Ed Brown KC9

Specifically built as a 9mm, the new KC9 is a smaller, thinner and lighter version of the firm’s groundbreaking Kobra Carry—and it’s 30 percent less expensive than a custom Ed Brown because it’s being built in small batches of identical pistols. The KC9 features the firm’s popular Bobtail frame cut for easier concealment, and the four-inch slide has been re-engineered to be thinner and lighter—and sporting both front and rear cocking serrations. The external extractor is new, as are the easy-to-change front sight and the smaller ledge-type rear sight. Available in stainless and G4-finished versions.

{$1,895, EdBrown.com}

5.11 Tactical LV10 13L Sling Pack

The 5.11 Tactical LV10 sling pack is loaded with features geared toward people who everyday carry. The over-the-shoulder design makes it easy to access your gear quickly. The LV10 weights a light 2.1 pounds, and has a front zippered pocket. The LV10 sling pack can be customized with purpose-built pouches. Other key features include a fleece-lined top zipper pocket and water resistant 840D Nylon, as well as a 13-liter capacity.

{$109,511tactical.com}

Federal HST 10mm

For years, when people thought about the 10mm Auto at all they thought of it as a curiosity or, perhaps, as a hunting cartridge. Not anymore. It’s getting more popular by the minute, and many are reconsidering it as a self-defense round (its initial purpose, by the way). Federal’s new HST offering is designed for the self-defense crowd, pushing a 200-grain bullet at 1,130 fps. The HST bullet pro-vides maximum expansion, and the specially designed hollowpoint won’t clog due to barriers, ensuring optimal penetration. The bullet profile and nickel-plated case make for reliable feeding.

{$35, federalpremium.com}

Surefire Stiletto

Everybody should carry a flashlight all the time, but frankly most designs don’t fit comfortably in a front pocket. The new Stiletto’s slim profile is more like a pocket knife, providing both comfort and fast access. The primary switch activates 650-, 250- or five-lumen outputs, and it has a high-only “tactical” switch with the option of programming a high-frequency strobe. Weight is 2.8 ounces with batteries. Rechargeable, with a “fuel gauge” so you know your battery status. Weather-resistant polymer body with a Melonite-coated spring steel pocket clip.

{$109, SureFire.com}

Birchwood Casey Rifle Kit

I don’t know about you, but every so often I find that key components of my cleaning kits have somehow migrated to places unknown. Rather than go in search of said components, I tend to just pick up another kit because they don’t cost that much and it’s less of a hassle. Birchwood Casey’s kits include not only rod sections, brushes and jags but also a muzzle guard and utility brush. Jags include .22, .223/5.56, .243/.25, .270/7mm and .30.

{$25, BirchwoodCasey.com}

Aimpoint ACRO P-1

Aimpoint’s new compact 1X ACRO P-1 pistol sight was built to endure environmental and temperature extremes and has been tested to withstand the firing of more than 20,000 rounds of .40 S&W ammunition. Designed with an enclosed optical channel that completely protects the signal between the emitter and the lens along with sealed electronic components, the sight is submersible to 25 meters. Rain, dust, mud, and sand cannot disrupt the sight.The 1.9x1.2x1.2-inch sight mounts directly to the optics-ready slide cut on modern pistols, utilizing a one-piece adapter plate. The ACRO P-1 features a 3.5-MOA red-dot reticle, digital intensity adjustment switches, and an aluminum housing. Power is provided by a single CR1225 3V lithium battery. Weight is 2.1 ounces. While the ACRO P-1 was developed for use on handguns, it also can be used on rifles, carbines, and shotguns.

{aimpoint.com}

Blackhawk MBoss

I’m a leather holster fan, but I get that not everyone is. For those who aren’t, sometimes it’s a question of style—with folks wanting something that looks “tactical,” for lack of a better word. If this describes you, Blackhawk has you covered with the new MBoss, a leather holster with a bad-ass appearance. I’ve been working with the 1911 pancake version, and I love it. The top is double-layered for easy, no-look holstering, and it also features a reinforced sight channel and tension screw. It works great for range duty, and I’ve carried it enough to appreciate the comfort it provides—one of the reasons I like leather.

In addition to the pancake style, there are also Askins and inside-the-waistband clip versions. There are a ton of fitments for guns from Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Taurus, SIG, Kimber, Kahr and Glock.

{$80, blackhawk.com}

Hornady Alpha Elite

I’ve been using a standard Hornady lock box in my vehicle to prevent smash-and-grabs when I have to leave my carry gun behind, and now the company has improved on that box with the Alpha Elite. It still has the 16-gauge housing and steel security cable, but the Alpha Elite has a dualcrossbar latch and pry-resistant security band for even better protection. It’s approved by TSA and meets California DOJ safety standards.

{$42, hornady.com}