"Dress around the gun."
"Dress natural. Don't stick out."
"Carry enough gun."
"Always carry a spare mag."
"Carry all the time."
Us average joes that have the ability and desire to seek out good instruction and devote enough time to improving our skills will inevitably get preached things similar to and including the quotes above. Unfortunately, we are not all in the same circumstances, and we need to individually balance our own lifestyles with the need to remain prepared. For many of us, this means compromising somewhere, disobeying one of the above quoted directions.
People like Tony are magic workers. They help us do what we're taught to do within the restrictions of our lifestyle choices. They are indispensable.
At this step in my journey, I tried tackling the issue of how to carry a spare mag. I ordered Tony's AIWB SPMP (
http://www.jmcustomkydex.com/p/AIWB-SPMP.html). When I received it, I couldn't have been more disappointed. popping in a G17 +2 mag and throwing on a t-shirt left me looking like I had a...well...long magazine shaped object jutting out from my gut, even under the baggiest of sweatshirts. Even G19 mags with no extension printed bad. The mag rode very high, there was very little support below the belt, and combined with the taper of the end this lead to it quite literally wedging itself outwards from my body. It was comfortable and convenient, a good range toy, but totally useless for my intended purpose: concealing a spare magazine while carrying.
I sent an email to Tony. Right away he got back and had a solution. He's seen this problem before and got straight to work sending me out a new pouch that he felt would fix the problem, lowering the ride and giving it more support below the belt. I got it today. Wow. It's amazing. It's just as comfortable, convenient, and accessible. The difference is now I can conceal a G17 with a +2 extension under a t-shirt. I am 100% satisfied. I never thought I'd be able to carry a spare mag in my normal clothes given my thin build, except in a coat pocket, but now I think I'll be carrying in Tony's pouch all the time.
I'll have to check back in after I've ran it for awhile, but the outlook is extremely positive so far. I used the first pouch on the range and found it extremely convenient and confidence inspiring. Just like AIWB holsters, I feel in control of my gear and confident that it is secure on my person and easy to get to quickly in a variety of positions. Compared to carrying a spare in under a t-shirt in the more traditional hip or behind-the-hip spot, the AIWB SPMP allows me to clear my cover garment much more reliably. I still need to work on my speed, but behind the hip I'd often end up with a fist full of both shirt and mag. The cant helps a lot here, as it allows me to clear my garment to the right, then come sweeping back leftwards to grab the mag.
The clip is quick and I have full confidence in it holding the pouch on the belt. I just make sure it's set properly when I put it on. It makes a nice positive movement and noise as it sets on my 5-stitch instructor belt. The convenience means I'll carry the mag more and practice with it more often. It makes it easier to form good habits; good habits are what I count on for making me prepared when it counts.
As a quick tip to anyone who uses one of these now or in the future: if you find the pouch wants to pinch the magazine back out a bit, popping it up and making not-positive retention, just crank down on the retention screw a bit. Tony ships them pretty backed out, leading to the bottom pinching more than the top. If you tighten it, it balances out. The mag will then slide in with a soft click and will stay in place. It is no harder to draw, but retains it very well.
If you've read this far, you've waited too long, go buy one of these now!