Carrying in a shoulder holster while riding

[ar-jay]

I know others that open carry while riding, but I was wondering if anyone conceal carries using a shoulder holster. If anyone does what have you found to work for you?

RJ

[pearlblue1800]

Curious as to what country you may be riding, from, through or to, that would lead you to believe you need a firearm. (Sudan or area's of South Africa?)

Feeling the need to carry a firearm suggests that you will be willingly entering into an area that causes you grave concern for your safety.
Would it not be much more wise to avoid that country, or areas of the country?

Many riders have travelled numerous countries, and never felt the need to have a firearm in order to feel secure.
Yes, even when travelling through Latin America, S. American Countries and Mexico.

A quick check on "www.advrider.com' will quickly confirm that carrying a firearm, let alone using it, has the potential to cause you substantial legal ramifications.

[Grandpa1]

Curious as to what country you may be riding, from, through or to, that would lead you to believe you need a firearm. (Sudan or area's of South Africa?)

Feeling the need to carry a firearm suggests that you will be willingly entering into an area that causes you grave concern for your safety.
Would it not be much more wise to avoid that country, or areas of the country?

Many riders have travelled numerous countries, and never felt the need to have a firearm in order to feel secure.
Yes, even when travelling through Latin America, S. American Countries and Mexico.

A quick check on "www.advrider.com' will quickly confirm that carrying a firearm, let alone using it, has the potential to cause you substantial legal ramifications.

You ride the way you want to. I do. I also don't go on any rides that I am not carrying my legal concealed handgun.
No, I don't feel safe anymore and I will protect myself and my wife if the occasion arises and I know what could happen afterwards.

[pearlblue1800]

You ride the way you want to. I do. I also don't go on any rides that I am not carrying my legal concealed handgun.
No, I don't feel safe anymore and I will protect myself and my wife if the occasion arises and I know what could happen afterwards.

LOL, thankfully (or not) you are willing to restrict your riding to a singular country.

Many others enjoy the experiences of riding foreign continents, experiencing different countries, cultures, peoples, customs, and generally broadening our motorcycle life experience.
We understand that you do NOT go into areas' where you are so unsure of your safety that you would ever feel the need to have a firearm.

Perhaps in your particular case it is best you adhere to your self imposed travel restraints.

[ar-jay]

Curious as to what country you may be riding, from, through or to, that would lead you to believe you need a firearm. (Sudan or area's of South Africa?)

Feeling the need to carry a firearm suggests that you will be willingly entering into an area that causes you grave concern for your safety.
Would it not be much more wise to avoid that country, or areas of the country?

Many riders have travelled numerous countries, and never felt the need to have a firearm in order to feel secure.
Yes, even when travelling through Latin America, S. American Countries and Mexico.

A quick check on "www.advrider.com' will quickly confirm that carrying a firearm, let alone using it, has the potential to cause you substantial legal ramifications.

Why wasn't the question. We all have firm rooted beliefs and to each their own.
As long as we have individuals that believe they have the right to be thugs I have the right protect my wife and myself.

RJ

[Grandpa1]

LOL, thankfully (or not) you are willing to restrict your riding to a singular country.

Many others enjoy the experiences of riding foreign continents, experiencing different countries, cultures, peoples, customs, and generally broadening our motorcycle life experience.
We understand that you do NOT go into areas' where you are so unsure of your safety that you would ever feel the need to have a firearm.

Perhaps in your particular case it is best you adhere to your self imposed travel restraints.

Frankly, I have no desire to ride in foreign countries. The US has got all I want. My motorcycle experience is probably broader than yours.
I go into areas that I'm unsure of my safety all the time. I live in Houston. I feel I need a handgun when on my trike all the time. I hope I never have to use it but I will if necessary.
Thank you for your advice but I'll adhere to whatever I want and I'm not at all restrained.
Dang guy, why are you giving your views on how we all should act? Who are you anyway?

[glarson3]

Frankly, I have no desire to ride in foreign countries. The US has got all I want. My motorcycle experience is probably broader than yours.
I go into areas that I'm unsure of my safety all the time. I live in Houston. I feel I need a handgun when on my trike all the time. I hope I never have to use it but I will if necessary.
Thank you for your advice but I'll adhere to whatever I want and I'm not at all restrained.
Dang guy, why are you giving your views on how we all should act? Who are you anyway?

I think what PearlBlue is trying to say is that you should just limit your riding to certified 'gun-free' zones and you'll have nothing to worry about.
When confronted by an armed person in this gun-free zone just be nice, give them everything they ask for, and you'll be safely on your way. That's just the way it works, and you'll never convince him otherwise.

I can't help you with the OP's question. Being from California and all, I don't really have the option, thus no experience.

[azsandrider]

Vehicles with Canadian plates make the best victims in the states, especially in Arizona; as most AZ residents carry concealed weapons. The bad guys know a lot of AZ residents are armed and know that Canadian plated vehicle occupants are helpless (no weapons) so the best people to victimize are the helpless; less chance of getting hurt or caught.

I worked in a large AZ PD as a LEO for 26yrs. Our response time to serious crimes was considered among the best in the nation, average 5-7 mins from the initial call from the victim. The police go there quick enough to complete a very detailed report on the crime committed against the victim with a good description of the suspect. Sometimes the report was taken at the hospital due to the injuries received by the helpless victim.

I have carried a firearm for over 30 yrs, both on and off duty, and have never needed it. But I would feel real foolish if the one time I left it home was the one time I needed it. There are plenty of examples of law abiding good guys with a firearm saving a life by using the weapon.

Heck, look at that crazy guy in OK who beheaded a woman and was going tot he next victim when the good guy with a gun shot him, saving lives. What would have happened if the good guy had left his gun at home?

Contrary to TV police shows, the police don't rush into active crimes scenes. They arrive, wait for back up, set a perimeter, and most times try to establish contact with the criminal to get him to surrender. But if the criminal is insane and only cares about killing people, that gives him more time to do so. Eventually the police will set up an entry team, usually SWAT (which takes time to assemble the team and equipment as most PDs do not have 24/7 SWAT teams ready to go).

Anyway, to answer the question; I never used a shoulder holster as the draw in an emergency takes longer then a belt holster. It take more time and more movement of your arm to draw from a shoulder rig. When you actually need to use a firearm, you need it as quick as possible.

I carry a Diamondback DB9 (the smallest 9mm hand gun) in my riding jacket pocket. (that also takes time to draw)

Remember, which ever rig you choose, practice (a lot) drawing the weapon. Practice from a sitting position, standing, laying on the ground, etc. Very rarely will you be in and ideal situation when an emergency happens. AND, know the laws in the states you are carrying. KNOW when to shoot and when not to shoot. IF you carry a gun, its best to have a lawyer who is knowledgeable in defense shooting cases to call RIGHT AFTER the shooting and BEFORE you make statements to the police. Carry the lawyers number with you!

Best advice is to get training on concealed carry. NOT how to shoot and hit the target, but the mindset of why to carry, when to shoot, responsibilities, etc.

[Solidbob]

PearlBlue1800 - another winter Arizonian from Canada that has no clue of what he talks about, he really tries to get you P/O'd but that just doesn't work in this country. We respect most all views as long as they don't cross the imaginary line in the sand. Then its time to move on and let the Canadian Lefty just blow a gasket, they do not understand our country and how we now operate and you can't school them. Very hard headed.... I have grandkids like that so I will continue to visit our neighbors to the north and the property I own further north... there petrol prices still suck but I rarely buy Canadian Liter fuel..

[flyerq68]

I am in the process of obtaining my CCW, basically a done deal just waiting for the live scan to get back to the SO. I never even considered carrying in a shoulder holster and probably not even an inside waistband holster. I plan to carry in an outside the waistband holster an just wear lots of loose Hawaiian shirts LOL. My wife is a retired Sheriff deputy and carries in an ankle holster. With her back issues, she doesn't want the extra weight above the waist or in a purse holster, so she wears a lot of baggy legged pants.

And to our Canadian friends, I wear a helmet hoping I will never need it. I wear a seat belt in a car hoping I will never need it. I will carry a firearm hoping I will never need it either.

[azsandrider]

I have fire extinguishers in my house and all my vehicles, hoping to never need to... (I've used my fire extinguisher once for my own vehicle fire - saved my truck from going up when a fuel broke over hot headers)

I'm CPR certified (I have done breath on one guy and chest on several others - all died but I tried)

I'm trained in Wilderness First aid (haven't needed it yet)

I carry a weapon in the 'bush' I carry a (10mm for aggressive animals like bears - carry bear spray too - which would be my 1st resort; the10mm is for if the spray fails - and I've never needed it)

I carry a smaller weapon in town (never needed it)

But its better to be prepared and have 'it' but not need 'it' then to really need 'it' and not have 'it'...THAT goes for ALL of my list above!!!

[clayusmcret]

I have a variety of waist holsters. Used to carry in my vest, but didn't like the way it pulled down on one side.

[ar-jay]

Anyway, to answer the question; I never used a shoulder holster as the draw in an emergency takes longer then a belt holster. It take more time and more movement of your arm to draw from a shoulder rig. When you actually need to use a firearm, you need it as quick as possible.

I carry a Diamondback DB9 (the smallest 9mm hand gun) in my riding jacket pocket. (that also takes time to draw)

Remember, which ever rig you choose, practice (a lot) drawing the weapon. Practice from a sitting position, standing, laying on the ground, etc. Very rarely will you be in and ideal situation when an emergency happens. AND, know the laws in the states you are carrying. KNOW when to shoot and when not to shoot. IF you carry a gun, its best to have a lawyer who is knowledgeable in defense shooting cases to call RIGHT AFTER the shooting and BEFORE you make statements to the police. Carry the lawyers number with you!

Best advice is to get training on concealed carry. NOT how to shoot and hit the target, but the mindset of why to carry, when to shoot, responsibilities, etc.

azsandrider

Thanks for the reply and advice.
I carry a Glock 26 and have about 3K rounds through in the last year.
The training end is important on top of military training (35 years ago) I am also considering some advanced CC courses.
Just thought that inside my jacked would be better then in the trunk.

RJ

[Rick Mays]

To the OP. If you have a place near you that you can go and try on holsters do so. There is some great shoulder, and waist band ones out there. Glad to hear more and more are choosing to carry. Carry on!

[genedjr]

I know others that open carry while riding, but I was wondering if anyone conceal carries using a shoulder holster. If anyone does what have you found to work for you?

RJ

I agree with others, it will take too long to draw from a shoulder holster. Also practice, practice, practice - "with" - the gear you normally ride with.
...gene

[Just Dave]

I don't use a shoulder holster either, Usually only have a t-shirt on in the Florida Weather. I have two kinds, a kydex in the waistband and and a leather outside the waist band that I alternate depending on what kind of pants I am wearing that day. I wear them about 4 o'clock and don't even know they are there. I don't use one myself but I know lots of people that love Remoras. http://www.remoraholsterstore.com/

[satan]

I used to carry a shoulder rig in a nearly vertical configuration (grip horizontal), and while I found it very comfortable while riding, weak-side access while seated was quite clumbsy. The rig I used (still do from time to time) crossed high in the back, has good width shoulder pads, carries extra magazines as counter-balance on the opposite side, and secures at your belt on both sides so it does not swing (I believe this is similar to a tactical vertical shoulder rig, aside from the canted holster). Initially, I had this in leather, but found that to be sticky/sweaty on hot rides; swapped to synthetics maybe 12 yrs ago, and haven't missed the leather.

Several shortcomings were identified to me in drill/instruction, most related to weak-hand use (the loud end will sweep across your torso at what could be a really bad time, weak side arm needs to really "chicken wing" to draw a weapon that is adequately retained, etc), and also in riding, when concealed, your cover layer (jacket?) must be open (compromised) for access.

Ive since switched to IWB ( from Sheepdog), which affords better weak-side geometry and improved readiness speeds from the seated position.

As mentioned above, drill & train... Lay on your belly once, and see what you could reach with both hands... It'll always be best if you find a solution that is comfortable for you.

[Rick Mays]

Some more great advice above on getting access. On a wing while riding a small Ruger LC9S or something in the right pocket can be got at in a hurry. I have a bag that goes between the handle bars that makes for quick access as well. Like stated above, practice makes perfect and learning how to get what you got is paramount! Good luck in your choice.

[clayusmcret]

My favorites are my Versacarry's. http://www.versacarry.com/how-it-works/

[Lone Ranger]

What's nice about a shoulder rig is when you are in a rest stop or restaurant and suddenly the urge to go to the restroom overcomes you, you will not have to worry about where to put your piece while sitting on the throne. This also goes for inside the vest type apparel.

If you get a shoulder rig make sure you have straps that attach to the mag pouch and holster to the belt, keeps them from moving around. Shoulder rigs work for people whose waistline does not lend itself to a comfortable IWB or OWB setup.

[WB-Ron]

The Cross Breed waistband holster works well for me. Hardly know it's there.