"Sling" bags for concealed carry

[JohnH1963]

I just bought a camera "sling" bag which is designed so that you can carry a big SLR camera in a backpack-like bag. When you need the camera, the bag slings around quickly and you can get it out in a hurry.

I was wondering if there was such a thing for pistols. The tactical "Fanny pack" looks obvious, funny and ridiculous. Throwing the pistol in an ordinary backpack is no good as it would take too much time to get it out. Carrying a regular holster under your shirt and other such things can get uncomfortable and it does look obvious.

I looked on the internet and found something that seems to do the trick.

http://www.511tactical.com/browse/Home/Law-Enforcement/Accessories/Bags-Backpacks/Select-Carry-Sling-Pack/D/30100/P/1:100:10000:10900:10905/I/58603

Im wondering if these types of sling bags make it look obvious Im carrying? What are your thoughts?

[jgcoastie]

A few companies make messenger-style and briefcase-style concealment bags/cases that make it a bit less obvious...

Though off-body carry is usually a "last resort" method of concealment for most people, though it can be the only feasible option in some instances...

[Mello2u]

jgcoastie

Though off-body carry is usually a "last resort" method of concealment for most people, though it can be the only feasible option in some instances...

This is an important point.

[jlwatts3]

Maxpedition makes good bags for this. Check out their Gearslinger line. Not cheap but they are nice.

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=926&idcategory=12

[MLeake]

... off the body is not considered optimal because if your bag looks like it is likely to contain a camera, laptop, whatever, then it looks like a good target for a purse-snatcher type.

If that happens, you don't have your gun, the thief does.

So on the body and concealed is a better idea, unless you just can't do it with your chosen weapon and your wardrobe at that moment.

Cheers,

M

[JohnH1963]

These are good points. So if you use an off-carry method then its probably best to have a retention cable from the bag to your belt so snatchers cant get very far.

[TailGator]

its probably best to have a retention cable from the bag to your belt

Not sure I am 100% on board with being tied to a snatcher who now has my gun case. If he is going to snatch and run, maybe better that he runs away and finds out later what he has?

[johnwilliamson062]

I think average people seeing a male with a fanny pack make several other assumptions before they think about a possible gun. Another CCW person will probably make you right off the bat, but who cares? I often notice hip bulges or bits of holster clips on people I am sure members of my family do not.

[m.p.driver]

Take a look at maxpeditions jumbo pack.Slung crossways you can have it centered in front and it has belt loops on the back,about the only way for a snatcher to get it is to rip your head off.And as for being slow to use,i've timed myself and its just as fast to unzip and pull as it is to sweep your jacket or lift your shirt and draw.Like anything practice makes perfect.I carry a Glock 21 and extra magazine that the only way i could conceal it is with a coat or jacket,not workable in the summertime.Usually the anti comments come from people with no experience with them.But you will have to put up with the" i like your purse"comments.I carry mine with a i love obama patch on the flap.

[Japle]

I have a strong aversion to any holster that requires two hands. Tuckables, fanny pacs, etc. I might not have both hands available during an attack. BGs like to start the fight up close and without warning.

If your wardrobe doesn't allow you to carry at least a compact 9mm, I'd rather see you go with a P3AT-size .380 in a pocket holster. Even with dress slacks and no jacket, it won't be noticed. In a situation that looks "hinky", you just slip your hand into your pocket and grab the gun.

[googol]

You really don't want off-body carry unless it's truly the only option available. Any time you set the bag down in public, you'll watch it like it was a 2-year-old kid ready to run into traffic. If you get up to go to the can at a restaurant, you'll have to take the thing with you. You won't want anyone else to touch it or lift it, because the unexpected weight might raise awkward questions.

I carried a J-frame .38-Special in an over-the-shoulder bag for a long time. When I got a KelTec P3AT, it took an enormous load off my mind. And off my shoulder.

[rantingredneck]

Maxpedition Jumbo! :)

I use mine as a daily man-bag, hunting pack, hiking bag, etc......

On occasion it has a gun in the zippered CCW compartment. If it does it only leaves my body when we are back at the vehicle. Slung diagonally across my shoulder it would be difficult to snatch and it has a velcro loop that can tie it to your belt.

That all being said if there's a gun in the maxpedition, it ain't the only gun I have at that particular time :).

[Superhouse 15]

Redneck is right. My Maxpedition Jumbo is my diaper bag for my boy, and if there's a gun in it, it's just a BUG.

And if you want a sling bag to carry a firearm in, here's one.
http://www.lapolicegear.com/511-select-carry-pack.html

[DeathRodent]

It seems like everyone under 30 has a messenger bag or laptop bag these days. They're slung over one shoulder and ride on your hip.

Get one of these and use your weak hand to hold it so (where the strap attaches) it doesn't bounce around and your strong hand will be ready to reach inside.

You can rig up a holster with velcro. I think it would work and be indiscreet.

[Japle]

Before you decide to carry a gun in a shoulder bag or laptop bag, put your unloaded gun inside and have a friend come up behind you and try to snatch the bag while threatening you with a plastic knife.
See how well you do trying to get your gun out.

[pax]

Japle ~

A tuckable doesn't necessarily require two hands -- not any more than an OWB or IWB under a long tee shirt does. Using two hands is more natural, but it's not at all difficult to acclimate to using one hand only if that's what rocks your boat and with practice it's just as fast.

JohnH ~

Try a Raven Shoulder Pouch (http://www.guntotenmamas.com/guntotenmamas_gtm99.html). I've been wringing one out here. Despite the company name, this one is a unisex bag, and doesn't look feminine at all -- and the draw will be quite fast. It's got a wire-reinforced strap to defeat slash & grab bag snatchings, and is worn crossbody for security & ease of access.

pax

[Madcap_Magician]

Thanks for that link, Kathy! Every time I think about shoulder bag carry, I think, man, it really needs some wire reinforcement like the specialized travel bags have.

[Shawn Dodson]

The OP writes: Carrying a regular holster under your shirt and other such things can get uncomfortable and it does look obvious. It sounds as though you have zero CCW experience with IWB/OWB holsters, and if this is true you're jumping to conclusions.

I've CCW'd since 1984, usually wearing an IWB holster behind my strong side hip. Never really had an issue with comfort.

2 years ago I relocated to Florida and I had to rethink my CCW method. I replaced my G19 with a Kahr PM9 to minimize gun bulk and weight.

I considered and experimented with pocket carry (no-go for me).

I also tried SmartCarry (Thunderwear) holster but it didn't allow onehanded draw when sitting or driving, or a reliable, rapid draw when sweaty.

The lightweight hot temperature shirts I wear did not drape very well over my pistol when worn in an IWB holster behind my strong side hip.

I looked at appendix carry and used a couple of inexpensive holsters to experiment with. I concluded that it was my best option and then shopped the internet to look for a holster that I could best adapt to appendix carry (the dedicated appendix carry holsters I examined were too complex in construction for my needs). I ordered a Milt Sparks Summer Special II IWB holster, and when it arrived I trimmed off the excess leather below the trigger guard and cut off one belt loop. I wear it IWB appendix carry. I'm very pleased with this setup as its fast and comfortable.

I suggest you reconsider your predjudices about IWB holsters.

[culleniii3]

I used to live in Florida as well.

I second IWB carry. The right houlster with right gun will do wonders and will not print with proper attire.

[Brit]

I am on my third CCW Permit here in Florida, I use a much chopped up Glock Combat holster, just behind the right hip.

Glock 19 every day, not even aware of the gun. Wally World has great shirts, Florida friendly, sweater on cold days (yes we have those) cost of holster? $12.00.

[MTT TL]

A fanny pack/ waist pack is obvious in most cases except where appropriate (hiking, large events, etc). I use something like this when hiking as I often wear shorts and other methods are inconvenient.

http://z.about.com/d/walking/1/0/p/k/fuelbeltmp3.jpg

If you want to be less obvious in light clothing under your shirt I use this when wearing pants:

http://www.copsplus.com/products/zoom/gal-uw.jpg

Under a heavy jacket/ clothes I use this on my belt:

http://policelink.monster.com/nfs/policelink/product_photos/0000/0154/CQC16_1_max192w.jpg?1198303141

[Tom Servo]

Though off-body carry is usually a "last resort" method of concealment for most people, though it can be the only feasible option in some instances
In almost all cases, I recommend against it. Other posters have explained the objections well. But, as you said, it's sometimes the only way.

There's something to be said for having a gun on me, even if I have to be more conscious of retention.

I used to carry one of those messenger bags all the time when I did IT stuff in the late 1990's. It wasn't a very friendly time or place for concealed carry, and I couldn't be caught printing, so I'd frequently drop it in the rear outside pocket, facing inwards towards my left hip.

It was also a convenient way of having the gun within arm's length all the time. Of course, the balance is, you have to be aware of the bag at all times.

[minniedog2]

I agree use maxipidition

[Ian0351]

I carry off-body regularly and don't have any problems minding the bag; it's not like I leave my bag laying around downtown or sitting on the bus anyway. It certainly is nice to carry a full size gun and 2 reloads with zero printing or visibility. Also, you can carry water, snacks and maps (or whatever) inside.

[JimL]

I just bought a camera "sling" bag which is designed so that you can carry a big SLR camera in a backpack-like bag. When you need the camera, the bag slings around quickly and you can get it out in a hurry.

I was wondering if there was such a thing for pistols.
Why not use the camera bag?

[JimL]

I've been laughed at for this one, but still think it makes sense.

If you are in a mall, carry a dark colored plastic shopping bag with the gun in it. If it's too thin a rag of some sort can break up the gun's outline. (You could even spray glue a washcloth in the bag as a liner.) And you don't even need to pull the gun out of the plastic bag to shoot it.

[Brit]

Many years ago when living in Toronto, eating on my own (Supper) I was getting way to much attention from 4 late teens across the Café'.

Only been here in the day time B/4, whole different ball game at 7 PM.

Only in Canada you say! No on person weapons, except for a pen knife, no way a fighting weapon.

Asked for a take home box, and an extra paper bag.

When I was outside, the steak knife I borrowed (yes I did return it!) was in the extra bag, and I had a real good grip of it.

Left hand and arm was free, for access to alarm on Jeep. In vehicle, key over visor (no start when alarm on) Slam/Lock/Key/gone!

I think my blood pressure shot up, I think I started breathing later, I must have done, right?!

Any contact? No.

[JimL]

Asked for a take home box, and an extra paper bag.
That reminds me of a movie scene. (Not all movie scenes are wrong.) The guy put several cans of soda in a pillow case! Surprised the heck (and considerable blood) out of the bully.

[T.A.Sharps]

There could also be some legal issues with a bag or case being out of your control if a cop inspects it.

Someone here got charged with something because the CCW permit holder was inside a gas station, and his weapon was in the glove box, with his wife or girlfriend inside the car. A cop came up and asked for the usual and his wife reached into the glove box and the weapon was in there.

I'm not sure of the specifics, but it was one of the examples given in my CC class.

[wy1ble]

I have a Maxpedition Jumbo VERSIPACK that I carry as a diaper bag/ off body carry. It works great with 2 little kids and has pocket set up to hold their holster and extra mag pouch.

it cost about $100, but well worth it...and its even looks tough enough, we got the OD green, that my husband will use it when he is out with the kids.
http://i.walmartimages.com/i/mp/00/87/64/04/00/0087640400152_P255062_500X500.jpg

[Newton24b]

how often do you forget your wallet? carkeys? beer money? cell phone?

its just as easy to forget the little shoulder bag or manpurse with a handgun in it. theives are trained to grab for purses and the like as those have valuable checkbooks and credit card inthem. thus, that bag is making a big attention grabber.

also if you cant have a holster on your belt, claim any english/scotch/irish heritage demand you wear a sporan. It really is the best place to carry something valuable, very few people are going to grab at that specific body area on a man, especially if the man is taller and heavier and bigger then the snatcher. and truth be told what mugger wants to go to jail with
"innapropriate sexual touching" charge tacked on when everybody will now the victim was big bruno the meat packer?

[JimL]

if you cant have a holster on your belt, claim any english/scotch/irish heritage demand you wear a sporan.
I forget the name, but there is a soft holster (more like an apron pocket than anything) that hangs from low on your waist (with really wide velcro) and hides a gun in the hollow below your "beer belly." If you're a guy you end up with two barrels hanging just about even. It's not for tight pants. It's _definitely_ not a quick draw arrangement. But who is going to try to quick draw on a guy with a gun anyway? Get behind cover where you have time to do your drawing.