Regardless of how you lean politically, if it’s uncomfortable, don’t take it with you. I actually hate having anything in my pockets while riding my bike. Ever had an accident with something bulky in your pocket? I even leave my wrist watch at home.

 

Well, leaving it home is not the solution I was looking for, so I am asking others who do carry, what there solution is to make it more comfortable and safer. Not trying to start any issues and I don't mean to sound pissed off of stuck up (it's easy to not be able to read tone of voice on the internet) but if you don't have a solution to the question, just move on and let someone who has an answer provide some pertinent feedback. Thanks!

By the way, I also hate things in my pockets! Even leave my garage door opener at home and use an app on my phone!

 

Serious answer, shoulder holster. But again, don’t crash, broken ribs and all…

I give up.

 

I've seen people carrying on sport bikes and the wind does it's best at uncovering their firearm. Fortunately, Florida changed their law so that isn't considered an illegal brandishing anymore. I lived in Texas back in the nineties when they "first" enacted concealed carry. But that was almost 20 years ago. If a boot carry makes you more comfortable, get a good ankle holster. I don't think there's enough heat generated to cause an accidental discharge. We'd leave ammo cans of live ammo out in the Texas sun and it didn't discharge and fired as advertised in the firearms. Of course a Glock 17 is a little big for ankle carry. I was carrying a Kimber 3" .45, until Sig came out with the P365. Perfect for concealment no matter where you put it! I always recommend waist carry and carrying in the same position for all makes/models to retain good muscle memory. Good luck and let us know what you decide on. Of course some would argue that you don't discuss on open forums what you have or how you carry it but I am not quite that paranoid. Yet. 🤣

 

I'm definitely not against picking up another smaller gun for carry purposes. I've always liked the specs on the Sig P365. Might have to see what that's like with a boot carry method.

 

You can get a saddlebag holster, and use it with a bag like this while riding.

It will also work with a Tank Bag.

Or get a leg bag with a concealed holster

 

While I know I could carry in a bag, I prefer it to be on my person. I'd never be comfortable going into a gas station for even 30 seconds to get an iced tea or take a leak knowing my protection was in an unlocked, easy to remove tank or saddle bag.

 

I carry a SIG 380 in a comfortable ankle holster. Leave the heavier 40 cal at home.

 

I assume you carry on the inside of your ankle. No issues with rubbing your holster up again the bike while your riding? I just have a fear I'll smack my leg against the engine case or some other part of the bike, even while just swinging a leg over it. (Not worried about an accidental discharge, just more about general care of the gun itself...)

 

With all of my Harleys and now with my Challenger I generally carry the same as always. I'm a lefty so I carry my 4" .45 at about the 1:30 or 2:00 position for a cross draw. I'm not a real big guy, 5' 11" and slender (some say skinny LOL) and as long as I have a regular shirt on with the shirt tail out, or a light windbreaker, or a not so tight sweatshirt, my gun doesn't print. Well, it might print a little if I was sitting in a restaurant and leaned way back--so I don't lean way back when sitting. And actually just a loose fitting Harley T-shirt (haven't bought any Indian T-shirts yet) over a regular snugger white T-shirt covers my .45, again remembering not to lean way back or to raise my right arm straight up cause that could cause it to "print".

 

I do not own any guns - But I often see riders wearing a side arm in a belt holster at some of the places I stop when I ride. Why does your gun have to be concealed? Buy a comfortable holster and wear it loud and proud. You can always relocate it when you get to your destination.

 

It doesn't HAVE to be concealed. TX is an open carry state (currently with a permit) and a belt or shoulder holster. There are however many more businesses that allow concealed carry as opposed to open carry. If I'm on my bike and I have to "relocate it" I'm still going to be wearing an empty holster! I could always simply not do business in those places that aren't carry friendly. I must say that there are some "drop belt" thigh holsters that look pretty comfortable for any riding position. Nice thing about a drop belt holster is you can also still use your pants pockets.

 

Get a smaller gun that’s meant to cc. Like an lcp or XDs


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Tank or tail bag, then move when you get up.

Edit: I just saw this was suggested already

 

I'll disagree with some of the above then. Carry the weapon. Listen.....there are few things in life you'll only NEED once....a parachute and a firearm are two things that come quickly to the mind. Find yourself in a situation needing either, but not having one, could absolutely prove fatal. In todays climate, where anything can happen, I carry. Always. Now, I don't really live in a bad area...we dont have your "peaceful protestors" stopping traffic and dragging drivers out at gunpoint. Yet. And I doubt we ever will....but it only takes one individual to screw that up. We do have our daily "defund the police" group that has indeed stepped out in front of stopped cars, but so far they haven't gone any farther than that. Yes, this conversation is quite different on a bike vs a car. However, the root cause is still there. The other main reason I carry is that I typically ride longer distances, in unfamiliar territory, and I plan for the breakdown, flat tire, out of gas, etc...

Yes, my occupation warrants me carrying, but I would do so anyways.

Now, to your question.....I dont know what your attire is while riding. There's the adage of "carrying a firearm is not supposed to be comfortable, but comforting." I really dont like open carry. If nothing else, it makes you an instant target. I'd much rather blend in and egress/get better cover than to be an immediate target. Normally, I'll ride with a backpack and most times i'll carry there. My set up though can be moved on and off my body very quickly and discreetly though, so running into a store/shop, isnt much of a hassle. Pick a weapon you can easily conceal. I use a G17 as well, but I'd never try to conceal it. Could I? Yes. But there are far better options. I use several platforms, including a G43, G26, and P365 for my main carry purposes. For the G43 I'll stash a spare mag somewhere as its only a 6 round mag. Depending on things, I'll either carry appendix IWB or ankle. I have no problem appendix carrying on the FTR. On a sport bike though, that's a little more discomforting.

I'd urge everyone to train and practice as you carry. Standing static across from a paper target is one thing.....but don't forget to draw from concealment and moving and getting those first couple of shots on target quickly. In a real gunfight, that's far more important than simple mechanical accuracy.

I encourage everyone who can legally possess firearms and carry to do so. It is one thing that absolutely sets America apart from most other countries.

All of you, stay safe in your travels, and train, train, train!!!

 

Good info 68RR. Let me add another thought: If you are going to carry your mindset should first be with regard to WHAT you want to carry then your next thought should be regarding whatever clothing may be appropriate for carrying the gun you want to carry. I think way too many people think first about the size and weight of a particular gun. Yeah, seems like some are preparing for a trek across the Sahara Desert and they end up carrying a small, lightweight and maybe not so effective caliber weapon. Seems to me, if I ever really need my gun I want it to be a decent sized gun chambered in one of the more potent calibers. And although I do have a lot of choices as to what particular gun I may want to carry on any particular day, there are really only a couple, OK maybe three, that I end up carrying and AFTER I pick the gun for the day I THEN decide what I need to wear. First things first. And I really don't mind too much if the gun I am carrying seems to be a little bit heavy from time to time. As was said, I find the weight of my gun to be "comforting" and not at all something unpleasant.

 

I usually carry my CZ75 P-01 iwb and a Sig p938 in a pocket holster when I’m not on the bike. But on the bike I leave the CZ at home and only carry the p938 in the pocket holster. Harder to get in and out the pocket when your sitting on a bike with gloves on, really should find better options on location, but I guess it’s better then nothing.

 

I am a big guy and wear a Sig 365 OWB Versacarry at 3:00. In this position it doesn't matter what style of bike I am riding. A big t-shirt doesn't tend to blow up and expose the gun in this position. I do not like to expose my sidearm.

 

I always carry when I can. Unfortunately, I work in a federal facility that doesn't even allow vehicle storage (car trunk) while in the building. That being said, whether I'm driving my truck or my FTR, my head is on a swivel and I am constantly looking for those "peaceful protestors". Feel naked going to and leaving work. Even while carrying, I'm looking for possible trouble and escape routes. For me, squeezing the trigger is a last option on the list. Keep safe, keep training and invite others to experience what we find exhilerating. You might change someone's mind on how fun something can be.

 

I have been carrying for over 25 years. I usually carry concealed, although I occasionally open carry. Nothing says freedom like open carrying a 5" 1911 on a motorcycle.

I changed how I dress to fit what I carry. I always carry at 3:00, OWB, usually a compact like a Walther or H&K. Although a jacket works best, a bulky shirt conceals very well in the summer.

 

I carry a G17 at 4:00, 2 mags at 10:00, and a short hunter fixed blade at 1:00, all owb under a leather vest. A bit of the holster peeks out from under the vest, but AZ is a Constitutional Carry state so no worries on my part. My CCW takes care of when I'm in other states, and I refuse to ride in left coast states and states with similar restrictions. Am I afraid? No. These are not just tools for protection, but also for if I break down on some long stretch of road and have to make do for a few days. I carry extra water, a first aid kit, and a zippo for the same reason.

I'm polite to people and treat them with respect unless they indicate otherwise. Folks come up to me and talk at almost every stop. A smile goes a long way.

A buddy carries a small Ruger in an ankle holster, inside right IIRC. He's super casual, and I sometimes forget he's carrying.

I don't think the style of bike matters. Like 68RR said, if you can carry, you should.

 

I carry in a pancake holster on the right hip. No need to be inside the waistband, a t-shirt or jacket covers it just fine. It’s the most comfortable way I have found to carry on or off the bike.

 

I don't want this thread to become political or a second amendment discussion, just some good info on how and where to carry if you choose to do so. That being said... it's not fear thy neighbor... It's protect yourself and your personal property from the few bad apples who are the crazies...

 

@BadazzBobber60 I have empathy for both sides, but this really falls in the same category as:”Help I wear big earrings, but they hurt under a helmet”

A self inflicted problem 🤷🏻‍♂️

I was in the military for a few years, and used to guns. But if I had a job that required carrying tools and my gun would be in the way (climbing antenna/radar towers for instance, or on a roof), I left it in a locker…

 

You can also check in google* for "motorcycle leg bag" - if you see in graphics, there are plenty of them, so you may find the one that will fit the size of your device as well as will be comfortable for you. They are easy to attach to the leg and made in hundreds of styles (leather, textile, vintage, modern, etc.). The only issue you may consider - as I assume TX is quite a warm place - so if you have the bag attached to your leg, after some time of riding you may start feeling uncomfortable (sweaty) in that place.

*I am not pasting any links as I am not sure if it is compliant with forum rules.

 

I don’t own any guns.
So far I have had one “huge” heart attack, two cardiac arrests ( both interrupted by defibrillator shocks) and one serious motorcycle accident. I just turned 62. I don’t live my life in fear of what could “possibly happen”. I live my life with tremendous gratitude, humility, thankfulness and optimism!

Do what you must to make yourselves feel comfortable and safe. We live in a “free country“ where each person can make their own choices about how they will live. I personally will never touch a gun.

 

Just get one of these, and your set!

 

I want one

 

I carry a baby eagle chambered in .40 at 7 o'clock in a right handed belt holster and draw with my left hand when I am riding, its in the normal position at 3 o'clock when i'm not riding . I'm ambidextrous and practice with both hands. Being nearly in the small of my back does not bother me on any bike I ride (I have several different types).

 

If I want to carry my G17 I just open carry in a Viking Tactics/511 clip on. It's not comfy any other way for me on the FTR. I used this holster for years in 3-gun comps.

Alternately I carry a S&W Airweight .38 on my LEFT hip. Use your imagination why. Lol. I can shoot left or right handed. I'm like Charles Shakleford ... I'm amphibious. 😄

And for years I dropped a Keltec .32 into my front pants pocket. With 73 gr Buffalo Bore FMJ it'll get the job done too.

Lotsa options out there.

 

Why would I have a license to carry, and not carry? Not going to debate the pros and cons, but I'm in Texas... Just about everyone carries. (unless you're a liberal who moved here from California...)

I'm definitely not against picking up another smaller gun for carry purposes. I've always liked the specs on the Sig P365. Might have to see what that's like with a boot carry method.

I switched from a HK P7 to a P30sk to the Sig 365. Much better overall.
Without reading the whole thread, I usually pack IWB or a shoulder holster. There is only one shoulder holster that I like, the Galco Miami Classic worn high and tight. Particularly if you carry a full sized gun. I used to carry a HK P7 that way. It never printed and was an easy draw. [Edit: Your body structure may not support a shoulder holster. I am assuming it will for sake of discussion.]

Also, the Sig 365, will easily fit into a vest or jacket pocket. If you have bigger hands, try the 365XL.

This is a knockoff on Amazon.

Amazon.com : Premium Leather Horizontal Shoulder Holster System with Single Magazine Carrier for Standard Sig P365 with Out Rail 9mm Micro Compact 3.1''BBL, Right Hand Draw, Brown Color #1329# : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : Premium Leather Horizontal Shoulder Holster System with Single Magazine Carrier for Standard Sig P365 with Out Rail 9mm Micro Compact 3.1''BBL, Right Hand Draw, Brown Color #1329# : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com