Motorcycle Riders Only - Really, Don't Click if you Don't Ride

[PA_PB&J]

Motorcycle Riders Only - Really, Don't Click if you Don't Ride (just kidding )


I'm looking for personal experiences with Open or Concealed carry while riding a motorcycle. I've read lots of articles/watched a lot of videos so I got the "book learning" part down, now I would appreciate real life recommendations from those actually carrying on a bike (hence the title) in these hot summer months in PA. My AIWB carry is just not going to cut it even with the fairly upright riding position of my Kawasaki EX500 A4. Also I don't think I would fare well in a crash with that hunk of metal in that position.

I'm interested in:

1. What are you riding/carrying?
2. Why did you end up with that method of carry?
3. What compromises did you end up making to carry?

Extra credit for anyone who tells me if they have practiced drawing and firing with their motorcycle gloves on. It takes a LOOOONG time for me to take my riding gloves off, it does not make sense to incorporate "remove glove from shooting hand" into my emergency draw.

[ExFlyinguy]

Dammit I went to edit my reply and it got deleted. Using mobile version on cell sucks ass.

I ride both BMW K1200LT or R1200GS.
Carry 3 o'clock owb or iwb same as when I don't ride. So no sacrifice.

Gloves are 50/50 worn. With my trigger finger cut out coincidentally for other tasks. I don't consider a gun fight while riding a likely scenario for me and I sure as hell won't stop for one, so I have no interest in becoming proficient at such a task

[V-MAN]

I have multiple bikes that I ride and I make no changes from when I'm in a car or walking down the street. I carry OWB @315-330 position. It's been working for me for many years and I won't be changing.

[MARINE DIVISION TWO]

For the most part for comfort a Glock 43 or 19 IWB Loose fitting jeans ! On the ankle a snub 38spl ! Riding a Honda Shadow 2006 750cc !

[DK23]

I ride either a KTM supermoto or Yami R6. I CC carry a Sig P938 or H&K P2000sk in an OWB DeSantis 'Thumb Break Mini Slide' holster at 3:30ish. I chose OWB because it's more comfortable than IWB in a riding position and I wanted one with a thumb break in case I crash. I always wear a jacket so hence the CC. I didn't make any compromises as this is how I usually carry anyway.

I just bought new riding gloves, A* SMX-1, and they have 'touchscreen compatible fingertips', but I haven't practiced dry firing with them. Maybe I'll try that tonight.

Where in Montco are you, we may have passed each other out here?

[Qtrborecrazy]

OWB and I don’t care if they see it.

[SgtRecon]

I chose OWB @ 3"O'clock when I wear an appropriate jacket or an untucked shirt, in a T shirt it goes in the saddle bags which on the Beemer are quickly accessible hard luggage. Although with many right arm injuries and subsequent surgeries I'm getting to love crossdraw @ 10 O'clock or so, its easier on the shoulder and elbow and seems much more natural to me now, as I gather decent leather for this I usually wear open on the scoot (and ATV) since its not really out in the open and as visible as 3 O'clock. Its usually the HK USP Compact 40 or the S&W 657 .41 Mountain gun, currently the only two I have crossdraws for

when wearing the cooler weather jackets the LCP is always in the left side napoleon breast pocket, regardless of which other pistol is on the belt or bags

I once purchased a Marlin 30-30 from a coworker and rode home with it sticking out of the leather bags on the HD, got lots of odd stares at stoplights and a wave from a cop if that counts

[Daycrawler]

I ride a HD and the seating position is very upright. When going on long rides the pistol phone and mag all go in a tank bag. Normal everyday and the pistol will be in a Serpa at the 3 o clock position. This has worked for many years without any problems. Taking off the holster is more for comfort and not for crashing. If I crash my concern would be for a passenger (if any) and then myself.


Even if your gun can be seen while on your bike it is still by law considered concealed. A motorcycle is a vehicle and all LTCF rules apply.

[jakalove]

Ride HD Ultra Classic- Springfield xds 3.3" 45acp, Galco Sto&Go IWB @ 4-5 o'clock at all times unless in the shower or bed. Bounced off the passenger side of a pickup at 25mph that turned left in front of me right in front of a cop. We were both impressed that the gun was in the holster when he helped me up. Yes I am a helmet guy. Bike totaled- now we have the red one my wife wanted.

[FlinchbaughD]

Glock 19 Crossbreed IWB holster at 4:30 like normal. I ride with fingerless gloves so I don't worry about the shooting with gloves on.