The GMW Concealed Carry Gun Pack. Now available now on Amazon.com. BUY NOW
The GMW IWB magazine holster with built-in neodymium magnets. Now available now on Amazon.com. BUY NOW
Motorcycles are great. They offer an easy way to avoid traffic and zip around town. As a small vehicle, motorcycles can easily get you onto side streets to avoid those big traffic jams. Aside from usefulness, other people just love the ride. Whether for stress relief or just for fun, you can hop on your bike, ride out into the country, and soak up the beautiful scenery of nature. On a sunny day with just the right breeze, not much beats a motorcycle ride on the open road.
But keep in mind joy riding or taking a lot of side streets could bring you to an unfamiliar or strange neighborhood. Unlike the relative safety you feel inside your car, being on a motorcycle might make you feel like an easy target, more open to attacks, and that’s the reason you should consider a concealed carry to defend yourself in these situations. If you are wondering how to concealed carry on a motorcycle, read on, friend.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR MOTORCYCLE CONCEALED CARRY
Motorcycle concealed carry can be a little tricky. With firearms, always do your research to avoid getting into trouble. Here are some tips you need to know to safely carry a firearm while riding a Ducati.
Know Your State Laws
Firearm laws vary from state to state so you should always be aware of state laws when carrying a firearm. Remember, you want to spend more time riding your motorcycle than behind bars. Some states require no permit to conceal or open carry. Some states require permits for concealed carrying. Others make reciprocal permits valid for concealed carrying, meaning a permit in one state is recognized as valid in other states as well. Some states do not allow concealed carrying permits at all or make it extremely difficult to get one. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to keep a cheat sheet of all laws relating to motorcycles in your state when you head out on a trip, especially those laws that involve carrying firearms.
Think Ahead
Before leaving home, choose which firearm you will carry depending on the circumstances of your situation. For example, if you are running errands or going out for coffee, consider carrying a small caliber gun that can fit in your front pocket or use a small pocket holster. In addition, you should also consider the public’s comfort level. Someone might get freaked out when they see you carrying a gun and this could escalate the situation, which is not your goal. If you plan on going somewhere that has metal detectors, you might want to seriously reconsider carrying at all.
Be Conscious of What You Wear
Safety is a key component when riding a motorcycle and clothing plays a key part. Take this into account when concealed carrying on a motorcycle. You should wear versatile underclothing that is comfortable to help keep your firearm on your person. Wearing a compression fit undershirt can be helpful, especially when thinking about drawing your gun quickly to react to a threat. These shirts fit nicely under leather jackets or other clothing you might choose for your ride.
MOTORCYCLE SEATING CONFIGURATIONS
In order to be successful with how to concealed carry on a motorcycle, you need to understand that your ability to comfortably concealed carry on a motorcycle will depend on how you are situated on the bike. In order to fit a concealed pistol in your waistband, you might need to change your riding style. If you plan to use a holster, make sure it is secure and will not come loose if the bike tilts or leans.
Forward Leaning Driving Style
Picture the motorcycle fight scene between Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott) in Mission Impossible 2. Motorcycles that require you to maintain a strong forward leaning position can make it tricky to successfully carry with an inside the waistband holster. A good remedy for this is to use a pocket holster that fits inside the chest of your jacket. Another possibility is to place your holster on your back in a radical 5 o’clock or 6 o’clock position. This could cause the gun to print heavily, however, and could be a bad idea for a concealed carry. This position might also affect your riding at high speeds or during maneuvering. If you plan on traveling at high speeds or making sharp turns it is best to secure your pistol in a pocket holster within the chest of your motorcycle jacket.
Upright Motorcycle Carry Style
With an upright seating arrangement, you’ll have a lot of choices for your carry. The ideal and most comfortable location for an IWB holster will usually be within the 4 to 5 o’clock positions or a strong-side carry. Considering the alignment of your legs, you probably won’t be able to successfully pull off an appendix carry in this position. Always let a passenger know where your firearm will be and, regardless of how you prefer to carry, never let the muzzle of your gun cross their body in any way.
Backwards Leaning Carry Style
Some motorcycles let you ride in an almost fully reclined position. This allows you to reasonably attempt an appendix carry depending on the size of your gun. If that’s not comfortable, you can try a strong-side carry. This is the ideal driving position for an inside the waistband holster.
TIPS FOR CONCEALED CARRYING ON A MOTORCYCLE
Riding a motorcycle is fun especially, during the summer. For some, it gives them a sense of freedom and a temporary escape from the world. For others, it’s a way of life. But while motorcycle riding can be a fun experience, motorcycle concealed carry is a different animal. It’s about safety and it requires responsibility. Here are some factors that you should bear in mind when considering a concealed carry while riding:
Plausibility
To come up with the best strategy for concealed carrying on a motorcycle, you must apply the plausibility principle. What are the most probable and plausible situations you could encounter while riding in which you would need to defend yourself with a firearm? Generally, the worrying situations for a motorcycle rider are the same as those for a car driver. The most dangerous of these situations are generally when you are at a standstill at a red light or stopped in traffic. Motorcycle riders will not have the same barrier of protection from an attacker as a car driver will though, something to keep in mind.
Consistency
Consistency means carrying in the same manner and position while riding just like you have trained to do while on foot. However, if you ride different types of bikes, this can be difficult, especially if these bikes require unique riding styles. Let’s say that you use an inside the waistband appendix carry in general. On a sport bike, this is likely not going to be the most comfortable of positions. It might be best on this type of bike to switch to a shoulder holster and wear a jacket or vest to conceal the weapon. One good thing about a jacket carry like this is that it is versatile and you can use the same jacket no matter what style of bike you happen to be riding. Consistency of carry will help you stay safe and be prepared to draw in the face of a threat.
General Carry Methods
You will have two main options for your carry: on-body and off-body. Each method has its own pros and cons.
On-Body
This is generally the preferred method because it will likely allow for a more immediate response to a threat. This style allows for easy access. And as far as concealment, you won’t have to look for a private area to transition your weapon back onto your body when dismounting.
When considering this style of carry, remember there are only 2 types of motorcycle riders: those that have crashed and those that will. Proper gun safety and a quality holster should be more than enough to prevent the gun from accidentally discharging in case of an accident but there is still a chance that you could land on top of your weapon in the event of a crash. There is also a chance that your holster or gun may come loose if hit with a certain amount of force. So, with that in mind, try to consider possible impacts when you are choosing where to wear your holster during your ride.
For an on-body carry it’s a good idea to wear a jacket, vest, or other covering garment with a strong zipper so that nothing will ride up on you as you ride and be uncomfortable or possibly reveal your weapon. In the case of a pocket carry, always use a quality holster that is designed in such a way that it will stay in your pocket no matter what.
Off-Body Carry
There are so many things to consider when thinking about how to concealed carry on a motorcycle, especially if we’re talking about an off-body carry.Fore example, do you plan to switch to an on-body carry once you dismount? If yes, you’ll need to practice and develop a routine that will allow you to smoothly and discreetly make that transition in a parking spot. A fanny pack is one good option for this technique. You can simply hop off your bike, strap on the fanny pack and you’re ready to go.
If you plan to carry by storing your gun in a bag, remember that the contents of your bag could scatter everywhere in the event of an accident. It’s best to have any weapon holstered even if in a bag. You could also invest in a “vault” for storing your weapon that is specifically designed for your motorcycle.
BEST HOLSTERS FOR MOTORCYCLE CONCEALED CARRY
One of the most secure ways to execute a motorcycle concealed carry is to carry your weapon in a holster. However, when it comes to carrying on a motorcycle, not all holsters are equal. Here are some of the best holster options for motorcycle riders:
Pocket Holster
Pocket holsters are great for storing your firearm in a leather jacket or vest and they also will help ensure that the trigger guard is secure and protected. It’s not the most likely occurrence but it’s nice to know that you won’t unintentionally jam your hand into the trigger when you reach inside your vest to get something from your other pockets. Pocket holsters are easily accessible and convenient. However, this will probably limit you to sub-compact weapons.
Shoulder Holster
Shoulder holsters keep pistols clear and above the waistline. This is ideal for mitigating the inconvenience that some feel when carrying a handgun while riding. Unfortunately, dnyone riding with a shoulder holster should be aware of the possibility of their handgun slipping out of this type of holster on bumpy roads. To help prevent that, look for a shoulder holster that keeps your firearms canted relatively perpendicular to the ground beneath you. Another drawback of the shoulder holster is that you will need to unzip your jacket to draw.
Kangaroo Holster
One issue with the kangaroo carry is that you may have to deal with several layers of garments in order to access your firearm. It may take a lot of practice before you can pull off this style of concealed carrying on a motorcycle.
Inside the Waistband
Another option for motorcycle riders is an inside the waistband carry. For this carry remember to use a holster with high retention or a back-clasp. When crouching forward on your bike, it’s recommended to position your holster somewhere between a 3 and 5 o’clock position. One disadvantage of an inside the waistband carry is that if your clothes ride up passing motorists may be able to spot your weapon. In states where printing or showing is considered brandishing this could be a problem. In these states it’s recommended that you ask a friend or relative if they can visibly see your firearm when you mount your bike and attempt this style of carry. Of course, this doesn’t matter as much in open carry states. Lastly, if you do choose an IWB holster, make sure that your holster has a high enough level of retention for your purposes.
Enclosed Motorcycle Vest or Jacket Pockets
If concealed carry holsters do not suit your riding style, a motorcycle vest or jacket with concealed carry pockets may be your best option. With motorcycle vests you need to make sure that your pistol is fully protected, especially the trigger guard. However, as always, you should also keep in mind ease of access.
Carrying With a Passenger
The principles of gun safety should always be applied when dealing with a firearm, but be even more cautious when executing concealed carry with a passenger. If your companion is holding on tight, you may have to reconsider your carry options. A pocket holster for your jacket might be a good option here. Most jackets have front pockets with plenty of space for stowing a compact pistol or revolver. Again, make sure your pocket holster will protect the trigger housing part of your firearm. For riders that carry with a round in the chamber, this is extremely important.
Carrying Solo
When riding solo, there are three considerations you need to keep in mind:
Muzzle Awareness – Where is the muzzle pointing? Is it pointing where it should not be?
Retention – Is the weapon secure in its holster?
Concealment – Is it adequately concealed?
When riding, keep these questions in mind and you should be good to go.
Locked Gun Case For Motorcycles
A locking case that can be attached to your motorcycle can come in handy. It can serve as a temporary lock box to store your firearm in case you are entering a no-gun zone such as a school, church or government building. Remember to make sure you are the only one with access to a locked gun case and always be aware of the location of the key if the case has one.
Learning how to concealed carry on a motorcycle is just one more part of motorcycle safety. Make your ride as safe as possible! What are your thoughts about carrying a weapon on a motorcycle?
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
How to Concealed Carry on a Motorcycle
The GMW Concealed Carry Gun Pack. Now available now on Amazon.com.
BUY NOW
BUY NOW
Motorcycles are great. They offer an easy way to avoid traffic and zip around town. As a small vehicle, motorcycles can easily get you onto side streets to avoid those big traffic jams. Aside from usefulness, other people just love the ride. Whether for stress relief or just for fun, you can hop on your bike, ride out into the country, and soak up the beautiful scenery of nature. On a sunny day with just the right breeze, not much beats a motorcycle ride on the open road.
But keep in mind joy riding or taking a lot of side streets could bring you to an unfamiliar or strange neighborhood. Unlike the relative safety you feel inside your car, being on a motorcycle might make you feel like an easy target, more open to attacks, and that’s the reason you should consider a concealed carry to defend yourself in these situations. If you are wondering how to concealed carry on a motorcycle, read on, friend.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR MOTORCYCLE CONCEALED CARRY
Motorcycle concealed carry can be a little tricky. With firearms, always do your research to avoid getting into trouble. Here are some tips you need to know to safely carry a firearm while riding a Ducati.
Know Your State Laws
Firearm laws vary from state to state so you should always be aware of state laws when carrying a firearm. Remember, you want to spend more time riding your motorcycle than behind bars. Some states require no permit to conceal or open carry. Some states require permits for concealed carrying. Others make reciprocal permits valid for concealed carrying, meaning a permit in one state is recognized as valid in other states as well. Some states do not allow concealed carrying permits at all or make it extremely difficult to get one. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to keep a cheat sheet of all laws relating to motorcycles in your state when you head out on a trip, especially those laws that involve carrying firearms.
Think Ahead
Before leaving home, choose which firearm you will carry depending on the circumstances of your situation. For example, if you are running errands or going out for coffee, consider carrying a small caliber gun that can fit in your front pocket or use a small pocket holster. In addition, you should also consider the public’s comfort level. Someone might get freaked out when they see you carrying a gun and this could escalate the situation, which is not your goal. If you plan on going somewhere that has metal detectors, you might want to seriously reconsider carrying at all.
Be Conscious of What You Wear
Safety is a key component when riding a motorcycle and clothing plays a key part. Take this into account when concealed carrying on a motorcycle. You should wear versatile underclothing that is comfortable to help keep your firearm on your person. Wearing a compression fit undershirt can be helpful, especially when thinking about drawing your gun quickly to react to a threat. These shirts fit nicely under leather jackets or other clothing you might choose for your ride.
MOTORCYCLE SEATING CONFIGURATIONS
In order to be successful with how to concealed carry on a motorcycle, you need to understand that your ability to comfortably concealed carry on a motorcycle will depend on how you are situated on the bike. In order to fit a concealed pistol in your waistband, you might need to change your riding style. If you plan to use a holster, make sure it is secure and will not come loose if the bike tilts or leans.
Forward Leaning Driving Style
Picture the motorcycle fight scene between Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott) in Mission Impossible 2. Motorcycles that require you to maintain a strong forward leaning position can make it tricky to successfully carry with an inside the waistband holster. A good remedy for this is to use a pocket holster that fits inside the chest of your jacket. Another possibility is to place your holster on your back in a radical 5 o’clock or 6 o’clock position. This could cause the gun to print heavily, however, and could be a bad idea for a concealed carry. This position might also affect your riding at high speeds or during maneuvering. If you plan on traveling at high speeds or making sharp turns it is best to secure your pistol in a pocket holster within the chest of your motorcycle jacket.
Upright Motorcycle Carry Style
With an upright seating arrangement, you’ll have a lot of choices for your carry. The ideal and most comfortable location for an IWB holster will usually be within the 4 to 5 o’clock positions or a strong-side carry. Considering the alignment of your legs, you probably won’t be able to successfully pull off an appendix carry in this position. Always let a passenger know where your firearm will be and, regardless of how you prefer to carry, never let the muzzle of your gun cross their body in any way.
Backwards Leaning Carry Style
Some motorcycles let you ride in an almost fully reclined position. This allows you to reasonably attempt an appendix carry depending on the size of your gun. If that’s not comfortable, you can try a strong-side carry. This is the ideal driving position for an inside the waistband holster.
TIPS FOR CONCEALED CARRYING ON A MOTORCYCLE
Riding a motorcycle is fun especially, during the summer. For some, it gives them a sense of freedom and a temporary escape from the world. For others, it’s a way of life. But while motorcycle riding can be a fun experience, motorcycle concealed carry is a different animal. It’s about safety and it requires responsibility. Here are some factors that you should bear in mind when considering a concealed carry while riding:
Plausibility
To come up with the best strategy for concealed carrying on a motorcycle, you must apply the plausibility principle. What are the most probable and plausible situations you could encounter while riding in which you would need to defend yourself with a firearm? Generally, the worrying situations for a motorcycle rider are the same as those for a car driver. The most dangerous of these situations are generally when you are at a standstill at a red light or stopped in traffic. Motorcycle riders will not have the same barrier of protection from an attacker as a car driver will though, something to keep in mind.
Consistency
Consistency means carrying in the same manner and position while riding just like you have trained to do while on foot. However, if you ride different types of bikes, this can be difficult, especially if these bikes require unique riding styles. Let’s say that you use an inside the waistband appendix carry in general. On a sport bike, this is likely not going to be the most comfortable of positions. It might be best on this type of bike to switch to a shoulder holster and wear a jacket or vest to conceal the weapon. One good thing about a jacket carry like this is that it is versatile and you can use the same jacket no matter what style of bike you happen to be riding. Consistency of carry will help you stay safe and be prepared to draw in the face of a threat.
General Carry Methods
You will have two main options for your carry: on-body and off-body. Each method has its own pros and cons.
On-Body
This is generally the preferred method because it will likely allow for a more immediate response to a threat. This style allows for easy access. And as far as concealment, you won’t have to look for a private area to transition your weapon back onto your body when dismounting.
When considering this style of carry, remember there are only 2 types of motorcycle riders: those that have crashed and those that will. Proper gun safety and a quality holster should be more than enough to prevent the gun from accidentally discharging in case of an accident but there is still a chance that you could land on top of your weapon in the event of a crash. There is also a chance that your holster or gun may come loose if hit with a certain amount of force. So, with that in mind, try to consider possible impacts when you are choosing where to wear your holster during your ride.
For an on-body carry it’s a good idea to wear a jacket, vest, or other covering garment with a strong zipper so that nothing will ride up on you as you ride and be uncomfortable or possibly reveal your weapon. In the case of a pocket carry, always use a quality holster that is designed in such a way that it will stay in your pocket no matter what.
Off-Body Carry
There are so many things to consider when thinking about how to concealed carry on a motorcycle, especially if we’re talking about an off-body carry.Fore example, do you plan to switch to an on-body carry once you dismount? If yes, you’ll need to practice and develop a routine that will allow you to smoothly and discreetly make that transition in a parking spot. A fanny pack is one good option for this technique. You can simply hop off your bike, strap on the fanny pack and you’re ready to go.
If you plan to carry by storing your gun in a bag, remember that the contents of your bag could scatter everywhere in the event of an accident. It’s best to have any weapon holstered even if in a bag. You could also invest in a “vault” for storing your weapon that is specifically designed for your motorcycle.
BEST HOLSTERS FOR MOTORCYCLE CONCEALED CARRY
One of the most secure ways to execute a motorcycle concealed carry is to carry your weapon in a holster. However, when it comes to carrying on a motorcycle, not all holsters are equal. Here are some of the best holster options for motorcycle riders:
Pocket Holster
Pocket holsters are great for storing your firearm in a leather jacket or vest and they also will help ensure that the trigger guard is secure and protected. It’s not the most likely occurrence but it’s nice to know that you won’t unintentionally jam your hand into the trigger when you reach inside your vest to get something from your other pockets. Pocket holsters are easily accessible and convenient. However, this will probably limit you to sub-compact weapons.
Shoulder Holster
Shoulder holsters keep pistols clear and above the waistline. This is ideal for mitigating the inconvenience that some feel when carrying a handgun while riding. Unfortunately, dnyone riding with a shoulder holster should be aware of the possibility of their handgun slipping out of this type of holster on bumpy roads. To help prevent that, look for a shoulder holster that keeps your firearms canted relatively perpendicular to the ground beneath you. Another drawback of the shoulder holster is that you will need to unzip your jacket to draw.
Kangaroo Holster
One issue with the kangaroo carry is that you may have to deal with several layers of garments in order to access your firearm. It may take a lot of practice before you can pull off this style of concealed carrying on a motorcycle.
Inside the Waistband
Another option for motorcycle riders is an inside the waistband carry. For this carry remember to use a holster with high retention or a back-clasp. When crouching forward on your bike, it’s recommended to position your holster somewhere between a 3 and 5 o’clock position. One disadvantage of an inside the waistband carry is that if your clothes ride up passing motorists may be able to spot your weapon. In states where printing or showing is considered brandishing this could be a problem. In these states it’s recommended that you ask a friend or relative if they can visibly see your firearm when you mount your bike and attempt this style of carry. Of course, this doesn’t matter as much in open carry states. Lastly, if you do choose an IWB holster, make sure that your holster has a high enough level of retention for your purposes.
Enclosed Motorcycle Vest or Jacket Pockets
If concealed carry holsters do not suit your riding style, a motorcycle vest or jacket with concealed carry pockets may be your best option. With motorcycle vests you need to make sure that your pistol is fully protected, especially the trigger guard. However, as always, you should also keep in mind ease of access.
Carrying With a Passenger
The principles of gun safety should always be applied when dealing with a firearm, but be even more cautious when executing concealed carry with a passenger. If your companion is holding on tight, you may have to reconsider your carry options. A pocket holster for your jacket might be a good option here. Most jackets have front pockets with plenty of space for stowing a compact pistol or revolver. Again, make sure your pocket holster will protect the trigger housing part of your firearm. For riders that carry with a round in the chamber, this is extremely important.
Carrying Solo
When riding solo, there are three considerations you need to keep in mind:
When riding, keep these questions in mind and you should be good to go.
Locked Gun Case For Motorcycles
A locking case that can be attached to your motorcycle can come in handy. It can serve as a temporary lock box to store your firearm in case you are entering a no-gun zone such as a school, church or government building. Remember to make sure you are the only one with access to a locked gun case and always be aware of the location of the key if the case has one.
Learning how to concealed carry on a motorcycle is just one more part of motorcycle safety. Make your ride as safe as possible! What are your thoughts about carrying a weapon on a motorcycle?