Texasgrillchef
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Does anyone here have or use a scabbard with their Harley Motorcycle? Especially for the Tri-Glide Trikes. Although I am sure if you have an Ultraglide it would work too.
Rifle Scabbards for use with a Harley Motorcyle
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JeeperCreeper
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I've had this conversation with friends in a joking manner...
If you actually planned on using it, I'd ask: why would you need a rifle/shotgun scabbard over other, more secure options? And in what capacity would you see yourself using a long gun where a scabbard makes the most sense?
Most of the answers open a can of legal worms and a can of pragmatic worms.
If you actually planned on using it, I'd ask: why would you need a rifle/shotgun scabbard over other, more secure options? And in what capacity would you see yourself using a long gun where a scabbard makes the most sense?
Most of the answers open a can of legal worms and a can of pragmatic worms.
sparkyv
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If I rode, I'd use it for transport to the range. 
NIGHTLORD40K
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Case law here in FL has generally upheld that it is legal, as long as the scabbard is latching or has a retention strap- the transport law here states it must be securely encased. I have actually seen folks bring long guns to the range on their bikes thusly.
That said, is it a good idea? Probably not. Is there a good chance you'll be pulled over and questioned until a Sergeant or supervisor is called to clarify the matter? Yep.
Its technically legal to open carry here while fishing, believe it or not. Doesnt make it a great idea in practice.
JeeperCreeper
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If for range transport, I'd look at ATV style carriers on the rear. You know, the hard cased style.
Addressed to anyone who would want a leather cowboy saddle style scabbard (since "Harley" was mentioned, not a dirt bike, I assume it's not for ranch work):
If it's to be an outlaw-cosplay-Terminator-fantasy costume, I'll publicly mock you for the impractical use and "try hard" tough-guy routine.
Because it would be to "turn heads" or "be edgy". A leather scabbard like a cowboy would be absurd. You gonna pull it in traffic? Shoot it one handed? Spin your lever gun around like Arnold? How do you think you could legally justify using a rifle off a motorcycle? In what situation would a rifle be any more practical than even a Glock on a chest holster while on a bike?
Addressed to anyone who would want a leather cowboy saddle style scabbard (since "Harley" was mentioned, not a dirt bike, I assume it's not for ranch work):
If it's to be an outlaw-cosplay-Terminator-fantasy costume, I'll publicly mock you for the impractical use and "try hard" tough-guy routine.
Because it would be to "turn heads" or "be edgy". A leather scabbard like a cowboy would be absurd. You gonna pull it in traffic? Shoot it one handed? Spin your lever gun around like Arnold? How do you think you could legally justify using a rifle off a motorcycle? In what situation would a rifle be any more practical than even a Glock on a chest holster while on a bike?
Varminterror
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My bike was my only vehicle for a bit over 2 years in the late 2000’s. I bought a car for my GF at the time, and had an F350 I kept at my home ranch, but my main transportation was my Triumph Daytona superbike. I had bought a shotgun while on a trip a few hours from home, unexpectedly/unplanned, so I had to devise a means to get it home. The shop gave me a deal on a set of ATV mounts and a rifle boot for it.
I ran a couple thousand miles over the next year during hunting seasons and different range trips. Pretty simple - the ATV mounts had U bolts on the bottom side which clamped around my foot pegs, rider and passenger, just wide enough to get my heel on the peg at the front, and sucked in tight at the back. I ran a strap over the seat to the far peg to stabilize it, otherwise sometimes it would get a little wobble/vibration to it when I tucked down tightly. In general, I never left the boot on the bike, and simply took it with me when I entered, but often left it secured on the bike while paying for fuel or other reasons for quickly running into stores. I locked the box and had a cable lock securing the box too the bike - enough to keep an honest man honest, or take a dishonest man enough time and effort they’d be noticed, and my bike alarm would sound.
I was pulled over a couple times for speeding - officers never even asked what was in the box. I do, however, live in the Midwest, and traveling in KS, MO, IA, NE, TX, and OK, it’s not so unexpected that someone might have a gun in their vehicle.
I ran a couple thousand miles over the next year during hunting seasons and different range trips. Pretty simple - the ATV mounts had U bolts on the bottom side which clamped around my foot pegs, rider and passenger, just wide enough to get my heel on the peg at the front, and sucked in tight at the back. I ran a strap over the seat to the far peg to stabilize it, otherwise sometimes it would get a little wobble/vibration to it when I tucked down tightly. In general, I never left the boot on the bike, and simply took it with me when I entered, but often left it secured on the bike while paying for fuel or other reasons for quickly running into stores. I locked the box and had a cable lock securing the box too the bike - enough to keep an honest man honest, or take a dishonest man enough time and effort they’d be noticed, and my bike alarm would sound.
I was pulled over a couple times for speeding - officers never even asked what was in the box. I do, however, live in the Midwest, and traveling in KS, MO, IA, NE, TX, and OK, it’s not so unexpected that someone might have a gun in their vehicle.
NIGHTLORD40K
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Varminterror
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It wasn’t my first bike, but my first superbike was a Ducati 999, complete in the flashy yellow blaze. I had gotten out of Liter bikes for a few years when I moved, called about a couple adds, fully intending to buy a Hayabusa at the time, MAYBE considering a blackbird... one of the guys I had called about a Busa called me back and said he had this Triumph on a great deal (1/4 what I was planning to pay for a Busa or Blackbird), so I went to check it out. I wasn’t thrilled at first, but when I sat on her, it was over. She rides like a fat back brahmer bull, the likes of which I rode for 20yrs of my life. For the money, I had to bring it home. Not the fastest, not the nimblest, not the most attractive, but the triple cylinder makes a unique sound, and she does everything I ask.
I do, however, plan on picking up a 2019 Busa, since I have wanted another one for years, and 2019 is the swan song. Nothing practical about it... I also REALLY want a Triumph Thruxton. I loved the look and ride of the (woefully underpowered) 900 when they came out, looks like they upped the ante a bit with the 1200. So that’s on my big boy wishlist too.
Down Range
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I have a leather bolt action Scabbard for sale currently. It is from the early 60s. Black, aged, but no cracking. Here is a link if interested. https://www.armslist.com/posts/48304bb283684a66bca0f8692188a1a8/edit/
Texasgrillchef
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not long for a leather . Just something easier then throwing the rifle case I use now with the shoulder strap over my shoulder. Something a little more secure.
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Varminterror
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This seems like an interesting, albeit irrational bias towards bikers, terrible ‘80s cult films, and cowboys for that matter.
Do you never transport your firearm for any purpose but defense?
I’ve known several guys who ride 250-300 days per year, which is about all we have in KS which are safe to ride, and some of them happen to be shooters. Motorcycle culture is as much focused upon aesthetic as anything, so if a guy’s bike is wrapped in leather, strapping on a leather scabbard to transport a sporting arm makes far more sense than blowing the look of an otherwise “living and breathing” leather and steel monster with a plastic suitcase. Bolting on a well designed, well integrated leather scabbard to transport a sporting arm to and from the range is as viable of method as any for a motorcycle. My polymer gun boot might not have looked terribly out of place on my plastic wrapped rocket, but it certainly would stick out like a sore thumb on my buddy’s ape hanger Road King with all leather saddle & fork bags. But running a matching leather scabbard up the side of his sissy bar looked the part on his bike.
JeeperCreeper
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That's why I was asking for the intent. I grew up riding and my family still does. So it's not a bias against bikers.
But I do have a bias against "tough guy" bikers who decided to buy their midlife crisis Hog and play "Hell's Angel" on the weekends. Yes, lots of bike culture is aesthetic. I 100% agree and am fine with.
But growing up around it, much of that aesthetic is for being a rebel, edgy, or intimidating.
So mounting a scabbard on a bike for the form factor (intimidation) does not fly with me. If it's a functional or function while being stylish, I'm fine with that.
And I bring that up cuz I've seen it and heard it.... From the weekend warrior tough guys, about having firearms to scare the "cage drivers" (cars).
It's no different than the tactical dingbats rocking their ARs and chest rigs to Starbucks with their Punisher logo gear. Posing for no reason than trying too hard.
BWS
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I've been on two wheels since '74. If I was serious about carrying a rifle on a bike,would find,or make,a case for my TC pro hunter. Meaning,it would be taken down. I have traveled with take down trad bows. They pretty much just get stuffed into a back pack,about the same length as the arrows which are cased as well. Not that big of deal.
Gordon
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The Kolpin ATV case is the hot set up IMHO and I and my son have them on "adventure" type bikes for use in Oregon Elk hunting ect. I have been known to carry in my Road King Saddle bags , locked . An Ak underfolder fits well , AR "pistols" with up to 13" barrels fit well too, as well as my favorite super 16" TC Contenders with bipods.
NIGHTLORD40K
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I would think the Kel-tec folding carbines would be about perfect for a hard bag too.
My Duck had a tiny cargo tray under the locking seat with just enough room for a Colt Mustang.
Varminterror
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I typically do carry my G19 SOB IWB when I don a motorcycle jacket. I re-engineered part of the cockpit fairings of my Daytona and installed a small glove box. I’ve dropped my pistol in there a handful of times, but need to devise a locking mechanism, instead of just using a hidden release if I wanted to be secure. It’s left hand side, so in THEORY, it could be accessed while in motion.
Texasgrillchef
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I only have 3 long guns that I want to transport on my Harley. Never more then 1 at a time.
Ruger 10/22 original stock with 12.5” barrel SBR
Henry Mares Leg SBR
SBS Maverick 88
Only carried in Texas so legal OC or encased. I prefer encased for protection from road grime, weather. Not needed or used for SD. Only in transportation to shooting range, or my vacation cabin acreage to shoot nuisance critters and Varmints, and of course target practice.
Ruger 10/22 original stock with 12.5” barrel SBR
Henry Mares Leg SBR
SBS Maverick 88
Only carried in Texas so legal OC or encased. I prefer encased for protection from road grime, weather. Not needed or used for SD. Only in transportation to shooting range, or my vacation cabin acreage to shoot nuisance critters and Varmints, and of course target practice.
DocRock
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This one’s a looker.
https://www.outfitterssupply.com/Ou...ed-Leather-Rifle-Scabbard/productinfo/WSC130/
I have several leather scabbards for equine use. As I understand it in Colorado, on a motorcycle or atv, a rifle case has to be hard sided and enclosed.
https://www.outfitterssupply.com/Ou...ed-Leather-Rifle-Scabbard/productinfo/WSC130/
I have several leather scabbards for equine use. As I understand it in Colorado, on a motorcycle or atv, a rifle case has to be hard sided and enclosed.
Speedo66
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So cool. So impractical.
Lucky Derby
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I bought a KelTec SU16 specifically for carry in the hard bags on my Gold Wing.
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