How many of you carry a gun as part of your cycling equipment?

[Volnix]

We were lucky to find the ball... Entertainment in the army usually involves hours of graphic road accidents video and church.

We were drinking coffee next to, ehmmm, "guarding", a parking lot and then we found a ball! Yes, it was miserable in there.

If we were caught from one of these star wearing clean fatigues folk... Well red card... More like a white "transfer" slip.

With how stuff is going around here I might go and buy something that goes bang, have a nice ride with it and then start shooting double parked cars and turn my self in.

You get 5 Euro a day in prison here! That's more then I will be making quite soon. Free gym... Library... Accommodation, plus you can have a "vacation" any time you like!

Not to mention that after you get out, countless NGO's and the Government it self will provide you with counselling, wellfare, actively help you find a job etc.

Crime -does- pay!

 

[jhuskey]

"...sometimes my brains not fully thawed and I say something that might hurt feelings."

I don't have any feelings.

I traded them for a 1967 Triumph Spitfire with rusted out control arm mounts, a faulty heater control valve and a leaking clutch master cylinder back in 1974.

I still think I got the better end of that deal. I prefer logic and rational thought to emotions.

Then you are living in the wrong society since you won't see much of that these days. You can't make a statement that is completely factual if it might offend someone Don't get me started on the Spitfire and their clutch issues. What a POS they were.

 

[CAMPYBOB]

Quote by JH:
"You can't make a statement that is completely factual if it might offend someone"

Don't even say "illegal immigrant" these days. It's as if countries and borders and laws no longer exist.


"Don't get me started on the Spitfire and their clutch issues. What a POS they were."

I enjoyed driving it...both times. Yeah, complete garbage. I repaired the rust damaged, replaced the heater core, hoses, controls valve and replaced the clutch master cylinder (which leaked and ruined a good pair of dress boots). I forget what failed next, but there was a rapid succession of failures that started me down the road to swearing off Engrish cars forever.

I did not become a 'recovering British Leyland' driver! I quit them gladly and forever.

At the time my next 'must have' was a 1967 Lotus Europa. Thank God I was saved from the madness.

 

[cyclermastermarathoner]

I don't think there's any need to carry a gun on you while cycling unless you live in a bad neighborhood that is known to have crime. The region where I live in is safe and there is no need to carry a gun while cycling. If you feel the need to carry a weapon on you for safety purposes it should be something less dramatic than a gun such as pepper spray or a tazer. A gun is a pure overkill.

 

[mpre53]

Pepper spray is great if you want to disable yourself as well as your attacker. And tazers? You know what the problem is with them? It's a close range weapon. About as useful as a knife. You don't want the bad guy that close to you.

 

[Volnix]

Pepper spray is great if you want to disable yourself as well as your attacker. And tazers? You know what the problem is with them? It's a close range weapon. About as useful as a knife. You don't want the bad guy that close to you.

You seen these new tazer shotgun shells? They are shot from a normal shotgun and zap the target with the cables and the battery and stuff which are enclosed in the shell.

 

[Volnix]

I don't think there's any need to carry a gun on you while cycling unless you live in a bad neighborhood that is known to have crime.

Or you could just move... Before the crime devaluates both the housing and you pocket by buying gunz.

 

[Darktone]

380 here as well. Smith&Wesson M&P. I won't let my wife ride the trails by her self.

 

[cyclermastermarathoner]

Pepper spray is great if you want to disable yourself as well as your attacker. And tazers? You know what the problem is with them? It's a close range weapon. About as useful as a knife. You don't want the bad guy that close to you.

Good points, but a gun is unnecessary.

 

[cyclermastermarathoner]

380 here as well. Smith&Wesson M&P. I won't let my wife ride the trails by her self.

I think that's good that you make sure your wife is protected while cycling. That's chivalry right there.

 

[Dora M]

I never really regarded a gun as a part of anyone's cycling equipment. It's something that you carry with you if you feel threatened by your environment. Even though I live in a very dangerous country where you can literally get killed for a pair of designer shoes, it never occurs to me to go out with a weapon. I rely on my instinct and avoid areas and situations that will get me into trouble. It's my best "weapon", and so far it has kept me safe.
Also, I hate guns.

 

[Mengtian]

I think that's good that you make sure your wife is protected while cycling. That's chivalry right there.

I can't be with my wife 24/7. My wife carries a P228. You think it is unneccesary, then you have a choice to not carry. Others like to take control of their own lives. If my wife was being assaulted I would want her to be armed with something more than pepper spray.

And let me be proactive on a possible reply which ususally is "they will probably take away the gun from her". Maybe, maybe not.....but it gives her a chance to fight back.

 

[CAMPYBOB]

Quote by Mengtian:
"My wife carries a P228."

Niiiice! I have a 226 and it's a laser beam. As much as I long my 1911...Peace be upon our Prophet, John Moses Browning...I shoot that SIG like it's a part of my hand.


"but it gives her a chance to fight back."

Indeed!

Victim or Victor...which will we choose to be?

You, sir, have chosen wisely.

 

[welshdude3]

Well, I would have to say that if I DID ride strapped it would be because I CAN. It's legal in most of the USA. My Constitutional right as a citizen.
Where it's not legal they have usurped the bottom line law of the land. That's why the Constitution was written. Rights. As CITIZENS. Not 'subjects'.
This is not a Monarchy, Theocracy, Socialist State or a Dictatorship. Democratic Republic. That's what the USA is as a sovereign state. So, it doesn't matter what anyone from another country thinks. YOU DON'T LIVE HERE SO YOU DON'T 'REALLY' KNOW. You've never paid taxes or voted in any of our elections. You have no POWER, whatsoever. There is no debate. You're not even entitiled to an opinion on how we choose to conduct our internal affairs unless you're a naturalized citizen. If or when the USA changes it will be in it's own time and on it's own terms. That's why it's a sovereign state.

Ok, got that out of the way. Now in the supposition I DO ride strapped what would be some recommendations of CCWs or OCWs I might make? There are more ad more concealed carry options than ever before. So, these are MY personal recommendations based on first hand experience and knowledge of others.
Revolvers of any make or size though simple and user friendly would prove to be a little heavy and bulky. The S&W Airweight still weighs 15 oz loaded. Essentially a pound. Same with the Ruger LCR series. And they 'print'. So much for the concealed aspect. Save them for the car or nightstand.

Now in semi-automatic handguns there is an incredible variety of solid, lightweight, dependable options. I'll rate them from the bottom up. Again, MY opinions.

7th would be the Micro Desert Eagle .380. Pros: machined combo of aluminum and stainless steel. Double return springs. Size. Double action only trigger. Cons: Weight and appearence. AND they're a hand cannon. VERY snappy. Personally, I LOVE them. They're butt ugly...I find that appealing.

6th would be a North American Arms .32 acp. A Seecamp knockoff, but very well made. Pros: Reasonable kick. Feels good in one's hand and is very accurate to 30 ft. Double action only trigger. Cons: Relatively weak SD round, but as it's all about shot placement, anway it doesn't matter. It weighs 18 Oz loaded. That's alot.

5th is a Taurus 738 TCP .380 acp. We're really into lightweight polymer now. The TCP is light, accurate and very concealable. Pros: light weight, good SD round for a mousegun. Double action only trigger. Cons: Feel 'cheap' and require a rather long, somewhat expensive breakin period. Odd shape of thecslide. Require some tweaking to get them consistant.

4th is The Ruger LCP. Basically co-opted the Kel-Tec 3PAT design and made a few improvements. Not enough to justify the extra jack IMHO. Pros: Lightweight, solid SD round being chambered in .380 acp. Double action only trigger. Cons: 200.00 more than the Kel-Tec for essentislly the same pistol.

3d is the Kahr P380. Awesome, dependable, very expensive, but wow what a work of concealed carry art. If you can afford one? Buy it.

2nd is the Kel-Tec P3AT. Pros: Inexpensive, .380 acp, VERY lightweight and only 5.2x3.5x0.85. So very concealable. Double action only trigger.

1st would be the Kel-Tec P32. The first of the polymer mouseguns and the best for bicycle carry. What it lacks in a good SD round it more than makes up for in weight. Or lack thereof. 6.6 Oz unloaded. 10.8 oz.w/a full.mag. Perfect for weight weenie roadies. Double action only trigger.

You may have noticed a consistency. Double action only triggers. Most of the trigger pull weights are 8-10 lbs in all of the aforementioned so a safety is not required. That's why the Sig P238 or Beretta Tomcat aren't here. Both are single/double action w/a thumb safety. Better chance of pulling a Plaxico Buress. Stick with double action. One can ride safely with a round chambered. Point and shoot. The LAST thing one needs to be considering in a life/death hi stress situation is a thumb safety being disengaged.

There are all kinds of accessories, extra mags, holster options, etc. I'll help cut to the chase. An IWH(inside waistband holster) ambidextrous w/a clip. Wear it in the 6 o'clock position. Use a polymer CCW as metal has a tendency to corrode from sweat. Polymer requires less maintenence. Make sure your cycling jerseys cover your CCW completely. Practice good gun protocol. Spend plenty of time at the range. Get comfortable, consistant, fluid and relaxed when discharging your carry piece of choice. NEVER point it at anyone you don't intend to shoot and don't put your finger on the trigger unless you're going to pull it. Better to be judged by 12 than carried by six. Eventually one is released from custody. The grave? Not so much.
In closing know that while I don't carry myself I know people who do.

 

[CAMPYBOB]

The welshdude deserves his excellent post to appear 6 times per thread page. Really, there's some great information here. He knows something about handguns that all self-defense firearm seekers should be familiar with.

Well, I would have to say that if I DID ride strapped it would be because I CAN. It's legal in most of the USA. My Constitutional right as a citizen.
Where it's not legal they have usurped the bottom line law of the land. That's why the Constitution was written. Rights. As CITIZENS. Not 'subjects'.
This is not a Monarchy, Theocracy, Socialist State or a Dictatorship. Democratic Republic. That's what the USA is as a sovereign state. So, it doesn't matter what anyone from another country thinks. YOU DON'T LIVE HERE SO YOU DON'T 'REALLY' KNOW. You've never paid taxes or voted in any of our elections. You have no POWER, whatsoever. There is no debate. You're not even entitiled to an opinion on how we choose to conduct our internal affairs unless you're a naturalized citizen. If or when the USA changes it will be in it's own time and on it's own terms. That's why it's a sovereign state.

Ok, got that out of the way. Now in the supposition I DO ride strapped what would be some recommendations of CCWs or OCWs I might make? There are more ad more concealed carry options than ever before. So, these are MY personal recommendations based on first hand experience and knowledge of others.
Revolvers of any make or size though simple and user friendly would prove to be a little heavy and bulky. The S&W Airweight still weighs 15 oz loaded. Essentially a pound. Same with the Ruger LCR series. And they 'print'. So much for the concealed aspect. Save them for the car or nightstand.

Now in semi-automatic handguns there is an incredible variety of solid, lightweight, dependable options. I'll rate them from the bottom up. Again, MY opinions.

7th would be the Micro Desert Eagle .380. Pros: machined combo of aluminum and stainless steel. Double return springs. Size. Double action only trigger. Cons: Weight and appearence. AND they're a hand cannon. VERY snappy. Personally, I LOVE them. They're butt ugly...I find that appealing.

6th would be a North American Arms .32 acp. A Seecamp knockoff, but very well made. Pros: Reasonable kick. Feels good in one's hand and is very accurate to 30 ft. Double action only trigger. Cons: Relatively weak SD round, but as it's all about shot placement, anway it doesn't matter. It weighs 18 Oz loaded. That's alot.

5th is a Taurus 738 TCP .380 acp. We're really into lightweight polymer now. The TCP is light, accurate and very concealable. Pros: light weight, good SD round for a mousegun. Double action only trigger. Cons: Feel 'cheap' and require a rather long, somewhat expensive breakin period. Odd shape of thecslide. Require some tweaking to get them consistant.

4th is The Ruger LCP. Basically co-opted the Kel-Tec 3PAT design and made a few improvements. Not enough to justify the extra jack IMHO. Pros: Lightweight, solid SD round being chambered in .380 acp. Double action only trigger. Cons: 200.00 more than the Kel-Tec for essentislly the same pistol.

3d is the Kahr P380. Awesome, dependable, very expensive, but wow what a work of concealed carry art. If you can afford one? Buy it.

2nd is the Kel-Tec P3AT. Pros: Inexpensive, .380 acp, VERY lightweight and only 5.2x3.5x0.85. So very concealable. Double action only trigger.

1st would be the Kel-Tec P32. The first of the polymer mouseguns and the best for bicycle carry. What it lacks in a good SD round it more than makes up for in weight. Or lack thereof. 6.6 Oz unloaded. 10.8 oz.w/a full.mag. Perfect for weight weenie roadies. Double action only trigger.

You may have noticed a consistency. Double action only triggers. Most of the trigger pull weights are 8-10 lbs in all of the aforementioned so a safety is not required. That's why the Sig P238 or Beretta Tomcat aren't here. Both are single/double action w/a thumb safety. Better chance of pulling a Plaxico Buress. Stick with double action. One can ride safely with a round chambered. Point and shoot. The LAST thing one needs to be considering in a life/death hi stress situation is a thumb safety being disengaged.

There are all kinds of accessories, extra mags, holster options, etc. I'll help cut to the chase. An IWH(inside waistband holster) ambidextrous w/a clip. Wear it in the 6 o'clock position. Use a polymer CCW as metal has a tendency to corrode from sweat. Polymer requires less maintenence. Make sure your cycling jerseys cover your CCW completely. Practice good gun protocol. Spend plenty of time at the range. Get comfortable, consistant, fluid and relaxed when discharging your carry piece of choice. NEVER point it at anyone you don't intend to shoot and don't put your finger on the trigger unless you're going to pull it. Better to be judged by 12 than carried by six. Eventually one is released from custody. The grave? Not so much.
In closing know that while I don't carry myself I know people who do.

I do have to take issue with the Ruger LCP price comment. I paid $259 for mine at a more or less retail sporting good store. The Kel-Tec P3AT I had before it cost $219 about two years prior and I sold it for...$250 with two mags.

The LCP in a suede cloth el cheapo Uncle Mike's pocket holster is about as weightless as we can get for now...although a S&W J-Frame in Scandium or Ti is still a viable option IMO. The LCP is so inexpensive...way less than a Campy Super Record rear derailleur, way less than a Record crankset and certainly less than $25% of the price of even a cheap carbon frame...I can sweat all over it and not be concerned about rusting something 'valuable'. I do clean and oil it regularly for reliability. Lint and rust are not what a fellow wants when he needs his firearm to absolutely, positively function in a time of dire need.

As far as printing goes in a tight cur racing jersey...it doesn't bother me at all to bulge a little bit. In fact, I sometimes wish I had neon letters 4" tall on my back side that stated: "Cyclist may be armed-Do NOT pass closely!". Just kidding!

 

[Volnix]

Well, I would have to say that if I DID ride strapped it would be because I CAN.

In closing know that while I don't carry myself I know people who do.

But I want the revoooooolver! A nice stubby thick one! Aaaand a HK mark23 with a 12 round mag.

I sometimes carry a knife. It gives me a nice fuzzy feeling touching it in my pocket whilst walking.

It also has a loud whistle and I get to troll around quiet streets when nobody's watching.

Don't even wanna think what's gonna happen if I get police checked though... Although its legal length etc if combined with drinking beer (which I do alot) its weapon possession under the influence or something... Probably not just a fine. Although they might just let me go.

 

[BikeBikeBikeBike]

Why in the world do you even care about what Americans do on thier own soil as long as it does not affect other countries (death penaly, gun control for example). I don't give a hoot what your country does and I do not critique what your country does because I do not live in your country and I am not a citizen of your country.

In my world it is called MYOB. You have no need to understand anything or to criticize anything. Care about your little old country and I will worry about mine. That sir is called respect,.

This is a little two-faced.
American's are constantly telling the world how they should operate, American's have no problem telling countries like Australia that they need to change their gun laws to be more like America.
http://www.smh.com.au/world/your-gun-laws-are-a-mistake-national-rifle-association-to-australia-20150712-giaqal.html
So why is it acceptable for you guys to do this, but I can't have an opinion?
I'm trying to have a conversation and learn. Why get defensive and tell me to MYOB?
I have a HUGE need to understand the world in which I was born.
I want to learn about the American mentality because it's constantly forced upon me.

 

[welshdude3]

Addendum:

http://shop.kingholster.com/Universal-Leather-Belt-Holster-for-Concealed-Carry-Small-KH20002.htm

The above is an example of a small holster w/a clip. It's my belief the pistol used in the photos is a kel-tec P32.

http://www.remoraholsterstore.com/Default.asp

The above is a holster company making clipless holsters designed to be used inside one's waistband. They're made of a sticky material on one side and a sweat soaking material on the other. When drawing it clings allowing clean separation of the weapon from the holster.

Either one is an acceptable option for CCWC(Concealed Carry While Cycling). Though both companies make a variety of size options it would seem the smallest, least obtrusive for CCWC would be best.

Same with one's choice of a CCW(Concealed Carry Weapon). While I'm in agreement the .380 or .32 acp aren't the OPTIMAL choice in a self-defence round in terms of stopping power the element of surprise trumps in this case. That's why the Kel-tec P32 is my #1 recommendation for a CCW for CCWC. All things being equal a .32 vs a .380 generates less 'felt recoil' and allows for more accurate follow up shots. And in a life/death high stress situation accuracy of follow-ups is REALLY important.

Sure a Taurus Judge, Rock Island Armory .45 or ANY fullsized weapon would be more effective, but in practicality the smaller the better on a bike.

 

[Volnix]

I don't need to carry anymore. I maxed out my magica level and I can cast a f'in blizzard.

 

[thomas pendrake]

I was a bit shocked to see this thread. I can understand bike-mounted cops being armed (when on duty) and I guess there may be street-thug gangs using bikes. Unless a person is going on a camping or other similar wilderness trip this sounds dangerous. I can understand why we have a murder rate 3 times as high as any other "civilized" nation.