Thanks
jfh and frankly todd for two excellent posts.
Speaking of posting here and there (642 Thread) and self defense. I spent the morning (it's raining and cool in East TN today) answering a question about a particular EDC knife and then embellishing further an EDC item with a post about flashlights. I suspect that if you have spent enough time researching/owning handguns and get to the point where it is apparent the 340 has particular features/benefits it probably holds true for two other commonly carried "tools".
We all bring our particular areas of expertise to this thread with the common bond that brought us here to begin with, the S&W M&P 340 and its ilk, the J Frame.
I'll share a few years of experience researching and use of a couple of items. Yes this is an personal endorsement.
If you have some favorites (carry knives and lights) we can go off topic, it's our thread.
jt1 asks
Quote:
DA - how do you like that Gerber? Can you open/close with one hand? Ambidextrous?
I got lucky when I purchased this (while Xmas shopping at Wal Mart) a few years ago when I believe they first came out. It has been my EDC now for awhile (years) and I like it well enough that I have not felt compelled to replace it with something else in the same class. I paid $40 then and now they can be found for as little as $30, a bargain in my book. I haven't used it to pry with, but it does hold an edge and I have been pretty rough on it.
It is ambi although you can't relocate the clip which is screwed on and it certainly could have been designed such.
The Gerber Fast Draw utilizes F.A.S.T., Forward Action Spring Technology. A new (perhaps 3 years old now) blade opening technology developed and patented by knife designer Butch Valloton. On the Fast Draw, this technology allows one-handed opening with either the thumb stud or with the finger flip and one handed closing as well. Textured hande allows for superior grip as well. Pocket clip allows fast and easy access. This knife opens very quickly. We did a test versus an automatic knife (not a Gerber) and the Fast Draw beat it by a long shot.
Features
Length:4.3
Width:1.8
Height:0.8
Along with one of my other occassional carrys.
Aren't you glad you asked?
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EDC Flashlights
I have become about as interested in carry flashlights as carry handguns.
If you are a "flashaholic" or would like to become one the "THR" of the flashlight world is the Candlepower Forum.
A "defensive" light can help you find your way or temporarily "blind" an adversary.
Some have crenelated heads and tailpieces that can act as a handheld weapon.
If you are in the market here is a place where one member has reviewed many of todays finest offerings.
http://www.sliderule.ca/flashlight.htm
My EDC LED light is the Fenix LT1 V2.0 a single AA cell light that puts out about 70 lumens. I am about to upgrade it though to a quark in a single CR123A format that has over twice the output. 3.2 inches long and 1.4 ounces. 170 Lumens.
https://www.4sevens.com/quark/
Just as we have perhaps a different handgun for bedside use (something more potent perhaps) the same can be true for LED lights. I have a Fenix T1 for that purpose. At 225 Lumens (2XCR123A) it is like a spotlight. Good for walking the dog, in the car or camping when a larger (brighter) light is in order.
Note the tailcap. Crenelated for possible defensive purposes, and can be set on end for upward illumination of a room. Pulse/on/off switch.
In case you might be wondering what the "big gun" is in LED lights in a realistic size format these days, ie Maglite 2D sized (8in), here it is.. the TK40 8AA 4/4 in parallel, meaning it can run on four. 630 Lumens MSRP $159 and billed as the "worlds most powerful" AA flashlight.
If you use a lot of batteries (I burn a bunch of AA and AAA) you might be interested in this, I just ordered one and the batteries get high marks from the CPF crowd, we shall see.
Amazon Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Eneloop-PowerP...ef=cm_cmu_pg_t
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LED Lights I Own That Have Served Well
Fenix LT1 V2.0 (1AA) 70 lumen
Fenix T1 (2X123A) 225
EagleTac P100 (2XAA) 170
Energizer (2XAAA) about 30 Headlamp with four settings and red night lights.
I also have a couple of Energizer LED lanterns and one of those War of the World looking LED tripod worklights.
I picked up some (worlds smallest) Nanolight LED stick on lights that adhere to key (red).
On Order
4Sevens Preon Kit (2XAAA) or Convertible to 1XAAA 70-170 lumens about the size of a pen
Non EDC Pictures:
Iv'e about worn this one out. Very handy.
The J Frame that led me to the 340. 642-2 and my EDC gear.
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