I own guns, but do not take them with me while riding my bike. Why? Because it's a really stupid idea. Drivers sometimes piss me off, usually due to normal human shortcomings, but every once in a while it's malicious. Once, a driver intentionally knocked me off my bike with his car. Even though I'm normally a peaceful person, I was immediately overcome by a blind, almost mindless rage, and, once I caught up at the next traffic light, I actually threatened to beat the driver to death with my U-lock. I was so mad it never even occurred to me to look at his license plate and call the police. In the state of mind I was in then, had I had a gun, I simply would have shot him, which would have ended very badly for me as well as for him.

And, for the record, in my lifetime, I have been robbed twice at gunpoint, but no money ever changed hands. It's not because I chose to emulate Clint Eastwood. It's because I ran like a rabbit both times.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/e...k/page4647.jpg[/IMG]

well, if you are going to carry, do it in style.

Holy Crap! I need some of these! I have been taking my car to the trap shooting range because I couldn't figure out a way to comfortably carry my shotgun on my bike. They still in business?

I am not buying that argument. You had a weapon, and you didn't use it. Probably becuase you aren't a murderer. Why would a different, more leathal weapon make you more likely to act?

I would believe the converse more easily. If a law abiding person has a less lethal weapon they might use it, convincing themselves that they really weren't going to commit murder. Then if that less lethal weapon causes irreparable harm or death, they would feel terrible.

I think pepper spray is way too dangerous to be allowed. Had you had some pepper spray, you would be more likely to use it becasue of its non-lethality. Then the driver, now blind, would still attempt to drive away from the painful spray, running over countless innocent bystanders. See how a gun would prevent this senseless tragedy? And if it would save just ONE life.......

I must be terribly bored, getting sucked into this thread.

Full disclosure: This is a writing question, not a real-life one.

Any reason something like those Brooks clips couldn't be used to carry an M14-K?

yeah, they're still in business...they just don't make those products anymore.

http://www.brooksengland.com/

Guess I will have to keep my eyes open at the estate sales. :)

A take-down shotgun in a compact take-down case might fit in larger panniers or grocery baskets as well. That would also protect the shotgun from damage a lot better. So those bike clips really aren't all that practical, especially with the costs of today's sporting arms. But interestingly , I am pretty darn sure that putting a gun sock or leather scabbard over the shotgun and then mounting it to the bike in the way the photo shows would actually be compliant with Illinois firearm transportation laws.

My bike is blue and white and sometimes I wear black shorts and a white dri-fit with my mp3 player control on my backpack strap and have mistaken for a bike cop about 10 times.

You suppose they make mounts for AR style or Kalashnikov rifles? People would really think I'm a bit psychosocial.

Schwinnrider: My point is that I'm just not as scared of people as you seem to be. I mean, really scared, scared enough to carry a gun in a fanny pack while riding a bicycle. Imagine that, practicing practical, defensive shooting postures from a bike. You must look like a completely normal guy, straddling your bike at the range....please tell me how many times that ridiculous meneuver has come in handy. That's what I thought.... That's funny, ha ha ha. If this is the level of stupidity here, I'm bailing...

if you have a concealed carry permit, carry a gun. don't ask for permission or approval from people who are against gun ownership. being comfortable with a gun is a process that takes a while. most people have never even held a gun and it scares them. do whats right for you.

Amen Brother!

So, uh .... what tires are best for commuting?

:)

bullet-proof tires, of course. :D