Some of us can’t tolerate Inside-the-Waistband Holsters (IWB). So we pocket carry or wear an Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) holster. Come spring, temperature permitting, we have to lose the jacket and don a vest to conceal our concealed carry weapon (CCW). Amongst self-aware armed self-defenders, this garment is known as a Shoot-Me-First Vest (SMFV). Although the myriad of pockets are welcome, bad guys with intelligence (a thankfully rare breed) see an OFWG (Old Fat White Guy) wearing an SMV and think hehehe he’s the first to go RIP. Hence the vest’s nickname. Drawing your gun whilst wearing an SMFV requires practice and . . . weight. Hence the video. It’s nice when things work out like that. Only ‘scuse the weak hand placement on the second draw.

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11 COMMENTS

  1. Although the myriad of pockets are welcome, bad guys with intelligence (a thankfully rare breed) see an OFWG (Old Fat White Guy) wearing an SMV and think hehehe he’s the first to go RIP.

    It doesn’t require intelligence to recognize a Shoot-Me-Vest, it requires familiarity with the armed citizen culture. There isn’t much overlap or contact between bad guys and good guys. Those bad guys who know would almost always avoid any contact with such a person, as to their minds these would be the “Shoot-You-Vests”. As with open carry, should there be a shooting incident, I would want to be the primary target for two reasons. One is so that unarmed men, women, and children aren’t the target. The other is so that I have a sound reason to react immediately.

    I haven’t yet read of an open carrier, SMV wearer, or fanny pack carrier being the first to be attacked. It really seems like a very long shot (pun not intended) that someone would choose the antithesis of a mark for their victim. Perhaps in time there will be “suicide by CCW holder” but so far it’s not been a problem and seems likely to remain only an academic one.

  2. What about using your off hand to clear any clothing while drawing? Either way, practice would be key…

    • If you shoot a second round through the chamber with a partial hull in it, well, that wouldn’t be good.

  3. I’ll agree with Critic – I’ve never heard of a single case where a vest wearer was shot first. I think, to paraphrase Jeff Cooper, that the concern about an SMFV is a solution in search of a problem.

    This is not to say that people aren’t entitled to their own opinions, no matter how wrong* they may be on things like caliber, type of launching platform, method of carry, reloads, alternate tools of persuasion, and so on. Have a sense of personal security in your choices, folks!

    *i.e. “disagree with me.” 😉

    • I’m over 60 and I would wear a SMF vest except, well, I have pride. I figure, if I refuse to be a crime victim, shouldn’t I also refuse to be a fashion victim? I’m just sayin’.

    • I wear a vest when I travel… a really nice one from Tilley Endurables called, the “VOMP” (vest of many pockets). It’s very convenient for travel. But, it’s not something I could / would wear daily.

      Oh… I’m not “old”… yet.

  6. I’ve been wanting to get one of those vests, or maybe the down-filled kind for chilly days. Now, I’ll never be able to do it withouth thinking of you, Robert, and you’re obsession with shooting it out with the imaginary bad guys. I’m still laughing at the earnestness with which you preach this stuff. You are something else.

    I realize it’s a dilemma I’ve put you in. If you don’t practice enough you’re irresponsible and if you do you’re paranoid. Well it’s all your fault.

  7. I run a news organization. I’ve always had photo vests instead of camera bags. But don’t mistake me for an over 70 fat white guy with a camera. There’s more under the vest.

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