Bump in the night belt

[Balrog]

Has anyone ever considered putting together a belt that has the things you might need to handle a bump in the night, all in one place?

For example, some type of duty belt with holster, pistol, flashlight, extra mags?

Having it all in one place would be nice.

What would be useful components of such a system? I am not looking for something crazy tactical.

 

[Mn Fats]

Just speaking for myself, it seems a bit cumbersome. My dog, my motion lights and my shotgun are just fine. Maybe someone has a better setup? Can't picture it though.

 

[nettlle]

Different schools of thought on this. Some want the gear and time to "Saddle Up" for action. Maybe the time will be there. Maybe not. We have been robbed twice. In my case the only time available was to grab a loaded gun off of the nightstand.

 

[JeffG]

For the same reason planning on donning body armor when something happens, if you are not already wearing it, it's not going to happen in a timely manner. If your phone is off, it maybe useless; by the time it fires up, the incident could be over. I have a grab and go bag near the bed, with things oriented in a "pick basket " mode. Pistol, in a holster with light on rail, mags, extra flashlight, knife, and med supplies, including tourniquet. The most important would be pistol, light, and cellphone. Manipulating any more than two things in any situation would be confusing and cumbersome.

 

[SharpDog]

Has anyone ever considered putting together a belt that has the things you might need to handle a bump in the night, all in one place?

For example, some type of duty belt with holster, pistol, flashlight, extra mags?

Having it all in one place would be nice.

What would be useful components of such a system? I am not looking for something crazy tactical.

I have 'Bump in the night pants' Mainly I just have to put on my pants and slip-on off-road clogs and my hat .... need the hat or the clint of the moon would give me away

I have two sets of these non-work pants at the ready. Both have a tactical flashlight, fixed blade knife, multi-tool, boxcutter knife, spare glasses, lighter, 2 spare mags, heavy leather carry belt, holster and gun.

One is set up for Concealed carry with a Sig M11A1 and the other is set up for Open Carry with a Sig Mk 25mounted with light / laser in an Israeli level 2 retention holster. The CCW pants are jeans while the OCW pants are green or tan field pants.

 

[Balrog]

I was thinking a belt with holster attached and gun in holster, flashlight in a pouch on the belt, and a couple of extra mags in a pouch on the belt is all I would put on it, and then hang the belt on the bedpost at night. It would take about 5 seconds to slap it on if you heard something, and it would all be in one place.

 

[MedWheeler]

It's something I've certainly been considering. When I was "on the job", I simply kept my gun belt nearby.

Now, I think something like a Velcro uniform underbelt (the kind worn beneath an officer's gun belt) with a holster, mag pouch, and small light would make a good starting point. The gun would still be bedside and would go into the holster when needed. An alternative option would be a second gun already in the holster, with the first one remaining bedside.

 

[Wisco]

I have a belt setup. It’s mostly a holdover from a decade ago when I used it in Iraq when whatever I was doing was of lower intensity than a full kit required.

It’s a duty belt, holster, two mag pouches, knife, small pouch with tourniquet. It was really meant for the days when I was observing training Iraqis and I needed stuff, but not too much stuff.

It’s handy for riding the fourwheeler and wandering around the property, but if I know something bad is going to happen, I’ll put on a set of body armor, which is set up the same way it was 10 years ago...holster, pistol and rifle mag pouches, knife, tourniquet, etc.

The few times I’ve needed to grab my nightstand gun and go check things, I didn’t think there was time to don a belt or armor or that it would even help inside the house. I grabbed my pistol and flashlight and made my way to the problem...all animal, livestock or neighbor at my door related so far.

The neighbor that night was Amish and was more weirded out by my wearing nothing but boxers than he was by my holding a pistol when I opened the door...after I knew who it was.

Btw, if you’re name ain’t Jebediah, Ezekiel, Levi or something, I probably won’t answer after dark.

 

[strambo]

Different schools of thought on this. Some want the gear and time to "Saddle Up" for action. Maybe the time will be there. Maybe not. We have been robbed twice. In my case the only time available was to grab a loaded gun off of the nightstand.

That takes care of itself though. If you don't have time to grab something then you won't. However, that doesn't negate it being a good idea to have some gear together and staged if you do have time.

I have body armor under my bed with a spare light, spare AR mag, spare pistol mag, and empty pistol holster and flex cuffs. If I have time to toss it on, I will and be far better equipped. If not, so be it...

 

[Jeff White]

I have body armor under my bed with a spare light, spare AR mag, spare pistol mag, and empty pistol holster and flex cuffs.

Flex cuffs?

 

[strambo]

Flex cuffs, yeah they don't weigh anything. What happens when you put an intruder down and have to secure your kids or there is another one downstairs? Turn your back on a potential threat? Finish them off (I don't recommend this...)

I like having options. Yes, it is an unlikely need, but it costs nothing to have and people don't just fall down dead like in a Hollywood movie.

I view HD through a military/LE CQB lens. The gear and tactics that make sense for them make sense to me (in general terms). single or multiple armed threats in a structure are...single and multiple armed threats in a structure. The danger level doesn't change if I'm in a civilian role vs. back in Baghdad.

 

[RPZ]

I was thinking a belt with holster attached and gun in holster, flashlight in a pouch on the belt, and a couple of extra mags in a pouch on the belt is all I would put on it, and then hang the belt on the bedpost at night. It would take about 5 seconds to slap it on if you heard something, and it would all be in one place.

Actually quicker than that. If things are fixed on the belt so they can't slide around, a nylon duty type belt can be put on in about two seconds.

 

[Jeff White]

Flex cuffs, yeah they don't weigh anything. What happens when you put an intruder down and have to secure your kids or there is another one downstairs? Turn your back on a potential threat? Finish them off (I don't recommend this...)

So you are going to cuff up someone you shot? Can you say “unlawful restraint”?

HD is NOT LE/military/CQB. Cuffing someone you shot isn’t as bad as an “anchoring shot”, but it could be opening the door to criminal charges and civil liability. I can see the civil complaint in my mind’s eye right now:

Plaintiff’s son bled out and died because the defendent restrained him with flex cuffs while he moved on and plaintiff’s son was unable to place direct pressure on his wound to stop the bleeding. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, imagine the terror in my client’s son’s heart as he lay there bleeding and unable to do anything to save himself. Image how it feels to get cold as your body goes into shock. Imagine how he must have suffered as he watched the blood flow out of him, knowing that he was going to lose consciousness and die.

Sorry after 25 years in law enforcement I can’t see any scenario where a private citizen needs to restrain someone.

It might be SOP for a rifle squad or a SWAT team, but I don’t see a civil or criminal court thinking the same SOPs apply in one’s home.

 

[shiftyer1]

Due to a recent motorcycle wreck I have a broken leg and need a crutch and also a broken wrist. I now have a cowboy style gunbelt on the bedpost that I can wear like a shoulder holster if need be. Before the injury no.

 

[Coop45]

Due to a recent motorcycle wreck I have a broken leg and need a crutch and also a broken wrist. I now have a cowboy style gunbelt on the bedpost that I can wear like a shoulder holster if need be. Before the injury no.

Good luck getting back on two wheels. Central Texas and a bike is heaven.

 

[Kleanbore]

HD is NOT LE/military/CQB.

That bears repeating.

 

[Balrog]

That bears repeating.

Yea, except for the fact that it is derailing the thread. I never mentioned any type of restraining devices in my original question, and did not enumerate such things in the equipment I thought should go on the belt.

I was asking specifically about the utility of a belt that had gun, mags, and flashlight on it so they could be accessed quickly. I am not trying to build a policeman's duty belt.

 

[1911 guy]

Belt with extra mag, flashlight, holster, and house key on a chem light. Because if I need all this crap, I'm going to be holed up with my family on the top floor of our house and the cops can get the key I toss down and come right in. I don't get paid to clear structures anymore.

Jeff, I have a slight philosophical issue with your post. I fully agree that none of us are judge, jury, and executioner. I also agree that cuffing someone, especially if you're not trained to do so, is a risky move. Also on shaky ground legally for unlawful detention. But if "junior" stays out of other people's homes, he won't need to worry about bleeding out from gunshot wound. That's the problem with society today. We'll persecute kids running lemonade stands but stand up for actual offenders. We have, collectively, forgotten that the gene pools needs a little chlorine sometimes. I will go out of my way to avoid violence. I think any reasonable person will. But if you corner me, don't expect the potential thoughts of a potential jury to have one whit of bearing on whether you live or die. If "junior" leaves, great. If "junior" becomes threatening, he gets holed. And that's entirely "junior's" fault.

 

[WestKentucky]

Thanks for the laugh. I’m not saying it’s a bad idea, in fact I’m leaning that way but haven’t done anything yet. It would be a cheap nylon shoulder holster for me though. Pistol handy, extra mag in the pouch, fixed blade knife attached, and a small flashlight in mag pouch #2. The reason I’m laughing is that my imagination took off. If somebody were to break in on me, and I reacted with a pre-rigged belt, they would see a half-awake, fat, nearly naked guy stumbling around the house. I’m a sleepwalker/sleepeater and my wife has video of my escapades. I have seen me in action, and it would not deter anybody.

 

[Jeff White]

That's the problem with society today. We'll persecute kids running lemonade stands but stand up for actual offenders. We have, collectively, forgotten that the gene pools needs a little chlorine sometimes.

I didn't say I agreed with how things are. I just pointed out that they are the way they are to illustrate why a private citizen using restraints on someone isn't a good idea.

 

[waterhouse]

I keep an extra mag and an IFAK on my spare plate carrier. If there is a time or need for me to put something on, it may as well offer ballistic protection.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

Waist band of me undies is my war belt when things go bump in the night.

Light is on the gun, phone and spare mag get... 'stowed'...

 

[Wichaka]

So you are going to cuff up someone you shot? Can you say “unlawful restraint”?

HD is NOT LE/military/CQB. Cuffing someone you shot isn’t as bad as an “anchoring shot”, but it could be opening the door to criminal charges and civil liability. I can see the civil complaint in my mind’s eye right now:

Plaintiff’s son bled out and died because the defendent restrained him with flex cuffs while he moved on and plaintiff’s son was unable to place direct pressure on his wound to stop the bleeding. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, imagine the terror in my client’s son’s heart as he lay there bleeding and unable to do anything to save himself. Image how it feels to get cold as your body goes into shock. Imagine how he must have suffered as he watched the blood flow out of him, knowing that he was going to lose consciousness and die.

Sorry after 25 years in law enforcement I can’t see any scenario where a private citizen needs to restrain someone.

It might be SOP for a rifle squad or a SWAT team, but I don’t see a civil or criminal court thinking the same SOPs apply in one’s home.

Retired 27yrs LEO here, and I disagree. If one can articulate the continued threat, restrain.

We need to stop living in reasonable fear of lawsuits. Can't recall how times we've read about people breaking into homes/buildings then injuring themselves and winning lawsuits because of this.

How many dead people have gone on to severely injure or kill good people?

Please stop the lawsuit fear garbage...it makes good honest people hesitate when they should act. Quit worrying about the perps well being, and focus on your own.

If we're all concerned with possible lawsuits, please turn in your firearms and be a victim.

For the case of ammo, seek out an attorney versed in use of force issues, meet with them and go through all these things...then keep their card close by always in case you may need it.

 

[Wichaka]

For night HD, you're probably going to be dressed in your underwear and fuzzy slippers.

These things happen fast, and obviously unexpected, so you'll be a bit at a disadvantage and will need to play catch up...meaning whatever you have available to respond, needs to be ready for grab and go.

Seconds count...a firearm with a light attached and a spare magazine...and respond.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

Please stop the lawsuit fear garbage...it makes good honest people hesitate when they should act. Quit worrying about the perps well being, and focus on your own.

Would you not agree that making sure that I don't end up in jail or lose my rights is my own "well being"?

Any intelligent person without training will hesitate before shooting someone.

If we're all concerned with possible lawsuits, please turn in your firearms and be a victim.

No.

and not just 'no', I would have some very strong High Road inappropriate language in regards to this.
The fact that you posted such an outrageous statement tells me a lot about you.

Maybe you, with your 27yrs as a LEO, means you get special treatment and the rules don't apply to you, but guess what, The rules and laws apply to EVERYONE else.

I can see a LEO not worrying about laws (which seems wrong to me), but as a regular citizen, we live and die by the law.
Right or wrong, we can lose our rights when the law is broken. Forever.

Telling people to get rid of their firearms and "be a victim" if they are worried about the law is beyond ridiculous.