Alternative pistol-packers

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Before Maxpedition Hard-Use Gear introduced their original and now famed Fat Boy Versipack, my backup blasters got stuffed into a drab array of sad sacks and clumsy carry-alls. The Fat Boy changed all that, providing a concealment platform I even felt comfortable using as a "primary packer" in situations where conventional holsters weren't "situationally appropriate." Then fortunately, some other smart makers got serious about stealthy alternatives, and now we enjoy tots of great choices.

That's the upside of my alternative pistol-packin' experience. The downside is, every time I acquire concealed-carry-friendly products, they're rapidly "re-distributed" by and amongst a buncha renegade redheads and other relations.

But all was not lost. Ambidextrous and endowed with enough pockets to mystify Walter Mitty and supply a squad, the new Malaga Gearslinger might be the best, most comfortable-carryin' all-around Maxpedition design yet. Features and capabilities are too numerous to list, but among them, the secure--and fast--rear-compartment pistol access tops my list. I'm zero for two on Malaga's now, but Helena and Aunt C are happy campers ...

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Etcetera

BLACKHAWK'S Battle Bag works for handgunners and long-gunners, with three flapped front pouches for AR magazines. The rear compartment holds a universal holster and mag pouch, and a shoulder strap, stowable waist belt and handgrip give multiple carry options. This bag's a favorite, and it shrugs off abuse.

The HawkePaks E&E BugOut Bag is a morphing mutant that'll conceal your cannon and organize your ordnance. A moveable, pocketed partition customizes the deep interior, and its shoulder and leg straps keep it from flappin' when you're on the fly. A universal holster is included. Good gear!

Best known for hard-core tac gear, Hoffner's Holsters also makes fine leather holster-purses and a neat little "camera case" for pocket-rocket-size guns.

Our favorite "fanny packs" are made by Safe Direction, and include an NIJ-IIIA rated ballistic containment panel to capture possible accidental discharges while charging or clearing a handgun.

From Dillon Precision, the Plan B "day-planner" is a day-saver in disguise, and with Dillon's Concealed Carry Tote you can look like you're a geek on your way to fix somebody's copy machine. Cool, huh?

There's lots more, so check out our Web blast on the Handgunner Web site for more pics of packs and other goodies. Pack plenty, pack wisely, and stay safe!

For more info: www.elitesurvival.com; www.blackhawk.com; www.maxpedition.com; www.safedirection.com; www.hawkepaks.com; www.tactical-assaultgear.com; www.dillonprecision.com.

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COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning