My new road trip rig

My preference for a road trip is either a strong-side OWB or cross-draw OWB hidden under a vest. In cold weather there will be a jacket or coat but, well, my road trips are always in Texas and it is unlikely to be very cold. But it does happen, I admit it, and I make one road trip to Waco every January so there will be a jacket or coat in the car.
 
Had a Bianchi upside down shoulder rig for my BUG in the mid seventies. One winter night I was in foot pursuit of a burglar when I jumped off a four foot wall at full speed landing on a long wide driveway.

My landing was a bit harsh because the snubbie popped out of the holster plus slid out from under my car jacket waistband and down forty feet of driveway.

Gave up on the burglar to chase down the gun. Gave up on the shoulder rig at 0400 hrs. and carried it the rest of the winter in the inside pocket of the jacket.

I will say it's comfortable for driving a car/ truck or maybe fat detectives. Not so good for ghetto street patrol. YMMV.
 
For long drives I almost exclusively carry with a shoulder holster. In the winter I usually wear a light sweatshirt or fleece. In warmer weather I do the Magnum PI thing with a t-shirt and a short sleeve button down shirt. Sometimes even a Hawaiian shirt if I’m feeling festive.
Very comfortable for sitting, weapon access and convenient for “rest stops”.
 
I have always liked the idea of a shoulder rig, but in almost 30 years as an LEO, I have never used one. I have an NRA purchased jacket with holster pocket in the lining, I have a soft pocket holster for my winter coat for my 640-1. I have also used an ankle holster for many years. I am getting old enough that getting to the ankle in a hurry is getting to be more and more an issue, so...

But in the truck/car, the ankle is close and handy.
 
For long or short trips, my car console has been the best and most comfortable way to carry a handgun.
*
What do you do when you get out of the car for gas or other activities? The console is not a good spot as soon as you move, and in my car, it would only work for a BUG, because the draw angle is poor.
 
Last edited:
*
What do you do when you get out of the car for gas or other activities? The console is not a good spot as soon as you move, and in my car, it would only work for a BUG, because the draw angle is poor.

I couldn't resist a slight jest directed toward the intensity of some responses. The method I described has worked well for me for a very long time, but I'm not suggesting others do the same as they know what's comfortable for them.

To be reasonably prepared is what's important. That's a bit different for all of us. Draw angle? I'm not sure what that is. Relax.
 
Last edited:
Draw angle: The angle of the hand/wrist reflecting getting a pistol (or anything else) out of the console. In my car, with my hand, the console is not a good spot for a primary weapon, only used for a BUG.

The console is not workable for most carry as one has to mess with the gun to ensure it is on one's person as it needs to be. If there is any chance of getting out of the car without the pistol, the method is not as good.

When I was in LE I first used a good ankle rig laced into my boots for my BUG, because I could draw sitting more easily. As I got older and less limber, I went to a holster that was restrained by my body armor straps. Both methods were set up for my off hand as training to draw off handed from a duty holster showed me that I was not going to be fast enough.
 
Draw angle: The angle of the hand/wrist reflecting getting a pistol (or anything else) out of the console. In my car, with my hand, the console is not a good spot for a primary weapon, only used for a BUG.

The console is not workable for most carry as one has to mess with the gun to ensure it is on one's person as it needs to be. If there is any chance of getting out of the car without the pistol, the method is not as good.

When I was in LE I first used a good ankle rig laced into my boots for my BUG, because I could draw sitting more easily. As I got older and less limber, I went to a holster that was restrained by my body armor straps. Both methods were set up for my off hand as training to draw off handed from a duty holster showed me that I was not going to be fast enough.

Thank you for the explanation.
 
That is a nice find sigp220.45. I'm not really a shoulder holster guy but I can see the utility for it in the role you describe. I'm glad for this thread because reading the rest of this discussion prompted me to hit the internet for a good replacement for my ancient and worn Renegade ankle holster. I found one that I think will do well for me.
And..."I’m not chasing anybody, and if they’re chasing me I ain’t running." I'm probably going to have to steal that for a sig line.
lol8.gif
 
Back
Top