda cold. 

Puffin Drinkwear is the ultimate source for funny insulated drink holders. They’ve got everything from hoodies and T-shirts, to life jackets, to parkas, flannels, and sweaters – all designed to keep your drink cold and looking good. 

Puffin even sells sleeping bag koozies and wine holders and offers bundles for an even better gift. No matter which koozie you choose, you’re sure to get a smile out of your dad and anyone who sees him using it. 

Pair that with his drink of choice, and voilà, you’ve got the perfect gifts for dad.

Massage Gun

If you don’t have a percussion massage gun, you need one. And more likely than not, your dad could use one too. 

These awesome gadgets offer a deep tissue massage from home. With a variety of attachments for different purposes and body parts, these guns help speed up muscle recovery post-workout and ease everyday aches and pains. 

There are a wide variety of percussion massage guns available on Amazon, so you can browse to see which one looks like the best fit for your dad and budget. We promise he’ll love it. 

Freezable Glasses

If your dad enjoys drinking out of a nice cold, frosty glass, (and really, who doesn’t) he’ll enjoy a set of freezable glassware. 

Whether he’s into beer, wine, bourbon, or cocktails, Host offers a freezable glass for it. These glasses are filled with a cooling gel that freezes in two hours, and their double-insulated walls keep drinks colder for longer. 

Rabbit also offers whiskey and beer freezable glasses, and come in a speckled silicone sleeve to help keep your drink cold and your hands warm. You can pair this one with your dad’s beverage of choice as well for an even more exciting gift. And if you want to get really fancy, give it to him in a cooler so that he can use it right away. 

Summary

If you’re looking for gifts for a dad who wants nothing, you’ve come to the right place. 

Even dads who say they don’t want anything will enjoy receiving a fun experience, a set of freezable glasses, or a minimalist wallet to simplify his life. Any of the top 10 gift ideas for dads on this list are sure to be a hit with the father figure in your life. 

If you’re interested in giving your dad (or yourself) a minimalist wallet that’s made in the USA, check out our entire collection at GeoGrit.com. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and follow our blog to keep up on all our latest content.

Check out the original post at GeoGrit.com.

Pregnancy comes with a long list of things to avoid: everything from sushi, hot tubs, and heavy lifting are crucial no-goes when you’re growing a tiny human.

But can you shoot guns while pregnant?

While there is no concrete evidence that shooting while pregnant is harmful to an unborn baby, risks of lead exposure, loud noises, and undue stress are things to consider.

If you’re pregnant (first off, congratulations!) the choice to continue shooting is a personal one that can only be decided by you and your doctor. That being said, no matter what you decide, there are a few ways you can continue your training safely and effectively.

So, let’s delve into the specifics of what the risks are when it comes to pregnant shooting, and talk about your options in terms of training.

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Is It Safe to Shoot Guns While Pregnant?

Shooting is a perishable skill. And the unfortunate reality is, if you skip the range for the next nine months to three years while you’re pregnant and breastfeeding, you run the risk of losing a lot of important skills and muscle memory.

But do the benefits of training and preparedness outweigh the risks associated with shooting guns with a baby in the womb? Is shooting safe for pregnant women, or should it be avoided at all costs?

While we wish there was a conclusive answer to this question, there isn’t. Only a small handful of studies have been performed to understand the effects of shooting on pregnant mothers and their unborn babies.

As frustrating as that is, we can identify the risks associated with shooting while pregnant, and talk about their potential side effects.

Lead Exposure

Probably the number one concern among pregnant mothers when it comes to shooting is the risk of lead exposure – and for good reason.

Lead is toxic to humans, and should be a concern for all shooters, whether pregnant or not. Most ammo contains lead primer, which is then released into the air every time you fire. That lead then settles on your hands, arms, face, hair, and clothes, and small amounts of it may even be inhaled – especially if you’re in a range with poor ventilation.

That lead can then be ingested in one of two ways: by breathing it in, or consuming it when you touch food with traces of gunpowder residue on your hands.

Unfortunately, if you’re exposed to lead while pregnant, it can and will transfer to your baby as well, according to the CDC. If lead enters your bloodstream while pregnant, it can increase your risk of miscarriage or premature birth, damage the fetus’ brain, kidneys, and nervous system, or even result in future learning or behavioral problems.

Lead contact can also be harmful to the mother herself, and may put her at higher risk of hypertension and preeclampsia.

And to top it all off, the CDC has not yet been able to determine whether there’s a “safe” amount of lead exposure for a mother and fetus. Luckily, there are precautions you can take to minimize how much lead you come in contact with when shooting, but the risk is still enough for many soon-to-be moms to say “No way!”

Chemicals

Unfortunately, lead is not the only contaminant associated with shooting sports.

Other metals like barium, antimony, copper, and arsenic, as well as things like cleaning solvents, can pose a potential health risk for a pregnant mother and baby, according to an article by Elizabeth Kennedy and Dr. Fabrice Czarnecki for Tennessee Tech University.

Many of these metals and chemicals are on the list of things for pregnant women to avoid. So, while there’s no real evidence to suggest that shooting or cleaning firearms is enough exposure to be a problem, it is definitely something to be aware of.

Noise

It’s no secret that guns are LOUD. And while you can wear earmuffs or earplugs to protect yourself, your baby cannot (it’s a cute thought, though!).

Some people believe that a baby is protected from loud noises by the mother’s belly and the fluid surrounding them in the womb. While that is true to a point, continuous exposure to loud sounds can not only cause hearing loss, but can result in a low birth weight, premature delivery, and developmental issues according to the Tennessee Tech article.

But how much noise is too much?

Many health regulations recommend pregnant women avoid environments with over 80 decibels of continuous noise and over 140 decibels of non-continuous noise. A gunshot ranges from 125-160 decibels depending on the firearm.

A fetus will start to respond to noises at around 16 weeks, and their ears are fully structured by 24 weeks, so this can be a cause for concern even relatively early in your pregnancy.

Stress

Another less-considered factor is that shooting guns when pregnant could cause stress for both you and your baby.

Whether you’re brand new to shooting or a seasoned pro, loud noises can still cause your body to have a stress response, causing undue anxiety and high blood pressure. That’s obviously bad for both the mother and fetus, so if you start to feel your heartbeat elevate, or your baby starts kicking, you may want to hold off on live-fire training for the time being.

Tips for Training While Pregnant

When carrying a gun for self-protection, training is an absolute must.

If you’ve decided to keep shooting while pregnant, there are a few things you can do to help ensure both you and your baby stay safe. If you’ve decided to pause your live-fire training for the time being, don’t worry! We’ve got a few risk-free suggestions for ways you can continue training with your firearm, without ever taking a shot.

Go to an Outdoor Shooting Range

If you’re going to keep shooting, going to an outdoor shooting range while pregnant is non-negotiable. A Girl and a Gun shooting leagues actually forbid members from participating in events that are held indoors, even in well-ventilated state-of-the-art facilities with noise-reduction measures. It’s just not worth the risk.

Minimize Exposure to Toxins

Even at an outdoor shooting range, there are a few additional precautions you can take to reduce your contact with lead.

First and foremost, use lead-free ammo. This is an obvious and effective way to mitigate the lead exposure issue.

If you’re going to be around other people who are shooting, however, you may also want to consider wearing a mask or respirator to avoid inhaling any lead that may waft over to you.

Next, you’ll want to wear gloves and/or thoroughly wash your hands with cold water before eating or drinking anything, even if you’re using lead-free ammunition. There could still be residue on your gun from past shooting events, and this is good practice anyway.

Finally, let someone else clean your firearm after range day. There’s no need to unnecessarily expose yourself to the chemicals used in cleaning your weapon, or the lead that’s on it. Plus, it’s a great excuse to pass the job on to your partner, so you can kick back and relax. 😉

Keep the Noise Down

Just because you’re going to the range doesn’t mean you have to bring your trusty 1911 – as fun as it might be.

Ideally, you could use a silencer to help muffle your shots. We also know these aren’t easily accessible for everyone (diapers are expensive!) so the other alternative is to train with a quieter low-caliber gun like a .22.

You can still carry your larger caliber pistol, but bringing a smaller, quieter weapon to the range will allow you to practice without damaging your little one’s delicate eardrums.

Try Alternative Forms of Training

Finally, if you’re going to cease fire during your pregnancy, or just cut back, you may want to view the next nine months as an opportunity to explore other training methods.

The first thing we’d recommend is taking up dry fire training. Dry firing involves drawing and pulling the trigger on an unloaded pistol. This allows you to continue training without ever leaving your house, and, in this case, avoid noise and lead exposure as well (though you should still wash your hands before eating). You can even use a Bluegun if you want to be really lead-conscious!

You could also consider switching your focus to reading various self-defense books and/or taking classes that don’t involve shooting (or keep it to a minimum). You can search for classes and seminars near you through the USCCA or the NRA.

Should I Practice Shooting While Pregnant?

As with many issues related to pregnancy, the decision to shoot while growing a baby is a highly personal one.

There are plenty of experts who recommend playing it safe by avoiding shooting entirely while pregnant. And, there are plenty of alternative training methods you could use to help keep up on your skills.

On the other hand, if you’re part of a club, practice competition shooting, or just REALLY love shooting, it can be a hard thing to give up, even temporarily.

So, what’s a girl to do?

Now that you’re aware of the potential risks and the alternative training methods at your disposal, take some time to come up with a game plan.

We suggest talking to your doctor first and foremost, to see what they have to say about it. They can offer more insight that’s specific to your situation, especially if you have other health concerns to factor in.

Next, it’s important to remember that there’s not an exact regimen you have to follow in your training. Maybe you go to your local outdoor range once a month and practice dry fire training the rest of the time. Or, maybe you switch to a .22 pistol for the next nine months and just keep your range time short and sweet. Do what works for you.

Finally, if you do decide to head to the range, pay attention to your body and your baby. If something feels wrong, then maybe you should skip range day for the duration of your pregnancy.

What About Shooting When Breastfeeding?

We’ve talked a lot about shooting guns when pregnant, but what about after? Can you shoot if you’re breastfeeding?

Obviously, hazards like noise and stress are non-issues to your newborn baby unless you take them with you to the range (which we definitely do NOT recommend!). However, the risk of lead exposure is still a potential issue.

First of all, whenever you go shooting, gunpowder residue containing lead will be left on your clothes and body. Before feeding, or even holding, your baby after shooting, always take a shower and change your clothes. We even recommend going as far as washing your range clothes separately from your baby’s clothes to avoid cross-contamination.

But what if lead gets into your system by inhalation? Is it safe to breastfeed your baby then?

Like with everything else, the lead that goes into your body has the potential to appear in your breast milk. While there is no evidence that the amount of lead that could make its way into your body after shooting is enough to harm your baby, many people choose to err on the side of caution.

If you are going to shoot while breastfeeding, Czarnecki tells shooting expert Julie Golob in her book “SHOOT,” that while breastfeeding moms don’t need to avoid shooting altogether, they should take a few precautions.

“Lead is transmitted from the mother to the fetus, and is excreted in breast milk. For women who are breastfeeding, it is best to avoid unprotected firearms training. Wearing an appropriate respirator and careful hand hygiene should allow most breastfeeding women to safely train with firearms, especially if using lead-free ammunition,” he says.

Summary

Shooting while pregnant is a highly personal decision that all comes down to your comfort level and doctor’s recommendations.

Once you’ve weighed the risks – like lead exposure and loud noises – associated with shooting guns while carrying a baby, and considered other training alternatives, all that’s left to do is come up with a plan that works for you.

No matter what you decide, you’ll need a safe and comfortable holster to wear while at the range or practicing dry firing at home. If you’re in need of a new IWB, OWB, or pocket carry holster, visit our Holsters by Gun Model page for Kydex holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice.

For more content dedicated to women interested in shooting and self-defense, join our Facebook group, Women of Vedder, to be part of a like-minded community of women who carry!

Interested in items beyond holsters? Check out our Resources Page for links to recommended products like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more, and browse our selection of apparel, and accessories at our website, vedderholsters.com.

To stay up-to-date on all the latest Vedder Holsters content and offerings, check out our blog and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. And be sure to visit our sister company, GeoGrit, for all of your American-made minimalist wallet needs.

Check out the original article at VedderHolsters.com.

The stories of our nation’s heroes date back to the start of the Revolutionary War, and they’re still arising today. As a strong supporter of the U.S. troops, we’re proud to use our platform to share some of these stories and honor the brave men and women who have answered the call to serve and protect our country.

This summer, in honor of the Army’s 249th birthday, we’re highlighting U.S. Army Specialist Annika Shoup of the 101st Airborne Division, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment. Shoup was the very first female infantry soldier to join the company, famously known as “Easy Company,” helping pave the way for women in combat – a role that was banned before 2016.

In this article, we’ll share our interview with Shoup, who talks about her experience integrating into the company, the time she spent deployed to East Africa, and her hope for the future of women in the military.

Q&A With U.S. Army Specialist Annika Shoup

Q: Tell me about your time in the service. What were your duties and responsibilities?

“I joined in 2018, but I ended up actually getting into my unit after training closer to 2019. My job was 11 Bravo, which is an infantryman. I started off in Charlie 258 in basic training and then when I got to my official unit I was in Easy Company 2-506.

Toward the end of my service I was a team lead for a little while, but most of the time that I was in I was a SAW gunner and I also was our platoon armor. As the armor, I kept track of the weapons that were assigned to my platoon, and I had to go and make sure that they were maintained. Most of my job was just keeping track of everything and making sure everything got in and out of the armory okay. I had to sign things out to people and keep a lot of paperwork and keep track of dates and serial numbers and stuff. So every time we would go out to the field or to training, then they would have to come to me to sign out their weapon so that I could have a paper trail of where it was going.

Also, for a while, I was the truck person. I would drive mostly my platoon, but oftentimes the company as well because for a while I was the only person with a license to drive the big trucks. So I did that, and then every Monday I would go and do checks on the trucks and work with the mechanics to get things fixed.”

Q: How does it feel to be the very first female infantry soldier in your company? What does that mean to you?

“Honestly, it was pretty intense. It was a huge honor, especially since it’s such a famous company. So I think it was a pretty huge honor, but it was also kind of a good pressure to be under because I knew I was paving the way for others to come behind me. So to me, it was pretty cool and I tried my best to be a good example for those coming after me.

I do want to say that when I arrived, there was already an officer there who was a woman. She was there a few months before me, so she was actually the first woman in the company. I was the first enlisted female infantryman who was there. But it was a huge honor, seriously, and I still take a lot of pride in it.”

Q: What prompted you to join the infantry, specifically?

“Well, I guess I always kind of wanted to join the military. A big inspiration for me was my grandpa. He was in the Air Force, and he always talked about all of his stories and his experiences in there and all of the people that he met and the beautiful things that he got to see. It really seemed to impact him in his life. So he was a big reason that I wanted to join when I was a kid, and then it kind of manifested from there.

For a long time, I actually wanted to do the plane stuff, but the older I got, the more I wanted to just experience what it was like to be a soldier. I was just kind of drawn to what a soldier is, what it represents, in a way. I just wanted to experience that, so that’s what I chose.”

Q: Can you tell me a little bit about your initial training? What was it like integrating into a previously all-male infantry unit?

“Well, there were definitely physical challenges. I did a lot of practicing before, but when I actually got there, it was a little bit more challenging than I expected it to be. Mentally, it wasn’t as challenging for me because I was expecting the treatment. We weren’t treated great, but that’s kind of the point when you get to basic. The point of basic training is, they take you mentally and physically and they, this is going to sound harsh, but they kind of destroy you so that they can rebuild you into what they want you to be.

Mentally I was prepared for that, so it wasn’t as challenging for me in that regard, but physically it was a little bit more challenging just because I had not really practiced as much as I should have, and I ended up with a fracture in my tibia. So it was a little bit more difficult for me to overcome that just because I had to kind of overcome the mental idea of resting when you’re injured. I just had to fight through that.

Probably the biggest challenge that I was faced with personally in basic training was the camaraderie aspect of it because a lot of people were really accepting and really supportive, but then I experienced a lot of pushback because of me being a woman. A lot of the other trainees that I was training with didn’t want me there, and that went for all of the other women who were training with us. It was to the point that when we all graduated, they would cross our names off of all of the things that were camaraderie-based. So that was probably one of the biggest challenges. I expected there to be a lot more camaraderie and acceptance, but there wasn’t. Alongside the physical challenges of having been broken and having to push through that.

I will say a lot of them were actually really open to the idea and really supportive. It was not every one of them. I want to make it clear that there were a lot of really supportive male trainees that actually did have our backs and I ended up being pretty cool with a lot of them. So it was not every single one of them. And the drill sergeants themselves were not like that. Both of the drill sergeants assigned to my platoon were male, and they were both extremely supportive and they did not have any type of discrimination whatsoever. I just want to point out that all the leaders and a lot of the male trainees were pretty supportive.”

Q: Were you ever deployed during your service, and what did you take away from that experience?

“In 2019, Easy Company was deployed to Djibouti, Africa. It was supposed to be a six-month deployment and we ended up getting extended to nine months because of COVID-19. I actually had a good experience over there. The reason we were there was strictly to respond to a crisis if it happened. So it was a lot of training, a lot of physical exercise, a lot of really hot weather, but it was mostly training-based.

We did get activated once. Like I said, our job was to respond to crisis if it happened. Basically, there was an airfield that was shared by Kenyan military and U.S. Military that was attacked, and a few people passed away. We ended up going there to make sure that it didn’t happen again, to have a presence and get the people who attacked the airfield.

We were there twice. The first time we were there, I think it was like a month or maybe a little less than a month, and then we all went back to Djibouti because the National Guard came after we got everything set up and cleared. But my platoon ended up going back for about a month after that, and we ended up staying in the actual base that time. The first time we were there we were on the airfield where we were keeping watch 24/7. Basically, we were pulling watch, making sure that nothing happened again. And then the second time that I went back, I was actually guarding the base itself instead of the airfield.”

Q: How did serving in the infantry challenge you mentally and physically in ways you may not have expected?

“Physically, I expected it to be challenging, but I didn’t expect it to be as challenging as it was. I thought that I’d be better at things than I was haha. But I think the mental part was accepting what we were training for because what we were training for was to fight and possibly die. That was kind of the point. So I think that mentally it was just accepting that and being okay with it and also just accepting that not everybody would want you there and just being yourself anyway. Even though people were actively trying to get rid of you, just focus on you and compete with yourself and don’t compete with other people because you’ll just destroy yourself that way.”

Q: Is there anything you wish civilians understood about military service, or are there any misconceptions you’d like to address?

“It doesn’t really bother me too bad when there are misconceptions, just because I know that it’s really difficult to actually understand unless you’re there. But it doesn’t really ever bother me too, too bad. People take it pretty seriously.

I think that maybe people need to understand the military and the point of the military a little bit better. Like, it’s not just all fun and games and then free Applebee’s on Veterans Day. Because the military is the barrier between the enemy and the people. I think that it would be important for people to understand that because it’s their military, it’s for them. So I think that they need to understand the structure of it. They need to understand what people are doing. I think they need to be more educated just because it does affect them.”

Q: How has being in the Army influenced your worldview or changed your perspective?

“I think it matured me, for sure. I think it’s helped me understand other people a little bit better, and I think it helped me understand myself a lot more. When I first got there, it was all about being accepted by my peers in there. And then, after a while, I learned that isn’t what it’s all about. So I guess for myself personally, I realized and learned that there are going to be people who don’t like you, and you just need to do you and be okay with that because, at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. It helped me to figure out who I am and be okay with it when other people aren’t.

Another big thing that I learned when I was in the military is that the world is a lot bigger than the United States, and there’s a lot out there that I think people should be seeing and experiencing. It’s not necessarily a happy place out there. I think it opened my eyes to what the world actually is and how people actually are, how people are living. We talk about it, but it really opened my eyes to what’s actually going on out there.”

Q: What qualities or skills do you think women uniquely bring to combat roles that were traditionally male-only?

“Honestly, we bring a lot. Most women that I met in the military have a lot of heart. They bring a lot of focus to the group because they have a focused mindset. They have a goal, and that’s where they’re going to get to, so I think that women in leadership positions, especially, can bring a lot of goal-based focus and actually get people to the objective. Because that’s the mindset that women have to have in the military, is you have to get there at all costs. I think a lot of it is once a woman in the military comes up with an objective, they’re going to get there. I think it’s a lot of focus, a lot of energy. A woman has to fight for every step that she takes, so once she achieves a leadership position I think that she could take whoever is underneath her and really help them to grow and to thrive and to learn in a really focused way. I think it could maybe bring a little bit more perfectionism back into the military.”

Q: What were some of the biggest misconceptions about women in combat roles that you hope you and other women in the military can dispel?

“There’s a lot, actually. There are a lot of negative stereotypes about women in the military. A lot of men think that women coming into the combat MOS, or just women in the military in general, are going to get pregnant, they’re going to get injured so that they don’t have to do anything, they’re weak, they don’t want to actually do their job, and they’re going to SHARP you for no reason. But most women in the military aren’t like that. They’re there to do their job. Like I said earlier, they’re really focused, and they’re really goal-oriented. They had to fight for every step they had to take to be at that point, and a lot of these women that I met were actually just as strong physically as a lot of the guys in the company. They were able to keep up running, they were able to keep up rucking, they were able to keep up on all kinds of stuff. A lot of physical strength and a lot of mental strength is required of women to come into the military, and we have a lot to prove.

The excuse that most guys gave me for not wanting me there, and I heard this from multiple people, they told me themselves, that their concern was that if we were in a combat situation, they wondered if I’d be able to get them out or not. Well, the thing is that we were training all the time. I was able to actually pick them up and carry them running across the field. So I proved them wrong on that, but they kept saying it. I think it was an excuse more than anything, because there were guys that I was stronger than, and I don’t think they ever heard that. So there’s a lot of stereotypes and discrimination right now, but hopefully I opened some people’s eyes at least.”

Q: Do you have any funny moments, fond memories, or stories from your time in the service that you’d like to share?

“Well, first and foremost, I met and married my husband. He was in the same company as me, so I think that was probably a good thing haha.

A funny story from my platoon is we had a building where we all went for work. And, basically, there was a room that you could go in with a gym and you could hang out in there. And when it got kind of rough we would go and hide in there. Well, not really hiding, but we called it ‘shamming,’ which is basically slacking off on purpose because we didn’t want to be there that day. Anyway, after a while, the admin company’s building was under construction or something and they got moved into our building and they took over our little room there.

It was really awkward and we were all kind of upset about it because we didn’t have anywhere to go. And some of the guys came up with this idea to put a dead fish in the ceiling panels. So a couple of them went over there and put a dead fish in the ceiling panels. I was there, I didn’t participate necessarily, but, oh my gosh, the entire building reeked. It was awful. The next few days, all of our leadership was asking us if we knew anything, and all of us were like, oh, no… That was probably one of the funnier things. I don’t remember how they found it, but I’m pretty sure that they never found out it was us. They stayed in the building, but it was definitely an ordeal and we all suffered for it. I have a few funny stories about basically the guys stinking up the entire building.”

Q: Tell me about what you’re doing now that you’re out of the service. How has the transition from military to civilian life been? What are your plans for the future?

“Well, I got out in December 2021, so I’ve been out for a little while now. I started school right away and I studied psychology. I traveled Europe for a while trying to get over there with my husband who was still in service at the time. And then we ended up in South Dakota, where I currently work at a natural food store healing people with natural remedies and supplements. I just graduated, and I might continue with my master’s degree. I haven’t thought about it too much. I guess the future is wide open for me right now. I used to have a lot of plans, but now I’m just kind of figuring it out as I go.

The transition has been good. At first, it was really hard because I wasn’t working while I was trying to get over to Europe where my husband was stationed. That was pretty hard because I felt like I wasn’t doing anything, which I wasn’t. That was hard. The biggest thing that they warn you about when you’re getting out of the military is that you’re going to feel like you don’t have a purpose anymore. Well, that’s the biggest thing I was warned about anyway, and that was definitely true for me. That first year and a half probably, I didn’t really feel like I had a purpose anymore. I was working in a clothing store and I just didn’t feel like I was doing anything for anybody, you know? I didn’t feel like I was doing anything super important. But now I’m working in the natural food store and I have people telling me that what I told them actually helped them, so I feel more like I have a purpose now. The transition since I got this job at the natural food store has definitely been healing. My boss is awesome, so that’s kind of helped me to transition from the leadership in the military, which can be a little rough, to leadership in the civilian world, which is a little bit more easy to work with.”

Q: Do you have any words of encouragement or advice for women who are thinking about joining the military?

“I would encourage people to join. I actually really enjoyed my time in the military. I would not necessarily recommend infantry to everyone, depending on personality, but there are a lot of options job-wise that I think a lot of people would really thrive in. So, I would encourage people to join the military. It really is important. It was a really good job and I think everybody has different experiences in it, but overall, the job was actually really fun and I don’t regret it a single bit. I would do it again if I had to.

As far as advice, straight off the bat, I would tell them to not worry so much about what the guys are thinking about you. You don’t have to change yourself to be accepted by them just because they’re telling you to. You don’t have to say certain things or behave a certain way. You don’t have to pretend to be a guy to be accepted by them. Because if they actually have good camaraderie, and if they actually have your back, then they’ll accept you for being a woman because, at the end of the day, that’s what you want. That’s what camaraderie is – a group of people who have your back. And if someone is treating you so poorly that you feel like you have to change yourself and pretend to be something you’re not, then those people don’t have your back.”

Support For Our Troops

Vedder Holsters is proud to support our U.S. troops and military veterans. If you are a current member of the U.S. Armed Forces or a veteran, we would like to thank you for your service with 10% off any purchase at Vedder Holsters.

If you’re looking for a new IWB, OWB, or pocket carry holster, visit our Holsters by Gun Model page for Kydex holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice. Interested in items beyond holsters? Check out our Resources Page for links to recommended products like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more, and browse our selection of apparel, and accessories at our website, vedderholsters.com.

If you’d like to connect with other like-minded women in the gun community, join our Facebook Group, Women of Vedder, for all things concealed carry and self-defense, or visit us on Instagram for more content and tips.

To stay up-to-date on all the latest Vedder Holsters content and offerings, check out our blog and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, or download our FREE E-book The Concealed Carry Blueprint for all the tools, tips, and tactics you’ll ever need for successful concealed carry. And be sure to visit our sister company, GeoGrit, for all your American-made minimalist wallet needs.

Check out the original article at VedderHolsters.com.