Spotlight on Firearms Accessories

“Firearms accessories.” Just those two words conjure certain images in a reader’s mind. When you read them, do you think of sights? Lights? Optics? Grip appliqués? Compensators? Surely, all of those can come to mind, but let’s also add a few more: holster(s), ammunition (because what good is your firearm without it?), cleaning kits, tool kits, and secure storage methods. All of a sudden, “firearms accessories” isn’t just something that attaches to the gun, eh?

In today’s world of modern firearms, there are a few accessories that ought to be budgeted for anytime you purchase a firearm. Interestingly, they should be budgeted by agencies just as much as individuals, but agencies have a larger consideration beyond selection and cost: they have to consider liability management and risk avoidance. Let’s go through the list and briefly consider concerns for each accessory.

Whether you are looking at a rifle, a shotgun, or a handgun, one of your first thoughts should be of secure storage — and not just at home (or in the station). While a gun safe might be perfect for the home, there are unfortunately circumstances outside your home where/when you can’t keep the weapon on your person. Now, bear in mind that immediate physical control of your firearm is the preferred secure storage method. But if you HAVE to leave it in your vehicle, then a mounted and locked hard case is needed. There are plenty of options for locking racks, boxes, drawers, etc. for vehicle storage of a firearm, but the key is to make sure it can’t be easily removed from the vehicle. What good is locking your gun inside a box that can be stolen, and then the thief can take his (or her) sweet time later breaking into the box? We don’t recommend lock boxes in vehicles, but it’s better than hiding the gun in the vehicle and hoping no one finds it.

You also need appropriate cleaning and tool kits to work on your firearm to the level of your expertise. Every gun owner should know how to unload, field strip, clean, inspect, reassemble, function test, and load their firearms. Make sure you have the necessary cleaning equipment and tools (as necessary) to field strip your firearm. If you plan on changing sights, mounting a light or optic, etc., then make sure you have the expertise or can afford a licensed gunsmith. Amateur gunsmithing can end badly with the first trigger pull on live ammunition.

When it comes to accessories on the weapon, thankfully a lot of optics and almost all lights can be mounted via simply securing them on the picatinny rail. However, if you’re mounting a red dot sight (RDS) on a handgun, you need to know what the mounting plate or system looks like and make sure you have the proper tools to complete the mount without damaging the weapon or the optic. Recognize that any maintenance you would perform on the weapon you will also have to perform on any accessory you mount. Be prepared with the cleaning supplies and tools for that as well.

As to holsters for handguns or slings/packs for rifles and shotguns, make sure you have the one designed for your intended carry method and the right one for the weapon you’ve selected. “Universal fit” holsters usually sacrifice security to fit more than one weapon, and we all know there’s a big difference between concealed carry holsters and duty holsters. Give your accessories as much consideration as you gave your weapon selection to help you get the most out of that weapon.