CCW On A Motorcycle

[AirbornePathogen]

So I got bitten by the bug a few weeks back, and decided that I want a bike. I just took the MSF basic rider course, and am currently shopping for a bike. Anybody here that rides and carries have any thoughts?

[TFOGGER]

I carry on a bike. If I leave it in the IWB, it's basically inaccessible(due to my jacket) while I'm seated on the bike, so usually it goes in my tankbag, and back in the holster when I dismount.

[pickenup]

There is a lady at the Tanners gun show, that sells a vest, that is made for CC. Wouldn't say that it works great, but it works.....OK.

When you put your firearm in one side, you need to put 2-3 mags on the other side to balance it out. Otherwise it does feel lop-sided, and droops on the firearm side.

This is "if" you wear a leather vest when riding....of course. LOL

[lead_magnet]

I would reccomend to nevery carry on your person while on a bike. If you go down its going to bust you up, pelvic fractures are common with motorcycle crashes, if you have a 3lb chuck of steel strapped right next to you, it isn't going to go well when you go down. Plus there is no real reason to, not like you can ride and shoot at the same time. If you're stopped and somethign goes shitty, riding away would probably be a better option. I'd reccomend a tank bag, then just put it back on when you dismount the bike.

[jplove71]

3lb chuck of steelNot sure what you're thinking of carrying concealed that weighs 3lbs... Not even my fullsize 1911 (39oz) weighs that much let alone my conceal carry gun (17.1oz).

[SideShow Bob]

The way to carry on a motorcycle will vary. What works on a cruiser may not be practical for a crotch rocket, and visa versa.
Also a CCW is not required to carry on a bike as it is a personal conveyance just like a car is. It is when you get off your bike that getting into trouble with carrying concealed begins.

[Great-Kazoo]

Carrying on your mc will be determined by what you end up buying. For my roadglide, i had it in one of the glove boxes in the fairing, on the beemer in the tank bag, on the road king in my jacket pocket. I also had the HD's where the touring seat is split for rider backrest, a pouch that fit in there nice and was very accessible.
However the best way to carry when on the bike was for my wife to have her gun.
Oddly enough it's not to hard to shoot while riding, just not very accurate, ok better luck throwing a rock at them.

[Monky]

When I carry on my crotch rocket it's in a shoulder holster.. body position just doesn't keep it concealed.. too much shifting/moving around.

I'll have my IWB in but I switch to that after removing from the shoulder.

I've also been riding a lot lately w/ it in my 5.11 bag.. it's got a great spot for it and it swings around on one strap w/ ease.. it's not the most stable when riding and does tend to put most of the weight on one side, but it's easy when I'm going into the office and not going to be on the road for that long.

[Wulf202]

I carry on a bike. If I leave it in the IWB, it's basically inaccessible(due to my jacket) while I'm seated on the bike, so usually it goes in my tankbag, and back in the holster when I dismount.

This

[AirbornePathogen]

Thanks for the input guys. A bit more info, I'm looking at buying a cruiser, and I usually carry a Commander-size 1911 or something of similar size, strong side OWB. I did some gear shopping yesterday, found a pretty sweet Joe Rocket jacket that's cut long enough to cover my pistol under most circumstances. I do like the shoulder holster idea though, might make it easier to get to if necessary.

@ SideShow Bob- Good point. I already have a CHP though, so not really an issue for me.

[Fentonite]

Like Monky, I usually use a high quality shoulder rig on my bike. Sometimes I'll have my Kahr in an IWB, but it doesn't feel as concealed or secure on a bike. No, it's not for shooting while riding, but I like that when I stop and go in someplace, gas up, whatever, I don't have to retrieve it from a saddle bag.

[spyder]

I carry on a bike. If I leave it in the IWB, it's basically inaccessible(due to my jacket) while I'm seated on the bike, so usually it goes in my tankbag, and back in the holster when I dismount.
When I had a bike, it was done like this. [Beer]

[lead_magnet]

Not sure what you're thinking of carrying concealed that weighs 3lbs... Not even my fullsize 1911 (39oz) weighs that much let alone my conceal carry gun (17.1oz).

lmao, I don't think I've ever had the time to weigh a gun, nor ever felt the desire to do so I guess.

The point is not the weight, its the fact that if it comes down to it, your pelvic bone will give out long before the slide of a handgun will. Tank bag or other means of carry on the bike.

If you play your cards right, even in heavy traffic, and even in gridlock, position your bike so you can take off if needed. I always decided it was best to use the speed an manueverability of the motorcycle rather than try to fend off an attack with my sidearm while mounted on a stationairy bike. If you carry on your right side, you can't draw and shoot while riding unless you're magical and can use your left hand for your throttle and front brake and steering while fending off a horde of ninja's.

I rode for two years (didn't own anything with more than two wheels for this period) in Las Vegas, would only carry on my hip when on my way to work because I had to arrive in uniform so that's another story. Don't play the macho route, get a good helmet, and wear pants with hip/knee armor built in. I always wore alpinestars or dianese spine armor under my jacket that had shoulder and elbow pads built in. FWIW invest in an Arai helmet, you'll have to shell out about $600 - $700 bucks last I checked, but its worth it. Sorry for the rant, seen way too many people hurt. Even a 10-20 MPH get off can go very south very fast.

If you have the stomach to here ---> WARNING! VERY GRAPHIC! NOT FOR WORK OR KIDS OR WIVES OR GRANDMAS OR ANYONE WITH A WEAK STOMACH ... http://www.livetorideridetodie.com

Wear proper gear! /rant

[lead_magnet]

I carry on a bike. If I leave it in the IWB, it's basically inaccessible(due to my jacket) while I'm seated on the bike, so usually it goes in my tankbag, and back in the holster when I dismount.

+3 !

[josh7328]

I ride a rocket. I usually just tuck in my shirt over my liberty holster. That with the thick leather riding jacket I wear keeps the wind from blowing my shirt up and showing off my gun. However, If I'm staying in Colorado, away from major cities, I just don't worry about it much. Open carry state.

[argonstrom]

While I'm not a fan of open carry, CO is an open carry state, so if it is seen I'm not too concerned about it.

I've pondered the accessibly vs. crashing & doing more damage thing quite a bit. That being said, if I do need my weapon, I would rather it be where I'm used to it being & not having to dig through a tank bag or whatnot to retrieve it.

[Monky]

Wear proper gear!

Only real part of your statement I agree with. Wear what fits you. Arai doesn't fit me, Shoei does not fit me. Shark does not fit me. They all don't feel right.

I've been riding on something with two wheels since the 2nd grade.. Dirt or street.. I've been there. I've crashed and walked away, and been taken away in an ambulance after a tussle with a car.. I've also been into the ER. I've done cart wheels at 55 mph. I didn't have a fancy helmet. But I did have one that fit me properly. It didn't budge on my head, it did not crack, and it did not cost $700.

If they have a DOT/Snell rating they've passed the same tests. I'm not paying for a sponsorship or fancy graphics and a famous rider wearing it during a GP race.

You get what fits you well. You wear it. Bottom line. [Luck] [NoEvil]

[Wiggity]

Honestly one of the only situations I prefer a shoulder holster is on a bike

[earplug]

Tank bag and when dismounted I put the J frame in my helmet with my gloves. If I was staying around for any time the J frame went into a pocket.
A bandana is handy to hide the firearm in the helmet or when moving the firearm around.
I used to soak myself with water at stops to cool off. A body mounted gun would have been soaked. And a shoulder holster is a hassle if you stop to go swimming.

[josh7328]

Only real part of your statement I agree with. Wear what fits you. Arai doesn't fit me, Shoei does not fit me. Shark does not fit me. They all don't feel right.

I've been riding on something with two wheels since the 2nd grade.. Dirt or street.. I've been there. I've crashed and walked away, and been taken away in an ambulance after a tussle with a car.. I've also been into the ER. I've done cart wheels at 55 mph. I didn't have a fancy helmet. But I did have one that fit me properly. It didn't budge on my head, it did not crack, and it did not cost $700.

If they have a DOT/Snell rating they've passed the same tests. I'm not paying for a sponsorship or fancy graphics and a famous rider wearing it during a GP race.

You get what fits you well. You wear it. Bottom line. [Luck] [NoEvil]
+1! I've demolished a Scorpion Exo helmet on the pavement before, and shredded the leather jacket I was wearing. But I walked away with only a few bruises. Don't be the helmetless badass. The road always wins.

[Monky]

+1! I've demolished a Scorpion Exo helmet on the pavement before, and shredded the leather jacket I was wearing. But I walked away with only a few bruises. Don't be the helmetless badass. The road always wins.

That is what I've switched over to. For the price you can not beat the helmet. NOW the new ones have air bags like reebok pumps.

[AirbornePathogen]

Fear not guys, I've got a few hundred bucks budgeted for gear, including a good full-face helmet. Not an Arai, but a Shoei, which is almost as good.

[Great-Kazoo]

Fear not guys, I've got a few hundred bucks budgeted for gear, including a good full-face helmet. Not an Arai, but a Shoei, which is almost as good.

Depending on size i have some gear and a 4x used full face helmet, i'd part with.

[TFOGGER]

*Shameless Plug* Gimme a call...closeout gear (especially if you're really big or really small) can be heavily discounted. I am a dealer for all of the major brands.

TFOG Wheelsports 3oh3-216-24hundred

[argonstrom]

...including a good full-face helmet. Not an Arai, but a Shoei...

I've have the good fortune to test both and I'm still here. I'm pretty sure they kept my brain intact (gotta ask the wife for a definite ruling)? The Shoei fits my head better, so that's with what I ride now.

TFOGGER - take firearm trades on helmets? My RF1000 is getting pretty stinky! :)

[TFOGGER]

I've have the good fortune to test both and I'm still here. I'm pretty sure they kept my brain intact (gotta ask the wife for a definite ruling)? The Shoei fits my head better, so that's with what I ride now.

TFOGGER - take firearm trades on helmets? My RF1000 is getting pretty stinky! :)

PM me in the morning...size and preferred color...I'll let you know what's available.

[AirbornePathogen]

Jim and TFogger- we'll be talking. Just gotta get a bike first. Speaking of which, if anyone has a 650cc or so cruiser that they're willing to part with...

[Chad4000]

I have always ridden with my entry level HJC. the thing you are paying for on the more expensive units are graphics, vents, etc. sometimes those things can be worth it to you. HJC just always felt good to me.

[Great-Kazoo]

I have always ridden with my entry level HJC. the thing you are paying for on the more expensive units are graphics, vents, etc. sometimes those things can be worth it to you. HJC just always felt good to me.


No graphics here flat black full face. These are not the droids you're looking for.

[bellavite1]

In my iwb.
Always.
Holstering from a bag in the middle of the street could be considered brandishing, if you find the right asshole...

[argonstrom]

No graphics here flat black full face. These are not the droids you're looking for.

Same here, except mine sports the argonstrom.com sticker.

[Aloha_Shooter]

I use either a CC T-shirt with elastic holster sewn in, CC vest or a lumbar pack that goes in the saddle bags when I mount up and comes out when I arrive. No one can complain about me grabbing a lumbar pack -- especially since I use to hold my ereader and camera even when I'm not carrying.

[DD977GM2]

I would reccomend to nevery carry on your person while on a bike. If you go down its going to bust you up, pelvic fractures are common with motorcycle crashes, if you have a 3lb chuck of steel strapped right next to you, it isn't going to go well when you go down. Plus there is no real reason to, not like you can ride and shoot at the same time. If you're stopped and somethign goes shitty, riding away would probably be a better option. I'd reccomend a tank bag, then just put it back on when you dismount the bike.

In my wreck, ejected, I did not receive any aditional injuries due to my pistol being in a Don Hume OWB holster.It actually didnt allow damage to the gun either. Had rash on it on the way of decent scratches but other than that I still use the holster to this day!!!!!!

http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab192/SpikeK2/bike_wreck_03_zps1d47164b.png

http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab192/SpikeK2/bike_wreck_04_zps98bce5e2.png

[Irving]

Is that I-25 North right after it splits go I-70?

[DangerLee_Industries]

In my wreck, ejected, I did not receive any aditional injuries due to my pistol being in a Don Hume OWB holster.It actually didnt allow damage to the gun either. Had rash on it on the way of decent scratches but other than that I still use the holster to this day!!!!!!

http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab192/SpikeK2/bike_wreck_03_zps1d47164b.png

http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab192/SpikeK2/bike_wreck_04_zps98bce5e2.png


Wow that's no good!

[DD977GM2]

Is that I-25 North right after it splits go I-70?

Yep it was about 100 meters north from where you exit to go to I-70 or 38th from northbound I-25

[T-Giv]

I always carry when I ride and I rock a IWB Longhorn setup. I've only been down on dirt (I ride a supermoto most days) and didn't have an issue. I'm sure that if went down at speed my gun would cause me injury in some way. Still worth the risk to me. Plus, no way I could go adding tank bags and such to my supermoto!

[colorider]

My xd 40 subcompact fits perfect in my Olympia airglide riding pants front pocket. Fast east access and can not see it at all.

[Wiggity]

In my wreck, ejected, I did not receive any aditional injuries due to my pistol being in a Don Hume OWB holster.It actually didnt allow damage to the gun either. Had rash on it on the way of decent scratches but other than that I still use the holster to this day!!!!!!

http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab192/SpikeK2/bike_wreck_03_zps1d47164b.png

http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab192/SpikeK2/bike_wreck_04_zps98bce5e2.png



Damn son, when did that happen?

[10mm-man]

In relation to the comment above about "not" carrying while you ride; I have heard a couple of people tell me they were saved by the gun. One said he used it to slide on, down the street. I guess it depends were you carry....

[Grant H.]

My cc goes into the tank bag when I am on the bike.

Back in the holster when I get off.

Concerns of landing on it keep me from wearing it.

[Danceswithwires]

I was driving on Santa Fe southbound just south of Evans when I was passed buy a guy on a Harley, he had a nice looking black 1911 in a brown OWB holster, his vest and shirt were flapping in the wind fully showing his carry, probably not so good. Ran across this the other day and have been thinking about it http://kangaroocarry.com/

[Limited GM]

In my wreck, ejected, I did not receive any aditional injuries due to my pistol being in a Don Hume OWB holster.It actually didnt allow damage to the gun either. Had rash on it on the way of decent scratches but other than that I still use the holster to this day!!!!!!



http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab192/SpikeK2/bike_wreck_04_zps98bce5e2.png

Damndude. I drove by you slow that day, sick at my stomach. Glad to know you're OK.

Five yrs ago almost to the day, I was riding with a friend when he hit a horse, yes a horse. The horse was stumbling around all F'ed up and I was so scared he was going to get on top of my friend who was laying in the road. I remember clawing my leathers trying to get my gun out when I remembered I'd flown in and not carried. Only time I've ever needed my piece and not had it. Bad day.

[68Guy]

Riding on my MC is exactly like anywhere else I am legally allowed to be - I carry concealed! The ONLY difference my be where I carry. I wear heavy leather or a Tourmaster Transition all season jacket and they are pretty bulky so access to my firearm is sometimes difficult plus, they are hot and I like to take them off when I get to where I am going. I have a built in holster pocket in my jacket I use and I carry a spare AIWB holster in my side bag so I can pull the weapon (safely and out of sight of course) and put it in the holster so I can remove my jackets.