Fuel economy -vs- open carry and storage

[zootsuit002]

I have been pondering the implications of carrying and riding my motorcycles. Most of the time the opinions expressed here regarding establishments that do not allow carrying advocate locking said firearm in vehicle, not so easy on a motorcycle especially with a long gun. Should I try to secure my scabbard to the bike and try and lock the long gun in the scabbard? Pistols are easier but still my saddle bags are leather and would be very easy to “break “ into. I could build a lock box into the saddle bags but then I lose a lot of space. How far is a reasonable distance to go for the sake of avoiding inconvenience? I see problems with the long guns even if the establishment that I am entering is gun friendly. In an ideal world it would be considered normal for someone to park ones bike, and maintain positive control of any weapons by bringing them wherever they went, but I recognize that this is not always an ideal world. What will displease the greenies and the anti’s more driving the gas guzzling truck or carrying the long gun on the front of the bike? Just something to kick around. I know there are no real good easy answers.

 

[leadcounsel]

I am an advocate for carry. However, you may have to make sacrifices when riding a motorcycle.

While having a longgun with you would be great, do you really need to have a long gun with you? A truck gun is just that... As a former motorcyclist I think a long gun would just be too much. However you could buy a set of saddle bag style carriers if that would fit with your bike.

Alternately you could get a longgun that folds/breaks down. For instance Keltec makes a .223 rifle that folds. Heck any AR15 will fold with the removal of the rear pin.

And finally, I never found that my 'fuel economy' savings were savings at all. I would burn through more gas on my bike due to joy riding than I ever used in my car. On top of the cost of the bike, special clothing, helmet, permits, insurance, tags, etc. (and the fact that chores like going grocery shopping, home improvements, etc. nearly always required my car anyway) the bike was a significant extra expense rather than savings...

 

[owsi26]

I've owned 5 motorcycles. There was a informal shooting range near where I used to live. I would use a OWB, leather paddle holster. I would strap it on and ride my bike to the range. I never had a problem doing so. I never carried a long gun. I might be able to carry it on my GoldWing but I wouldn't feel comfortable doing so.

 

[zootsuit002]

already have the bikes and ride them, as far as choice of firearms it is more about my final destination than self defense.

i.e. Buddy invites me to go shooting 150 miles away, want to bring a couple of long guns but know that I am going to have to stop for gas and relieve myself.

 

[DMK]

I would be most worried about the security of your weapon. A handgun you can take with you most of the time and when you can't, you can at least hide it in a locked hard case that is attached to the bike. You can't hide a rifle so you are now relying on a cable and padlock to secure a visible weapon.