Motorcycle Concealed Carry: Going Heeled on Two Wheels

Motorcycle concealed carry — it’s more difficult to ride while armed than to drive while armed. That’s true whether we’re talking about a two-wheeled ride than a four-legged one, though in fairness those are relatively simple compared to a unicycle. As with any form or mechanism for concealed carry, choices of equipment and garb, and their ramifications, will be dependent upon the weapon, the environment, even the kind of motorcycle. Here are some thoughts from an experienced “motor jock” for you to consider. Your mileage may vary. Editor

An old military motorcycle.
They see me rollin’. They hatin’.

Motorcycle Concealed Carry

CCW Motorcycle Options and Open Carry Considerations

Guns, fast cars, big trucks, and motorcycles always seem to go together. When carrying a weapon every day, most use their own personal setup. But when using a motorcycle the EDC can change, especially since there are different types of 2 wheel transportation.

This article will deal only with handguns. So let’s see what types are available and what may work best for you. If you’re interested in some long(er) gun options, let us know in the comments and we’ll discuss. If you’re looking for specific equipment options be sure to let us know that as well.

A motorcycle concealed carry jacket is one obvious choice for weapon transport in places where CCW is legal.
A motorcycle concealed carry jacket is one obvious choice for weapon transport in places where CCW is legal.

Motorcycle Holster Issues

OWB Holster, Open Carry or CCW

As a former Motor Officer, I have openly carried in an OWB holster (Outside the Waistband) both concealed (off duty) and openly (on duty) for over five years daily. This method of carrying a weapon is comfortable and provides easy access to your weapon. For the responsible, armed citizen, however, it can cause issues.

1. Depending on the state or municipality you are in, it may be considered illegal to carry in this way. A concealed carry permit might be needed if you don’t live in a “Constitutional Carry” state, and in many places, open carry is against state and/or local ordinances.

2. If you don’t wear a cover garment or dedicated concealment garment like a vest, jacket, etc. this may well cause someone to call the police on you. Some people think of bikers, especially people on cruisers, as outlaws. Seeing a biker on a Harley with a weapon fully display, or even revealed momentarily by movement or wind, may cause members of the general public to think of you as a member of an Outlaw Motorcycle Club (also referred to as an OMG, Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, or “1%er”).

3. Your weapon will become filthy. Very filthy. The elements take their toll on an exposed weapon. Road grime, sweat, and rain are just a few of the things that can get on and into your weapon. Of particular concern are exposed hammer guns. Without a proper cover, they become vulnerable to debris fouling between the hammer and firing pin.

4. Potential retention problems. If you go down on your gun side and don’t have a heavy leather holster, be prepared for some serious road rash or possible weapon loss.

Motorcycle gun holster in the open

Motorcycle Gun Holster

Appendix Carry and Inside the Waistband

AIWB (Appendix Inside the Waist Band) and IWB (Inside the Waistband) holsters have become a preferred carry method of many everyday people. Appendix Carry can be very comfortable on a motorcycle where you sit in a more upright posture. An IWB carried weapon will typically need to be covered. IWB holsters and AIWB holsters are generally covered by a shirt, but be aware that the shirt can and probably will shift or lift, exposing the weapon both to view and the elements. A jacket should provide enough weight to conceal the weapon, but as with any cover garment or piece of equipment, you’ll want to test that.

AIWB (appendix carry) motorcycle concealed carry.
AIWB (appendix carry) motorcycle concealed carry.

The type of motorcycle will determine whether you want to appendix carry. A cruiser-type motorcycle should provide a comfortable platform for carrying appendix, but a sportbike that requires you to lay over the tank it will likely make such an option unrealistic (and uncomfortable). When it comes to offroad bikes…well, you don’t have to be a rocket surgeon to know that jumping dirt hills and negotiating rough terrain while wearing an appendix rig probably wouldn’t be too much fun.

Taking cover behind a military motorcycle
Going heeled on two wheels in an earlier age (though not exactly concealed).

Shoulder Holster

The shoulder holster or shoulder rig is certainly an option for your motorcycle pistol holster, but only with careful consideration. At my department (and many others), helicopter pilots and the occasional investigator wear shoulder holsters, but I personally haven’t come across a motorcycle rider wearing one yet. I used one in the Marine Corps once upon a time, and I know they can be easy to wear and (properly rigged) provide good retention, but any shoulder holster, worn for whatever reason, has some very specific drawbacks that counterbalance those advantages.

I personally don’t have a use for one, but you may. Riders of just about any kind of motorcycle can easily use this type of holster, but the drawbacks of movement and exposure to the motoring public remain.

A bug out motorcycle might have cooler ways to carry, but prob'ly aren't too practical for street use.
A bug out motorcycle like this one might have cooler ways to carry, but prob’ly isn’t too practical for street use. (Apologies, unknown PC.)

Concealed Carry Motorcycle Vest

Garment Carry

The concealed carry motorcycle jacket method can be used by most. Carrying a weapon in an intentionally designed concealed carry motorcycle vest, with a durable built-in holster, you can conquer several concerns at once: concealment, weapon retention, weapon care, and comfort.

Another style of motorcycle concealed carry jacket.
Another style of motorcycle concealed carry jacket.
It's hard to go wrong with a concealed carry motorcycle vest.
It’s hard to go wrong with a concealed carry motorcycle vest, but like the shoulder holster it does have some drawbacks you’ll need to account for – particularly on the drawstroke and when reholstering.

Chest Holster

Riding a dirt bike with a chest is a very comfortable and effective setup. I’ve also seen some nice chest rig bags that carried a weapon and spare mags, light, etc. Rigs like this are available from Black Point Tactical, Hill People Gear, Gunfighters Inc., and no doubt many others. Many of these are low profile, lightweight rigs that can be worn both over a light jacket or under it for concealment. Either way, they seem to be great pieces of gear for the armed rider. Interestingly, such holsters are used by a few folks who spend a lot of time on horseback in the Patagonia Mountains – San Rafael Valley – Huachuca Mountains area.

Off Body Carry

Motorcycle rifle scabbard, saddlebag, and bike pannier

It does look and sound cool to do the Terminator thing with a shotgun openly strapped to your bike. But is that realistic? No. And any off-body carry is less secure than having holstered on your person. However, carrying your weapon in a hard case or sturdy bag attached to your motorcycle can take the weight off and allow you to be a little more carefree in your riding.

Dual motorcycle pistol holster - not a great solution.
The dual-wielding mounted motorcycle pistol holster is not actually a recommended solution (via TFB).

You can stuff all kinds of gear in your bags, not just your gun(s), but transporting like this has several obvious disadvantages to offset the convenience (particularly on the long trips that require more gear).

Another motorcycle holster option: a good bag or pack (especially one that can be manipulated easily).
Another motorcycle holster option: a good bag or pack (especially one that can be manipulated easily).

motorcycle carry: the off body pack option

If you don’t have a dedicated carry setup for your weapon within your bag or hard case, you’re inviting trouble.  Believe me when I say, “contents may shift in flight.”

Motorcycle gun safe: a good hard case is an excellent option for your ccw motorcycle needs.

Your unholstered weapon might have been laying on the top of your saddlebag when you started your trip, but by the end, it may well have worked it’s way out. And there’s nothing like trying to dig it back out and hoping you don’t hit the trigger. Remember also if it is left unsecured on top of the stowed gear, and you go down or even hit a hard bump, there’s a chance the weapon will be ejected.

Motorcycle rifle mount: a scabbard is one thing...this is quite another.
Motorcycle rifle mount: a scabbard is one thing…this is quite another.

The other downside is that you can dismount and forget your weapon is in the bag. The weapon could be stolen, which presents its own problems, or may find that you suddenly need it and don’t have it.

motorcycle gun case options: there are more of them for rifles and shotguns than for handguns
Going long: if you want to talk about combining a long gun and two wheels, let us know.

Concealed Carry on a Motorcycle: Final Thoughts

Whatever way you choose to carry, be sure to think about what method best serves your needs. Length of trip, type of motorcycle, local laws, training, risk of damage to the weapon, access to the weapon, and comfort should all play a part in the decision-making process.

Be safe, plan ahead, and keep the rubber side down.

CBW
Tactical motorcycle bag -- is that a thing?
The tactical motorcycle bag – is that a thing?

 

concealed carry on a motorcycle
Concealed carry on a motorcycle: meanwhile, at Hunter S. Thompson’s house…
Bob White is what many LEOs call a motor officer or "scooter jock". He is a two-decade law enforcement veteran and was a Marine before that. "Cholla Bob" has served in numerous billets, including patrol of course, but also counter-narcotics, the gang unit, and of course the traffic unit. He was a firearms instructor in the Marine Corps and remains one now with his agency. Bob runs Havoc Shooting Solutions (@havocshootingsolutions), training LEOs and responsible armed citizens across the south (and not just the ones on two wheels).

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10 thoughts on “Motorcycle Concealed Carry: Going Heeled on Two Wheels

  1. My seamstress added a zipper to a chest pocket on a Roadcrafter jacket.
    With the zipper closing down, so vibration will help keep it closed.
    Now, quick access is somewhat hindered by the zipper, but I am willing to accept that.

  2. While i am not a LEO, I carry about 100% of the time when I ride. {Sometimes MC riders just present that temptation to a deranged mind looking for a target.} Today. I usually carry IWB on the hip assuming I am wearing a vest. My first choice for carry options is the shoulder holster. It stays out of the way, regardless of whether I am wearing a vest, loose shirt, or even a sweater. Having ridden at a time when concealed carry was new, and my shirt rode up over my hip holster in the wind, later to brandish for all the world my piece at a stop light, I favored the shoulder holster. Maybe it is your brand, or model that creates some level of discomfort. I prefer the Miami Jackass type rig, worn high and tight. Just about anything else is too loose.

  3. Surprisingly my “liberal” state (WA) allows open carry, but I prefer to keep the profile low and make sure my vest or jacket covers my hip rig. That said, I’ve been seriously contemplating going back to the trusty old shoulder rig. Better concealment, and superb accessibility. The conceal carry vests work okay, but I’ve found that the limitations are in the ease of access and the sewn in straps which never seem to hold the weapon the way I prefer.

  4. Completed another little jaunt with the wife today — 175 miles RT. Carried on the hip, IWB with a polo shirt in 100 degree temps. If you carry IWB with hight temps, I recommend a sweat resistance kydex type holster like Stealthgear which are very comfortable.

  5. You left out the best overall option- drop-leg thigh bag. It’s essentially the same dynamics as a holster, and it both protects the pistol from the elements, and allows quick access. It also helps prevent the very real possibility of a body-worn pistol injuring you in case of a get-off. Works on any type of bike as well, from full on sport bike to UMJ to cruiser. Some are available with a quick-release Velcro flap for faster access than a zipper.

    1. ✓ This guy thought about the reason on body carry, which is all the article recommends, is a bad idea. I mounted my handgun discretely on my bike. On body carry would only be an acceptable risk in drop leg holster.

      Hip surgery is a bad option.

  6. I’d be interested in a way to carry a rifle, say an AR15 in an inconspicuous manner while riding. It doesn’t necessarily need to be readily available. disguised and secure would be the priority.

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