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 sighting in on: Pistol Wear PT-One


frame, a single stack gun or small wheel gun might be a better option for reasons of both weight and concealability. When she tried my Ruger LCR, both issues were resolved. T e lightweight, polymer-frame Ruger re- volver was much more concealable and no longer caused any holster slippage. I had James demonstrate drawing the LCR from the PT-One several times. She averaged about 1.5 seconds from the com- mand to draw until getting on target at 7 yards. As stated above, the PT-One covers almost the entire gun for the comfort of the carrier. It’s still relatively easy to draw because the gun holds the holster open just enough for the hand to slide onto the grip. With practice, one can routinely accom- plish a surprisingly speedy presentation.


 Offi cer James had no diffi culty accessing a pistol from the PT-One at will.


built-in extra magazine pouch and costs a little less than the PT-One.


The Test


I enlisted the help of Offi cer Michele James for a two-week experiment. I wanted to give the PT-One a real test. Offi cer James averages about 20 miles of ‘road work’ per week and had, coincidentally, been looking for a carry solution while running. I asked her to evaluate the holster for comfort, con- cealment, and ease of draw. Based on these factors, I wanted to know if Pistol Wear had created the long-term solution for her and maybe for fellow offi cers with the same dilemma.


Michele carried a Smith & Wesson M&P40c in the PT-One, which is a rela- tively heavy pistol for this role. T e M&P Shield, for example, might be a slightly bet- ter choice. She said the extra weight caused


29 The Police Marksman Sep-Oct 2014


her a little trouble with stamina at fi rst. I became less sympathetic when she told me that she started becoming fatigued after her fi fth mile. I start getting tired after driving fi ve miles. She was talking about running. Offi cer James also experienced some hol- ster slippage after several miles even when the PT-One was adjusted to its small- est point. I don’t have that problem with mine, but it took several runs for me to fi nd just the right adjustment for my body. Still, James said it was only a minor and infrequent inconvenience during her longer runs. She expressed some concerns about concealment until she started wearing larger shirts than she was used to. I could just barely see a pistol bulge here and there when the wind was blowing directly on the holster. It would be indiscernible for someone who didn’t already know it was there. Granted, with Offi cer James’ small


The Solution Offi cer James told me she will keep using the PT-One, but might consider carrying a smaller handgun for her future runs. It did not occur to me when I loaned her the M&Pc for this article that she is about half my size. T ose extra ounces of steel and polymer have a much greater eff ect when your body is used to carrying 100 fewer pounds.


Don’t let me mislead you, but while Mi- chele may be on the smallish side as far as cops go, she is a trained law enforcement offi cer and a mixed martial arts practitio- ner, so she’s tougher than woodpecker lips. If the hapless thug were to unwisely choose this particular victim, let’s just say, well, some redness may occur. Humans became a lot better off after learning to use tools and I’m comforted to know that my friend now has one more tool in her toolbox to help keep her safe. All of you runners out there should consider doing the same and look into the PT-One holster. PM


Warren Wilson is a Lieutenant with the Enid Police Department in Oklahoma. He is a former SWAT team member/leader and has been in law enforcement for 17 years.


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