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September 20, 2021, 11:21 AM | #1 |
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Conceal carry on a motorcycle. Advice?
Hello fellow shooters (and riders).
I just got myself a bike. I had not been on a bike since 2007, some 14 years ago, and I have only recently become a CCW holder. I have become comfortable carrying AIWB, but on this bike.... I don't think so. Do you have any advice? Any experiences that you can share? Thank you. Ah, the bike (I am sure I'll get asked) is a Suzuki V-strom 650. Pistol is a Glock 30 or EAA Witness Polymer Compact.
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Life is simply an inter-temporal problem of constrained optimization. Last edited by Pistoler0; September 20, 2021 at 04:10 PM. |
September 20, 2021, 11:51 AM | #2 | |
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Wear a stiff vest
Quote:
Be Safe !!!
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September 20, 2021, 12:09 PM | #3 |
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For extended time in the saddle a good shoulder holster, while expensive, is the way to go. Comfortable, accessable, easy to conceal under a jacket and reduced risk if (heaven forbid) you should go down. You don't want too land on a gun on your hip at any speed.
For around town I'd still go for the shoulder holster or maybe strong side IWB about 3:30 4:00 if you're right handed. IWB helps keep the pistola a bit more secure, again, if you go down. OWB a holster with a retention strap is a must. My 2ยข. ------------------- I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous Last edited by Skippy; September 20, 2021 at 12:25 PM. |
September 20, 2021, 12:31 PM | #4 |
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Shoulder holster, no question in my mind.
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September 20, 2021, 04:09 PM | #5 |
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Thank you everybody, I'll try the shoulder holster.
Pahoo, Glock 30 or EAA Witness Polymer Compact.
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September 20, 2021, 05:37 PM | #6 |
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Tank bag, then to the pocket when off the bike.
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September 20, 2021, 05:53 PM | #7 |
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FWIW, I've toured 10's of thousands of miles on a H-D XL883 [Sportster] over the years. I had to look up a picture of your Suzuki. It seems it's not a bar hopper crotch rocket, rather a viable cruiser/tour bike. Having said that, my carry was always either a 4" 1911 pattern or a Shield 9. Either was carried quite comfortably in an IWB at 4:00. Since I was never poked or gouged in an upright riding position, I can't imaging you would be on the V-Strom in a slightly forward position.
I honestly can't even imagine a shoulder holster with all the body/arm motion in riding, especially on curvy fun roadways. -jb, what works for me may not for you
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September 20, 2021, 09:01 PM | #8 |
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September 21, 2021, 02:00 AM | #9 |
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I've always carried in a belt back both on and off a bike.
Tony |
September 21, 2021, 07:29 AM | #10 | |
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Quote:
I'm going to try the 4 o'clock and shoulder since I have holsters for both. The problem is hot weather. One should not ride without a proper riding jacket (under which the pistol would be easily hidden), but.... it I do it sometimes.
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September 21, 2021, 07:52 AM | #11 |
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Can see how that might trouble a certain type of people in certain places.
Plenty of folks carry exposed here. "Flashing" a holstered/sleeved weapon is a non-issue here in the South. |
September 21, 2021, 09:34 AM | #12 | |
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Quote:
* Could invite a robbery * Could invite an overzealous citizen calling the cops * Could invite fumbling and dropping the gun during back-and-forth transfer * Could invite an accidental discharge * Etc * Etc * Etc Every time a loaded firearm is handled there is an increased risk of unintended consequences. ------------------- I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous |
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September 21, 2021, 10:19 AM | #13 | |
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True and then ???
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Private/protective and; Be Safe !!!
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'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing. Last edited by Pahoo; September 21, 2021 at 12:43 PM. |
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September 21, 2021, 10:30 AM | #14 | |
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Quote:
But I can see how a shoulder holster would be inconvenient if trying to get down to a low profile on the bike and aggressively leaning on curves.
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September 21, 2021, 11:37 AM | #15 | |
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Quote:
I'm not a big fan of IWB carry, mostly because the inside of my pants is for me, not a holster. If it works for you, great, use it and be happy.
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September 21, 2021, 01:02 PM | #16 |
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Amazon is full of M7 taker holsters for under $40 as well as all sorts of fishing and photography vests also under $40.
The two M7's I bought (World War Supply) are actually made of surprisingly high quality leather- bought a tan and a black one.
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September 21, 2021, 06:41 PM | #17 |
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September 21, 2021, 09:42 PM | #18 |
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I haven't ridden a motorcycle since I was a kid...almost 40 years ago. But I do occasionally ride a bicycle. I've been dealing with the same question you're facing, and have been doing my research. I've decided that for my riding and hiking, the best option for me will be the Hill People Gear Recon Kit bag. I can keep a full-sized pistol in a kydex holster in the bag on my chest, and when I get off, I can tuck it into my pants. It also fits well under a backpack and helps to balance out the load.
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September 21, 2021, 10:09 PM | #19 |
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I ride quite frequently, and often interstate trips.
Agree with forum members above who advocate for shoulder rigs. I use Galco, they make a reliable harness. Shoulder rigs secure the firearm while traveling, and on those occasions where you absolutely must use a toilet at a gas station you don't wind up either with a pistol on the floor, or a pistol in your hand or hanging from a coat hook on the back of the door. (If there is a door.) The only drawback is that they are utterly useless in the extremely improbable event that someone aims a gun at you while you're riding. Your first option is maneuverability - often bikes can outdistance and outmaneuver cars and trucks. If you've lived a life of sin and impure thoughts, however, and your aggressor is determined, the ability to pull a J-frame with your left hand and use it at close range would be advisable. I will deny all accusations of a lifetime of sin, but allow as how I use a left-handed Safariland J-frame holster on a drop panel, attached with Safariland's quick-locking system kit. It keeps the revolver handy (to your left - non-throttle - hand) while riding, in a semi-open carry mode. Upon stopping, if necessary, you can pop off the holster and revolver and secure it elsewhere, then rapidly don it again when shoving off. See the links below. It works for me. Just an opinion. https://safariland.com/products/quic...stem-kit-23136 https://safariland.com/products/cubl...receiver-plate https://safariland.com/products/mode...h-detent-30575 [shown with a semi-auto holsters, however, this holster is also made for S&W J-Frames] As noted in post #17, opinions will vary. I've been carrying on motorcycles for nearly 30 years and have tried a wide variety of options. This is what works best for me and the riding I do consistently. Your mileage may vary.
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September 22, 2021, 12:22 PM | #20 | |
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Quote:
I think the idea of a running gunbattle while on a motorcycle is something for the movies. If I knew (could see) someone pointing a gun at me while I was riding, I think my main concern would be to use the bike (and both hands on it) to rapidly change direction and speed. but that's just me. If you're riding in full leathers with your gun inside, no holster is going to be "fast draw useful" Just my opinion, and worth what you paid for it, or less...
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September 22, 2021, 02:39 PM | #21 |
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Shoulder holster or cross draw are the best option. Hip or small of back will be awkward.
A holster mounted on bike works best. Moving from bike to body, when unmounting, can be a problem. |
September 22, 2021, 06:59 PM | #22 |
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The first thing everyone that rides needs to realize, the question is not if you are going to crash, the question is when you are going to crash. I don't carry on my person while riding for two reasons. I don't want something bulky and hard on my person while sliding / rolling down the pavement. I don't even carry my wallet while riding. The EMTs may have a more difficult time un-impaling you from your gun. A shoulder holster may sound good, but a gun against your rib cage is going to break said rib cage. Also, you may have more serious injuries if your gun discharges during the crash. I put my carry pistol in a saddle bag. It's possible to discreetly put away or remove the gun to or from a saddle bag. Just get on your knees close to the bike like you are checking the chain, or something, then slip the gun into the bag. Do the same to put it back on your person. I know, I know, people claim they are never going to crash. You may be a great rider, you may be a safe rider, but some idiot cager looking at their cell phone is going to void your riding capabilities.
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September 22, 2021, 11:49 PM | #23 |
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I've been a avid rider for over 40 years. I've done a lot of trail riding in the woods. Usually, a holster on my hip, and anytime I had a spill, if I landed on my right hip, I was in for some pain. I switched to a shoulder holster, and minor spills yielded results that were much more pleasant. I've only had one bad wreck on pavement. I was wearing a 357 revolver in a shoulder rig. I suffered no extra damage from the shoulder rig, it retained the revolver, and in my experience, I think the well made shoulder holster is safest way to carry, while riding.
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September 23, 2021, 01:26 AM | #24 |
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I would be more concerned about getting a motorcycle safety course under my belt that where I am going to carry a gun. Once you complete course you may be more confident on the bike to carry a gun. Only you know your own limits. Several biker style cuts with hidden holsters in them.
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September 23, 2021, 07:58 AM | #25 | |
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Quote:
Riding classes are always beneficial (education always is), although I am not a novice rider. I have not been riding the last 10 years (except a couple of rentals) as I sold my old bike (Suzuki GSX-R 1000) when I had kids and the chances for time alone disappeared. I have been an avid rider my whole life, from my early 20's to my early 40's (I am now 53 y.o. btw). But I didn't have a license to conceal carry a firearm in my previous riding days, and that's why now I am seeking advice in how to carry while riding.
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Life is simply an inter-temporal problem of constrained optimization. Last edited by Pistoler0; September 23, 2021 at 08:06 AM. |
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