CCW and a motorcycle

[mdauben]

Lots of safety concious riders recomend against carrying hard objects on your person, in case of an accident. Hitting the pavement at 50 MPH right on your carry gun could just add to any injuries you sustain.

That said, I carry a pocket gun in a biker's vest pocker. Some of them are actually available with sewn-in holsters for full size guns. I'm a cruiser rider, however, so that might not work for you.

 

[BTNut]

I ride a V-rod, so not nearly the same riding position, but I just stick to my normal IWB holsters at 3:30 -4:00 whether riding or not. And I ALWAYS wear a jacket, either leather or textile, and mesh if it's really hot. I went to Sturgis for the first time this year, and of the 6 guys I was riding with, only my brother knew I was carrying all week (and that's just because he knows I always carry).

I'm not really worried about how the gun could make my injuries worse if I got in an accident. If I ever get that hung up on crashing and the possible injuries, I'll probably just quit riding at that point.

I think if IWB didn't work for me, then I'd pocket carry my .380 in my front pants pocket. I don't like the idea of having to transfer it to/from a bag or other location every time I get to where I'm going and then again when I leave. But good luck whatever you decide, and ride safe!

 

[Rezin]

I recently crashed my motorcycle after an incident involving a deer. I hit the road at 50mph or so. The area where my ccw would have been suffered some road rash... Glad I wasnt carrying that day.

 

[pureadrenaline]

You can get tactical shirts that look like they button up, but actually use a hidden zipper. I am set up for a dark t-shirt and a shoulder holster over that and the dark tactical shirt over everything. The dark color t-shirt reduces the chance of seeing a dark holster against my skin through material and it also adds comfort.

By the way, an AK underfolder will fit into the top luggage of a Gold Wing.

 

[gp911]

For those stating if OC is legal you're good to go, you might want to double-check your state laws regarding carrying in/on a vehicle. There can be issues regarding transporting a loaded firearm on one's person or within reach while in a vehicle, and sometimes they count motorcycles in the same way. Definitely make sure.

 

[Skribs]

For those stating if OC is legal you're good to go, you might want to double-check your state laws regarding carrying in/on a vehicle. There can be issues regarding transporting a loaded firearm on one's person or within reach while in a vehicle, and sometimes they count motorcycles in the same way. Definitely make sure.

Good call, although if CC is legal on the bike, and OC is legal, I'd assume OC is legal on the bike. That said, one nice perk of having a CCW permit in WA State is that you don't have to worry about most of the transportation clauses, so even if you OC here it's of benefit (IMO) to have a CCW permit.

OP, sorry, I thought I remembered you saying where you were from, but looked in the OP instead of your replies.

 

[guyfromohio]

You cannot carry on a bike in Ohio unless you have a CHL....OC or not. However, if you have a CHL, you're fine ....in Ohio

 

[MCgunner]

I carry everywhere, on or off the bike, in a pocket. I carry a Kel Tec P11 with +P 115 JHPs. If I'm accosted on the road, I will use my throttle (SV650S) or evasive maneuvers if on the KLR as it don't have much throttle, but is quite off road capable. If I get cornered somewhere, i can use the weapon. If I stop, I'll stop somewhere with lots of witnesses.

I was chased and narrowly missed getting hit when I was a kid on a 125 by two drunks who apparently identified with the rednecks in "Easy Rider". It's one of the reasons I've carried most of my life, legal or not. I'm legal now days and my choices in pocket guns are greatly expanded from the days of the .25ACP. Hell, the new Springfield XDS is a pocket sized .45ACP no bigger than my Kel Tec, but I kinda prefer 11 rounds vs 5 or 6 or whatever it is and don't feel the 9mm is lacking at 410 ft lbs.

The ONLY other way I've found that works, this for bigger framed guns, is a fanny pack. It's not very macho, all important for the posers, but it works for me. I've carried my .357 magnum this way. Yeah, might be a problem in a crash, though, but beats SOB!

 

[justice06rr]

I rode a sportbike and usually carried in 2 ways. Either IWB at 3:30 position covered by your riding jacket, or in a removable tankbank (with straps if you have a plastic gas tank).

The key for IWB is to wear a riding jacket that is longer on the waist, and also have your shirt untucked. This should cover your CCW enough; it does for me even on a sportbike's aggressive riding position.

The other option of a tankbag works pretty well, but you would have to carry the tankbag with you when you park the bike. Not a big deal really esp if you have a small tankbag that holds other things (I keep a water bottle, swiss knife, flashlight, etc in there). The tankbag I use has the quick disconnect buckles and a carrying handle so it makes it easy to put it on and off the bike. The tankbag is probably one of your best options if you decide not to wear a riding jacket --in hot weather or just personal choice.

 

[rswartsell]

I wear a shoulder rig while riding, I wear a leather jacket and all is cool. This allows me to choose a Kimber Custom II Target. I have had to transition and getting a shoulder rig off isn't exactly discreet. But, if the jacket is coming off -out of sight I changed to a Colt Detective Special (only had to do this once and it puckered my ass) in an IWB retrieved from a saddle bag on the bike and the shoulder rig and Kimber went there so locking is at a premium. This sure ain't optimum and I will admit here it's a problem I haven't solved either. I am also hoping to learn more here.

 

[PBR Streetgang]

I have a preference to tanker holsters like the military used to issue under a jacket,but in hot weather I carry a Kel-tec .380 in my right front pocket clipped as you would a pocket knife.....I also have the luxury of a sidecar,just never know what ya might find in there!!!!!!

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Old Harley here, sitting fairly upright, especially with the apes.

I carry my 1911 in crossdraw or in an old shoulder rig. XD40SC strong side jacket pocket. LCP in windshield bag or jacket pocket.

For me strong side is left side. Fortunately for me I would not have to release the throttle to draw.... but realistically, if a gunfight broke out while I was riding I think my hands would be occupied braking, clutching, and twisting the wick to get the hell anywhere else.

 

[1911 guy]

I bought another bike last year, after not having one for a long time. Got an old XS650 for nostalgia. And cheap price tag. Last summer made me think hard about getting a shoulder holster. I can keep mine concealed pretty well OWB, but I also know that falling down on a 1911 will hurt more than just falling down. I learned that in a bowling alley, of all places.

 

[CB900F]

Xwing;

Lotta similarities between us, and some substantial differences also. I've been carrying on a motorcycle for decades.

However, though you didn't state what your dominant eye is I'm left/left, and that's a big advantage. I use a tank bag in most cases. If you choose carefully, it's usually pretty easy to either adapt a holster to fit the bag, or sew a homemade one in. Just make sure it's an easily detached bag & carry it with you off the bike. It keeps the gun off your body in the case of putting it flat side down, and that's a serious consideration to me.

I carry an H&K USPc & currently ride an 848EVO. But I haven't found a good bag for it yet. OTOH, I'm in Montana & can easily see that the clothing considerations are markedly different. Which means that so far I've been able to conceal with my normal IWB for short trips. Therefore, I haven't been exactly hotly pursuing all the bag options out there.

If I were your, and normally shooting from the right hand, I'd start putting in a lot of practice with weak hand drills. Remember, all you really want to do is get away from the situation using the acceleration of the bike. Pinpoint accuracy is a dream, and accuracy of any sort is only a lesser dream. You need the right hand for the throttle, just keep the B/G's rattled & leave. Easy to stow the gun back in a bag & use both hands to depart, rapidly.

I don't know of a single range that allows you to practice while riding. And you sure aren't going to develop the skill set to reliably hit while moving through wishin' & hopin'.

900F

 

[MCgunner]

Shoulder holsters and jackets SUCK in hot weather. Even a summer mesh has to come off at gas stops and, for me, around towns, I don't wear a jacket. Good on the highway, though, keeps the sun off the arms.

I don't do anything, but pocket carry. It's the only way for me.

I don't even bother trying to shoot lefty for the motorcycle. Last thing i wanna do is shoot from the back of a motorcycle. I'll outrun the guy, easy enough on a decent bike, even my KLR which is a turd. It'll go off road REAL well, though compared to a car, and I have the skills having raced flat track and road racing most of my life on an amateur expert/pro novice level. I trust my MC riding skills to get me out of a jam. I ain't stickin' around to fire a shot. My advice, go to a track day now and then, work on your riding skills, not marksmanship from the back of a motorcycle.

 

[MaterDei]

I don't think the OP has any intention of shooting from his bike, MCgunner. He's just looking for carry options.

I ride a V Star 1300, cruiser, so perhaps riding position is sufficiently different to matter. For me a tuckable IWB holster works fine. Also, I always wear a jacket for protection so printing or wind untucking my shirt aren't a problem. This is a carry option, not a good option if I were to need to draw while riding. I need my right hand to ride and also can't imagine drawing with my riding gloves on.

 

[kym]

Most of my jackets have inside pockets in them. Most of the time I carry a LCR.

 

[tarosean]

I ride a Sport bike and carry a M&P45c in the inside front pocket of my Tourmaster jacket.

 

[The M]

I ride a Suzuki M109R which has drag bars so my riding position is a little bit forward and arms down a bit, which is a little more upright than the Ducati Monster. My 1911 compact works fine at 3:30 position. I'm not a fan of moving guns around, in and out of holsters unless I'm at home in a more relaxed environment.

 

[otasan56]

My vote goes to the shoulder holster.

 

[BP Hunter]

xwingband,

Hello from a fellow Ducati Monster 696 rider. When I ride my Ducati, it's usually for a fun ride or whenI have to run an errand. I carry my LCP and nothing larger in an IWB holster 3 o'clock. I have to admit, the gun as small as it is, puts quite a lot of pressure on my hip bone after a while.

PS. My wife wanted me to upgrade to the Ducati 848, But I kindly turned it down. I luv my Monster!

 

[CB900F]

BPHunter;

I'm gonna try to swing a test ride on the 848 streetfighter soon as I can. I'd urge you to do so also. The danger being that you might leave the 696 at the dealership you understand.

And fella's, understand that I'm not advocating shooting off the bike either. Much better to run than fire. But, it's not impossible to envision a circumstance where that might, and I repeat might, be the best course of action, then run.

900F

 

[ku4hx]

BHP or a G23 in a holster in a tank bag.

 

[MCgunner]

I ride a V Star 1300, cruiser, so perhaps riding position is sufficiently different to matter. For me a tuckable IWB holster works fine.

There was a pic of a guy on Beltway 8 in Houston on a aport bike, his mesh jacket riding up over his SA handgun at 4 o'clock posted on the two wheeled Texans board some time back. I shoulda saved that one.

One problem I have with the fanny pack on my SV650S is it bangs into the tank. I have Honda Hawk bars on it, about 1" rise and 2" pull back from stock, but still lean a bit on the highway. I carry it about 11 o'clock, but have to pull it over closer to 10 o'clock to keep it away from the tank. Don't have that problem on the KLR which is a sit up dual sport.

 

[xwingband]

BP_Hunter,

I have a Monster 695! I like the looks of the older ones slightly better than the newer ones, plus it was cheaper. I'd definitely consider the 848 (streetfighter or superbike) if I wanted a crazier bike, but the Monster is more than enough fun for me!

I'm not going to shoot from my bike. If it gets that bad... I'm "getting out of Dodge" as fast as possible. The only scenario I could think of would be someone trying to tackle me while at a stop. I remember my grandmother telling me my father was decked on a bicycle once because he was on the wrong side of town. Even then, tackling a person with an armored jacket, helmet, steel knuckle gloves and steel slider boots seems pretty foolish.

I was mostly looking for advice to conceal better or carry methods I hadn't thought of. I'd love to not have to carry off body as it avoids lots of opportunity for someone to make me in the switch to on body, plus an investment in bike storage I don't really need.

I bought the 5.11 holster shirt to try. I'll also try in my front pocket, but I'll have to be careful there.