How to carry on a motorcycle

[chaim]

So, I am starting a new hobby. 2 1/2 weeks ago I bought my first motorcycle , and in 2 weeks I get my license (no I'm not riding without a license, the dealer has been holding it, the salesman will deliver it to me in about a week so it will be waiting for me and ready for a ride when I get my license). So, some questions about carry on a motorcycle.

First, I live in MD. No carry in MD. I only carry when out of state in a CCW state. In a car that is easy, keep a gun in a backpack and either grab it from the trunk and transfer it to a holster while sitting in the car (but away from other parked cars) first time I stop in PA or VA or grab the bag and head to a public restroom and use the privacy of the stalls. On a motorcycle I can use a gun in a backpack or duffel in the saddlebags or buy some other kind of bag and use the restroom. So, not a big issue, but it isn't quite as flexible as a car.

Once in a CCW state, I'm not sure I'll want to carry on my person or not. I plan to wear full protective gear so I will have pants and leather overpants to go through to get to a pocket carry or IWB gun. Year round I will have armored jackets on (I have a leather and mesh jacket), but in the summer a shoulder holster won't work since I will take off the jacket once I stop (even the mesh would get warm without the wind moving through it in the summer around here). Also, I'm not sure I want any kind of on person carry while riding since a hard metal (or polymer) object on my body could pose additional injury risk in case of an accident (and an accident is probably more likely than needing the gun right away). However, I do want easily accessible defensive instruments available when I can.

If it helps in evaluating my options below, the bike I bought is a Suzuki Boulevard C50 cruiser (non-motorcycle types, think Harley style and the size of the smaller Harley cruisers but more reliable and less expensive ).


For the next few months it won't be a huge issue. I will just be a beginner and I won't be going on long rides out of state, MD is a non-carry state, so no CCW anyway. However, once I'm comfortable on my motorcycle I am very near VA and often find myself in northern VA, so I'm sure I'll be there a lot on my bike too. Also, after a year or two experience I plan to do some traveling on my bike (I'm a teacher and off summers, I will probably do some motorcycle camping). When I do start the camping I will have my .45LC S&W 625MG or .357mag S&W 65LS in my saddlebags to carry at the campsite, though I'll still have the access while riding questions.


So, those of you who ride, what are your solutions? Do you just carry and put up with any safety concerns? Do you find one of my solutions better than another? Is there an option I've missed?

 

[chaim]

So, here are my options (as I see them):

-A tank bag may be ideal. They can be strap on or magnetic. They will be on the gas tank right in front of me, and they tend to have a large compartment and pockets. It would make a weapon of just about any size available when riding, and some can be bought with carry straps so I could take it with me when I stopped (until I got the gun into a holster). However, they generally look better (to me anyway) on sports bikes than cruisers, but if it is my best option, they are temporary, so I could use it when going to a carry state for my gun, and not use it the rest of the time. I also don't know how an unloaded gun in a tank bag would fit MD law (I'm sure saddlebags would be OK, not sure about the tank bag since it would be pretty accessible), but I could put the tank bag in the saddlebags while still in MD (so long as I'm not traveling and need the luggage space but just there for the afternoon).

-A windshield bag would work for a smaller gun. I plan to get one anyway (for sunglasses and a place for my wallet and keys while riding- I'm paranoid of things falling out of my pockets while riding since things do sometimes fall out when I sit). A single bag is around 10-11" long, 5-6" tall and about 3" thick. A triple bag will be around 7"x3"x2" for the larger pocket. My Taurus PT140 Millennium Pro is just over 5" tall and 6" long so it may barely fit in the larger bag (but not the triple bag). My Taurus 85CH is about 6 1/2" long and 4 1/4" tall so it may also fit the larger bag (and only the larger bag). My Rossi 452 is a tad bigger so I'm pretty sure it won't fit (I didn't take calipers but I think it will be a little too big, unless I get the biggest bags available). The larger pocket of the triple bag is too small even for my .32ACP NAA Guardian or a Kel-tec P3AT (about the smallest gun I can legally buy in MD) so if I buy one, I'll need to buy a second larger windshield bag (or a tank bag) for when I'm going to carry out of state.

-Put up with the risk and carry conventionally. If I do this I can't carry where I usually do- I'll have to probably have to do appendix or cross draw carry, I want to avoid having it anywhere it can really injure me and I'm least likely to fall on my front and there will be fewer bones it could break. But, that limits where I can carry and it is best to always carry the same place. Also, with protective gear off body carry would probably be faster to get to. I will need a new holster as well- no clip holsters (almost all my holsters are clip on) and it will need to be a retention holster, don't want my gun going flying if I scoot across the pavement. I might go with a pocket holster (the bone it is up against will be the strongest in my leg), though in my jean pocket with my jeans worn under leathers I won't be getting to it until I get off my bike and remove my safety gear. For safety and accessibility reasons this is my least likely option.

-I hate the look, but a fanny pack with the pack in front may provide the most options, leave the limited storage on the bike for other things, and allow me more options in carry pistol.

-Another option (certainly the easiest) is not to have access to a gun while riding. Leave the gun in a bag in my saddlebags, and not strap on until I reach my final destination and put it on in a bathroom.

 

[Drail]

I used to carry a handgun stashed on the bike for years. Not any more. I had three guys get out of their car while we were both stopped at a light and start wailing on me. I suppose they wanted my bike. People in cars just sat and watched. I could not get to the gun. From now on it will be attached to me where I can reach it quickly. I have dropped a bike while wearing a Galco Miami Classic shoulder rig and it held the gun securely when I hit the pavement. (Thank you Galco) Normally I carry in an IWB strong side holster with a long shirt tail over it. If someone sees it while I'm moving I don't care. It is not illegal to allow your gun to be seen in my state. If the gun is stashed on the bike then you have to put it on when you stop or not let the bike out of your sight. Some people will freak out when they see a guy get off a bike and put on a gun. I find it easier to just wear it. Suzuki builds a very nice machine. Hope you enjoy riding it. Be careful and don't trust anyone around you.

 

[ahpd1992]

I went down last June wearing a Bianchi OWB w/ my mini Glock 357 sig (I never remember the model numbers) on my hip. I slid about a hundred feet twising and turning the whole time. The good news is that my mesh armor jacket, gloves, boots and helmet did their job and I walked away. The gun came off my belt, but stayed in the holster. I found it near the crash site, w/ the gun still in the holster.

Even in a crash I had gun retention to a point and wasnt hurt from the gun at all. I was lucky, but in a crash I think the gun on your hip is the least of your problems. I have always carried this way while riding and still do, I simply untuck my t shirt b4 I take off my jacket. I never had an issue w/ anyone finding out. I am an LEO in IL where there is no CCW except for LEO's and a few others so people will freak if they see a gun.

I would buy extra long t shirts to wear when riding and do the untucking thing to hide ur gun. A quality OWB holster and belt is what I recommend and get a good gun thats light weight to keep ur pants from falling down ; )

Good luck I love riding the best stress reliever in my book. Im a motorcop as well so I get paid to ride, I ride w/ a gun on all the time...

 

[roadslug]

Congratulations, chaim, on your new ride. I've been riding for 16 years and got my CCW about 1 1/2 years ago. Luckily I get to conceal carry in my state. Probably not in keeping with your style bike but I'd recommend a lockable hardbag if you can't keep it on you. I'm still trying to figure out what will work best carrying it on me: currently a G19 in a MTAC IWB. Your idea of a fanny pack around the front sounds good. I also wear a full riding suit (aerostich) and it's pretty useless for any kind of rapid draw, but I feel confident the gun is not going to go anywhere. Oh yeah, I've managed to pitch myself off my Kawi two times in the last ten years. Two things I've learned about riding:
1) Other drivers will not see you or care about you
2) Hitting the pavement at 50 mph freaking HURTS. Wear gear for
"the fall"

Stay safe

 

[Driftertank]

I have a shoulder rig that I pretty much only use when I ride. I typically carry IWB the rest of the time.

The shoulder rig has several advantages when riding, since I always wear an armored jacket. Most hip holsters are difficult at best to access when riding with the jacket zipped up, and a small-of-the-back holster tends to make your sidearm ride up a bit because it sits against the seat, and if you don't have a retention strap, it feels very precarious when you move. The shoulder rig disappears under your jacket, and a quick tug of the zipper can get you in the fight quickly. It also places the gun in the position which will minimize the chance of injury to you or the pistol when (not if) you fall. Limb injuries are the most common in motorcycle accidents, followed by cranial and spinal injuries. Placing a pistol on your hip or in the small of your back increases the risk if hip and spine injuries, where if it's worn in your armpit, it's relatively well protected, and the worst likely injury resulting from a hard fall on that side will be cracked ribs.

The biggest downside to the shoulder rig is that it's relatively conspicuous if you're not careful when your jacket is unzipped, and you can't take the jacket off easily without sneaking off somewhere private to reposition or remove the gun. It can be a pain in the summertime.

I ride a LOT. Whenever weather and schedule permits. And I carry often when I'm riding out of town (and sometimes IN town as well), and that set up seems the safest and most comfortable on the bike, to me.

 

[ahpd1992]

A shoulder rig is a good idea and I keep meaning to get one. Im thinking a shoulder rig and put a leather vest over it for concealment. The vest is standard biker gear and u wouldnt stick out at all.

I also have seen online, but not in the real leather vests with "gun pockets" if I can find one I would like to see how it works.

With CCW becoming more commonplace Im sure someone has thought of or working on something. I do find that gun owners ride a lot and bike owners like to shoot, similar demographics eh?

 

[grimjaw]

I'd posted this before when somebody asked about carrying while hiking. I carry in either the pocket of my motorcycle jacket (I've got a leather and textile jackets) or in the pouch that goes on my backpack strap.

The tank bag idea is OK and is convenient when you're on the bike. However, I don't like having to hold a tank bag whenever I get where I'm going. No one really looks twice at me if I walk into someplace wearing a backpack. If you're wearing motorcycle armor, a gun in a holster on your body shouldn't be a huge concern. I've only had one wreck so far (hit a deer) and at the time my gun was in the pocket of a leather jacket. Maybe it was luck but there were no additional injuries due to that, not even to the deer; it died before I was on my feet.

A shoulder holster is also an option I'd consider, but that really works better for me on long car rides than it does motorcycle travel.

ps. Congrats on your wheels. I looked at the Suzuki S50/VS800 for a long time before I decided to go another route.

 

[Oro]

I have ridden for 35 or so years, and cc'd for about 20. Also spent some time riding in your neck of the woods and many miles on back roads on the Delmarva. Nice country.

Given this:

Year round I will have armored jackets on

Then a high-ride pancake on the waist will be most comfortable. Most properly built riding jackets will be long-tailed in the back and provide adequate coverage for a high-ride OWB. I've also had one jacket modified with an interior pocket for a gun, but that one is leather and for warmer weather.

Summer riding in that area is hard to make even mesh jackets bearable.

Another way I carry sometimes is an ankle holster inside boots. Works great; the boot gives added support to the holster.

Like Drail, I also had a road-rage incident that could have gone badly. Mine was where a motorist blew a couple traffic laws in a haze and when I blew my horn to alert him to my presence, flipped out and went after me with his vehicle. Being able to brandish the gun was about the only thing that safely ended the situation. If you can, carry so the gun is reachable while riding. Keep in mind your bike is operable with your right hand, but not for very long with your right. So that means while riding, it's better to be accessible to your left hand even if you are right handed. My customized jacket is set up with carry pockets and magazine carriers on both sides, so I can carry for RH draw when dismounted and LH draw when mounted.

 

[chaim]

OK, to respond to what has been said so far, it may help to say how I usually carry when in a CCW state. I like tuckable IWB (even though I'm a big guy- 290LBS and just under 6') and pocket carry. I usually carry in VA (and may move there in a couple years) and PA is next most common, but I'm a teacher and like to go on at least one trip per summer. Different states have different laws and instead of keeping up with everyplace I'm likely to be, I just assume I have to stay 100% concealed. I will keep up that practice on the motorcycle.

It's never nice to hear of someone having an accident, but hearing from you that you have been there and the gun did not cause or exacerbate any injuries is good to hear.

If I carry on my person on the motorcycle the three types I really don't want to do are small of back, anything on my hip (like my IWB), or shoulder rigs (in that order). Even normally, people talk about small of back carry as carrying the risk of paralysis should you fall on your tailbone- falls are definitely a concern on a motorcycle. Anything on the hip could make a bad break (in a bad place) more likely. A shoulder rig seems to me to make a broken rib more likely (I've had one before, they suck) and would be slower than some off body carry to get to.

If I carry on my person, the most likely way would be a pocket gun (in a pocket holster) and drop it into one of the zippered pockets on my riding jackets. They'll be relatively easy to access, hopefully they won't increase the chances of injury much, and the gun will be quite secure from the zipper. A pocket gun in my pants pocket won't work since I've ordered leather over pants (hopefully they fit) and if they don't fit I may have to order a semi-custom or custom made pair of leather over pants or chaps so my jeans pockets won't be easily accessible, and keeping them in the leather's pockets (if it has them) won't work since they'll be removed when I get off the bike.

I'll also want to go with a small trim gun to further decrease chances that the gun could cause or contribute to an injury. I will possibly be selling about half my guns- anything I haven't shot in more than a year is on the table right now and I'm deciding what will stay and what will go- figure I can be paying off the bike for 5 years, or I can sell some guns and take a summer job and have it paid off (or almost paid off) by the end of the summer. Once I sell guns I don't use, I can see buying one or two that better serve my current needs. So, a trim, lightweight, small, but decent caliber motorcycle carry gun may give me the excuse I've been waiting for to finally get the Kahr PM9, S&W M&P Compact, Glock 27, or Walther PPS I've wanted for a while now. Then again, I already have a good gun for that purpose (though too big for a pocket) in my Taurus PT140 M. Pro and it has the advantage of being inexpensive if I am in an accident and my gun gets damaged from sliding across the pavement (I'm assuming it falls out of my protective gear here- if it is that damaged while still within my gear I assume I'll be damaged enough not to care about my gun).

Anyway, I live in a non-CCW state so this is only an occasional concern. However, if I do move to VA (possibly in as little as a year, though at this point in life it may not happen at all) I can see trying to figure out the best way to carry while on a motorcycle can be a real pain.

Oh, one note- I don't want to insult anyone with my Harley crack in my first post. I actually hope to move up to either a Harley or Victory in a few years- it is just that I can't drop $15K+ on one right now and a 1500-1600cc bike isn't really a good bike to start on.

 

[hunto]

 

[kostyanj]

The OP was how to carry ON a motorcycle not how to carry a motorcycle

 

[Tamlin]

You aren't going to get into any gunfights while riding down the highway - you aren't. I know you are new to motorcycle riding (congrats, btw), and are concerned about crashing, but a gun on your hip, or under your arm, or in the small of your back, will be the least of your worries. Might give you some road rash, maybe, but you aren't going to land on your tailbone. I've been riding for almost 30 years (started when I was 14). Been carrying on my bike for at least 10 years. My current bike is a Yamaha V-Max. Best place for your gun, if not in the holster on your belt? In the pocket of your jacket. My leather jacket has an inside "gun pocket." I can unzip and grab it within a couple of seconds, although sometimes I keep it in the outside regular pocket. The Kahr PM9 is a good choice. I have the Kahr P9 Covert. Also, locking saddlebags would look good on your bike. Leatherlykes makes some nice ones. That's for those states that are CCW challenged. Also look into a SmartCarry rig. Won't be able to grab it while riding, but is the best deep-conceal method I've ever found. Especially with a small gun like the Kahr.

 

[W.E.G.]

 

[rideandcarry]

360 degree carry

 

[Salty1]

I have tried everything to carry while on my bike. I ended up with a Ruger LCR IWB at 1:00, that worked best for me. I did not like the 5:00 position cause I was always wondering if the wind would blow my t-shirt up and expose my Sig, don't want Granny freaking out that a "biker" is carrying a gun down the road. Having it attached to me makes it much easier once getting off the bike and I don't have to lug some bag around.

 

[Oyeboten]

I always front-trouser-pocket Carried when riding.

I modified an older S&W Model 36 ( to have a shorter Butt/Grip, bobbed Hammer and open Trigger Bow ) for the purpose.


There are many situations peculiar to Motorcycle riding which are different than Cars or being on foot.


And...if you have a nice or valuable 'bike, there are and will be people, usually in twos or threes, who will consider taking it from you, with maybe no regard to your Life or health.

Granted, Car Jackings are also a concern, depending on one's Car and situation, but with a Car there are differences and options for evasion or asssertion which 'bikes do not have.

 

[496 polara]

I was test riding a friends bike yesterday(spur of the moment no jacket/gloves)and low and behold the front brake caliper locked up and promptly tossed me over the handlebars onto the a state 2 lane highway.I was fortunate I had just turned around and was only traveling 25-30mph.I got tossed into the oncoming traffic lane(thank god no one was coming).So minus the bad road rash,severly sprained ankle,and sore everywhere I am ok.
My lcp stayed in my pocket/pocket holster and was no worse for the wear.
I quickly had it out of my pocket pointed at two pit bulls that wandered over two check me out sitting on the side of the road.They were harmless but it would have sucked to survive a crash and get mauled by two dogs.lol.
Kinda funny I loaned the guy the money to buy the bike(82 cb900f supersport)and he had just paid me back.The bike faired better than me.The engine guard did its job and save for a few scratched on the pipes it is untouched.
Kinda glad it happened to me as he was about to go home with his 8 year old son on the back of it.I'll take the pain for both of them.

 

[Gritacular]

This thread reminds me why I decided to spend my money on roadsters instead of bikes.

 

[Sam71]

Chaim,
Do you have a carry permit for VA? Just asking because I live there (N. VA) and its not like Vermont where anyone can carry concealed without a permit. Should you get pulled over with a concealed handgun within reach that the cop finds out about, without a valid VA concealed carry permit you will go directly to jail, do not pass go, do not collect $200. I work at a gunshop/range here and so tend to look for concealed weapons and have noticed many sportbike riders flying by with their shirttails flying in the breeze revealing a gun in a OWB holster. Since your bike is a cruiser you probably won't have that problem, but I'd say go with the shoulder rig or carry in your jacket pocket. Good luck and enjoy your bike, I don't have one now, but had three long, long ago in a state far, far away.

 

[funny book flapjack]

Great bike. Especially great to start on. I had a Volusia (the C50 before it was called C50). Perfect bike to learn on. Big frame so you'll get used to a full sized cruiser, but a mid-sized engine while you practice. Also not $15k in case you lay it down while you learn. I ride a Nomad now.

I typically pants pocket carry a Kel-Tec on the bike. Sometimes an XD or 1911 OWB, or jacket carry a snub in winter. Or a combination. Not as quick to draw from the pocket, but I gotta imagine landing on the 1911 OWB would hurt more than my P11 in my front pocket. Whatever-- you crash, it's gonna hurt regardless of what gun you have on ya. I really just carry on the bike however I want to be carrying the rest of the day.

But since you can't carry on your person in your home state, I'd personally want to be able to lock it up in the saddle bags when you are off the scoot. Not that hard bag locks are really secure, but at least more so than the gun in a velcro closed tank bag. There are both matched paint style hardbags, & hard leather style with locks available for the C50.

Have fun & stay upright!

 

[chaim]

It seems few here are worried about the extra injury potential from a gun (and a crash on the bike is more likely than needing the gun). One of the duties of protective armor is to dissipate the force of the crash (the hard plastic plate spreads the force over its whole surface instead of all the force going to one isolated area) decreasing the chances you'll have a broken bone or other injury. A gun is a small hard object that should you land on that will concentrate the force of the impact on a small area increasing the chances of injury. However, I can see that the chances of landing on the gun can be very slim and strategic placement can make it even less likely. I'm also thinking a thin polymer gun could help (thin and it is protruding less and less likely that I'll land on it, also polymer is more flexible than steel and may give just a little).

I'm still not going to carry IWB just behind my hip (one of my usual carry locations) since I don't want to increase my chances of a broken hip nor will I carry in my front pocket (the other of my usual locations) since when I wear protective pants over my regular pants I'd never be able to get to it. I'm not a big fan of shoulder holsters (esp. when the weather is warm and the jacket will be removed as soon as I stop). So, I'm thinking either crossdraw (I'm a big guy though and my stomach might get in the way, and is there such a thing as a tuckable crossdraw holster) or a gun in a pocket holster and put it in one of the zippered pockets in my jacket (the only question is when it is warm, how to transfer it discretely to my pants pocket when I stop and remove my jacket- I guess I could do like I would if I used a bag to carry, wear or carry the jacket to a bathroom when I stop and transfer the gun while in a stall for privacy). Due to the problem of what to do with it when I remove the coat (like with shoulder holsters) I may need two options- jacket pocket in cooler weather when I can keep the jacket on, and something else for when it is warm (carry in the windshield bag, fanny pack, pocket carry and not have easy access while riding). If I need two options anyway, I may go with shoulder rigs in cooler weather since it would allow a larger gun. This does have me thinking about crossdraw so that I can use one method all the time and not have to switch off (I'd still carry in my pocket normally, but I'd give up IWB even off the motorcycle for crossdraw to keep things simple and always have the gun in the same location).

I won't be using my usual pocket carry gun, a S&W 442 since I want polymer for this purpose. I could use my Taurus PT140 M. Pro for most of the methods I'd consider, but possibly not pocket carry (it is a little large for my pants pockets, it fits but is pretty obvious, so I'm not sure if it would work in a jacket pocket). So, after I sell some guns I rarely use I may be in the market for a thin polymer 9mm or .40S&W (gee darn ). Another option may be the Ruger LCR or apparently Taurus is coming out with a polymer revolver. I love revolvers, but part of that love is as a traditionalist so I'm still not sure I like or want a polymer revolver though.

 

[chaim]

Do you have a carry permit for VA?

I don't actually have a VA permit, but a FL permit is good there. I am thinking of letting that expire and getting one from another state (actually, I've let it go, I just haven't replaced it quite yet). I'm thinking about getting a UT permit (also good in VA) since it is also good in MN and I have family in MN and enjoy visiting the state. I am also thinking about getting a VA permit though in case I ever get pulled over by a cop who doesn't understand reciprocity and also to pay my fees (and give some financial support) to the state I most often carry in, spend a lot of time in generally, and may move to instead of one halfway across the country (though I may also get the UT due to MN reciprocity which VA doesn't have). Though, I still may go back to using FL since the 7 year renewal they now have is pretty nice.

But since you can't carry on your person in your home state, I'd personally want to be able to lock it up in the saddle bags when you are off the scoot.

MD has some strict transport laws. I can only have a gun in my car trunk when going to and from the range or store. All interpretations of the wording of the MD law that I've heard have it that even stopping for gas or a restroom puts you in violation of the law. I've heard a cop suggest that carrying it in your trunk when visiting another state is a violation of the law unless you are going to an organized shooting event or maybe a range (I suppose to be 100% safe I should be stopping at the NRA range and keep my receipt whenever I carry in VA so I'm more likely to be legal if stopped in MD). So, it won't really matter if I have lockable saddlebags, I won't be stopping until I'm in a carry state and I stop to set it up in its carry location (though, if I don't have lockable bags, and the ones I've bought aren't, I think I'll need to keep it in a locked case within the bags to be within the law- MD can't have it be too easy to get to and load with the rounds that can't be in a mag or in the same bag in transport).

 

[chaim]

Oh, I have thought about this as an option both on and off the bike:

http://licensed2carry.com/product_info.php?cPath=142&products_id=172&osCsid=f9ec5c3509bb86c585093b528d792374

My main concerns about it for riding are:
1) While the description talks about it being made for people who "NEED that protection of a thick and tough leather skin," it isn't specifically a motorcycle jacket so I don't know if it is really motorcycle leather thick (motorcycle protective leathers are about double the thickness of regular fashion leather).
2) It has a collar and from the photos and description they don't appear to snap down. That could be a major problem while riding. However, I suppose I could take it to a tailor and have him/her add snaps to the collar to keep it out of the way while riding.
3) It is just a leather jacket. No armor pockets, no permanent armor, not even extra shoulder and elbow padding. Though, again, if I buy a size larger than I need I could probably take it to a tailor and have him/her sew in some armor pockets and buy some CE armor for it.
4) It has no venting so it would only be suitable from late fall until early spring (and may not be warm enough for winter). Wearing it late spring, early autumn, and especially during the summer would not be a possibility (though I could get the kevlar shirt and their CCW leather vest instead of this jacket for use during more of the year- though with no vents it still won't be usable during the summer, and the problem in #3 will be even more of a problem).

Since several of the potential issues above have solutions (take it to a tailor), I suppose the biggest issue is that this would be one heck of an expensive holster. I already have a regular leather coat I bought about a year ago, so I don't really need a leather coat for when I'm not riding. I have ordered a leather riding jacket in my size so I don't need to buy a riding jacket, especially one that isn't really purpose built as a riding jacket. Further, my riding jacket will have zippered pockets, though not necessarily in as natural a place for the draw, and with no built-in holster to keep the gun from shifting (even in a pocket holster, depending upon the size of the gun and holster, and size and shape of the pocket, the gun could shift in a regular zippered pocket of a riding jacket).

 

[Voimakas]

When I ride, I usually carry my 1911 in a Supertuck. My jacket's not long enough that I can't gain access to it and when I went down at 65mph last year, the gun didn't cause any problems (though the wood grips had a dent in them.) Sometimes, I'll stick a smaller firearm (like a G27) in my inner vest pocket (which I wear outside the jacket) and have yet to have an issue with it there.