Editor’s note: Amazon Prime Day is an annual event offering deep discounts, deals and doorbusters on a variety of products, from clothing to electronics to appliances to outdoor gear and more. This year, Amazon Prime Day deals will be live from July 16-17, though some deals are already live here.
For first responders, Amazon Prime Day is a great time to take stock of your professional needs and look for deals to upgrade your tools, uniforms, personal fitness gadgets and other needs. If you’re unsure how Amazon Prime Days work, check out these these frequently asked questions to get started.
Like many of you, I know for a fact that one cannot own enough firearms or accessories. Also, like many of you, my bank balance doesn’t always agree with what I know I must buy.
So, what can we do? One way to get great deals is to take advantage of Amazon Prime Day. Like every year, it will be sometime in July — and while Amazon lets us in on some teasers and early specials — we have no clue what will be on offer. And you might not know that some Prime Day deals will be based on your own search activity while exploring Amazon.com or using the app.
So how can you best prepare for Amazon Prime Day? Stack your cart, Wish List and Save for Later list and then ask Alexa to send deal alerts for items on them. Also, sign up for the Prime Day newsletter. How to do each of these is detailed on the Prime Day page.
If you own a primary or side business, consider opening an Amazon Business Account and linking it to your personal Amazon account. Sometimes you can get better deals, but you will have to comparison shop.
With these helpful hints out of the way, what’s on my firearms accessories wish list? Oh, just a few things.
Holsters
Lots of holsters. Here are some of my favorites. Make sure you get the right model for your firearm, draw side and light.
Mag carriers/pouches
Mag carriers and pouches can be divided into two main categories: EDC/undercover and tactical/training. Here are some of my favs from both categories. The G-CODE pouches have an adjustable elastic cord that allows them to hold just about any size mag.
Tactical/training
EDC/undercover
The Gould & Goodrich B831-1, Gould & Goodrich B851-3 and Gould & Goodrich B881-3 come in many different sizes and look great on a dress belt. Ensure you get the right version for your magazines. They are available in brown and black leather. Other models are available in plain or basketweave plastic.
I am a huge fan of Ulticlip products, and this device uses high-strength adhesive to attach to the base of most magazines, hiding it for deep cover and fast access.
No conversation about holsters or mag carriers can omit the Blade-Tech Tek-Lok. This universal belt clip attachment lets you connect just about anything to any width belt, whether undercover, EDC, or tactical. I keep a handful of these around because they are so versatile.
Quick attach/disconnect mounts
These male/female systems let you put a half of the mount on your belt or vest then swap out a holster or other carrier that is attached to its mate. While the connectors are proprietary, most manufacturers also offer universal adaptors to mount their competitor’s gear. You can mount the belt side of most of these adaptors onto a Blade-Tech Tek-Lok, which will give you the ultimate in flexibility.
Red dot sights
The industry is moving toward closed emitters, which are more robust and less subject to clogging and fogging. Remember to check for compatibility between your slide, adaptor plate and sight.
Holosun EPS multi-reticle system: Like the EPS Carry, this closed-emitter RDS lets you switch between three reticles on the fly.
Holosun EPS Carry multi-reticle system: Like the EPS, it is available in red or green. Some people with astigmatism, like me, swear that green works better for them.
SIG SAUER ROMEO2: This is a hybrid sight. It becomes a closed emitter when you install the hood, but it is not purged so it still can fog under some circumstances.
Viridian RFX closed emitter: All around performer that is available with Docter, RMR, G Adapter, or Picatinny mounts.
Aimpoint ACRO P-2: All-around performer with great glass.
Steiner MPS Micro Pistol Sight: All-around performer with great glass.
Lights
There are multiple types and many opinions. Weapon-mounted and handheld lights both have their place. Most firearms instructors will tell you that your weapon light is not designed to move into an area, but only for illuminating your target when you know you have one.
When you or your agency are determining which weapons system to select, you need to consider the totality of the firearm, light and holster, as they all need to work together.
Weapon lights
Tactical lights
The Thyrm Switchback DF Flashlight Ring helps you deploy your tactical flashlight faster and maintain control even when performing critical tasks including weapons deployment, self-defense, rescue, climbing, backpacking, trail running and maintenance. There are several models, each designed to fit a specific tactical flashlight, so be sure to select the correct one.
And for scattergun aficionados, the Streamlight 69601 forend light for Remington 870 shotguns makes those “bumps in the night” a lot less scary.
A version for the Mossberg 500/590 also is available.
I’m sure I’ve missed some of your favorite products, but you’ve got a few weeks to search them out, add them to your lists and let Alexa know you’re all set for Prime Day to come around.
