I Carry: TriStar APOC 9 mm Pistol in a Falco Holster

Hey everyone, this is Shooting Illustrated bringing you another episode of “I Carry.” In today’s feature, we’re looking at the new TriStar APOC striker-fired 9 mm pistol and some related gear. Let’s take a closer look at this setup:

Firearm: Tristar APOC (MSRP: $359)

With the number of Gen3 G19 Glock clones growing, it’s no surprise that the new APOC from TriStar Arms looks a little, well, familiar. Yes, it’s using the same polymer-frame, striker-fired, compact-size 9 mm formula that has made the G19 a mainstay for concealed carry for decades, and it’s doing so at a price point and a level of options that are hard to ignore. From cocking serrations fore and aft to fiber-optic front and rear sights, this isn’t a stripped-down clone, but a mid-range version at an entry-level price.

Since it’s based on the Gen3 G19 architecture, the dimensions of the APOC should seem familiar: 4-inch barrel, 7.4-inch overall length, 5-inch height and 1-inch width, with a weight of 26 ounces. It’s slightly heavier than the G19, but otherwise identical in dimensions; most holsters designed for the G19 should work perfectly for the APOC. It uses the same 15-round magazines as the G19 as well, and two 15-round KCI magazines are included with the APOC. The APOC is available in black, flat dark earth, sniper gray and OD green and black at the same MSRP.

Up top, one of the cost-saving measures becomes evident: there’s no optics cut in the slide. Fans of red-dot sights will have to either send the slide out to have a footprint milled, or replace the slide with one cut for optics. Since the APOC is compatible with Glock Gen3 aftermarket components, this should be relatively easy; however, we have not had the opportunity to confirm. The fiber-optic sights present a distinct visual picture for aiming, and both front and rear sights are compatible with standard Glock replacement sights.

TriStar’s new APOC offers another take on the polymer-frame, striker-fired, compact-size 9 mm pistol, with an attractive price point and mid-level features. With its compatibility with the G19 aftermarket, holster fits and spare-magazine options are plentiful and easily accessible. Whether it’s as a daily carry gun, a home-defense option or just a fun pistol to take to the range, the APOC will cover a multitude of roles at a price that will allow you to buy more ammo – and that’s always a good thing.

Holster: Falco Holsters TalonGuard hybrid A910 (MSRP: $119.95)

It might seem a little odd to choose a premium leather holster for an entry-level handgun, but there are a couple reasons we’ve chosen Falco Holsters’ TalonGuard hybrid A910 for today’s kit. First, since the TriStar APOC is identical in dimensions to other popular striker-fired polymer-frame handguns, the fit is pretty universal. Having a holster that fits many popular brands from TriStar to Lone Wolf and ZevTech isn’t a bad idea. Second, having a solid holster is a cornerstone of effective concealed carry, so skimping in that department is not recommended.

Constructed of Italian leather with a Kydex insert that fully surrounds the trigger guard, the TalonGuard combines the security of a rigid Kydex shell around the trigger with the comfort of leather, both against the skin and also against your firearm’s finish. The entire mouth of the holster is reinforced to stay open for reholstering, and the muzzle is also an open design, so handguns with compensators or threaded barrels will work fine. A sturdy metal clip allows rapid attachment or removal from belts up to 2 inches wide (1.5-inch clip shown).

Accessory: Bear & Son D2 Rancher knife (MSRP: $112.99)

The last piece in today’s kit is the Bear & Son D2 Rancher Sideliner pocketknife. With a 3 3/8-inch, D2 Tool steel drop-point blade and overall length of 7 5/8 inches, the Rancher Sideliner offers a good mixture of edge retention and ease of sharpening. The knife opens with a flipper mechanism and is held open with a liner lock, and can easily be operated with one hand.

The scales on the D2 Rancher Sideliner are one of the interesting features of this knife. A variety of handle options are available, from the stag on this knife, to a simple cocobolo wood as well as G10 or even titanium. Price does range according to the material, but it’s only over about a $20 range. Obviously, the titanium is the lightest, while the G10 is the most weather resistant; we’ve opted for the stag simply because it’s eye-catching and offers excellent purchase.