he pulled his pistol
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,356
Likes: 2
From: Las Vegas, NV
I'm glad you're here to tell the story. As someone else suggested, if you'd tried to pull your own weapon after he had his out...he'd have had the first shot, for sure. And probably the second...and maybe the third. With each successive shot, the odds he'd hit you go up.
Please do me a favor. I'm serious. Go somewhere quiet, close your eyes, and think about the situation. Start with what happened ten seconds before he nearly 'clipped' you, and play it all back, through the time you two separated after he pulled the pistol. Was there any moment you could have chosen to take a path that would have lead you away from that moment he threatened you with a gun? Could you have turned down another street, or gone straight a little bit out of your way to get away from him? Maybe not have exchanged words with him? Was there something in your control you could have done to have made the moment he pulled that pistol never happen?
The reason I ask is, if you had had a gun, and had pulled it, and had managed to kill him (let's say) in order to keep him from shooting you (which you rightly feared)...the prosecuting attorney will pick out every moment you could have made the choice to have not shot the guy, could have walked away, and he will try to make it seem because you didn't choose to 'walk' away, you were the aggressor, and you made the decision to murder the dude.
I think, rather than ask how to carry a large caliber handgun effectively while riding a motorcycle, it would pay you--and those who love you--dividends if you can figure out how to keep away from situations like this, in the future. I know it's presented like you were just minding your own business when all of a sudden, this crazy Chicano accosted you. You were helpless, like being hit in the head by a piece of falling 'blue ice'. I'm not going to offer an opinion about it. But you can be pretty damn sure the DA will not buy such a story, and will instead seek ways to make you seem like the world's greatest liar, and The Devil, to boot.
Carrying a gun on a bike is a no-win situation. You need to figure out a different way to handle these kinds of things.
Alan
Please do me a favor. I'm serious. Go somewhere quiet, close your eyes, and think about the situation. Start with what happened ten seconds before he nearly 'clipped' you, and play it all back, through the time you two separated after he pulled the pistol. Was there any moment you could have chosen to take a path that would have lead you away from that moment he threatened you with a gun? Could you have turned down another street, or gone straight a little bit out of your way to get away from him? Maybe not have exchanged words with him? Was there something in your control you could have done to have made the moment he pulled that pistol never happen?
The reason I ask is, if you had had a gun, and had pulled it, and had managed to kill him (let's say) in order to keep him from shooting you (which you rightly feared)...the prosecuting attorney will pick out every moment you could have made the choice to have not shot the guy, could have walked away, and he will try to make it seem because you didn't choose to 'walk' away, you were the aggressor, and you made the decision to murder the dude.
I think, rather than ask how to carry a large caliber handgun effectively while riding a motorcycle, it would pay you--and those who love you--dividends if you can figure out how to keep away from situations like this, in the future. I know it's presented like you were just minding your own business when all of a sudden, this crazy Chicano accosted you. You were helpless, like being hit in the head by a piece of falling 'blue ice'. I'm not going to offer an opinion about it. But you can be pretty damn sure the DA will not buy such a story, and will instead seek ways to make you seem like the world's greatest liar, and The Devil, to boot.
Carrying a gun on a bike is a no-win situation. You need to figure out a different way to handle these kinds of things.
Alan
I agree. While it is ok to carry a big stick, it is much more important
to learn the art of walking softly.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 4
From: Victoria, Australia
Hard to say for sure unless there, but as agressive as the "guy in the truck" was initially, I don't think I would have turned right and stopped next to him at the next light.
EZ to say, harder to do.
EZ to say, harder to do.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 1
From: Mississippi
The advice given here is good and well intended. Keeping your mouth shut and driving away is the smart thing to do.
With that out of the way, look on youtube at crossbreed Supertuck holsters. I carry a glock 27 in one all the time. Super secure and when you get off the bike it is well concealed.
I also own an H&K usp compact 45. Holster selection is limited for this great weapon.
Since illegals **** me of anyway, I would have done the same thing you did. I am well aware of the consequences involved in using deadly force. I hope that verbal a confrontaion does not end in violence. But being prepared to defend yourself is important.
I refuse to be a victim.
With that out of the way, look on youtube at crossbreed Supertuck holsters. I carry a glock 27 in one all the time. Super secure and when you get off the bike it is well concealed.
I also own an H&K usp compact 45. Holster selection is limited for this great weapon.
Since illegals **** me of anyway, I would have done the same thing you did. I am well aware of the consequences involved in using deadly force. I hope that verbal a confrontaion does not end in violence. But being prepared to defend yourself is important.
I refuse to be a victim.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
Going for a gun when he already has his drawn could get easily get you killed. I would have wound up the throttle and dumped the clutch, right through traffic if needed. Very few four wheelers would keep up, and he probably would not even try.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,598
Likes: 1,231
From: Southeast Texas
I must be missing something. Because we ride a motorcycle we feel we must carry a gun? But, if we drive a car we don't carry a gun? Or, does anyone driving any kind of vehicle need to carry a gun? Is there some compelling reason that motorcyclist should be packing a hand gun? I can see having a weapon if I where on a long trip, camping out or being in a remote place that your life could be in danger. But, driving to the store or to the job or just cruising around town I need to pack heat??. Sounds very dramatic to me and dam foolish. Some of these comments sounds like they been watching way too many John Wayne movies. If you pull out a gun and shoot someone weather your right or wrong you got major legal financial issues. I fully understand that a gun levels the playing field real fast but the need to carry one and use it in case there is a problem is remote. Tough question to answer. Either way you cut the cake, packing and using a gun on another human being is serious stuff. If out alone and by myself, I'd consider it otherwise, one should reconsider the whole issue.
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 4
You get to cover (away) and then draw your weapon, if necessary, when in a situation like this.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
Pistol either inside of the vest or the small of my back. First hint of crap glove comes off if I have time but I never wear thick gloves. Someone flashes a pistol at me threatening it is on. I am not always the brightest bulb in the box.
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Joe Kucinski
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 254
Likes: 24
From: Texas
As others have said, "thank God you are still alive to tell this story". I won't go into merits for against, pros, cons, politics, etc. of citizens exercising their Constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
I am a retired military officer and a veteran federal police officer and I can tell you unequivocally (as others have said as well) that when someone has gotten into position to wave a gun in our face, you are defensive. It does not matter if you have a gun or where that gun is, or if you are an ISPC champion. Your only choice is to talk this maniac down and disengage. That alone takes more training and skill than most will ever have.
Your hands go in the air, palms forward, apologize, "Wait a minute buddy, take it easy. You go on ahead". If he does so, remember the tags, make, model, and a description of the perp. Call the police and let them handle it. Chances are he's wanted for something anyway including felony possession of a firearm.
If things go the other way, and he starts shooting, you have to run, hide, take cover and hopefully have a chance to get to your weapon. A weapon in which you are trained and proficient in using, hopefully.
Living in Texas, which is a sanctuary state for illegal aliens and home to a good portion of the nation's multi-billion dollar drug trade, and not to mention all the "normal crime and criminals", I always carry. It does not matter if it is a bike, car, boat, whatever, I have a weapon on me if it is legal to do so. A read a statistic a few years back that said there are over 300 known gang members for every police officer in the city of Houston. Since then the gangs have gotten bigger and the police forces smaller.
To answer the OP's question, after years of carrying different firearms, I have settled on a single stack 1911 45 ACP with a 4 inch barrel. This particular weapon is made by STI and is the "Guardian" model. After years of concealed carry, I have used many different models including my old service USP 40 H&K. But always migrate back to the 45. This particular weapon gives me the best balance of fire power, accuracy, and conceal-ability. It is also equipped with a set of Crimson Trace Laser Grips which have tremendous defensive advantages. See the training videos on their website.
I usually carry this weapon in a standard belt holster with two spare mags on the off hand side. That is just how I have always been trained. It is a challenge in the summertime. I also have a fanny pack that I use sometimes. I don't like shoulder rigs because they point your barrel at the rear seat passenger. That is a no no.
Deciding to carry a concealed weapon is a big responsibility. Training with it and learning the laws and consequences of the decision to use deadly force are much bigger.
I am a retired military officer and a veteran federal police officer and I can tell you unequivocally (as others have said as well) that when someone has gotten into position to wave a gun in our face, you are defensive. It does not matter if you have a gun or where that gun is, or if you are an ISPC champion. Your only choice is to talk this maniac down and disengage. That alone takes more training and skill than most will ever have.
Your hands go in the air, palms forward, apologize, "Wait a minute buddy, take it easy. You go on ahead". If he does so, remember the tags, make, model, and a description of the perp. Call the police and let them handle it. Chances are he's wanted for something anyway including felony possession of a firearm.
If things go the other way, and he starts shooting, you have to run, hide, take cover and hopefully have a chance to get to your weapon. A weapon in which you are trained and proficient in using, hopefully.
Living in Texas, which is a sanctuary state for illegal aliens and home to a good portion of the nation's multi-billion dollar drug trade, and not to mention all the "normal crime and criminals", I always carry. It does not matter if it is a bike, car, boat, whatever, I have a weapon on me if it is legal to do so. A read a statistic a few years back that said there are over 300 known gang members for every police officer in the city of Houston. Since then the gangs have gotten bigger and the police forces smaller.
To answer the OP's question, after years of carrying different firearms, I have settled on a single stack 1911 45 ACP with a 4 inch barrel. This particular weapon is made by STI and is the "Guardian" model. After years of concealed carry, I have used many different models including my old service USP 40 H&K. But always migrate back to the 45. This particular weapon gives me the best balance of fire power, accuracy, and conceal-ability. It is also equipped with a set of Crimson Trace Laser Grips which have tremendous defensive advantages. See the training videos on their website.
I usually carry this weapon in a standard belt holster with two spare mags on the off hand side. That is just how I have always been trained. It is a challenge in the summertime. I also have a fanny pack that I use sometimes. I don't like shoulder rigs because they point your barrel at the rear seat passenger. That is a no no.
Deciding to carry a concealed weapon is a big responsibility. Training with it and learning the laws and consequences of the decision to use deadly force are much bigger.