Living Car Free - Carrying a firearm while cycling...doable?

While there is no real national CCW permit in Canada, I do go target shooting often at the local range, 50/50 with handguns and long guns. Carrying all my firearms to shoot would be ridiculously undoable on a bicycle, unfortunately, as they barely fit into the huge trunk of my car!

But some US cyclers have CCW permits, and carry their firearms daily. Is there a comfortable way to carry while on the bike? Please keep this discussion to legal only and remember to check your state's respective laws when inquiring about concealed carry permits.

Thanks

Jim

But some US cyclers have CCW permits, and carry their firearms daily. Is there a comfortable way to carry while on the bike? Please keep this discussion to legal only and remember to check your state's respective laws when inquiring about concealed carry permits.

Thanks

Jim

Hi Jim. I used to carry a 38 in my camelbak for protection. I've since stopped brining it with me, as I knew that I'd use it one day.

... Brad

sure, it's pretty easy to carry if you want to. might be difficult if you're wearing lycra, but i can conceal a .357 in my front basket with a bunch of flowers...

Google "belly band"

I've carried a few times (legally), but basically I've given up. It's been proven many times, you can't shoot and ride a bike (or drive a car) at the same time. Best to be aware then get the heck out of the situation on your two wheels. If chased by a car, hang a u-turn and ride the wrong way down the road for a while as an emergency measure only. No car would dare do that.

Plus, I ride my bike to work. No firearms allowed at work.

Just stick with a small concealable firearm.
Bring a cannon and you might as well advertise.

CE

I saw someone the other day who had mounted a tube on the side of his back rack pointed at the ground and secured somewhat like a pannier, with a rifle butt sticking out of it secured with shock cord in some manner. I didn't pay too much attention to it, since I don't need to carry a rifle anywhere myself.
Also: Don't see the point in carrying a very small firearm personally - lots of people carry guns here, but they're hand cannons or rifles because they don't expect to shoot it at anything weighing less than 400 pounds.

Just stick with a small concealable firearm.
Bring a cannon and you might as well advertise.

CE

I have a nice little Keltec .380; about the size of a pack of cigarettes. When my wife and I ride the MUP I always have it in my fanny pack; also on other rides from time to time. The MUP seems to be the place where the bums hang out quite a bit. They get aggressive asking for money and stuff sometimes and I feel better knowing if things get really out of hand I have a backup. I am licensed and legal.

I got my wife a stun gun. It's about the size of a mini maglite. She keeps it in the back pocket of her cycling jersey or some such. If she needs to get it out and zaps it, it will scare you. If she hits you with it you are going down. Those are legal here too.

Its all about personal choices. Many people are vehemently against carrying. Fine. 2nd Amendment says you can here in the states and I have a legal permit; so that is my choice. If you don't like guns, don't look in my fanny pack.

If you don't like guns, don't look in my fanny pack.

Fine with me if you carry guns in wherever, Oregon, but as for the city of Philadelphia, more-permissive gun laws are not what we need.

I used to bike out to a dump/quarry or to the police gun range when I lived in North Florida. I put the guns in a carry case and tied the case on the rear rack with a bungee. It wasn't a problem. I don't get why you'd ask about going target shooting, guns are just stuff and we carry stuff on our bikes all the time. Of course I always did the safety thing, unloaded open breach etc. If I were going to carry something on my body, loaded for "protection" I'd talk to the bicycle cops about it. If your local police gun range is open for civilians too just go there and ask. The cops that hung out at the range I used were a friendly bunch.

For a typical CCW sized handgun a good handlebar bag works really well. I find on the body carry to be uncomfortable on a bike. For larger handguns the gun case on the rear rack is the best solution I've found so far. I regularly carry a scoped super redhawk .44 mag this way while on the lookout for woodchucks. I did pop rivet some guides on the case so it is very secure to the rack.

I think an over the shoulder bandoleer holster, worn backwards with the handgun on your back, may work for larger handguns also if you don't have a need to carry concealed. Haven't tried it though.

I've never carried a long gun on the bike but used to ski with just a regular sling and I don't remember having any problems with that. It might work if you have a fairly upright riding position. You might want to look into an atv style gun case mounted from the bars down along the fork. A trailer would be another option.



While there is no real national CCW permit in Canada, I do go target shooting often at the local range, 50/50 with handguns and long guns. Carrying all my firearms to shoot would be ridiculously undoable on a bicycle, unfortunately, as they barely fit into the huge trunk of my car!

But some US cyclers have CCW permits, and carry their firearms daily. Is there a comfortable way to carry while on the bike? Please keep this discussion to legal only and remember to check your state's respective laws when inquiring about concealed carry permits.

Thanks

Jim

Fine with me if you carry guns in wherever, Oregon, but as for the city of Philadelphia, more-permissive gun laws are not what we need.

You might be surprised if you took an objective look at crime statistics. Almost without fail, when the guns are made illegal (D.C., NYC, etc.) crime goes up. When Concealed carry is enacted, crime goes down. I'm not making this up. I respect your opinion, but the statistics show that less carry means more crime.

* Washington D.C. enacted a virtual ban on handguns in 1976. Between 1976 and 1991, Washington D.C.'s homicide rate rose 200%, while the U.S. rate rose 12%.

That's just one of many stats. I could find dozens to back up my point; both here and abroad.

I'm glad we still have a choice.

My Glock, Walther PPK and Kimber Ultra carry all fit and carry unnoticed in my belly band with the firearm in the small of my back, even with riding bibs and jerseys.
I also have a Kel Tek that fits in a special holster that hangs around my neck. I always carry when I ride 99% of the people in my group have no idea, the 1% that do know because they carry as well.

I have a nice little Keltec .380;

That's exactly what I had in mind!
:thumb:

CE

That's exactly what I had in mind!
:thumb:

CE

check out the little ruger .380 as well. kahr is also coming out with a .380 'pocket gun'.

Conceal carry??? Why would I want to conceal? I'd rather carry in a nice belt holster prominently displayed in the center of my back, thank you very much. ;)

Bet I wouldn't get nearly as many close passes.

I can see carrying a gun to the range on your bike, but I'm not sure it's a good idea to have one on every ride. I've actually considered packing while riding, but decided against it, primarily because I can't bring a gun to work without getting fired, but also because I've decided that it would probably do more harm than good in pretty much every situation. Case in point: A few months ago, a motorist intentionally pulled in front of me, came to a screeching halt, knocked me off my bike, called me a "bike ***," among other things, and sped off. I became instantly infuriated, rode as fast as I could, caught up to the man at the next red light, pounded on his hood, and invited him to step out of his car so I could kick his fat a**. (He declined, and drove away.) I was so enraged that it never even occurred to me to look at his license plate. I hate to think what would've happened had I had a gun.

Carrying the firearm isn't as hard as lugging around the ammo. If you are willing to pay range prices I guess you are OK with just the shooter. Bar bag would do fine. For a longarm you can look into the molded cases used on ATVs, or a less prominent solution could be one of those tubular cases graphic designers, architects and artists carry their stuff in so you don't scare any liberals or present yourself as an opportunity to any thugs. My favorite method though is a guitar case. Or for when I'm shooting the clays a Bass guitar case for the much longer shotgun. I'm too lazy to break it down all the time.

Again though the biggest trouble is the ammo, but if you shoot .22 you needn't worry at all.

while I wouldn't want to open carry on a bike (easy target for a hit and run) I had noticeably less problems the few times I had to bring a crow bar to work and had it lashed on the rear rack.

I'm sure Performance or Nashbar carry a handlebar mount for lightweight automatic weapons. You know, Uzis and such. Plus the special spare clip-holder, for those times when one magazine just isn't enough.

I'm sure Performance or Nashbar carry a handlebar mount for lightweight automatic weapons. You know, Uzis and such. Plus the special spare clip-holder, for those times when one magazine just isn't enough.

lightweight? nah, you need something heavy like the barrett 50 cal. for taking care of folks that cut you off. that's probably a top-tube mount to a steel frame. a nice bipod kick stand would come in handy as well. you're not going to fire one of those things while you're riding. get tracer rounds for it as well. bang! ;)

That's just one of many stats. I could find dozens to back up my point; both here and abroad.

What's the stat about gun deaths in the US compared to the rest of the western world?

I'd imagine that an Xtracycle with the sides made for carrying long things (can't remember what attachment it is, but I know they make one) would work pretty well for the long guns.

Come on, people. The OP is asking how to carry target shooting guns safely and legally. He isn't asking whether he needs to bust a cap in someone's ass on the bikepath.

actually the OP asked,"Is there a comfortable way to carry while on the bike?" and also said, "Carrying all my firearms to shoot would be ridiculously undoable on a bicycle." he also spoke about a concealed carry permit, something not required to carry a gun to a range, at least here in texas. so while he may not need or want to "bust a cap in someone's ass", i do believe he was asking about carrying a concealed weapon for self-defense. and yeah, a 50 cal. would be overkill... but a small .380 can fit reasonably in a handlebar bag or even the front or rear pocket of a pair of baggy shorts. keep in mind that here in texas the gun must be concealed, i have no idea what it's like where you live. you can also carry a concealed firearm in your personal car without a chl license here in texas.
i've had a permit for some time as my job sometime requires me to be in places that self-defense might prove necessary, otherwise i don't carry a gun. it's often awkward for me to be at gun shops as usually the politics there are about as opposite from mine as is possible. i'm as liberal as they come. i also carry a gun occasionally.

I can see carrying a gun to the range on your bike, but I'm not sure it's a good idea to have one on every ride. I've actually considered packing while riding, but decided against it, primarily because I can't bring a gun to work without getting fired, but also because I've decided that it would probably do more harm than good in pretty much every situation. Case in point: A few months ago, a motorist intentionally pulled in front of me, came to a screeching halt, knocked me off my bike, called me a "bike ***," among other things, and sped off. I became instantly infuriated, rode as fast as I could, caught up to the man at the next red light, pounded on his hood, and invited him to step out of his car so I could kick his fat a**. (He declined, and drove away.) I was so enraged that it never even occurred to me to look at his license plate. I hate to think what would've happened had I had a gun.

I hate to think what would have happened to you if HE had a gun.

I'm pretty sure that I saw a guy packing one at the Amarillo Ride of Silence. He was one of the people who had been hit in the past year, as they made them ride up front. He had it slung over his shoulders and it rested under his armpit. It was completely concealed, but I'm about 99% sure that it was a pistol of some sort.

Price is also a problem. I can't afford carbon fiber casings for my bullets. :lol:

CE

I hate to think what would have happened to you if HE had a gun.

Yeah, I thought about that, too, after I calmed down.

Not to nit-pik, but I live in a state who's had conceal 'n carry for several years now, and it's shown no decrease in gun crime. What's happening actually is they're finding an increase in accidents - people not storing it properly, kids finding it, etc. The number of gun-related homicides has actually gone up in my local metro - conceal 'n carry has nothing to do with it.

It's fine to dicuss it within the context of individual rights - but it's misleading to discuss conceal 'n carry as a legimate way to 'stop' gun crime. It doesn't.

And as for carrying on a bike? I'd have to concur with some of the previous posters - you'd have to carry it in such a way that by the time you've stopped, opened wherever you've stored it, and then prep it to use it - the danger will have had enough time to get at you. Don't really see the point unless you're transporting it to a practice range, which is what I think the OP was talking about.

A great bandolier or attach to any various points available.
It also carries 6 34 round mags (in case of multiple targets or bad aim):D

when i used to live in vermont, i once bought a shot gun used from a dude a few towns over, i rode my bike over there, and rode home with the barrel sticking out of my backpack. it was pretty cool. but *** ccw on a bike, i'd just open carry, if it were legal in the place i was in.

Not to nit-pik, but I live in a state who's had conceal 'n carry for several years now, and it's shown no decrease in gun crime. What's happening actually is they're finding an increase in accidents - people not storing it properly, kids finding it, etc. The number of gun-related homicides has actually gone up in my local metro - conceal 'n carry has nothing to do with it.

It's fine to dicuss it within the context of individual rights - but it's misleading to discuss conceal 'n carry as a legimate way to 'stop' gun crime. It doesn't.

And as for carrying on a bike? I'd have to concur with some of the previous posters - you'd have to carry it in such a way that by the time you've stopped, opened wherever you've stored it, and then prep it to use it - the danger will have had enough time to get at you. Don't really see the point unless you're transporting it to a practice range, which is what I think the OP was talking about.

"What's happening actually is they're finding an increase in accidents - people not storing it properly, kids finding it, etc. The number of gun-related homicides has actually gone up in my local metro - conceal 'n carry has nothing to do with it."
Link?

"but it's misleading to discuss conceal 'n carry as a legimate way to 'stop' gun crime. It doesn't."
Really?
http://www.guncite.com/gun_control_gcdguse.html

Bah. I hate to turn this into some political post but I have a real problem with someone saying that people (read: non-criminal citizens) are not stopping or slowing down criminals with guns. They are. If you would like to read more on my biased view, pick up "More Guns, Less Crime" by John Lott... or "The bias against Gun Control".

The only thing that strict gun laws and not having a "right to conceal" law do is allow criminals who ( most often) do not get their guns from gun shops to have the advantage against regular citizens who couldn't get guns to defend themselves because of said laws.

I used to carry my Kahr PM9 in a pocket holster in the cargo pocket of my cargo shorts.

"What's happening actually is they're finding an increase in accidents - people not storing it properly, kids finding it, etc. The number of gun-related homicides has actually gone up in my local metro - conceal 'n carry has nothing to do with it."
Link?

"but it's misleading to discuss conceal 'n carry as a legimate way to 'stop' gun crime. It doesn't."
Really?
http://www.guncite.com/gun_control_gcdguse.html

Bah. I hate to turn this into some political post but I have a real problem with someone saying that people (read: non-criminal citizens) are not stopping or slowing down criminals with guns. They are. If you would like to read more on my biased view, pick up "More Guns, Less Crime" by John Lott... or "The bias against Gun Control".

The only thing that strict gun laws and not having a "right to conceal" law do is allow criminals who ( most often) do not get their guns from gun shops to have the advantage against regular citizens who couldn't get guns to defend themselves because of said laws.


+1 on that.

Is there a comfortable way to carry while on the bike?

A small fanny pack or handlebar bag. I like the fanny pack idea because I am more likely to be knocked away from my bike by someone wanting to take it and/or do me bodily harm in my hood. MUST be able to get a hand on it, or don't bring it.

A "ladies" hammerless, double action Smith "Airweight" is just about perfect. Safe, but no "safety" to mess with. Double action or single action. Just point and shoot - like a Kodak but with more noise. Hammerless design allows for removal from small fanny pack or purse without snagging.

Sorry fact that anyone should feel that threatened. If it were just 'bout robbery, I'd give up my stuff. In New Orleans, it is often about gang violence for fun, then robbery after the victim is crumpled on the roadway.

While there is no real national CCW permit in Canada, I do go target shooting often at the local range, 50/50 with handguns and long guns. Carrying all my firearms to shoot would be ridiculously undoable on a bicycle, unfortunately, as they barely fit into the huge trunk of my car!

But some US cyclers have CCW permits, and carry their firearms daily. Is there a comfortable way to carry while on the bike? Please keep this discussion to legal only and remember to check your state's respective laws when inquiring about concealed carry permits.

Thanks

Jim

PLEASE: check with the laws, local and national.
May I recommend a Nashbar Trailer, The laws where I live require the gun and ammo be separate, so I haul my ammo in my trunk bag and the arms in my trailer, in a container that doesn't look like a gun case.
The DOT and Hi way Patrol both told me this is good in Utah.

I carry two Desert Eagle.50 cal, one on each hip with a spare clip for each, a snub nose .357 in an ankle holster, a .44 on the other ankle, a Remington pump action 12 gauge strapped across my back, and a rear facing Tec-9 mounted on a pan-tilt head on my rack, with a video sight, slaved to my helmet mounted HUD. The helmet also has chaff and flare countermeasures dispenser..... should I mount the remote trigger to the left of the stem and the Velcro the dozen throwing knives on the right, or would that potentially interfere with signaling my intention to merge for a left turn while using the tec-9 to discourage a tailgater?

... I was going to ask about the suitability of an xtracycle for carrying a belt feed for the tec-9 plus a shoulder launched SAM (or grenade launcher, haven't decided yet), but I'll save that for the utility cycling forum.












:p

I hate to think what would have happened to you if HE had a gun.

Everybody here in the steamy south has a gun. You would think that an "armed society is a polite society" would hold true, although I do assume everyone is armed and do not go out of my way to annoy people. Wish everyone else felt the same.

As noted above, a handlebar bag is the best approach, in my view.

As noted above, a handlebar bag is the best approach, in my view.

What do you do with the gun when you stop at a store? Take it out of the bag and stuff it in your waistband? Or leave it in the bag so local thugs can "borrow" it?

The OP isn't stopping at a store.

When I stop at a store (rare) I bring my handlebar bag in. I often carry a wallet, camera, cell phone, and gps among other things.

The OP isn't stopping at a store.

When I stop at a store (rare) I bring my handlebar bag in. I often carry a wallet, camera, cell phone, and gps among other things.

Precisely. Except I am also carrying my keys, wallet, Blackberry and some miscellaneous tools in my handlebar bag.

The OP isn't stopping at a store.

When I stop at a store (rare) I bring my handlebar bag in. I often carry a wallet, camera, cell phone, and gps among other things.

Since this is a carfree cycling forum, I thought that stopping at stores would be a fairly common event. Imagine my chagrin to discover that it's rare. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

:rolleyes:

Not a gun, but did frequently carry archery equipment about 25km to an outdoor range. A bit far for target practice perhaps but it was mostly along bike path through park ravine, so it was a pleasant enough ride. The bow was an olympic style take apart so even with arrows, it fit quite nicely into a shoulder strap type tennis carrying bag.

Sorry Roody - I seldom go to stores. My life doesn't exactly revolve around shopping.

Since this is a carfree cycling forum, I thought that stopping at stores would be a fairly common event. Imagine my chagrin to discover that it's rare. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

You don't have to go to the store often WITH YOUR BIKE if you live right next to the store. Nor do you have to if you have all your produce delivered. I have done both.

Sorry Roody - I seldom go to stores. My life doesn't exactly revolve around shopping.

Just curious....how do you procure food, clothing, inner tubes, other items that some of us purchase at stores? Or do you mean that you don't use a bicycle to go shopping?

Since this is a carfree cycling forum, I thought that stopping at stores would be a fairly common event. Imagine my chagrin to discover that it's rare. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

:rolleyes:

Why is it that you anti-gun advocates always have such weak argument skills? Whether the poster you are commenting on does or doesn't stop at stores often is irrelevant as he or she clearly states that in such a case, they bring their valuables (including firearms) inside with them. It's a safe solution.

Why don't you concentrate your sarcasm on a more realistic and helpful solution to current regulations such as better screening for fitness of firearm ownership? While denying firearms to citizens may be seen as unconstitutional to some, I'm sure most law-abiding citizens of the US would agree that many gun owners are not mentally fit for the task. Also, if anyone wants to argue on the basis of setting precendent for constitutional violation by implementing the aforementioned screening process, maybe you should consider that it's already been done in places like California which (I gather) restricts ownership/use of certain types of guns to law enforcement and military personnel only.

Careful screening processes could determine who is allowed to carry concealed or unconcelaed firearms for purposes of self defense and who would be restricted to carrying firearms in locked boxes or other types of dissuasions from passionate acts of violence. I think it's only fair and logical to assume that while people may have a right to self defense, they are still prone to foolish acts and some laws could use revision to ensure nobody is given more freedom than they can handle. Complex solution to a complex problem? Who knew!

Well without jumping in to the debates on whether one should carry... I carry a gun every time I ride. Not only is it encouraged at my job, it is required :thumb:

I carry a Glock 27, which is also my backup/Off-duty weapon. http://www.glock.com/english/glock27.htm

I wear baggy shorts and I use an inside the waistband holster. I always have access to it. No, its not made for shooting while riding the bike. If you get into a situation where you absolutely have to have a gun, there is no replacement.

Soon I am going to get a smaller Smith & Wesson airweight revolver that will fit in a pocket.

I think you'll like the airweight. We have three in the family. My wifes and mine are identical .38 specials with the shrouded hammer. The shrouded hammer won't catch on clothing but is still there if you want to use single action. The single action trigger is superb by the way.

We also have an airweight .22 mostly for practice. Even the cylinder is aluminum and if I remember right it weighs something like 9 ounces loaded. It's not as robustly built as say a Ruger .22 - can't be dry fired without damage. But it is super light and has worked reliably for the 5 years or so we've had it. It's light enough there's never a reason not to have it with you.

I love the autos at the range but if my life depends on a bang happening I want a revolver!



Well without jumping in to the debates on whether one should carry... I carry a gun every time I ride. Not only is it encouraged at my job, it is required :thumb:

I carry a Glock 27, which is also my backup/Off-duty weapon. http://www.glock.com/english/glock27.htm

I wear baggy shorts and I use an inside the waistband holster. I always have access to it. No, its not made for shooting while riding the bike. If you get into a situation where you absolutely have to have a gun, there is no replacement.

Soon I am going to get a smaller Smith & Wesson airweight revolver that will fit in a pocket.

i've got an airweight too, it's a great gun. i'm going to take a look at the new little ruger and kahr .380 though as well.