Cycling - Open Carry - On Person - Suggestions?
TheOnlyEternity
Posts: 6 Member
So I've found other threads that discuss conceal carry. I have an XD-S 9mm that lives on my person 90% of the time - The only time I don't wear it is when I'm taking the dogs out quickly, when I'm at my office [only b/c they don't allow it], and while I'm inside - but even inside it is in whatever room I'm going to be in for some time.
About 6 years ago I dropped 60lbs in 6 months on a bike. At this point, I've gained 40 of it back (I held at only 15 back for years with no diet/exercise) -- I've gained 20 in the last year b/c of some stress. I need to drop it again, and so I bought a new bike b/c that's the cardio I enjoy. I can't get out of my head on the machines in the gym. I have a treadmill in my house, but that's mostly because I live in Tucson [Hotter than Hell] -- so I walk on it for some exercise and run my dogs on it. When I drop about 40 I'll work on learning to run, but I have a knee that hates me and so there won't be any running at my current weight [5'4" - 224lbs - Size 14 - Woman].
Other threads discuss Concealed Carry - but since I'm in Arizona (and have CO/WA CCW permits) I'm not actually worried about carrying concealed. I can open carry without any issues here. I can't carry with an IWB or band on my person while riding because I have a large very round butt, and hips - Think J-Lo. But on a "larger" woman.
The cycling movement would eject my firearm/holster as my backside routinely hit it. Walking tends to eject anything in my back pocket, including wallets.
I carry my weight moderately evenly distributed, but a have a gut making appendix carry never okay.... I forsee a lot of this not being an issue about 12 months from now.
Plus the leather on my IWB isn't exactly sweat proof. I've no problem cycling in Mt Bike shorts for the belt loops - I realize that a nylon or synthetic belt will be a must to counteract my *kitten* a bit. I'll carry a light pocket jacket if I have to go inside somewhere where concealment is a better option - Or store my EDC purse in my panniers [which I'll have b/c I won't be able to carry enough water otherwise]
I won't strap to the bike or use a bag because there are times when riding that I need to leave my bike - and leaving a firearm on my bike just isn't an option, for obvious reasons. I looked at the bands - but the XDS doesn't have a "traditional" safety. I'm currently too fat to enjoy the idea of a weapon that could be activated by that fat...
I'm looking at a Serpa - but does anybody have any other suggestions on ways to openly carry while riding - Perhaps a Level 2 or 3? Any help is greatly appreciated! You don't have to have worn it cycling to have advice.
About 6 years ago I dropped 60lbs in 6 months on a bike. At this point, I've gained 40 of it back (I held at only 15 back for years with no diet/exercise) -- I've gained 20 in the last year b/c of some stress. I need to drop it again, and so I bought a new bike b/c that's the cardio I enjoy. I can't get out of my head on the machines in the gym. I have a treadmill in my house, but that's mostly because I live in Tucson [Hotter than Hell] -- so I walk on it for some exercise and run my dogs on it. When I drop about 40 I'll work on learning to run, but I have a knee that hates me and so there won't be any running at my current weight [5'4" - 224lbs - Size 14 - Woman].
Other threads discuss Concealed Carry - but since I'm in Arizona (and have CO/WA CCW permits) I'm not actually worried about carrying concealed. I can open carry without any issues here. I can't carry with an IWB or band on my person while riding because I have a large very round butt, and hips - Think J-Lo. But on a "larger" woman.
The cycling movement would eject my firearm/holster as my backside routinely hit it. Walking tends to eject anything in my back pocket, including wallets.
I carry my weight moderately evenly distributed, but a have a gut making appendix carry never okay.... I forsee a lot of this not being an issue about 12 months from now.Plus the leather on my IWB isn't exactly sweat proof. I've no problem cycling in Mt Bike shorts for the belt loops - I realize that a nylon or synthetic belt will be a must to counteract my *kitten* a bit. I'll carry a light pocket jacket if I have to go inside somewhere where concealment is a better option - Or store my EDC purse in my panniers [which I'll have b/c I won't be able to carry enough water otherwise]
I won't strap to the bike or use a bag because there are times when riding that I need to leave my bike - and leaving a firearm on my bike just isn't an option, for obvious reasons. I looked at the bands - but the XDS doesn't have a "traditional" safety. I'm currently too fat to enjoy the idea of a weapon that could be activated by that fat...
I'm looking at a Serpa - but does anybody have any other suggestions on ways to openly carry while riding - Perhaps a Level 2 or 3? Any help is greatly appreciated! You don't have to have worn it cycling to have advice.
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Replies
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Non-Waistband carry is probably the best option. Either a secure leg, holster, bra attachment would work from the sound of it. Even as a size 6 - I will not carry on my waistband while exercising for the same reasons you listed. The laws in your area may not consider a leg, ankle, or holster open carry, so please research that. Best of luck!1
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Cyclists generally go to great lengths to avoid carrying unnecessary weight. If you're going to haul ballast, it's much better and more comfortable (and safer in handling terms) to have the bike carry the weight instead of your body.
Important for safety: if you crash and land on an unyielding piece of metal, it's likely to break whatever bone hits it.12 -
Hmmmm, never have I ever encountered the need for anyone to be using a gun whilst riding a bike.
This post makes me sad.24 -
For bike and belt I prefer a Serpa level 3 for the extra security and retention measures. I also use a chest carry rig in the shirt, easily accessible with a zip-up jacket.
Have you trained on upper torso carry? My wife uses this setup with a Shield .40:
http://www.511tactical.com/womens/womens-shirts/womens-holster-shirts.html
Off body carry is one I do not recommend unless you are professionally trained and mission specific. Much safer to have your firearm immediately accessible and on the body.
This is a setup I've been teaching and bringing bikers out to the range with - practicing drawing and firing with all your equipment. God forbid you ever have to use this you need to be as familiar as possible with your gear.4 -
I have found that The Well Armed Woman tends to answer most of my questions for "unusual" carrying situations.2
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I've cycled 163,927.2 km over the past 27 years in 13 countries ... and have never felt the need to carry a gun.
Were you planning to shoot rabbits for dinner?9 -
Joenali - You may not have encountered a need, but there are people that have. Just google "Cyclist Mugging". I'd rather have and not need than the other way around. I'm in the Tucson area and plan on riding in more rural areas because I don't like dealing with traffic - Here we have snakes, javelina, coyotes/wild dogs and not to mention the possibility of running into illegals or traffickers. The first stance is always escape and avoid. The armed person doesn't WANT to shoot somebody if they don't have to... But I WILL if I need to. "The problem with statistics is that they are 100% if you are one of them." I'll give you points for using "whilst".
Sarah - Arizona allows open or concealed carry without a permit; nonetheless I have permits in two states that both work here. My XDS is a little bit big/heavy - ankle/bra carry wouldn't work that well. I have larger palms/fingers so I need something larger to be comfortable with when it comes to actual use. I may consider buying a smaller firearm for riding -- but when it comes to personal carry and the need to actually use it, you should be 100% comfortable with it - Truth be told the fact that I can FEEL the weight of mine means that I don't need to constantly check that it's there - easier to avoid when walking with something small/lightweight, less when riding - but that's an assumption. I was considering a drop leg rig with the SERPA technology - I can test the idea out empty with a rig I got for a Halloween costume - I'd be curious about the possible thigh chaffing - It's a real rig, just... cheaper than dirt. Maybe it'll be less of an issue with Mountain Biking shorts than standard lycra.
NorthCascades -- Totally understand the unneeded weight - but added weight when I'm trying to drop pounds isn't entirely a bad thing - and when I lived in Bellingham (It's where I'm from, I sense you know where that is. ) I rode a loop from Ferndale to the bay, up Chuckanut, to Padden out to Meridian and back to Ferndale with a steel framed bike and a 2-year-old on the back about once a week. I rode Issaquah to Shoreline and back too, but without the added weight of the child. The small bit of weight a holster/belt/firearm add isn't going to be a terrible deal - the biggest issue is hauling my *kitten* for the first few months in 85-100 degree weather while I get my sit bones and fast twitch back. It's been like 5 years since I've rode. O.o I'm not looking to ride for competition with anybody but myself and my scale... for now.
CSARdiver - I haven't trained in upper torso, no - I was looking at the Level 3 - and that seems more practical for my purposes. I'd be worried about the sweat a bit more if I carried upper torso - But I suppose I'll have to clean it daily, regardless. My fiance is a Fed (another reason I need to always carry) - and as much as it sucks, I haven't actually gone shooting in 3 years. I have TFCC damage in my wrist which makes recreational shooting not worth the pain. I had surgery a few months ago, so hopefully, I'll be healed enough soon. I just discovered the recoil reduction system in my hunt for holsters today and I'm definitely going to get that. I've heard the XD-S is a little fierce. I got my first gun at 13 and grew up with guns/shooting - so I'm confident in my skills in that regard; he's a firearm instructor, so I get that exra training. He carries everywhere, open/concealed/on planes... so he doesn't think as much about the little bits - it's just been in life.
I did take a Force on Force in CO which was incredibly helpful to the mindset but we were using Simunition (which didn't stop me from drawing blood.... *facepalm* Who takes a course where we shoot each other while on blood thiners?). I did find a few articles on cycling officers which gave some good advice on practicing from a fallen down position. I'll definitely do that!5 -
TheOnlyEternity wrote: »Joenali - You may not have encountered a need, but there are people that have. Just google "Cyclist Mugging". I'd rather have and not need than the other way around. I'm in the Tucson area and plan on riding in more rural areas because I don't like dealing with traffic - Here we have snakes, javelina, coyotes/wild dogs and not to mention the possibility of running into illegals or traffickers. The first stance is always escape and avoid.
So you only worried about "illegals," and don't have any fear about the possibility of running into people from the Tucson area?8 -
TheOnlyEternity wrote: »
I did take a Force on Force in CO which was incredibly helpful to the mindset but we were using Simunition (which didn't stop me from drawing blood.... *facepalm* Who takes a course where we shoot each other while on blood thiners?). I did find a few articles on cycling officers which gave some good advice on practicing from a fallen down position. I'll definitely do that!
You just want to find a point on the body where motion is minimized, so look for something that feels right in that position.
The drop leg rig is designed for tactical carry - meaning you would likely have the firearm drawn prior to a defensive measure. Moving for extended periods with this just plain sucks.
In the XD-S even the 9mm is a bit of a kicker for smaller hands, but you should be fine with practice. Check out Rob Pincus - I took his instructor course a few years back and he is really good on training for the situation, especially on recognizing and avoiding the threat.2 -
your xds has a multitude of safety systems in place that can not be activated by your fat or the fat of anyone else. the grip safety and trigger safety must be depressed at the same time as the trigger is pulled to the rear. I know I owned 1 during the recall and did all i could think of to get it to fire out of battery.2
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You might have better luck looking through cycling forum like roadbikereview.com, cyclingnews.com, cyclingforums.com, or bikeforums.net for like minds. Before warned, you might not like most of the comments.2
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For running I carry a ruger Lcp in a leather iwb holster that I treat regularly with boot waterproofer. It helps keep the sweat off but does mean I have to clean it a bit more frequently than normal. The xds is very heavy for a polymer frame striker fired single stack handgun and that can be an issue for carry. I'd try to wear a belt of some sort and use a good duty style retension holster like safariland. The belt runs through the holster then the firearm is locked in due to its level 3 design. There are videos of grown men being dragged around by the butt of their pistol with the holster never coming loose or the firearm ever coming out of the holster.2
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TheOnlyEternity wrote: »Joenali - You may not have encountered a need, but there are people that have. Just google "Cyclist Mugging". I'd rather have and not need than the other way around. I'm in the Tucson area and plan on riding in more rural areas because I don't like dealing with traffic - Here we have snakes, javelina, coyotes/wild dogs and not to mention the possibility of running into illegals or traffickers. The first stance is always escape and avoid.
So you only worried about "illegals," and don't have any fear about the possibility of running into people from the Tucson area?
Don't be ridiculous. It's not an all inclusive list - but by illegals I mean the fresh runs of illegals/drug runners from across the border with the protectors and their guns - most disperse before Tucson -- but they still exist out where I am. I got multiple warnings from co-workers in the area before moving out here.
Integrated illegals don't bother me anymore than anybody else (not like I walk around asking for papers).3 -
You might have better luck looking through cycling forum like roadbikereview.com, cyclingnews.com, cyclingforums.com, or bikeforums.net for like minds. Before warned, you might not like most of the comments.
I did a fair bit of Google search - I actually asked here based on a few threads I read here. I did see some of those threads, but the didn't account for the fact that women are curvy - men have a much easier time wit concealed carry bc you are a much more straight line - for standard carry I have to carry about 5 o'clock to keep it off my side silhouette. It takes a lot to avoid printing in some fashion.
I felt this group would be more open minded to the curvy overweight cyclist than the others - but I will check those boards a bit more too.
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Shoulder holster? I bought one just for motorcycle rides. The only drawback is not having a way to cover when taking my riding jacket off to go eat somewhere. Not a big fan of OC but I could if I had no option.1
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lsutton484 wrote: »your xds has a multitude of safety systems in place that can not be activated by your fat or the fat of anyone else. the grip safety and trigger safety must be depressed at the same time as the trigger is pulled to the rear. I know I owned 1 during the recall and did all i could think of to get it to fire out of battery.
This was my thoughts regarding that comment.1 -
I would definitely look at upper body.
That being said. IF you go with a thigh rig. Understand its a thigh rig and not a knee rig. The higher you wear it, the more comfortable it will be. You'll definitely want an extra layer of padding to reduce chaffing. You'll also want an extra sturdy belt to take up some of the strain.1 -
shangrilamama wrote: »I have found that The Well Armed Woman tends to answer most of my questions for "unusual" carrying situations.
Vote for Cornered cat as well.0 -
I thought you were talking about booze ("open carry," car soda, i.e.) and riding, LOL4
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I think undertech has tanks? Would that be helpful? I don't cycle so I'm not sure, but I totally understand. I have my cc permit but I don't carry. Too curvy for a side carry, it digs into my ribs. Too big of stomach for front carry. My thighs touch too much for a thing carry. Ugh.2
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lsutton484 wrote: »your xds has a multitude of safety systems in place that can not be activated by your fat or the fat of anyone else. the grip safety and trigger safety must be depressed at the same time as the trigger is pulled to the rear. I know I owned 1 during the recall and did all i could think of to get it to fire out of battery.
This was my thoughts regarding that comment.
Haha. I know that about the gun - but I have a deep history of "one offs" happening to me. I carry it in my EDC purses just in the back pocket with nothing else. 0 -
I think undertech has tanks? Would that be helpful? I don't cycle so I'm not sure, but I totally understand. I have my cc permit but I don't carry. Too curvy for a side carry, it digs into my ribs. Too big of stomach for front carry. My thighs touch too much for a thing carry. Ugh.
I have a couple EDC purses. They aren't girly purses, but they are epic and hold a surprising amount of stuff - there is a back area specifically for it - and I can wear the gun with midrise jeans just slightly behind my hip with an IWB when I drive, go to stores, travel.
https://www.ebags.com/product/red-rock-outdoor-gear/sidekick-sling-bag/274455?productid=10304777
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LOLZ at the people who are reporting on some responses to this thread as "abuse" when all they are simply doing is disagreeing with the fact that they see no need to carry a gun while riding a bike.4
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Liberty Civil Defense ammo will lighten your firearm a whole bunch.
Eliminates almost all of the recoil and who can argue against 2000 fps / 450 fpe
I use it in my Ruger LC9s when out walking and it really makes a difference when concealing in sweat pants either waist band or pocket.
http://libertyammunition.com/product/civil-defense-9mm3 -
just mount it to your bike frame.
when you park your bike, put the weapon in your cycling jersey.
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I would suggest mounting it to your bike frame. If you carry it close to your body then you risk getting sweat in it and it may not fire properly.0
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