CCW and a motorcycle

[MCgunner]

I don't think I'd like to carry in one of those carry shirts if I crashed. Now, mind you, I've crashed a lot more than your average street rider. I used to crash a couple races a year back in the day when I was learning. Just part of finding out how to slide, throttle control, where the limits of the tires are, that sort of thing. Then I got competitive and started crashing pushing 110 percent trying to win races. I always fell on my front or my back, but I would not want a hard object next to my ribs in a fall. Down in my pocket riding against the flesh of my leg, I might get a bruise, will heal just like road rash always does. But, cracked bones take longer, trust me on this.

[xwingband]

Not to be a jerk... but that's not the point of this thread. In a crash the phone in my pocket will do just as much damage. It's a large polycarbonate slab... and your house keys? Hit the wrong way on the street and they'll probably stab you!

All that considered, I ride with gear and anyone who doesn't darn well knows the risks. I had a crash very early on and it has messed my ankle up for life, and I'm still very young.

In the end I still would like to carry because it's going to hurt no matter where it is on my body with a crash and I like to take care of my safety off the bike just as much. I also would like to avoid having some ninny calling the cops on me because I couldn't keep my gun concealed! I live very close to a college and the last thing I need is getting the police called on me at my place because a sorority girl sees me transferring my gun from a tank bag to a holster.

[Teachu2]

Your choice in motorcycles limits your options. You wear gear, so incorporate your CCW into your gear. If you wear the same gear year-round, it's simply a matter of upsizing enough to build in a holster. If you change gear with the seasons, you either have to have multiple items with holsters, or one that works with all your gear - either a holster undershirt like the 5.11 or a jean jacket that goes over your other gear (probably not the look you are after, huh?).

I ride and carry, but on a Harley bagger. My preferred setup is a Glock 30 in a shoulder holster, but when it's hot I may carry a pocket pistol or put one in the trunk. If I can ride, the gun isn't out. If I'm forced to stop and defend myself or my wife, it's close by.

There is no perfect answer if you are CCW'ing. Doing so on a bike compromises your options, and your bike even more than most. Best of luck with your quest.

[farm23]

I don't ride any more so this may not be of any help. When I am on the tractor or driving the truck I carry in a cross draw holster. I am not sure what is available for you weapon but maybe there is something that will work. The cross draw for me puts the weapon at a position for easy access. I expect access will only be needed when stopped, I know when I rode it would have been very difficult for me to have used a weapon while riding.

[forindooruseonly]

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[TonyDedo]

I bought a shoulder rig thinking it would be the solution, but I found it's a pain in the ass to transition back and forth from a shoulder rig to an IWB every time I get off the bike and take my jacket off. Eventually I just starting stashing my CCW in a tank bag while I ride, putting it back in the IWB holster as soon as I dismount. Much simpler, and actually easier to access than a shoulder rig.

Keeping it simple.

[rondog]

Reproduction of the USGI M3 shoulder holster, or an M7 if you need an extra strap. Can be worn on the side under the armpit or in front, on the chest.

M3



M7 - I have one of these I'd sell cheap if you're interested. Brand new, never used.

[rhinoh]

I don't want anything in my pockets while riding. Years ago I crashed on a dirt bike with a 2m ham walkie talkie on my hip- that hurt and left a nice big rectangular bruise.
I second the mention of keys not being in your pocket either- don't need your house key stabbing your femoral artery in a crash.
I put everything in a tank bag on my Vstrom. Spare keys, wallet, phone and Kahr CM9 with spare mag. If dismounting and leaving the bike the CM9 in a pocket holster gets dropped into a pocket on me somewhere. Fortunately my CWP is valid in the 2 states I ride in.

[xwingband]

I second the mention of keys not being in your pocket either- don't need your house key stabbing your femoral artery in a crash.

That was me... also the OP. I was "speaking in jest". Of course it's possible, but at least to me the remote possibility of crashing and landing the right way to do that isn't worth it to go to the work to take everything out of my pockets. Also honestly doing all that would suck the fun out of riding having to not only gear up but unload and load my pockets everytime I get on and off the bike.

[JXB]

I have a Buell XB12 with similar riding position. I also wear gear year round and have struggled with best way to carry. I most often prefer to carry something small like a LCP or PM9 in the inside jacket pocket. I ccw for the same reason, which is when i am not on the bike. I've also have used a tank bag on occation and then transferred it to my jacket at destination. If it is in a pocket holster I doubt anyone would even notice what you're putting in your pocket unless they are really watching you closely. Oh yeah, you ride a Ducati, people will be watching you (or your bike) +1 for small cal in jacket pocket.

[CookeMonster]

I highly advise carrying away from your hips or spine. Broken ribs are uncomfortable, but you're still functional. Hips and spine... not so much. I carried in a shoulder rig and transferred to IWB in the bathroom at destination if I had to shed the mesh jacket which was light enough to wear for a little while even at a dry 110* (feels like 95 down in FL).

[xwingband]

I just got the 5.11 shirt in the mail...

Oh man, it's hilariously obvious you have something under your shirt. Like... "It's not a tuumah" deal. I'll add a picture later. I put it on and just threw the t-shirt I was wearing over it.

I wouldn't call it a bust. I'm definitely keeping it in instances probably where I'm formally dresses and undoing a button might be less fumble work compared to a tucked holster.

[Chicken-Farmer]

Xwingband,

The 5.11 shirts should be pretty form fitting, like skin tight form fitting. I carry my G26 inside of a nemesis pocket holster on the left side and a spare G17 magazine inside a nemesis magagine holder on the right side. I'm a fairly average built guy 6'2" 200 lbs. and i usually just wear a button up short sleeve shirt as a cover arment. No bulging at all and i often times forget that i'm carrying.

[rhinoh]

Originally Posted by xwingband

That was me... also the OP. I was "speaking in jest". Of course it's possible, but at least to me the remote possibility of crashing and landing the right way to do that isn't worth it to go to the work to take everything out of my pockets. Also honestly doing all that would suck the fun out of riding having to not only gear up but unload and load my pockets everytime I get on and off the bike.

Don't know what all you carry in your pockets...I figure I can take my cellphone/keys/wallet/gun out of my pockets in 5 seconds and return them in maybe 7.
You decide for yourself of course but I'll ride without all that junk in my pockets, but then I follow ATGATT also

[xwingband]

The 5.11 shirts should be pretty form fitting, like skin tight form fitting.

It is just like any compression shirt and form fitting... but you play spot the gun. I think it's pretty easy!

I guess my body type really sucks for this! I put the shirt on, threw my P7 in the pocket and the t-shirt I had just been wearing on over that. I even tried my XDs which I'm not accustomed to enough to carry yet, and hardly a difference.

I'm not a small guy by any means, but Im not a michelin man either!

[Armybrat]

Here's an original WWII issued shoulder holster - my brother owns it along with the 1911:





The rig was carried by this gentleman when he flew C-54s over the "Hump" in WWII:

[mmetz2152]

2 terrific options:
Gunslinger vest is very comfortable:
http://www.bikersden.com/p-142-mens-...FQFx4AodgRcAnw

Here’s another comfortable alternative I found I can wear while running and with about any attire
pistolwear.com

[76shuvlinoff]

Shovel with mini apes here so I'm sitting upright, crossdraw or shoulder rig but I'm left handed making those options easier on the bike.

I have also had an LCP in my windshield bag when I choose to ride with the shield. The tank bag is a good option too.

[dpote]

Could the Smartcarry or Thunder Wear products meet your needs?

Dave

[CB900F]

It's back from the dead! OMG, it's ZOMBIE thread!!

900F

I couldn't help it.

[Dlowe167]

I open carry while i ride. Us Ohioians dont OC enough. But i do CCW,when i do. Its a Highnoon Under Armor shoulder rig or/& i bought a Concealed Carry biker vest from Iron Pony. Ride & Bare Arms freedoms makes this country the best in the world!!!!

[jogar80]

. Have you tried an IWB in the crossdraw position? Stick the gun in your waistband on your offside, at about the 10 o'clock position, angled with grip forward, muzzle back, and just sit on your bike. See if it feels like it might work before you go buy anything.

[rskent]

A super tuck at 3 o’clock works for me. It probably sticks out a bit but who can see it at 70 mph anyway.

[BillBloggins]

Another vote for Pistol Wear's belly band- these are muy comfortable.

[MICHAEL T]

My 380 KelTec or my Colt Mustang in pocket Works on my Ninja or my Raider .