Walking the Walk with “Old-Slabside”.

[Mad Magyar]

While taking leisurely walks in this mid-size city, I’ve had the “Drive-by Delinquents” throw the “fingers” at me, hurl obscenities, an occasional soda can, and the consistent honking horn at close range. Perhaps, one of these days they might stop their vehicle or perhaps a “drive-by” shot or two? Would these young adults actually want to harm a citizen trying to improve his health? It’s always a car load, never done by an individual with increased frequency under the cover of darkness. The city built a nice walkway; unfortunately it is on one of the busiest thorough-fares. Walking the neighborhood is too stressful. It’s a sad commentary in these times, when an adult male walking in a neighborhood full of children: one is perceived as a possible predator…So, no, I won’t walk in my locale because of this and the chorus of barking dogs…:scrutiny:
While wearing sweats & no belt, I’ve never been able to carry anything in a pocket (jacket or pant) larger than a .32 with comfort and w/o the sag. Finally, a nice shoulder rig to handle a .45 with couple of loaded mags for balance & weight distribution. Oh yes, I carry legal.
Do you think this is overkill? Anyone else wear a shoulder rig while enjoying the fresh air?
http://i16.tinypic.com/2n74ieh.jpg

[steveracer]

...I wear one when I'm on the motorcycle, or on very long car rides. Much easier to get the pistol out when wearing a shoulder rig in those situations.
Based on your photo, you are dressed alright for wearing a good strong side IWB rig for that 1911.

[MCgunner]

Shoulder rigs are not practical in South Texas. Coats or other covering garments are not practical here 9 months out of the year. I'm also on a motorcycle a lot....in 90-100 degree heat. While I might have my armored mesh on, I take it off at every stop. I've worn a shoulder rig exactly once, when I was wade fishing in winter and a front had gone through and it was near freezing. I was in my 5mm neoprenes with a heavy hunting coat on. You can't get under those neoprene chest waders, so I resorted to my cheap Uncle Mikes shoulder rig.

[M2 Carbine]

"Do you think this is overkill? Anyone else wear a shoulder rig while enjoying the fresh air?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Overkill?

Hell no. What would be overkill is if those punks were able to harm you because you didn't have the 45.;)

[Cousin Mike]

Overkill? No sir, not IMO. Not with the type of behavior you described. Hopefully it's just a few punk kids giving you a hard time - but if they ever decide to stop the car, you might have to do what'cha gotta do.

When I go out walking or do any type of exercise, I use a bellyband. I usually wear mine on my hip at 3 o'clock or so. It's nice and secure, hides well, and is a quick and easy draw if needed. It also has a slot for an extra mag right next to the gun. If you have a problem with the shoulder holster, you might want to consider one of these. It might cost you about $40-$50 or so.

That's my Sig P220, btw. You can put anything but a pocket pistol in one of these.

[carterbeauford]

Do you think this is overkill?

Certainly not. I'd look into carrying two :)

[Mad Magyar]

Appreciate the input and I know what you mean about warm weather and adequate concealment. BTW,C.Mike, nice bellyband outfit...I might be able to sweat off a lb. off my gut as a secondary benefit...:D I'll look into it....
What I've found wearing this shoulder outfit is that the weight of a large pistol feels comfortable with my shoulders/back bearing the weight instead of my waist/hips...
As far as young punks, I worry that someone in a car might dare the other to take a pot-shot at me....I'll be cautious....Thanks....

[ravencon]

If a belly band type holster appeals to you you might want to check out Thunderwear:
http://www.thunderwear.com/holsters.asp

They are comfortable and conceal well. They are very well suited for use with sweat pants.

[Cousin Mike]

Mad Mag: As a side note, I usually wear my gun in the appendix position when I carry with a bellyband. The reason I wear it @ 3 o'clock when exercising is because sweat isn't an issue there - and it hides just as well. I've also carried it under my weak arm, across my stomach/chest. Hides well there too, but slows the draw a bit - probably no more than a shoulder rig. There are holes in the fabric so it doesn't get hot. So much for that extra pound. :D

Although now you've got me wanting to invest in a nice shoulder rig, to see if I like it better. Never tried the Thunderwear - In my experience wearing a gun over your 'stuff' can get to be pretty uncomfortable, especially while driving/sitting. Not a lot of room to move - least not for me. :neener: I might have to try the Thunderwear, and see how comfy it is. Never can have too many options.

[JLStorm]

I carry a uspf .45 in a galco shoulder rig and I cant say enough about them. They may not be perfect for all circumstances, but thats why I have a few different holsters for each gun.

[made2cut]

When I first got my CCW I just couldn't imagine carrying IWB, I mean even some change in my pocket bothers me. Therefore I figured a shoulder rig would be the best way to go. I bought a couple of cheap ones and finally bucked up for a Galco jackass. I never really got that comfortable with them however and discovered that IWB at the one o'clock position is quite comfortable and works best for me. I still use the shoulder holster once in a while but they mostly stay in the closet. But like you have figured out, when wearing sweats there aren't many options besides a shoulder rig for a full size gun.

[Rangegod]

However this might raise an eyebrow or two:

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=49511&stc=1&d=1166476620

With credit to my good friend Sam Andrews


JAC

[Prof. A. Wickwire]

Rangegod,

That is an awesome setup, especially if the Glock is in .45 ACP.

If only I lived in a state that trusted other than the police and criminals with SBSs.

Sincerely,

Prof. A. Wickwire

[springmom]

No, a .45 is never overkill.

But what I really want to know is, what else are you doing for your safety? If these people are driving by, then they have license plates. Have you called the cops with the plate numbers? Do you vary your route by time of day and direction so you're not too predictable? Do you have a cell phone with you too?

My concern is that "drive by" shootings are not likely to happen such that you'll get a shot off first. If this is escalating, I'd start making some SERIOUS noise down at city hall, and to your local LEOs. This involves a lot more issues than just "what gun do I carry".

Stay safe.

Springmom

[XavierBreath]

A 1911 is always appropriate for social occasions. :)

When in sweats or scrubs, I prefer a SmartCarry (http://www.smartcarry.com/) rig. Humid, hot Louisiana. IMHO SmartCarry works better than Thunderwear. I agree, a full size 1911 in this type holster can be a crotchfull when sitting, especially in a bucket seat of a car.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=49702&stc=1&d=1166786179

I kind of wonder why the "drive by delinquents" have singled you out for this abuse though.......

[ZeSpectre]

Mad Magyar,
I think you've got a fine setup there. Along with "Thunderwear" (http://www.thunderwear.com/) there is also "Smartcarry (http://www.smartcarry.com/)". Seems like a strange way to carry but is actually surprisingly comfortable once you learn how to adjust it for your individual use.

My wife and I do evening walks and have had a few blockheads try similar stuff. I have a digital voice recorder (Sony ICDP320 (http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?prodCatType=1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&productId=146725&cmArea=SEARCH)) that I now carry along as well because I can then whip it out and start dictating the license plate, description of vehicle and occupants, etc. It's far easier than trying to observe and write on a pad of paper because you never have to take your eyes off the subject.

When you get home transfer all the information to a notebook along with date/time, etc. and then call the police and make a report. If you notice that the same vehicle is involved then you have evidence for harassment and you can go from there.

[Prince Yamato]

Actually, Prof. Wickwire, in NYS you CAN legally own that shotgun, if it's configured as an AOW. Yep, NYS allows AOWs. Why only AOWs? Not 100% sure but I bet it has to due with the Ithaca Auto & Burglar Gun being produced there at one time.

[perpster]

AOW?

[The Real Hawkeye]

I have a similar shoulder rig for my Government Model, but I almost always carry IWB instead. Much more versitile in terms of clothing.

[steveracer]

Basically smooth bore pistols.

[MCgunner]

My concern is that "drive by" shootings are not likely to happen such that you'll get a shot off first. If this is escalating, I'd start making some SERIOUS noise down at city hall, and to your local LEOs. This involves a lot more issues than just "what gun do I carry".

Even with a license plate, what could the cops do? They'd pretty much yawn and go back to their dough nuts here in our thriving metroplis which isn't near as big as Spring. :banghead: Unless a crime has been committed, they don't care. They're not in the business of crime prevention, it seems. Shoot a couple of 'em and you'll grab law enforcement's attention, though. :banghead:

[Green Lantern]

I don't carry in a shoulder holster, but I am "packing" when I got for a walk (not as often as I should, either). Either the "usual" setup (G19 IWB) in town, where I walk around the shopping center near where I work. Or the same at home with a shotshell in the chamber for snakes in the summer months.

[outofbattery]

I walk through my neighborhood nightly - people know I'm one of their neighbors out for a walk,not a footpad casing homes or looking for children because we tend to be neighborly.

[bigmike45]

When I walk, I carry my PT-145 in my front pocket. 10+1 45acp is great for those kind of intense moments without fear of showing the weapon, if not needed. I have been carrying it so long the blueing is rubbing off the slide. It has been my everywhere companion for several years. It is always my BUG when I carry my 1911's. It has a polymer frame that offsets the weight of eleven 230gr sledgehammers. I am a revolver guy from a long way back so the long DA trigger feels natural to me. The accuracy of this gun just blows me away and has never failed to fire in over 4000 rounds.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/mike_seale/MillProSmall.jpg

This is from two 10 round clips at 15 yards
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/mike_seale/TaurusTarget.jpg

[Thefabulousfink]

Even with a license plate, what could the cops do? They'd pretty much yawn and go back to their dough nuts here in our thriving metroplis which isn't near as big as Spring. Unless a crime has been committed, they don't care. They're not in the business of crime prevention, it seems. Shoot a couple of 'em and you'll grab law enforcement's attention, though.

They can buy their doughnuts to go, park their car on the corner and eat them. They can make that neighborhood a regular patrol route. It is amazing what a little police presence can do for daylight crime and harassment.

As for walkabout guns, I keep a little j-frame .38 in my coat poket or an iwb holster (for warmer weather) for my everyday routine which doesn't take me into bad areas. If I am going for a walk or running errands in bad or unfamilier areas, I strap on me Baby Eagle .40 S&W. The j-frame is much more comfortable for all day carry, but it won't be as much help if I am jumped by more than one thug.

[brownie0486]

They can buy their doughnuts to go, park their car on the corner and eat them.

Nobody eats doughnuts but cops?:banghead:

What a wisearse comment, shows quite the lack of respect for law enforcement, which is to be expected of some who have never walked in their shoes.

Mad Magyar;

I don't prefer shoulder rigs as a rule. You can't move very fast in them without holding onto the piece if need be. Diving for cover can be problematic with them as well. Just something to consider should you need to make some quick moves to get out of the line of fire.

Brownie

[James T Thomas]

Should you ever have to use that old fashioned steel gun, you will be ever so happy to have all the "over kill" you have. The common course of human nature when things have been going eventless for long periods of time is complacency. Going to ever smaller, lighter and dimunutive packages until you reach the size of gun that you carry when you don't need one. Watch out when that happens.

I wouldn't feel like a sinister or bad guy just because I carry an efficient defensive fighting tool. It is indiciative that you have a good grasp of reality.

[Idano]

Mad Magyar,

I bike 30-50 miles in the country instead of walk or jog and I too have encountered the same type of harassment and the occasion attack by unleashed dog. On a bike a holster kind of gets in the way so I use a Blackhawk 5-5-10 (5 seconds to draw an shoot 5 rounds at a target 10 yards) fanny pack to carry my Beretta and an extra clip; it also has a compartment for my wallet, keys and cell phone.
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=49141&d=1165818102.

I like it not only for the additional storage but because it is out in plain sight unobstructed by clothing and no one knows your packing.

[Vern Humphrey]

While taking leisurely walks in this mid-size city, I’ve had the “Drive-by Delinquents” throw the “fingers” at me, hurl obscenities, an occasional soda can, and the consistent honking horn at close range.

I had the same problem years ago, when I was stationed at Fort Benning, GA. I rode a bicycle, and when I rode the Georgia backroads, I got a lot of that. So I got what was then called a "Pistol Toter's Permit" and wore my .45 in a GI holster with a GI belt.

No one ever did anything nasty to me when I had that strapped on.:p