Gear & Accessories Guide
Informed choices for holsters, optics, lights, safes, and more
A research-backed guide to firearm accessories for LGBTQIA+ gun owners and allies. Brand recommendations, ethical assessments, and practical advice to help you build your gear kit with confidence and align your spending with your values.
How This Guide Works
Every brand is placed into one of four tiers based on product quality, customer service reputation, and corporate behavior. Strongly Recommend brands make great products with no known ethical concerns. Recommend with Notes brands are quality products where context is helpful. Caution brands have specific concerns worth knowing. Do Not Recommend brands have disqualifying issues.
We separate product quality from politics. A product can be excellent while the company behind it gives you pause. Your comfort and safety come first -always.
Holsters
A good holster is arguably the most important accessory you will buy. It must safely retain your firearm, protect the trigger guard, and be comfortable enough to wear consistently. Kydex holsters from reputable makers are the standard for concealed carry.
Strongly Recommend
PHLster
Industry leader in body-inclusive holster design. The Enigma system works for virtually every body type regardless of waistline, clothing, or gender presentation. PHLster actively designs for diverse bodies and publishes extensive fit guides.
The Enigma chassis is a game-changer for anyone who has struggled with traditional belt-mounted holsters.
Tenicor
Premium AIWB (appendix inside waistband) holsters with outstanding retention and comfort. The Certum and Velo lines are exceptionally well-designed with rounded edges and excellent concealment.
JM Custom Kydex
Handcrafted holsters by a single maker with meticulous attention to detail. Longer lead times but exceptional quality. The Wing Claw 2.5 is a community favorite for AIWB carry.
Dark Star Gear
Designed by a former PHLster consultant. Excellent concealment-focused designs with thoughtful features like integrated wedges and refined sweat guards. Small-batch quality.
Vedder
Excellent value with quick shipping. The LightTuck is one of the most popular IWB holsters on the market. Adjustable retention and cant. Good option for first-time holster buyers.
Tulster
Slim, minimalist IWB holsters at fair prices. The Profile series is well-regarded for everyday concealment. Good customer service and consistent quality.
CYA Supply Co.
Budget-friendly IWB holsters that consistently punch above their weight. Solid retention, comfortable carry, and widely available. Great starter holster.
Werkz
Specializes in light-bearing holsters at competitive prices. Excellent option if you run a weapon-mounted light. Quick turnaround and solid quality.
ANR Design
Quality Kydex holsters with a wide range of gun and light combinations. Good retention, solid construction, and reasonable prices. The Master Blaster is well-liked.
Caution
T.Rex Arms
Makes quality holsters, particularly the Sidecar series. However, the Botkin family promotes fundamentalist Christian beliefs. The company itself has not made anti-LGBTQ statements, but the family's public platform is worth knowing about.
Products are well-made. The concern is the family's personal platform, not the company's policies.
DeSantis
Long-established holster maker with quality leather and Kydex options. However, they produced a "MAGA" branded holster line, which signals their political alignment.
Safariland
Makes the gold standard in duty and competition holsters (ALS/SLS systems). However, their parent company also manufactures tear gas and crowd control devices used against protesters. The holsters themselves are unmatched for active retention.
If you need a duty-grade retention holster for competition or open carry, Safariland is difficult to replace.
Do Not Recommend
We The People Holsters
Far-right branding throughout their entire identity, from name to marketing to social media. Beyond politics, quality is extremely poor with a 2.2 out of 5 star average rating. Documented issues with retention, fit, and hardware failures.
Both the politics and the product quality are reasons to avoid.
Weapon Lights
If you use a firearm for home defense, a weapon-mounted light is essential. You must positively identify any potential threat before engaging. A quality light also serves as a deterrent. Lumens matter, but reliability matters more.
Strongly Recommend
Streamlight
Best value in weapon lights, period. The TLR-7A and TLR-1 HL are industry standards used by law enforcement worldwide. Durable, reliable, and well-priced. No political controversies. American-made.
FST recommends Streamlight as the default choice for most shooters. Outstanding quality-to-price ratio.
Cloud Defensive
Premium American-made weapon lights with exceptional build quality. The REIN series is a favorite among serious shooters. Clean company with no political baggage. Outstanding customer service.
Modlite
Top-tier weapon lights favored by professionals and serious enthusiasts. Exceptional throw and output. The PL350 pistol light is class-leading. Clean company with no political controversies.
Arisaka Defense
Premium mounting solutions and light bodies. The 600 series with Malkoff heads is a proven combination. Excellent machining and quality control. No political concerns.
Recommend with Notes
SureFire
The original premium weapon light maker with a legendary reputation. The X300U remains a benchmark for duty pistol lights. SureFire's PAC has donated to candidates in both major parties. Premium pricing reflects the name recognition.
Excellent products at premium prices. PAC donations go to both parties, which is common for defense contractors.
Caution
Olight
Very popular budget option, but the Baldr Mini was subject to a CPSC recall for a defective locking mechanism that could cause the light to detach during firing. Additionally, the company has ties to the Chinese military-industrial complex. Proprietary charging systems limit versatility.
The CPSC recall is documented and verifiable. Many people use Olights without issue, but alternatives exist at similar prices.
Optics
Modern optics dramatically improve accuracy and target acquisition. Red dots on pistols are increasingly standard, and a quality rifle optic transforms your shooting. Buy the best glass you can afford -you will never regret spending more on optics.
Strongly Recommend
Vortex Optics
Employee-owned company with the best warranty in the industry: unconditional, unlimited, transferable, no receipt needed. They will fix or replace any Vortex optic for any reason, forever. Product line ranges from budget to premium. Clean company with no political controversies.
The VIP warranty alone makes Vortex an easy recommendation. The Crossfire, Viper, and Razor lines cover every budget.
Leupold
Oregon-based (Beaverton) since 1907. American-made optics with a legendary reputation for durability and glass clarity. The Freedom and VX series are outstanding. Employs hundreds of Oregonians in local manufacturing.
Supporting Leupold means supporting Oregon jobs. Premium glass with over a century of expertise.
Aimpoint
Swedish company that invented the modern red dot sight. Military-grade durability with battery life measured in years of constant-on use (up to 50,000 hours). The Duty RDS and ACRO are gold standards. No political concerns.
Primary Arms
Texas-based company offering excellent value across their product line. Their ACSS reticle system is genuinely innovative, with built-in bullet drop compensation and range estimation. Clean company with strong community engagement.
Nightforce
Premium American-made optics built in Orofino, Idaho. Used by U.S. Special Operations and competition shooters worldwide. The ATACR and NX8 lines are benchmark products. Clean company focused on quality.
Scalarworks
Precision-engineered optic mounts and the KICK red dot. Their mounts are considered the gold standard for co-witness and QD applications. Machining quality is genuinely beautiful. Clean company.
Maven
Direct-to-consumer optics with premium glass at reasonable prices. Customizable configurations ordered through their website. Outstanding binoculars and rifle scopes. Wyoming-based, clean company.
Athlon Optics
Excellent value optics that consistently overperform their price point. The Midas and Helos lines compete with scopes costing twice as much. Strong lifetime warranty. Clean company.
Caution
Holosun
Popular and feature-rich red dots at competitive prices. The shake-awake technology and solar backup are innovative. However, Holosun has documented ties to the Chinese military-industrial complex and has faced intellectual property disputes. A 2024 U.S. Congressional review raised concerns about their supply chain.
Products work well and are widely used. The concern is the corporate relationship with Chinese defense entities.
Trijicon
Makes exceptional optics including the ACOG, RMR, and SRO. The company has a strong Christian corporate culture and engraves Bible verse references on some products. However, there are no documented anti-LGBTQ statements or policies from the company.
The products are outstanding. The Bible verse references are the main cultural concern -no active anti-LGBTQ positions documented.
Do Not Recommend
Troy Industries
Hired Jody Weis (former Chicago Police Superintendent who supported an assault weapons ban) and Dale Monroe (a sniper involved in the Ruby Ridge incident) as spokespeople. The company has a pattern of controversial hiring and political alignment that conflicts with community values.
Sig Sauer Optics
While Sig Sauer's optics (Romeo and Juliet lines) are functional products, the parent company produced branded pistols for Turning Point USA and faces hundreds of P320 safety lawsuits. See our Manufacturer Guide for full details.
Riton Optics
Company leadership has made significant donations to MAGA-aligned political candidates. While the products are functional mid-range optics, the political alignment is direct and documented.
Triggers
An upgraded trigger can significantly improve accuracy and shooting experience. Drop-in triggers are available for most popular platforms and can be installed at home with basic tools. Always verify function thoroughly after installation.
Strongly Recommend
Timney Triggers
Family-owned since 1946, manufacturing in Arizona. Timney makes some of the finest drop-in triggers available for AR-15, AR-10, Ruger, and bolt-action platforms. Clean, crisp breaks with excellent resets. No political controversies.
CMC Triggers
Texas-based manufacturer of precision drop-in trigger groups. The single-stage flat trigger is a favorite for AR-15 builds. Consistent quality and excellent customer service. Clean company.
Apex Tactical
Specializes in trigger upgrades for Smith & Wesson M&P, Sig Sauer, Glock, FN, and CZ platforms. The Action Enhancement Kit for M&P pistols is transformative. Clean company with an excellent reputation.
Caution
Geissele Automatics
Makes premium AR-15 triggers and accessories. However, Geissele holds significant DHS/military contracts and has faced increasing reports of declining quality control in recent years. Some community members also note the company's close alignment with military and law enforcement culture.
The SSA-E trigger is excellent if you get a good one. Reports of QC issues have increased since 2022.
Magazines
Factory magazines are generally the safest choice, but several aftermarket manufacturers produce reliable alternatives, often at lower prices. Always test aftermarket magazines thoroughly before relying on them for defense.
Strongly Recommend
Mec-Gar
Italian OEM manufacturer that actually makes factory magazines for many major brands including Sig Sauer, Beretta, CZ, Walther, and others. When you buy "factory" magazines, there is a good chance Mec-Gar made them. Their aftermarket offerings are identical quality at lower prices.
ETS (Elite Tactical Systems)
Transparent polymer magazines that let you see your round count at a glance. Made in the USA. Reliable feeding in Glock, S&W, and Sig platforms. Clean company with no political controversies.
Recommend with Notes
Magpul
The PMAG is the industry standard for AR-15 magazines and is used by militaries worldwide. Magpul is an active pro-2A advocacy company (they famously left Colorado over magazine capacity legislation). No documented anti-LGBTQ positions, but their political engagement is firmly in the pro-2A space.
PMAGs are genuinely the best AR-15 magazines available. The political stance is pro-2A specifically, not anti-LGBTQ.
Do Not Recommend
ProMag
Consistently poor quality with widespread reports of feeding failures, spring issues, and cracking. This is a reliability issue, not a political one. When your magazine fails, your firearm fails. Not worth the savings.
Slings
A sling is to a rifle what a holster is to a pistol: essential for carry, retention, and shooting stability. A quality two-point sling improves your shooting and keeps your rifle secured to your body.
Strongly Recommend
Ferro Concepts Slingster
The most popular padded two-point sling on the market for good reason. Quick-adjust pull tab, comfortable padding, and durable construction. Slim enough to not snag on gear. Clean company.
Edgar Sherman Design (ESD Sling)
Minimalist, lightweight sling that packs tiny but performs big. No padding means less bulk but also less comfort for extended carry. Excellent for stowing rifles in bags. Clean company.
Recommend with Notes
Blue Force Gear (Vickers Sling)
The Vickers sling designed by Larry Vickers is a proven design used by military and law enforcement. However, Larry Vickers pleaded guilty to federal charges related to illegal arms dealing in 2024. Blue Force Gear itself is a separate company from Vickers personally.
The sling design is excellent and widely proven. The concern is the designer's personal legal issues, not the company.
Magpul MS4
Versatile sling that converts between single-point and two-point configurations. Durable, affordable, and widely available. Magpul's pro-2A activism is noted above -no anti-LGBTQ positions documented.
Eye Protection
Eye protection is non-negotiable at the range. Flying brass, powder residue, and the rare catastrophic failure make ballistic-rated eyewear essential. Look for ANSI Z87.1+ or MIL-PRF-31013 ratings. Regular sunglasses are not adequate.
Strongly Recommend
Wiley X
Military-grade ballistic eyewear with prescription lens options. ANSI Z87.1+ and MIL-PRF-31013 rated. Comfortable for extended wear with foam gasket options to seal out debris. Clean company with no political controversies.
ESS (Eye Safety Systems)
Oakley's military division. Standard issue for the U.S. military. The Crossbow and ICE series are proven in combat conditions. Outstanding optical clarity and ballistic protection. Clean company.
Revision Military
Canadian company providing ballistic eyewear to NATO forces worldwide. The Sawfly and StingerHawk are battle-proven designs with excellent optics. Prescription insert compatible. Clean company.
Pyramex
Outstanding budget option that still meets ANSI Z87.1+ standards. The I-Force and Highlander series provide genuine ballistic protection at a fraction of military-brand pricing. Perfect for beginners building their gear kit.
Radians
Ultra-budget ballistic eyewear meeting ANSI Z87.1+. Frequently under $10. Functional protection for those on the tightest budgets. Keep a spare pair in your range bag. Clean company.
Ear Protection
Hearing damage from gunfire is permanent and cumulative. A single unprotected shot can cause lasting harm. Electronic ear protection lets you hear conversation and range commands while blocking harmful impulse noise. Double up (plugs under muffs) for indoor ranges.
Strongly Recommend
Howard Leight Impact Sport
The most popular electronic ear muff in the shooting world, and for good reason. NRR 22, directional microphones, auto-shutoff after 4 hours, and AUX input. Runs on AAA batteries. Slim enough to not interfere with most rifle stocks.
This is the default recommendation for most shooters. Under $50 and available everywhere.
Walker's Razor Slim
Excellent alternative to the Howard Leight with a slimmer profile (NRR 23). Sound-activated compression, two omnidirectional microphones, and a folding design for compact storage. Multiple color options.
Peltor Sport Tactical 500
Premium electronic ear muff from 3M with Bluetooth connectivity, NRR 26, and dynamic suppression time for faster recovery between shots. Excellent for indoor ranges where noise levels are higher.
SureFire EP7 Sonic Defenders
Filtered ear plugs that reduce harmful noise while allowing normal conversation. Low-profile enough to wear under ear muffs for double protection at indoor ranges. Comfortable for extended wear.
Gun Safes & Storage
Secure storage is a responsibility, not an option. If you own a firearm, you need a way to secure it from unauthorized access -especially if children or visitors ever enter your home. Oregon law requires reporting lost or stolen firearms within 72 hours.
Strongly Recommend
Fort Knox
American-made safes with the strongest privacy stance in the industry. Fort Knox has publicly stated they will not provide access codes or bypass information to anyone without a valid warrant. Their pistol boxes and full-size safes use heavy-gauge steel and Simplex mechanical locks (no electronics to fail or hack).
Fort Knox's privacy stance sets them apart. Mechanical Simplex locks cannot be hacked remotely.
Vaultek
Modern biometric and smart safes with Bluetooth app connectivity. The LifePod and MX series are popular for bedside and vehicle storage. Quick access via fingerprint, keypad, or app. Well-built and reliable. Clean company.
Hornady
The RAPiD Safe series uses RFID wristband, key fob, or sticker technology for fast access. Touch-free opening is excellent for home defense scenarios. Also makes quality ammunition. Clean company.
SecureIt
Modular gun storage systems that adapt to your collection. The CradleGrid system is innovative, allowing you to reconfigure storage as your needs change. Made in the USA. Clean company.
Do Not Recommend
Liberty Safe
In 2023, Liberty Safe provided the FBI with a customer's safe access code during a January 6th investigation -without being legally compelled to do so. They were not served a warrant for the code; they voluntarily provided it. This fundamentally undermines the purpose of owning a safe. Your safe manufacturer should never have the ability or willingness to bypass your security.
Regardless of your feelings about January 6th, a safe company should not maintain and voluntarily surrender customer access codes.
Cleaning Supplies
Regular cleaning and lubrication prevents malfunctions and extends firearm life. You do not need expensive specialized products -a basic cleaning kit with quality solvents and lubricants is all most shooters need. Clean your firearm after every range session.
Strongly Recommend
Hoppe's
The most recognized name in firearms cleaning since 1903. Hoppe's No. 9 solvent is iconic and effective. Their cleaning kits are available everywhere and provide everything a new shooter needs. Clean company with over a century of trust.
Break Free CLP
CLP stands for Cleaner, Lubricant, and Preservative -one product that does all three jobs. Used by the U.S. military for decades. Simplifies your cleaning kit to a single bottle. Excellent for new shooters who do not want to manage multiple products.
Slip 2000
Eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products that work as well as traditional petroleum-based options. The EWL (Extreme Weapons Lubricant) is outstanding. Safe to use without heavy ventilation. No harsh chemical smells.
An excellent choice if you prefer non-toxic, environmentally conscious products.
Otis Technology
Compact, portable cleaning kits that fit in a pouch. The Otis pull-through system uses flexible cables instead of rigid rods, reducing the risk of bore damage. Military-contracted designs. Clean company.
Bore Tech
Premium cleaning solvents and jags favored by precision rifle shooters. Eliminator bore cleaner is one of the most effective carbon and copper removers available. Clean company focused purely on cleaning performance.
Caution
Lucas Oil
Makes functional gun oil products. However, Lucas Oil's founder and the company have a documented history of far-right political advocacy, including significant donations to candidates who actively oppose LGBTQIA+ rights. Numerous alternatives exist at every price point.
With so many excellent alternatives available, there is no practical reason to choose Lucas Oil.
Belts
If you carry concealed, a proper gun belt is essential. Regular fashion belts sag and shift under the weight of a holstered firearm. A stiff, purpose-built belt distributes weight evenly and keeps your holster in position all day.
Strongly Recommend
Blue Alpha Gear
The most recommended EDC gun belt in the concealed carry community. The low-profile hybrid belt looks like a normal belt but has an internal stiffener that supports a holstered firearm without sag. Infinitely adjustable with no belt holes. Clean company.
Kore Essentials
Ratchet-style gun belts with a track system that allows micro-adjustments in 1/4-inch increments. No belt holes means you get a perfect fit every time. The X-series with carbon fiber buckle is a favorite. Clean company.
Hanks Belts
Premium leather gun belts made in the USA with a 100-year warranty. These are thick, sturdy leather belts that improve with age. Outstanding for those who prefer a traditional leather look. Clean company.
Suppressors
Suppressors reduce noise to safer levels and improve the shooting experience for everyone at the range. They are legal in Oregon with proper NFA paperwork (Form 4, $200 tax stamp, background check). Expect 6-12 months for approval. Suppressors do NOT make firearms "silent" -they reduce sound by 20-35 decibels.
Strongly Recommend
Dead Air Silencers
One of the most respected suppressor manufacturers in the industry. The Sandman series (rifle) and Wolfman (pistol/PCC) are benchmark products. Excellent customer service, durable construction, and industry-leading mount systems. Clean company with no political controversies.
Caution
SilencerCo
Makes excellent suppressors (the Omega 36M and Octane are well-regarded). However, SilencerCo made a documented $100,000 donation to the Trump campaign. While suppressor manufacturers tend to be politically active around NFA reform, this donation is direct and substantial.
Products are excellent. The $100K Trump donation is the specific concern.
New Shooter Starter Kit
Just getting started? Here is everything you need beyond the firearm itself. Total budget: approximately $300-500.
These recommendations prioritize value and quality. You can always upgrade later -start with gear that works and build from there.
Eye Protection
$15-20Pyramex I-Force
ANSI Z87.1+ ballistic rated, anti-fog, affordable enough to keep a spare pair
Ear Protection
$40-55Howard Leight Impact Sport
Electronic muffs let you hear range commands while blocking harmful noise
Cleaning Kit
$20-30Hoppe's Cleaning Kit + Break Free CLP
Everything you need to clean after every range session in one kit
Secure Storage
$150-250Fort Knox FTK-PB or Vaultek LifePod
Quick-access pistol safe for responsible home storage
Gun Belt
$40-50Blue Alpha Gear Hybrid EDC
Looks like a normal belt, performs like a gun belt. Infinitely adjustable.
Range Bag
$30-60Any medium duffel or purpose-built range bag
Keeps your gear organized. Look for multiple compartments and a hard bottom.
Ready to Build Your Gear Kit?
Schedule a training session and we will help you figure out exactly what gear fits your needs, budget, and body. No pressure, no upselling -just honest guidance from instructors who use this gear every day.