carry on a motorcycle/scooter?

[Guest docbanana]

Hi, all. New poster here but I've been out there reading quite a bit!

My question is about concealed carry on a motorcycle or scooter... I have a 250cc scooter that I use for leisure riding on weekends (nachez trace, etc) and also commuting to work near downtown nashville on pretty days. I recently obtained my carry permit and carry a S&W .38 model 642.

I have a couple of questions...

1. If I had a handgun on me and wrecked, what are the chances of an unintentional discharge of my weapon? Would a weapon "go off" if it sustained an impact like one might have in a 40-MPH crash (sorry if that is a stupid question but I'm still learning about all this stuff). I'd really hate to add bullet wounds to an already unpleasant situation.

2. Any ideas about how to carry on my person so that others won't see that I have it? I want easy access to it not only before/after riding, but also while stopped at an intersection. I drive through areas where there are a lot of red lights and pedestrians and of course can't roll up the window and lock the door to protect from the creepy looking ones!! I typically wear a close-fitting, zipped up the the neck, mesh or textile motorcycle jacket.

[Guest jwp]

Hi, all. New poster here but I've been out there reading quite a bit!

My question is about concealed carry on a motorcycle or scooter... I have a 250cc scooter that I use for leisure riding on weekends (nachez trace, etc) and also commuting to work near downtown nashville on pretty days. I recently obtained my carry permit and carry a S&W .38 model 642.

I have a couple of questions...

1. If I had a handgun on me and wrecked, what are the chances of an unintentional discharge of my weapon? Would a weapon "go off" if it sustained an impact like one might have in a 40-MPH crash (sorry if that is a stupid question but I'm still learning about all this stuff). I'd really hate to add bullet wounds to an already unpleasant situation.

2. Any ideas about how to carry on my person so that others won't see that I have it? I want easy access to it not only before/after riding, but also while stopped at an intersection. I drive through areas where there are a lot of red lights and pedestrians and of course can't roll up the window and lock the door to protect from the creepy looking ones!! I typically wear a close-fitting, zipped up the the neck, mesh or textile motorcycle jacket.

I went down at about 60mph on my Thruxton while carrying my 642. No issues at all.

The best way to carry on a bike is in a tank bag. If that's not realistic then in a jacket pocket.

[JPS]

The best way to carry on a bike is in a tank bag. If that's not realistic then in a jacket pocket.

I'm new to this motorcycle carry issue too - wouldn't it be better to carry in a holster (with some kind of good retention) than a tank bag?

[sigmtnman]

There are a number of jackets that have carry pockets.

[nightrunner]

if you have your jacket zipped up, and you are carrying a 642, either in the outside jacket pocket, or a tank bag or similar (never thought about it but jwp makes a great point) would be best.

[Guest jwp]

I'm new to this motorcycle carry issue too - wouldn't it be better to carry in a holster (with some kind of good retention) than a tank bag?

Sure, that is the optimal choice.

But you'll never get to it when and if you need it while you're on the bike.

[gunsablazin]

I usually either stick my 649 in my back pocket or use my Fobus holster when on my scooter. To the OP, no your gun is very unlikely to fire due to a crash.

[Guest That Guy]

Discharge is unlikely; very unlikely.

Blackhawk's Serpa level II will add a retention element, but tend to be bulky and require practice to achieve speed.

Practice left hand drills and consider carrying left side,as you must throttle with your right.

[nightrunner]

Practice left hand drills and consider carrying left side,as you must throttle with your right.

but if you are setting at a light, what about the clutch?

[Guest docbanana]

but if you are setting at a light, what about the clutch?

Scooters are automatic, so no worries. I can draw with the left hand and throttle/front brake with the right. Of course there still is that problem of driving ahead AND pointing a gun. One-hand for each task. In city traffic. Takes some skill. But I like the left-handed draw idea anyway, because I can at least draw and still have a usable throttle hand.

But a motorcycle... hmm. That's even harder.

[Kevo]

What kind of gear do you wear? Just a helmet? Jacket? Gloves? Pants? I'm thinking A quality fanny pack.

[Guest stovepipe]

This is similar to the carry rig on my scooter:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxCR5KA47kU

[setsdw]

I carry in an inside jacket pocket. I've tried riding with it in my IWB holster but the grip always sticks out (ie open carrying whether I want to or not) You could try a shoulder holster. That would be pretty quick access.

[Guest tnrider]

Carry my Kimber Ultra about 3:30. My vest covers it most of the time. Just ordered a Kholster hoping to solve that problem. Shoulder rig might be a good idea too. Just seem to be so much darn equipment to keep up with.

[gunsablazin]

Scooters are automatic, so no worries. I can draw with the left hand and throttle/front brake with the right. Of course there still is that problem of driving ahead AND pointing a gun. One-hand for each task. In city traffic. Takes some skill. But I like the left-handed draw idea anyway, because I can at least draw and still have a usable throttle hand.

But a motorcycle... hmm. That's even harder.

Shoot or ride, choose only one.If you are moving, distance will give you more safety than shooting. Accurately firing from a moving motorcycle, and controlling the bike at the same time would be very iffy, at best.

[1gewehr]

Shoot or ride, choose only one.If you are moving, distance will give you more safety than shooting. Accurately firing from a moving motorcycle, and controlling the bike at the same time would be very iffy, at best.

Very true!! Years ago when I lived in central TX and did a lot of trail riding, I tried this. Yamaha XT550 and a Colt 1011A1 .45. Only worked if I left the bike in 2nd and used my left hand to shoot. After much experimentation I discovered my scores went WAY up if I stopped and fired. Times didn't change much.

After that I figured if I couldn't ride out of trouble, I was better off stopping and using the bike for cover.

[Guest ArmyVeteran37214]

I have a FATBOY VERSIPACK Tactical Nylon Gear Concealed Carry Shoulder Sling Bag - MAXPEDITION HARD-USE GEAR Tactical Nylon Gear for Military, Law Enforcement, Tactical Concealed Carry; Tailored to Perform Tactical that I bought this purpose. I haven't really had the chance to see if it will work out yet, been to busy to get out on the bike all that much yet.

[Guest faust921]

I've crashed (on a track) at 40 and 60mph. I would give a lot of thought about having the gun away from your bones, particularly your ribs, pelvis and spine. Many crashes involve shoulder, hip,elbow and foot and head contact with the asphalt, so you don't want some lump of metal to land on. Low front pocket would be my choice on the street for a small spurless pistol. I carry my .38spl IWB too but im 230# so it's east to hide under my jacket. I don't really worry about AD, cause if you crash the slim chance of a gunshot is the least of your problems. Maybe get yourself a small leather satchel or messenger bag with a sturdy strap that you can put your head and one arm through so it is hard to pull off and rides 4-5" under your arm? You might consider one with a magnetic or Velcro closure and about the size of the bags in this link but something fem that matches the leather on your scoots seat. The you could stick a G21 or a 1911 in there and nobody is the wiser. Keep your phone on your person too. If you go off in a ditch and nobody sees you and the bike is somewhere else, you can still call for help - maybe.

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Edited April 8, 2010 by faust921