Need advice on carry while in my robe.

[CAS700850]

Okay, hope that got everyone's attention. A few weeks back, I posted about getting appointed as a Magistrate (assistant judge for those of you not familiar with Ohio courts), and what gun was appropriate for the bench. Well, I'm now a month into this job, and discovered I have a problem. What gun doesn't matter a bit, because there is no good way I can think of to cary while working. For those of you who have never put on a judge's robe, let me explain. This thing is like a long coat, which zips up the front. I have to unzip completely to acess my cell phone, wallet, etc, much less a handgun carried at the waist. My Galco Jackass rig is slightly better, but only slightly better, as I still have to unzip to thw waist at least to access the handgun.

The bench I work from is about desk height, while seated, with no shelves, drawers or anything underneath (except wiring for electirc and the sound system). The top of the bench is completely flat, so I cannot just lay it on the bench without the world seeing it...nothing on the front of the bench to hide anything. As an aside, the bench is armored with armor plates, a recent addition thanks to a Homeland Security grant.

So far, for the moment, I've taken to lying it on top of my briefcase at my right side, under the bench far enough that no one can see (except my bailiff, who is glad it's there), but this is not a long term solution. The bench was built in 1875, so modifications are seriously frowned upon. Can anyone think of an idea, maybe something that would fit on my chair, or an easy mount for the bench that would not require me to damage the antique too much. Or, am I stuck with a J-frame in an ankle rig? I'm open to any suggestion, serious and otherwise, and even appreciate suggestions tat require the purchase of a new toy...;)

[Siggunner]

Check out this website: http://www.cwcases.com/.

There's plenty of other websites that carry items like this, this is just the first one I came to. I think I even saw a Bible that had a gun-shaped cut out in the pages. Good luck and let us know what you figure out.

[JJpdxpinkpistols]

It sounds like the bench is just that...a bench with armor plating on the front and sides. If so, people can't see your seat? Do you have a pad on that there seat?

Winderness Safepacker snapped open and slipped under the edge of the pad, so that the gun 1/2 is open The edges of your robe will hide it to a certain degree. and it will be accessible.

You could also go and have them put pockets or slashes into your robe so that you have access to your belt. wouldn't be THAT difficult to do.

Or you could do the "stripper judge" thing and have a tailor adhere things with Velcro. Just rip open the robe and you are good to go! Add Van Halen, instant party, too :evil:

[geekWithA.45]

I would look into 2 way zipper, the kind that unzips from top and bottom, and the services of an old school seamstress.


Heck, I'd do that just so I could get to my wallet.


And I gotta say, armored benches are cool!

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Bellyband worn up high like a crossdraw shoulder holster maybe? Unzip down to mid-sternum and reach in and draw? Downside with any crossdraw rig is you will muzzle sweep half the room during the drawstroke though...

[SMLE]

Subtle modifications to the robe might be in order. Have the side seam opened and install velcro perhaps.

[sacp81170a]

Attach a strong magnet to a Fobus holster for your pistol type and stick it to the armor plate wherever is most convenient. I have a Fobus attached with screws to the sideboard on my side of the bed with a S&W model 65. Convenient, well hidden (covered by mattress skirts) and easily accessible. If you can't find a strong enough magnet, tear apart an old hard drive. Them dang magnets are *strong*!:D

[crofrog]

you could rock a G26 in an ankle holster as well. Or perhaps get something like this

http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterG3.asp?ProductID=2770&GunID=47
http://www.usgalco.com/Catalog/large/DPGROUP2.jpg

[Crimson]

Is there room for a small stand underneath the bench that would bring the pistol level with your hand? No alterations to the bench itself and maybe faster than a holster

[hso]

I've got both planner and briefcase carry methods. The planner could just sit up on the bench top and the briefcase with it's velcro outer pocket could sit under the bench. You could also have the robe modified to zip up to the belly and velcro the rest of the way. That way you could shoulder holster carry.

[geekWithA.45]

I have a planner, but I don't use it for carry...I'm 85% skeptical of off body carriage. I use it for "no probable cause" interstate transportation.

[loadedround]

HSO has the right idea; however look into the Planner Holsters the Dillon Precision offers in their Blue Press Magazine out mothly. It could set on your desk unzippered and be completely accessable, Your Honor.

[redbearde]

At church I have a similar issue with my cassock.

http://istok.ca/product.php?productid=24821&cat=840&page=1cassock

The best solution for me was to have large pockets sewn into the side of the robe which are similarly open internally (you could just make a hole, but pockets are nice, too). It takes a small amount of working your hand around to get inside the robe, but it's a lot less hassle than essentially removing the thing...not to mention less obtrusive.

The cut of my cassock makes reaching inside the sleeve impossible. I'm assuming you cannot reach inside your rightt sleeve with your right arm. Some of those style robes have large enough sleeves that you can manage it, and if you can, then perhaps a holster offering up your gun from your belt into that sleeve would work.

[ruttdigger]

I dont remember teh website but do a google for grassbur holsters. They are in Texas. They have a good mounting system that can be adapted to just about anything.

[Waitone]

Keep it on-body carry.

Options
--Replace robe zipper with velco
--Rip out a seam on the side and close it with velco or snaps.
--Since you sit at your workstation I'd keep using the Jackass Rig.
--Failing to implement any of the foregoing, Get an ankle rig for a 4" S&W 686 :D

BTW, did you ever get a barbeque gun?

[Arkie]

I would just carry it in and set it on the desk. Then when everyone is nice and quiet I would say "OK who wants to go first." :eek:

Have them whimpering in the courtroom. :)

[Doug Add]

Like others have mentioned, I would also recommend some modification of the side seam. You could have it professionally altered so there would be no need for velcro closures. I am not very comfortable with off the body carry.

The robe I wear for weddings and funerals (I do not wear it regularly on Sunday mornings) has an opening in the right side seam. My robe was made that way, I assume to provide convenient access to the controls on a wireless mic clipped to the belt or to a pants pocket. It also offers easy access to where I usually carry, just behind my right hip.

[perpster]

I also think slit in robe would be best way.

Or, rent Taxi Driver and study Dinero's forearm rig. I think Robert Conrad had something similar in Wild Wild West. ;)

[One of Many]

How about using an ankle holster, but putting it on the non-dominant forearm (up the inside of the sleeve). It would be concealed by the sleeve, and if the need arose, you could just slide your dominant hand up the opposite forearm to grab the gun. No need to unzip, or fish for a pocket or slit in the seam of the robe.

[JamisJockey]

Carry a Colt Army, and use it as a gavel.

[R.H. Lee]

Sheesh, no offense, but you've already got an armor plated desk and an armed bailiff, which is more than most of us have at the office. :p

[cookekdjr]

1. replace zipper w/velcro; AND
2. make some pockets. Insert J-frame.

BTW, you DO need to carry every time you are in court. A friend of mine was murdered while on the bench (Judge Barnes in Atlanta). It was the first homicide case I investigated where I knew the victims.

Carry EVERY time you are in court, and make sure the deputy watches your back if there is a rear entrance. Judge Barnes was shot from behind while he was on the bench, cracking a joke.
-David

[FXR]

Might I suggest a small 8-inch slit in the side of your robe right next to where you keep your holstered weapon? (I'm thinking of the same kind of slot that exists on suit coats, with a small flap over it.) I would think something like that would be almost unnoticable in a judicial robe -- as you walked into court the folds of the robe would cover any minor cosmetic issues.

Seems like a few bucks to someone who does hems would be able to fix you right up.
--K

PS; of course, if it was me I'd have a folding-stock AK under my robes. Rank has it's privileges and those robes will cover more than a pot belly!

[CAS700850]

As far as the gun of choice, I'm going with a Sig 239 (9mm...skip the jokes) for now, with a Hogue grip. Black gun on black briefcase, or tucked under black robe on black chair. Invisible enough. I'd prefer my Glock 21 I was issued by the drug task force as a Prosecutor, and they "gave" me as a gift when I left the office. I like the idea of .45 slugs for up close, quick, and very personal. When I get set and can bring in the show/BBQ gun, it's probably going to be my Smith 19, 2.5" barrel, with a set of wood grips, stained cherry, that I made when I got the appointment. Another time, I'll give more details.

I do plan to have it handy at all times. The design of my courtroom is such that I am on the bench when people are brought in...no "All rise for the Honorable CAS" in my courtroom. Double edged sword, in that my ego doesn't get stroked, but I'm in a power/protected position from the get-go. Only one way in, directly in front of me, unless you come through the secured back door, which is dedicated to staff only, and locked from my side 90% of the time.

I, too, dislike off-body carry. I often get up and go to my office for a quick break, and hate to either leave the gun behind or have to go through the trouble (and actually remember) to take it with me, only to bring it back in a few moments. Rather have it on me, and not deal with the hassels.

The magnet on the bench won't work, thanks to modern computer equipment, a wireless network, and the digital recoding equipment.

I like the idea of midifying the robe, but the one I am using is "issued", and can't be modified too much. It has a pocket slit on the right side, my dominant side, but it is hard to find in all of the folds. The sleaves are cuffed, like a shirt, so "up the sleave won't work, either.

I guess for now, I'll stick with my off-body method, unless I get an ankle rig for my Bodyguard, or buy a baby Glock or something similar. Any other creative ideas?

And, yes, I've got an armed guard and an armored (Kevlar and ceramic plates) bench, but would any of you trust your life to someone else, especially since he may end up taking the first shots? Don't want to crawl under the bench, push the panic button, and pray help gets to the room before the bad guy comes around the bench. Besides, I can outshoot the bailiff ( a former probation officer), and he carries a Glock 23, which could kaboom when he pulls the trigger.;)

[gezzer]

Dumb Question, Do you have to wear clothes under the robe? If not your Weapon may show:what:
Seriously keep it in your brief case very easy to get at.

[pete f]

can you post a pic of your work area. or send it PM.

As part of my work, I used to do a lot of modifications to work places for handicapped people. Before it was possible to get a catalogue of wheelchair or walker friendly desks, work tables etc, we did a lot of work making it possible for a lot of these people to get back to work and work comfortably.

One of my favorite was a woman with a spinal disease who was in a wheel chair, as I was finishing most of the mods to her desk, I had her show up at the shop for a "fitting" here she asked me if I could add a special feature. She wanted me to add a shelf and some baces for her purse to sit under her desk but still very much accessable. I quickly mocked one up out of particle board and masonite just to get the height right and she then asked me to add a couple of braces to hold the purse just so, I said that would be easy and tacked on a couple of sticks like she had said. She wheeled up to the desk and set her purse in the little space and then dropped her hand to the purse and pulled out a 4 inch N frame. "Ohhhh" she said, "that will work just fine!!!" it was a Model 57 in 41 mag. I finished the desk and added the shelf and I got a nice note from her saying how much safer she felt sitting at her desk knowing her boomer was within reach. She was the receptionist at a law firm.

What that means is that maybe the best use or best way may be something different. I know one guy who sits at the impound lot with his 1911 in a dayplanner dropped into a little cubby hole on the side of his chair. Velcro on the planner and in the cubby holds the planner still for a good draw. When he gets up to leave on break he just pulls the planner out, and tucks it under his arm. Another set up we did was a little welded up stand that holds a shorty shotgun and a revolver besides a cash register at a jewelry store. A little piece of drapery hides it from all, but run your hand along the side of the cabinet and their you go. bolted to the floor, it disappears in daily use. Do you have a keyboard tray. I have screwed Fobus holsters to the bottom of more than one key board tray that allows someone to have access to a weapon when dress made it unfeasable to do otherwise...

[perpster]

Chris,

You asked for creative so...

How about an ultra lightweight snubby, like S&W 340 with internal hammer, on a shoulder rig, or, on a neck rig hanging over your chest but under your multi-pleated robe?

I've seen some holsters online that are made for "neck" carry.

I don't know how your robe fits in the neck/shoulders, but it might be do-able. If need be you could even grab and fire from with your hand outside your robe on the gun under the robe.

Not the most practical setup, but the Court did ask for creative...

Perp

[pauli]

what are the dimensions under the bench? i'm thinking a tension fit plate with a shotgun mounted to it.

(and the only shotgun that goes with robes is a coach gun :))

[fiVe]

CAS700850: You are most definitely THE COOLEST judge in the country. Stay safe--we need many more like you.

Most respectfully,
fiVe

[CAS700850]

Thanks for all of the advice. For all of you who may wonder, my beliefs in the Constitution and teh RKBa are still here. Didn't leave them in the closet when I put on the robe. Ask the prosecutor who appeared here yesterday and who had his case destroyed when I ruled that his actions violated the Confrontation Clause under the Sixth Amendment.

For now, I'm going to plan on getting an ankle rig for my Bodyguard as the "on my person" weapon. I fear that, being only a magistrate and not "the" judge, I would be out of line to modify the bench, especially given its age and historic value. I can rech an ankle holster easily while seated, robe or not, and should stay fairly well concealed under dress pants, so I shouldn't have to worry about being too obvious when I walk around. The BBQ gun, the Smith 19, will go in the briefcase. Actually, since both will use the same ammo, speedstrips of .38 ammo at the bench will be very useful.

And, for you 1911 fans out there, my grandfather is dropping hints about me needing a real gun for this purpose, and in his world, real guns are either a 1911 or a magnum with a 4" barrel minimum. I'll keep you all informed.

[markdaniel]

How about a modified arm on your chair? A slot to slip the gun in.

[Otherguy Overby]

You da judge! Just put the Jack-Ass rig shoulder holster on OVER the robe.

Sheesh, some people's kids. :D

[jfruser]

How large are the chair arms? How wide is the chair seat?

1. Could you use a dayplanner (http://www.jagwear.com/jgwr1-10.htm) type gun holster/system, turn it inside out, and drape it over the chair arm? Preferably with the holster part on the inside.

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2. Or, a brief case type (http://www.ccwsupply.biz/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=C&Product_Code=RL7754BK&Category_Code=BNDP) gun holster placed on a stool or butler's asst (http://cgi.ebay.com/UNFINISHED-WOOD-SMALL-STEP-KITCHEN-STOOL_W0QQitemZ8266441954QQcategoryZ28128QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting). underneath the bench.


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3. Maybe a thigh holster (http://www.ustacticalsupply.com/images/holster1.jpg). Hike your robe up above the holster when seated, place it back down when you get up.

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4. Or, go "freestyle" under the robe and clench ol' slabsides between your... :)

[Maxwell]

This sounds like a job for velcro!
They sell little circles with sticky glue, put the loop (soft) side on the table or under the chair, and the hook (hard) side on a simple holster. That should stay within quick reach without permanently harming the table, Assuming the under side dosnt have a fancy finish on it.
If you feel like a bit of arts and crafts you can get some nylon strap, a sail needle, and dental floss(waxed) to sew yourself a little contraption to saddle over the chairs arm or over a large briefcase.