1811 Gear

1811 Gear Reviews

This section is dedicated to help finding the best gear suited for 1811 Criminal Investigators.  I personally try out each piece of equipment so YOU can wear it with confidence.

Gear Review - Neck Flashlights

The most frequent operational activity that a typical 1811 will engage in is a search warrant.  Like many, I have spent a significant sum of money on *tactical* flashlights, however, they are ill suited for searches. 


For the past year, I have been using this cheap shoulder light during searches.  Easy to throw on my shoulder, keeps my hands free during the search, and stays in place during movement.  It gets the job done and has become a must-have for search warrants.

Amazon Link

Gear Review - Fantastic Quality

I recently ordered the adjacent belt and holster from Versacarry.  The quality is among the best and I liked that it would match all my other leather lear (black or brown).  For a good price this is a great stylish addition to my repertoire of firearms related leather gear.  This is not something I needed but rather wanted.   


All the products can be viewed at the Official Versacarry Website but the prices on Amazon appear to be better with shipping discounts.

Amazon Link

GOVX Website

Your personal gear and equipment will cost you a fortune over a lifetime.  For those that are unaware, the GOVX website will verify your status in law enforcement and then allow you to make purchases via their website.  Discounts are usually 10-15%. 

Gear Review Zerogrand Shoes

Often referred to as "post-standing," 1811s assigned to Protective Service Details must often stand at a fixed location during their shift.  When adding the suit and gear (firearm, radio, cuffs, non-lethal), a comfortable dress shoe is a must but often difficult to find equipment. 


A Secret Service Special Agent shared this gem and highly recommended it for use.  Although it looks like a normal dress shoe at first glance, it is designed for comfort and has a low profile rubber sole, which makes it suitable for extended shift work.  I sorely wish somebody had shared this tip with me at the start of my career. 

Amazon Link

Internal Speaker & Mic

Act Fire Hearing Protection

I gave this random brand a try and it has been going strong at the one year mark.  Most importantly, they are not overpriced.  


As a law enforcement officer, which requires regular range time (4X-8X annually), you should absolutely purchase hearing that has built in noise cancellation speakers.  Critically, these types of headphones block out gunshot sounds but allow you to hear normally.  I think this feature is vital to hearing safety as it discourages agents from taking off their ear protection prematurely when the range is still "hot."  


Not bad for $36 and does the job as advertised.  This is a generation above "dummy" ear protection and has become a must-have for me.

Amazon Link

Built in Knee Pads

Emerson Brand

There is usually no getting around range training without having to drop down to one knee; either as a part of the standard qualification course or for re-occurring training.  Of course, standard knee pads can be cumbersome and often I would forget to put them on in advance.


These pants, with built in kneepads, have become a game changer and my 40+ year old limbs thank me every day for making this investment.  I chose a solid color to blend in better during the inevitable lunch breaks.  


These pants were priced around $85 dollars but I use them for virtually every range day; which helped me justify the expense.  

Amazon Link

Ear Protection Holder

Safariland Clip

To this day, I am constantly approached by special agents who wonder where I received this amazing little device.  This simple, cheap, tiny, little plastic clip securely carries your range hearing protection and makes it easy to take on and off.  


I still find it comical many law enforcement officers wrap their hearing protection around their legs; and are suprised when it usually falls off after 2 minutes.  


Invest this in this $8 clip, you won't regret it.  In fact, my only regret is that I wasn't smart enough to invent this tiny plastic clip.  

Amazon Link

Anti-Fog & Tinted

Huntersky Brand 

Again, the online world is full of brands willing to charge as much as you are willing to pay for their tactical gear.  Since I am a public servant, my budget matters and these $29 range glasses did the trick with anti-fog coating and a slight tint.  They fit easily with hearing protection and I am still able to use the tinted glasses for night shoot. 


I would advise all new investigators to avoid using their "nice" sunglasses at the range as they will eventually get scratched by bullet casings.  

Amazon Link

Gear Hack

For obvious reasons, the Sig Sauer P365 has become the new favorite for plain clothed investigators, however, finding the right gear is still a challenge. 


After reading some gun forums, I recently figured out the Safariland 7378 ALS concealment holster will properly fit a Sig P365 with the Streamlight 69284 TLR-6 tactical mount flashlight.  You *must* choose the "Glock43 w/TLR6" holster option, otherwise it won't fit.  I can confirm that this combination will indeed work as I have done it myself! 


Amazon Link - TLR6 P365 Flashlight

Amazon Link - Safariland 7378 ALS Holster

Gear Review Safariland 7371

Over the years, experience has taught me that there is a time and place for virtually every type of gear.  I usually wear a concealable holster during my day to day.  During planned warrants, I switch to my full tactical leg rig.  However, I often found myself gearing down and having my weapon unconcealed in my plainclothes holster; which does not have any retention.  For the uninitiated, after a scene has been secured, plainclothes investigators routinely dump their tactical gear so they can focus on evidence collection, interviews, administrative paperwork, etc.  This Safariland 7371 has become a great compromise.  It provides a vital second thumb retention mechanism that will give me that extra second needed to defeat a person that may lunge at my unconcealed firearm & it offers deterrence.  Virtually all uniformed officers now carry with double or triple retention.  I do kick myself for taking this long to fix so obvious a problem but this is one buy solidly in the safety column.  The Safariland 7TS is a similar holster with the same Automatic Locking System (ALS) and the below video will help you get a indea of the ALS retention feature.    Safariland 7371 Amazon Link

Dump Pouch

Maxpedition

As a special agent, you will often find yourself at a search or arrest warrant situation dealing with a suspect and his belongings.  This fairly cheap pouch rolls up nicely and can easily hold wallets, keys and other paraphernalia typically found on a person.  The Maxpedition brand also rolls up tight to save space when not in use. 

Amazon Link

TRUGLOW Sights - G26

I have had the TRUGLOW night sights on my Glock 26 for approximately 6+ years.  They are bright, easy to pick-up in the dark and very durable; having stood up to uncountable number of failure drills.  Plus, they don't appear to interfere with any holster models.  Overall, they are a good buy and get the job done.   


You can also always get granular and read some comparison articles:  Shooting & Safety Article. As far as I am concerned, they get the job done, are not overpriced and appear to be of good quality. 

Amazon Link

OWB Holster - G26

Review


I have been using this Brave Concealment Holster with my Glock 26.  Overall, this is the standard variant of the polymer mold material & design.  Although it sits fairly close to the body, the overall design is flat; which causes the holster to protrude at the front and rear of the holter.  You must also constantly keep tabs on the tension screws, as they do tend to get loose over time.  Drawing is obviously super quick and comes at the expense of retention; 1811s should definitely NOT wear this unconcealed.    


Overall, I give this a non-scientific B- as it is not really setting the world on fire.  There are now much better variants on the market.

Amazon

Galco Light-G26

Review - Consistent Grip

I have had this holster for 4+ years & have used it primarily when traveling on aircraft.  Over time the soft interior lining has simply compressed to oblivion and is no longer offering any comfort.  Additionally, I must constantly tighten the velcro band during the course of use.  I would avoid this model, even though it is cheapter.  The Ritchie Leather Ankle Holster is much more secure (and more expensive).  


Pro Tip:  Ankle holsters work much better when worn in conjunction with ankle boots.  

Amazon

G26 Holster

Review


I bought this on a whim after seeing a fellow agent wear it off duty.  It obviously takes the constant pressure off the hips & puts the burden on the small of the back.  


You have to be careful not to "pinch" your back or accidently unconceal it (I wear two layers to ensure that does not happen).  Overall, it does the job as advertised but I constantly worry that it will fall out (even though that has never happened).  


Overall, I would give this a solid B & suitable only for off-duty wear.  

Amazon Link

SA Gear Reviews

Low Profile Carrier

Although I have my agency issued ballistic vest, I had an extra set of Level III plates that needed a carrier.  I found this plate carrier for approx. $50-60.  It is low profile, comfortable, lightweight and great for work with local task forces (during a task force operation, you want to blend in with other officers & not wear markings that scream fed).  Overall, this is a solid addition to my gear & of good quality for the price (I went with the dark version which was 10 bucks cheaper).

Amazon Link

Tactical Belt

I bought this "high-speed" looking belt after hearing the "tactical tigers" rave about it.  The belt is of fantastic quality & sufficiently rigid for a holster & related accessories; however it has an annoying flaw.  You must unloop the belt from the buckle EVERY time you need to add gear (ie holster/handcuffs).  If your willing to deal with that issue, go for it.

Amazon Link

SA Gear Reviews - Sig P365

Any LEO will tell you they have spent a small fortune over their careers trying to find the best firearm that fits their unique needs; I am no exception.  See my below take on a recently acquired P365.  Hope you find it useful. 

As an everyday firearm, this is by far one of lightest and best handguns I have ever owned.  Of course, I still own a large capacity handgun for warrants.  Everyone has their opinions and preferences (I still own a Glock 26) but this fits the bill for routine plainclothes & undercover law enforcement.  


I have had the P365 for over a year now.  It is hardly noticeable on the ankle (during flights) and removes a huge strain on the back in a normal waistband holster.  Recoil is negligible (really). Additionally, given the small profile, it is very concealable under a t-shirt or polo.  The obvious downside is the capacity; but at 10+1, it feels like the bullets are housed in magic baby gun.   Just like anything Sig, be prepared to pay up a decent amount for the hardware.  (FYI-During quals my hand does have a tendency to hit the slide release; a commonly reported problem.)

P365  Everyday Carry

The G26 vs. Sig P365 challenge is well refereed by these gentlemen.   

Overall, the P365 is RECOMMENDED for routine or UC carry only.  If you expect an OP, a larger capacity firearm with flashlight is a MUST.    

Peerless 4709-Superlight Cuffs

I bought these for approximately $48 from an unnamed online monopoly.  It truly is about half the weight of normal restraints and your back will indeed thank you over a 20 year career.  I have no complaints about its strength or quality (aluminum & steel); especially since Peerless is a recognized handcuff manufacturer (And yes, I was a skeptic.).  Just treat these like any other pair of cuffs; as a temporary restraining device. 


Just like anything, there is a time and place for this toy.  For routine plain-clothes carry, this is an amazing improvement and a solid restraint in the event of unplanned use.  However, I do carry my normal standard weight handcuffs during planned enforcement operations; just to be safe.   


For the average day of report writing, records checks, coffee runs, interviews and grumblings; this does the job superbly and have become a fan favorite!  Strangely enough, these were hard to find. 


Overall an amazing set of day-to-day handcuffs for the PLAINCLOTHES criminal investigator.       

Amazon Link

OWB Holster

Review

I have been using this for over a year now for the P365.  It sits comfortably close to the body and the hard shell shape is contoured.  I have yet to find a more conceleable OWV design.  I purchased as it looks in image and was happy with design.  Overall RECOMMENDED.  


Note:  After trying out & liking this holster, a colleague purchased the IWB version for the exact same firearm and gave it a "junk rating."  Apparently that version was uncomfortable & not concealable.     

Tactical Measure

Ritchie Leather

Review - Consistent Grip

I have tried my fair share of ankle holsters but this one ranks among the best.  I bought the one for P365.  The "winch" design allows you to keep it tight and quality is excellant.  At approximately $150, this is not cheap but Overall RECOMMENDED.


Pro Tip:  Ankle holsters work much better when worn in conjunction with ankle boots.  

Vendor

Cuff & Mag Carrier

Review

Found this on Amazon for $33 and decided to give it a try.  The quality does not set the world on fire but at that price it does get the job done.  I use ankle boots to ensure it stays in place.


Overall, I would give this a solid B.  

Amazon Link
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