"Shoot me first" pants

[CorpITGuy]

I bought a pair of Operator Tactical pants from LApolicegear.com.

While reading a bit, I've found that some folks don't like wearing tactical pants/cargo khakis because gangbangers are onto them and know of them as "shoot me first" pants. Is there any proof of this or is it just the result of overactive imaginations?

 

[Rockwell1]

Just the fact that they scream
"Mall Ninja" is enough for me

 

[HoosierQ]

If cargo pants makes one a target for ganbangers, every college kid in America better start hiding That seems like an odd urban legend to me but I guess we'll find out.

 

[mcdonl]

I avoid pants with Knee pads.... that being said, they simply look like cargo pants. I wear cargo pants when I go to the range, because of the pockets.

Leroy

 

[david_the_greek]

sounds like an over active imagination to me. That said, I don't like looking like I'm about to take part in a ship boarding operation or a drug raid. If anything, I'd be more concerned about being stopped/targeted by police since they would know these pants a bit more intimately than a druggie or gangbanger.

 

[Dave P]

Do you ever wonder why you don't see these on the street?? That's because the bangers have already taken them out!

 

[Delaware_Dan]

What exactly is "tactical" about pants?

 

[CorpITGuy]

I avoid pants with Knee pads.... that being said, they simply look like cargo pants. I wear cargo pants when I go to the range, because of the pockets.

My thoughts exactly. I like cargo pants because I carry so much with me. At work, I'm unarmed but I have a USB drive, a cell phone, two sets of keys, a wallet, two knives (one is a multi-tool, the other is a real knife for cutting), pepper spray and loose change. Everywhere else I have all of that + more.

If anything, I'd be more concerned about being stopped/targeted by police since they would know these pants a bit more intimately than a druggie or gangbanger.

This too. The last thing I want is the police thinking I'm impersonating them. But, the fact that more than one person over at TFL mentioned the idea of gangbangers knowing I'm carrying because of it concerned me.

What exactly is "tactical" about pants?

That's a darn good question.

I just like the fact that they're tough cargo kakis with TONS OF pockets for a very good price ($20).

 

[BBQLS1]

I doubt it's remotely true.

 

[Kansan]

I think anyone who thinks that in a confrontation, a gangbanger will take the style of pants into consideration while bullets are flying is giving them too much credit. If they really do have a hierarchy of who to shoot first, I would think that a pair of sagging jeans might draw attention faster. Next would be a nice pair of slacks or business suit pants as it indicates wealth (or well-to-do-ness). I think it's best to just wear whatever is comfortable and practicle and if I ever get into a firefight, I hope that they WILL be distracted by my pants...

 

[wormserco]

Looking at those I wouldn't count them as "shoot me first pants."

The rules of concealment:
Don't wear clothing bearing a logo (such as Under Armour, Browning, etc)

Don't be wearing any type of vest over your shirt when it's quite warm out, be in a fishing vest, leather sleevless vest, etc.

Purchase clothing which has a purpose beyond concealment.

Even if somebody cannot see the gun frame through your shirt if they know a thing about concealment you'll be the first target.

Don't care what the law says, a gun that's constantly printing is not concealed and makes you a target.

I'd disagree about the cargo pants, plenty of people wear them and many are made by companies not tied into the gun industry so they don't automatically profile you. Now wearing a Glock jacket with that might profile you..

 

[Ed4032]

I just wish that I still had that waist line.

 

[ar10]

What exactly is "tactical" about pants?

Modified Carhart double knee pad work pants w/o the hammer hangers.

If you're worried about the waist line bulge get the coveralls.

But I do like the Woolrich vests though. The only bad thing is they have so many pockets I can't find a thing.

 

[zxcvbob]

If you're worried about the waist line bulge get the coveralls.

Especially these:

 

[ar10]

Where did you dig up that picture of me?

 

[Oyeboten]

When's the Baby due?

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Other than the knee reinforcement, they look like cargo pants, which are my favorite casual pants.

 

[armoredman]

I have a pair of 5.11 desert digital pants, comfortable, roomy, tough, don't care what others think. Plus, they were on sale for $10, couldn't pass it up.

 

[charanda]

If you know much about dudes in gangs, the main people they are looking to "off" are rival gang members, so I think you should be pretty safe in dorky-looking cargo pants, generally speaking.

 

[John Parker]

Just the fact that they scream "Mall Ninja" is enough for me

Ha, awesome. I don't like how expensive they are vs. their actual utility.

 

[rondog]

Perhaps you're thinking of the "shoot me first vest".

 

[CorpITGuy]

Well, my order finally arrived. They look nice. My wife (a fashion Nazi) even likes them (this is the woman who tries to buy me tight jeans). No one can tell that they're anything special, except for the wife, who wore similar pants on SAREX missions years ago. They have tons of pockets, which is nice at work, and perfect for the gun range as well. Two co-workers stopped me in the hall to ask me where they could find a pair (neither carry). I ordered 3 more pairs.

If you know much about dudes in gangs, the main people they are looking to "off" are rival gang members, so I think you should be pretty safe in dorky-looking cargo pants, generally speaking.

Ha, no doubt. As long as I don't wear them around my butt with a ball cap turned sideways, I'm probably okay.

Ha, awesome. I don't like how expensive they are vs. their actual utility.

They're cheap. $19.99/pair, which is cheaper than any kakis I've bought a JC Penney's or Kohl's in the last 5 years. And they don't scream Mall Ninja (see above).

Perhaps you're thinking of the "shoot me first vest".

For sure... and a lot of LEOs I know wear those.

 

[23Glock]

Perhaps you're thinking of the "shoot me first vest".

+1!!!
I see vest I think "He's either a wanna-be reporter, or packing - most likely the later." The only place a vest doesn't draw my suspicion is the guy in the middle of a river with a flyrod.
Or perhaps the "shoot me first fannypack"??
Or the "shoot me first hawaiian-print shirt"...??
Or the "shoot me first because my bulging ankle holster is making me limp"?
I doubt gang-bangers are that perceptive...

Anyway, I bought some Tru-Spec 24-7 "tactical" pants for training, simply because they have HUGE expanding pockets (for holding lots of ammo), and an expanding waistline (for IWB comfort). After wearing them in training, I now wear them all the time - they are hands down the most comfortable pants I've ever owned - and they just look like plain-ole cargo pants. And as far as expense vs utility - a good set of "tactical" pants runs about $35 (often less than $30 on sale). That's akin to a nice pair of Docker's. Sure, that's more expensive than a WalMart special on clearance, but once you own a pair you'll see the difference: better material, deeper pockets, velcro instead of buttons on pockets, big belt loops for gun-belts and support - it's the little things you notice when you wear and carry every day.

 

[mcdonl]

I see vest I think "He's either a wanna-be reporter, or packing - most likely the later."

I call it the IDPA uniform, or CCW uniform... I was at Cabelas a couple of days ago, and I see this guy coming in... he was wearing a tan vest. As he starts through the door, I see him stop... back up and start reading a sign...

I said to him... "It doesnt apply to concealed carry" referring to the sign stating you have to check your weapon upon entry with the greeter. He chuckled and asked how I knew... I said... "your wearing the uniform...."

(HAHA... imagine getting cabelas and walmart confused and pulling out your firearm for the greeter there... you think they rock and drewl now...!)

 

[moooose102]

well, i live so far out in the sticks, and i am so old, that i probably wouldn't know a "gangbager" if he came right up to me. but to me, those look like cargo pants, which i love. that way there is a pocket for everything i carry. and maybe even one or two left over. besides, when i was young, the term gangbanger had a wole different meaning.