When talking to customers looking for a firearm, I always ask what is the purpose?

An answer often given is “Home Defense”.

Your home is where you and your family sleep. For most of us our home is the largest investment we make, and everything else we own is most likely inside it. Home is where you should feel safe and at peace. If you are like me, you hope to never use a firearm in self-defense, however hope is not a sufficient strategy.

Choosing the proper home-defense setup is not a one size fits all. This is not just about choosing the right firearm. Being prepared is about having the right tools, training and mindset. A firearm is just a starting point and in fact, it may end up not being the option you chose with other non-lethal options available. Or you may choose to have a variety of options as part of an overall comprehensive plan.

Some of the many questions that help decide your particular home-defense setup:

Thinking about this reminds me of a unique installation I did on a yacht that spent its winters in the Bahamas. I guess pirates are real, not just in the movies. I spent some time with the yacht owners helping them think about the possible situations and what their actions may be. We strategized, came up with a plan and list of possible devices. The equipment consisted of only one firearm, a Mossberg 590 Mariner mounted in a quick-access safe. I additionally mounted tasers and pepper spray in particular locations. I left the owners with a better understanding of what a threat may actually entail and a variety of options depending on the actual circumstances.

Home defense or defending against a pirate on a yacht is about being ready and proactive with your training and planning prior to the threat. Be prepared by understanding the risks and creating a plan before a crisis occurs. With the proper tools, education, and training you can feel competent and safe.

Come put your trust in my staff at Vantage Point. Let us help protect you, your family, your home or your yacht.

Matthew Longino, President
Vantage Point, Inc.

Selecting the right holster for your concealed carry pistol is a critical decision, arguably just as important as choosing the firearm itself. First and foremost, a quality holster must fully cover the trigger guard to prevent anything from engaging the trigger. It should also maintain its shape (rigidity), which is essential for safe re-holstering without the mouth collapsing.

Secure retention is another vital function, keeping your firearm firmly in place during daily activities. Holsters achieve this through passive retention (often using friction fit with materials like Kydex or leather) or active retention (requiring a mechanism like a button or lever to release the firearm).

Beyond safety features, comfort and accessibility are key for consistent carry. Experimenting with different carry positions – such as Inside-the-Waistband (IWB), Outside-the-Waistband (OWB), or Appendix Carry (AIWB) – is crucial to find what works best for your body type, clothing, and daily routine.

Once you’ve chosen a holster, dedicate time to practicing your draw stroke safely with an unloaded firearm (confirming multiple times) or a dedicated training replica. Repetition builds the muscle memory needed for both smooth access and consistency.

Ultimately, remember that holster selection isn’t about following trends; it’s about finding the right combination of safety, reliable function, personal comfort, and concealability that fits your specific needs and lifestyle.