Matt Bracken On Orlando Gun Carry
BY Herschel Smith
8 years, 5 months ago
Matt Bracken’s article at WRSA or Ammoland is well worth your time. In order to understand what I’m saying about it, you need to go read it.
For non-permissive environments, Matt has given a good option. If it appears at the outset a bit absurd, consider why we have to do things like this to begin with. This is why I prefer legal open carry. Concealed carry means almost by definition that your weapon will be a “smallish” to medium frame gun. With open carry it can be larger. Additionally, you don’t have to bother with things like sweating your weapon in the summer, or the lack of comfort associated with IWB or ankle carry.
I personally wouldn’t engage in the OWB/concealed carry suggestion he advocates with improvised holsters, but if that works for you and you prefer it, then by all means do it. I like much better the use of sacks, satchels, bags, and small backpacks for carry of a larger sidearm along with ammunition. I also see a tactical light in his kit. I never go on a road trip without one, and sometimes won’t even go down to the grocery store without one.
On July 27, 2016 at 6:24 am, MattBracken said:
I want to make it very clear that the “box” is not among my preferred options. The reason I created it was to personally gauge public reaction to it. There was no reaction at all, I think because geeks with tech gadgets are so prolific today. I also purchased a Sneakypete that fits my S&W Shield, but that’s a compact pistol carrying 7+1 in the mag that fits it.
While writing this piece and considering various “off-body” solutions I purchased some other rigs based on recommendations I received. The best by far is the Hawkepaks Micro GunPak-1. This is like a minimalist fannypack that appears to be three separate small compartments, none of which could fit anything bigger than a .380.
The clever part is that the muzzle of a large pistol fits into through a channel from the main center pouch to the left-side small pouch. The flap that covers the grip of the pistol has elastic bands to hold two extra magazines. The weight of the mags causes the flap to drop free, exposing the pistol grip for a very fast and positive draw. I’m going to modify it just a tad, to make it faster, but even “as-is,” this is the best solution I’ve seen. I bought mine in navy blue to blend against blue jeans, which I commonly wear.
http://www.hawkepaks.com/prod.itml/icOid/133
There are two areas where IWB carry really sucks, and an “off-body” minimal fanny pack really shines: the bathroom, and the vehicle. For the bathroom, you can just leave the fannypack on and drop trou, and in a vehicle you just slide the pack around to the front so the pistol is still ready to draw even after you fasten your seatbelt. It’s a major problem when your IWB carry pistol is blocked by your seatbelt. The car is maybe the most dangerous place to be when a gunfight breaks out, and having your pistol blocked by your seatbelt adds to the suckage.
Another great option that I didn’t buy yet is the Progressive Force Concepts Ballistic Off Body Bag or BOBB. This is a shoulder bag that rips downward to expose the pistol in a kydex holster. The main bag and flap that is now hanging down are both backed with ballistic cloth, the entire rig then jacks up to cover you from your chest to your groin. They have a great youtube video that can show it better than I can explain it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3U_gXWdczg
I’m not pushing any particular product (except maybe that hawkepaks micro), I just want folks to consider more options. A good “off-body” rig can offer you a bigger pistol and more ammo. If some folks look at your fannypack or other solution and wonder if you have a gun, who cares? That’s why I say it bridges the gap between conventional IWB/OWB CCW and open carry.
I’ll take some pictures of the “loaded” Hawkepak, closed and open. It’s very impressive gear, and uses a brilliant optical illusion to hide even a large pistol.
On July 27, 2016 at 9:08 am, Douglas Mortimer said:
I used to live in the gulag called Illinois. Before the state had a carry law in place, one could legally “container carry”. The firearm had to be unloaded and in some sort of container, fanny pack, etc. I wish I had had one of these back then.
On July 27, 2016 at 9:13 am, Douglas Mortimer said:
BTW Here in Wyoming currently, gun free zone signs carry the weight of law, unlike other states where one can just legally ignore them, here we are can’t, or rather aren’t supposed to….. I know some people who do carry ignore them from time to time, but…… I try to make it a habit of not going to places I can’t carry.
On July 30, 2016 at 6:27 pm, Josh said:
I’m unsurprised you received no reaction to the boxy OWB thing. It doesn’t look altogether unlike a medical device, such as an insulin or pain pump. People aren’t going to stick their nose into that kind of thing.
On July 27, 2016 at 8:49 am, Fred said:
The Hawkepaks caught my eye as well. I think it was in the comments trail at Western Shooters. Slap a Red Cross on it and know a little first aid to discuss if asked? Maybe, camouflage is a concept, not a pattern. I read that in a smart man’s writings.
(you should know first aid already anyway)
Read the comments over there. I also like the tennis bag for a short barrel or AK pistol. Cool ideas.
On July 27, 2016 at 9:04 am, Douglas Mortimer said:
I’m intrigued by it too. Fanny pack-ish without looking like a fanny pack. I used to live in IL and before the state had a carry law, carrying an unloaded firearm in such fashion was legal according to state law, as it had to be in a container unloaded….
Sadly in Wyoming, GFZ signs carry the weight of law, unlike other states where you can legally ignore them. This sort of pack gives you some more options. I carry owb, iwb and shoulder holster.
On July 27, 2016 at 11:34 am, Fred said:
The iPad case looking thing is ok for certain environments, campus comes to mind. I would go with an apple or Microsoft patch whichever you know more about, for conversation if asked. Associative minds want to know, which is why I hope that the STP sticker is just an example because it immediately caught my eye. I have a million questions about it and I already know what’s in bag.
On July 30, 2016 at 6:30 pm, Josh said:
I’ve always been of the opinion that carying in a bag/purse is inadvisable. The person carrying in such a manner is not in absolute, positive control of their weapon 100% of the time.