My new road trip rig

[sigp220.45]

Due to family circumstances, I find myself making the six hour one-way to ABQ (then back the next day) trip fairly often. I usually carry in an easy-on/easy-off IWB rig and plop it in the console-thingy for the drive.

The route is pretty simple - I turn left onto I-25 South, drive for six hours, and turn right at Albuquerque, as Bugs Bunny used to say. It is mind-numbingly boring. Thank Odin for podcasts. Swap directions to return.

I found this Bianchi 9R at Goodwill, of all places. It was with an X-15 small, a useful size, which I also bought.

I think its for a 2 1/2" K frame, but my 640-3 fits like a charm and passes the "jerk it around over the couch" test just fine.

I don't know about you fellas, but on a six hour trip there is a fair-to-middling chance I'll need to "stop for a haircut" as the Car Talk guys used to say. This is where a shoulder rig shines. There's a reason Fish from Barney Miller wore one.

I'm gonna replace the elastic, but otherwise this set up works for me.

 

[LVSteve]

Nice find. I almost never wear a coat or jacket in a car, so a shoulder rig doesn't work for me. Fortunately, I am svelte enough at the belt/hip line to be able to wear a holster at 2:30 under a big sweater without discomfort.

 

[CH4]

For me, a shoulder rig is the best way to carry, especially when seated. Easy to wear a cover shirt in warm weather and jacket in cold.

 

[jimmyj]

Due to family circumstances, I find myself making the six hour one-way to ABQ (then back the next day) trip fairly often. I usually carry in an easy-on/easy-off IWB rig and plop it in the console-thingy for the drive.

The route is pretty simple - I turn left onto I-25 South, drive for six hours, and turn right at Albuquerque, as Bugs Bunny used to say. It is mind-numbingly boring. Thank Odin for podcasts. Swap directions to return.

I found this Bianchi 9R at Goodwill, of all places. It was with an X-15 small, a useful size, which I also bought.

I think its for a 2 1/2" K frame, but my 640-3 fits like a charm and passes the "jerk it around over the couch" test just fine.

I don't know about you fellas, but on a six hour trip there is a fair-to-middling chance I'll need to "stop for a haircut" as the Car Talk guys used to say. This is where a shoulder rig shines. There's a reason Fish from Barney Miller wore one.

I'm gonna replace the elastic, but otherwise this set up works for me.

How do you replace the harness ? I wrotethe factory inquiring of purchasing a new harness, but never received a reply.

 

[Jimmyjones]

I make that trip a lot, and beyond, destination Mesa, Az. I carry a 640-1 in a Lobo offset clip iwb. 40 west is boring unless there's weather, then it sucks.

 

[rwsmith]

Because of my body shape......

... and trouble keeping my pants up, I like a shoulder rig. I have a Remora. Does anybody have one that they particularly like that is readily available?

BTW: I had to think about ABQ for a while. Then it came to me. Albuquerque?

 

[Rodan]

The 9R is my favorite shoulder rig, and is great for cool weather carry where a cover garment is comfortable.

 

[cololab]

Nice find. I know that I-25 trip all too well, and like you find my ancient Bianchi X15 shoulder rig infinitely more comfortable for long periods of sitting.

 

[dobegrant]

Nice setup

 

[sigp220.45]

How do you replace the harness ? I wrotethe factory inquiring of purchasing a new harness, but never received a reply.

I don't know, Jimmy. The harness is good but the elastic is tapped out like old undies. I just ordered some 1" elastic and will fumble through replacing it.

I know Red Nichols actually designed this rig for Bianchi and is a member here. He may be able to help you out if he sees this.

 

[.455_Hunter]

I am sorry- The stretch between Raton and Las Vegas is rough. I have done it too many times.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I've gone cross draw for long roadtrips....

have two

S&W 6906/Shorty-9
Beretta Compact

Texas Cross Draw [TCD] by Kirkpatrick Leather

 

[LoboGunLeather]

The 9R was an excellent design and very comfortable for use while driving or admin duties like sitting at a desk. Bianchi always used an excellent grade of elastic strap, but like everything else these things tend to wear out with time and use. I never found a manufacturer that could provide a similar material, especially in smaller quantities for individual replacements. Fortunately the original Bianchi-supplied strap may last forever, even though losing its elasticity.

Just about everything John Bianchi allowed his name on was top-drawer quality and worth the price. Now that the man has retired, and the company is in other hands, I can't offer the same endorsement.

 

[Sistema1927]

I've gone cross draw for long roadtrips....r

Same here, but mainly because I am a lefty. Having a x-draw on the right side allows a draw without getting banged up against the door, and the seat belt isn't an issue.

 

[rednichols]

I don't know, Jimmy. The harness is good but the elastic is tapped out like old undies. I just ordered some 1" elastic and will fumble through replacing it.

I know Red Nichols actually designed this rig for Bianchi and is a member here. He may be able to help you out if he sees this.

I'm pleased that the 9R-1 and 2, which is my refinement for JB of his original 9R, is still serving users after nearly a half century since these were made. They fetch good prices on eBay where they are not uncommon.

The 2-1/2" version is marked like this and has a special pocket formed by the spring tips, for the adjustable rear sights on the M19/M66 etc. This final version is far more secure than JB's original replacement for the 9 which used only elastic.

 

[rednichols]

How to buy from the Bianchi No. 9 series on auction sites:

The No. 9R with with spring and neither the hammer guard or the pivot screw: DON'T.

The No. 9R with spring, pivot screw and no hammer guard: HESITATE including its copies.

The No. 9R with spring, pivot screw and hammer guard: DO (there are no copies)

The No. 9R-1 with spring, pivot screw and hammer guard: DITTO

The No. 9R-2 with spring and hammer guard: DITTO (I don't even recall the difference from the -1; perhaps spring temper).

 

[Norton 750]

I have posted the pics before, but my old driving rig still gets the job done. Back in the day, CCW permits were not common. But typically anyone riding with me would be able to manage a revolver, not always true with a hammer drop semi auto or an H&K squeeze cocker. But friend I can hand a revolver to is a huge force multiplier if there is trouble.

 

[Inkgardener]

I am sorry- The stretch between Raton and Las Vegas is rough. I have done it too many times.

Wild these towns come up as I had never heard of them until last week.

I just did Tulsa to Albuquerque, Grand Canyon, Barstow, NAS Lemoore, Pismo Beach, Yosemite, Las Vegas Nevada, Richfield Utah, Breckenridge, Manitou Springs, Raton through Guymon, and back to Tulsa.

Over 4,000 miles in 10 days. Always had handgun in center console except for California, where you have to put it way in the back unloaded and locked up so you can surely be a victim.

I don't think I'll ever do that long of a roadtrip again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rodan]

Wild these towns come up as I had never heard of them until last week.

Raton, NM is home to the NRA Wittington Center, one of the best shooting complexes in the country. Definitely worth checking it out if you've never been there and happen to be wandering by... They have everything from pistol combat ranges, to trap/skeet/sporting clays to 1000+ yard rifle ranges.

The Country's Premier Shooting Facility | NRA Whittington Center

We spent a few days there last summer and had a nice time shooting on their handgun, rifle and long range steel ranges.

The yellow arrow is a steel target at ~600 yards...

 

[jem102]

I like Ken Null cross draws for long (over 3 hours) road trips and they work fine for continued carry at the destination.

 

[Doug M.]

BTW: I had to think about ABQ for a while. Then it came to me. Albuquerque?

*
Yup. I have not confirmed this, but I suspect it is the airport's designator.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

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.

 

[Sgt. Buzzard]

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.

 

[sigp220.45]

I will say it's comfortable for driving a car/ truck or maybe fat detectives. Not so good for ghetto street patrol. YMMV.

Horses for courses, as my British friends say.

I'm not chasing anybody, and if they're chasing me I ain't running.

 

[rockquarry]

For long or short trips, my car console has been the best and most comfortable way to carry a handgun.

 

[K Frame Keith]

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".

 

[Bloodhound]

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.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Well first snow of the year here reminded me I like shoulder rigs for Winter use.... just zip half way down reach in and grab! My ED walk the dog rig!

 

[Doug M.]

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.

 

[rockquarry]

*
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.