The Down Range Forum
Flying Dragon Productions ( Michael Bane ) => The Best Defense on My Outdoor TV => Topic started by: bigbear on March 12, 2009, 09:53:16 AM
-
Just wondering how those of you who ride a motorcycle carry while you are riding. I have been considering a shoulder holster while riding since I always wear some type of jacket. When not riding I usually carry in a strong side IWB. Does anyone have any other recomendations.
Thanks
-
Back when I used to ride I used either a shoulder holster or crossdraw IWB.
-
I have NEVER, NEVER, NEVER liked shoulder holsters...but like Chevy vs Ford, and Glock vs XD...that is personal preference, once one understands how a shoulder holster is supposed to be worn and used. The low slung TV and movie look is useless as hen poop on a pump handle, it should fit very much like a vest so there is no flop and your gun is ALWAYS in the same position. In my opinion, if you LIKE a houlder rig...then it works for riding because the gn is protected from road rash in the event of a crash.
Likewise, crossdraw in a good holster (no nylon crap) preferably with a retention device of some kind, which I normally eschew in favor of a properly molded and fitted holster works well, as it is protected from a snatch, or even from some "do gooder" seeing your piece and calling LE about a "biker with a gun". Use caution here though, and avoid ANY type of clip-on but rather go with a snap-on IWB with at least two snap closures, and preferably one that wraps all the way around your belt. I'd hate to see you go down, survive the crash, only to watch your pistol slide along the pavement for another 200 feet or so.
When I used to ride, I carried in a leather vest that I modified to carry a holster and a pair of spare mags. You couldn't see the pistol, even if you looked inside the vest, as one had to go through a velcro closure to get to it. it was fast, and secure.
-
These look pretty cool!
http://www.shado.com/merchant/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=RHA&Category_Code=OV
-
I'm new so pardon the effort. I ride and I carry(strong IWB), and, I just ordered a chest rig from www.survivalsheath.com Saw Rob Pincus wearing one in last week's TBD. Nice idea, and thanks to DRTV for pointing me in the right direction.
-
When I rode, I carried like Frisco talked about.
I was in Daytona one year and had a guy at a leather shop make a vest for me with a hidden pocket that was reinforced with extra leather. The pocket was inside the left side of the vest and all I had to do was reach in.
I carried IWB strong-side if I had on a long shirt sometimes, but didn't like it.
-
I like my chest holster (the one Rob cribbed on last week's TBD). It works well for motorcycle carry under a vest of some sort. Some crossdraw holsters work for MC carry, but not all of them...it's a hit and miss sort of thing. Shoulder holsters work kay for me, too...
Michael B
-
I like my chest holster (the one Rob cribbed on last week's TBD). It works well for motorcycle carry under a vest of some sort. Some crossdraw holsters work for MC carry, but not all of them...it's a hit and miss sort of thing. Shoulder holsters work kay for me, too...
Michael B
Michael,
Do you have a web site for that holster. I missed the show, so have no idea what it was even like. I like my strong side carry, both in and out of waistband, but on the bike it is pretty out in the open.
-
survival sheath systems
http://www.survivalsheath.com/main/home.htm
mb
-
Only problem is picking up brass!
-
Only problem is that the wife would have to drive :o. I would want to be the passenger and do the shooting ;D.
No Problem.....
(http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo283/tsbevins/77a.jpg)
-
Those chest rigs look pretty nice, I will have to look into them more. Thanks for all the responses.
-
Several pro-gun guys and I used to do 7-12 day trips in various parts of the country (before I got really busy!) and moving through states that allowed carry was a big deal when picking routes. In fact, I remember the big show we put on just outside the gate of Yellowstone breaking our guns down (on the way in) and putting them back together (on the way out) because of the old National Park rules....
Generally, I would compromise down to a smaller pistol when on the MC unless open carry was a viable option (legally and practically). A Tomcat 32 or Glock subcompact in the chest pocket (with holster) of a heavy leather jacket was common. I also used off-body carry with full size guns in a magnetic pack that rested on the tank of my bike somewhat frequently. For open carry, cross-draw made more sense than anything else....
-RJP
-
one thing is for sure, you really don't want to go down on your gun. you will ruin the gun... I mean its going to do alot more damage.
You really don't want to land on a big block of steal...
-
one thing is for sure, you really don't want to go down on your gun. you will ruin the gun... I mean its going to do alot more damage.
You really don't want to land on a big block of steal...
Having spent four months in the hospital following my accident....your not thinking about the friggin gun TAB....you don't want to land on anything and believe me, ya ain't got much say in the matter....
-
one thing is for sure, you really don't want to go down on your gun. you will ruin the gun... I mean its going to do alot more damage.
You really don't want to land on a big block of steal...
Even worse when that big block of steel lands on you. Been there.......
-
Having spent four months in the hospital following my accident....your not thinking about the friggin gun TAB....you don't want to land on anything and believe me, ya ain't got much say in the matter....
sarcism does not always translate over the net...
-
sarcism does not always translate over the net...
I wasn't being sarcastic...
-
Safepacker is the best I have come up with so far, either on the belt or in a tankbag (with easy transfer to the belt when off the bike).
As a guy that rides dirtbikes (badly), I know I want nothing in my pockets or on my belt when (not if) I go down.
-
Tim,
I think HE was being sarcastic in the original comment.....
I know that when I high-sided my Duc I wasn't thinking about anything "important".... I was shirtless, no helmet and my natural reactions combined with a decent/lucky tuck & roll kept me from getting much more than some road rash on my right arm and back and significant soreness for a couple of days. The last thing I would've WANTED to do at that moment was worry about securing a gun! And it might have been good that nothing other than the pavement was banging against my body.....
-RJP
-
Here's another option for biking/jogging/hiking/motorcycle. A 'hide in plain sight' solution. Very secure, no bouncing.
http://www.activeprogear.com/jogger_holster.html (http://www.activeprogear.com/jogger_holster.html)
-
Tim,
I think HE was being sarcastic in the original comment.....
I know that when I high-sided my Duc I wasn't thinking about anything "important".... I was shirtless, no helmet and my natural reactions combined with a decent/lucky tuck & roll kept me from getting much more than some road rash on my right arm and back and significant soreness for a couple of days. The last thing I would've WANTED to do at that moment was worry about securing a gun! And it might have been good that nothing other than the pavement was banging against my body.....
-RJP
Maybe your right about the comment Rob....my bad!
I do find it rather ironic though that you, of all people with your advanced training in LE and the military focusing on self defense, would ride a motorcycle without a helmet...Maybe it's just me. I rode for 33 years and it all happens in an instant. A 4000 lb minivan driving over you will change your outlook on life...and the helmet absolutely, without a doubt, kept me alive...
-
65 Dodge Dart in my case.
-
I do find it rather ironic though that you, of all people with your advanced training in LE and the military focusing on self defense, would ride a motorcycle without a helmet...Maybe it's just me
It's not just you.
I do, however, wear a helmet when I ski (keeps my bald head warm). But when I ski, I have some of the same concerns about landing on a gun. I've hurt myself more skiing and landing on a camera during a fall more than any other ski incident since 7th grade. It is a real concern if you know you are likely to hit the deck (which is the case when I am skiing...). I don't think I'd base my MC carry on this concern however, which I think we all agree on. The fact is that people berate SOB carry for this very reason.... concentrating impact over a small area through a hunk of metal next to your body can cause injury that wouldn't have otherwise occurred and I'm pretty sure that would have been the case when I flipped. I think this (small) concern argues slightly in favor of cross-draw as a desirable carry position or off-body carry to mitigate the small risk entirely.
-RJP
-
I ski as well and no, I don't wear a helmet. I ski hard (or did) and haven't fallen in years. It will be interesting to see how the artificial hip holds up this next winter. I've had to take a few years off. As far as carry when I'm skiing, I don't bother. I've never met anyone that was too threatening at any ski area in the last 40 years...I leave it in the car....
The helmet may be something to think about after what happened yesterday with Richardson....I've already suffered two concussions and half my face is metal!
-
I ski as well and no, I don't wear a helmet. I ski hard (or did) and haven't fallen in years. It will be interesting to see how the artificial hip holds up this next winter. I've had to take a few years off. As far as carry when I'm skiing, I don't bother. I've never met anyone that was too threatening at any ski area in the last 40 years...I leave it in the car....
The helmet may be something to think about after what happened yesterday with Richardson....I've already suffered two concussions and half my face is metal!
You might want to rethink that. I don't know about other ski areas but up here at Gunstock thefts of ski's snow boards and from cars has become a daily occurrence.
-
You might want to rethink that. I don't know about other ski areas but up here at Gunstock thefts of ski's snow boards and from cars has become a daily occurrence.
Gunstock is too close to the metro areas, too far south... I've only been there once and it was raining so we went to Kittery to look at guns... ;D
Thanks for the heads up though...
-
Folks have mentioned here that chest carry could work, how about a J-frame 642 in a belly band where the weapon is adjacent to the stomach. Thinking out loud, I would think bone falling on a weapon would do more body damage than having the weapon adjacent to my relatively soft stomach and hitting the deck (natural body curve and all). But honestly I don't know what is best. I have a Harley Ultra (touring) and they don't lend themselves to tank carry at all. I don't see myself ridng and shooting (I wear gloves, full helmet and armored jackets) and it would be awkward to be moving the handgun back and forth between me and the scooter when I am eating or gassing.
I would like to see discussed in what forms would a biker likely confront a threat or have encountered threats. While on the bike in motion or at a stop light or off the bike? I feel very vulnerable while touring and biking. Any thoughts? It is a challenge.
-
Road Hog, That is one of the reasons why I posted the question. My main concern is when stopped. Where can you retreat to. You can not lock your self in a mc. Like you Road Hog I also ride in gloves full helmet and armor jacket so switching form bike to person is not a easy option. I also do not have a way of carrying on the bike as I do not have any bags on it. I think that I am going to look into the chest holster or like Rob said and find something smaller.
-
Gunstock is too close to the metro areas, too far south... I've only been there once and it was raining so we went to Kittery to look at guns... ;D
Thanks for the heads up though...
The Trading post is always fun ;D
-
The Trading post is always fun ;D
The wifey won't let me go there with money unless she gets equal time/money/credit....... :(
-
I seldom BUY anything there because of price. Even though they have a store front in Portsmouth for NH residents that avoids the sales tax and gets around the out of state sales thing.
-
I seldom BUY anything there because of price. Even though they have a store front in Portsmouth for NH residents that avoids the sales tax and gets around the out of state sales thing.
I rarely buy anthing because of LACK of FUNDS!!! But we vacation in ME alot and it's always good for an afternoon romp through the fishing/hunting and boatloads of guns!
But you already know that...
-
Fox Ridge Outfitters on Rt 11 in Rochester NH is pretty good to, it's no where near as large but they have some of everything. It's the "factory outlet" for Thompson Center Arms. If you want directions PM me.
-
Fox Ridge Outfitters on Rt 11 in Rochester NH is pretty good to, it's no where near as large but they have some of everything. It's the "factory outlet" for Thompson Center Arms. If you want directions PM me.
Thanks, we went right past it on the way to Kittery. Didn't know it then though, we left Gunstock and went down 11 to route 16 and into Kittery. I'll have to check it out the next time..
-
Having spent four months in the hospital following my accident....your not thinking about the friggin gun TAB....you don't want to land on anything and believe me, ya ain't got much say in the matter....
Yep............. ;) ;) ;)
-
To get back sort of on track,
what about one of these: http://www.lapolicegear.com/511-select-carry-pack.html
I see guys commuting with messenger bags all the time. I wear a camelbak on any long rides (including commutes on hot days). This could cover both needs. I still don't want anything metal on my body if I can help it, but maybe with a trauma plate or custom MC armor pad between the gun and the body it would be better.
-
I am glad we appear to be off the buying habits and outlet critiques jag. ;D
-
Dragging this one back for a new riding season. Especially since my riding gear seems to have shrunk ::) over the winter.
Anyone know a good shoulder holster that hides under a regular shirt and is comfortable and safe for a Glock?
-
what about those shirts that have a pocket for the gun sewn in under the arm? I can't remember the name, but have seen them at the local gunshow.
-
what about those shirts that have a pocket for the gun sewn in under the arm? I can't remember the name, but have seen them at the local gunshow.
Kramer.
http://www.kramerleather.com/productDetail.cfm?productID=65&categoryID=21
-
While I don't ride a motorbike, I have used a sherpa holster for when I mountain bike. It keeps what ever pistol I'm carrying right where it's supposed to be. Even last summer when I took a spill right on top of my XD45. Had a bruise for a while, but the gun wasn't damaged and it stayed in the holster. When I'm out on a trail I cant comprimise with a mouse gun because a .380 iis just going to make a mountain lion mad. Although that chest rig may work pretty good.
-
Kramer.
http://www.kramerleather.com/productDetail.cfm?productID=65&categoryID=21
There are several brands, all with various pros and cons. Problems include:
Not stable/secure enough for activity
Not enough protection of trigger IMO for a non-safety gun like a Glock
Usually built on a pretty crappy T-shirt.
Need a whole wardrobe of them ($$) to make it through daily wear.
I think I need to call Survival Sheath and talk ideas to them.
-
There are several brands, all with various pros and cons. Problems include:
Not stable/secure enough for activity
Not enough protection of trigger IMO for a non-safety gun like a Glock
Usually built on a pretty crappy T-shirt.
Need a whole wardrobe of them ($$) to make it through daily wear.
I think I need to call Survival Sheath and talk ideas to them.
I wholly agree with your assessment.
Basing this solely on the appearance in the adds, it just doesn't look sturdy enough for secure carry (I could be wrong, though)........I probably would not personally use one myself, but was simply providing info.
-
I have a leather handle bar bag with a J frame size holster that velcros to the side of one of the zippered compartments inside.
It was a setup I bought several years ago at the Laughlin River run. I'm not sure if it is still available anywhere today but it works really well.
I use the holster for pocket carry although the bag was designed to detach from the bars and becomes a fanny type pack when off the bike. I'm not into fanny packs so I removed the waist band.
It has both zippers and velcro for closure. I always leave it unzipped and just use the velcro closure for faster access.
I can take some pics if anyone is interested.
Here is a link to a tank bag that is similar to it.
http://www.legendaryusa.com/Daytona_Gear_GB_Motorcycle_Tank_Bag_Gun_Holster_p/dggb.htm