Non-tacticle ccw

[Optimistic Paranoid]

I'm so amused by the "tacti-cool look" that I occasionally wear a Hawaiian shirt with a pair of 5.11 pants just as a goof. I refer to it as my "Serious Operator Trying To Disguise Himself As A Non-Operator Disguise."

A couple of suggestions . . .

Dillon makes a really nice black nylon laptop bag with a hidden gun compartment in the center. You can carry anything in there. I often use it for a long-slide Glock with attached tactical light.

DeSantis makes a nice belt pouch holster. I carry a Kahr 40 in mine, and wander around all summer in just a T-shirt and cut-off jeans and no one ever gives it a second look.

Finally, Coronado Leather makes some really nice leather vests with hidden gun pockets, if you can handle either the Cowboy or Biker look . . .

Regards
John
"Low-Speed, High-Drag Gray-Ops Specialist"

 

[Schattenjager]

Thanks for the suggestions! I like the idea of staying with a backpack as it is the ubiquitous commuter companion. Hydration is not necessary since I can carry a water bottle, but it would be nice. My existing camel back is just a bit too small for cameras etc. on adventures to the mountains and I'd like to just carry one bag.

Look for some brand new Maxpedition bags as well as the Camelbak in the gear for sale section - probably in the next couple days!

 

[Martinjmpr]

I've heard of the khaki "photographer's vest" also called a "shoot-me-first-vest."

I think you may be going about this quest backwards. Instead of taking something for concealment and the trying to make it look "normal", just take something "normal" and modify it for concealment of a weapon. An ordinary looking backpack or computer bag would probably be able to carry just about anything short of a S&W .500.

As far as concealing on your body, I've found a slightly over-length sweatshirt works fine to conceal an IWB holster (mine is a Galco horsehide IWB with a Glock 19.) If it's too warm for a sweatshirt, a fleece vest is very common here in CO and looks quite "normal" except on the hottest days. And on those hot days, a short-sleeved floral-pattern shirt worn untucked also does a good job of concealment, the only drawback being that you have to wear a t-shirt underneath it to keep the butt of the gun from rubbing your skin raw.

 

[Schattenjager]

I think you may be going about this quest backwards. Instead of taking something for concealment and the trying to make it look "normal", just take something "normal" and modify it for concealment of a weapon. An ordinary looking backpack or computer bag would probably be able to carry just about anything short of a S&W .500.

This is exactly what I'm after. I was posting to see if anyone had done this with success using a particuar pack. I bought a lot of maxpedition gear that I never used as I experimented. I can't waste those dollars anymore.

New maxpedition stuff is up in the 'gear for sale' section!

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

Look at the Crossbreed Supertuck Deluxe, and the Heritage by Tucker Gun Leather. If your open to carrying it on you, there's not many more that conceal as well or are half as comfortable. What if some punk teen likes your bag and is able to snatch it and run? I personally don't like the idea of carrying off body just for that reason.

 

[K2ZJ]

What if some punk teen likes your bag and is able to snatch it and run? I personally don't like the idea of carrying off body just for that reason.

I agree, I wouldn't like to set my bag down anywhere or leave it where someone my go looking for something. Even innocently, they need a pen or whatever.

 

[Honu]

their are a few times I will carry in a bag if so its usually a maxpedition bag and if/when I have I will wear it over my shoulder for sure
I did have one person who said something like oh I have one of those bags ! do you carry your gun in it ? I just looked shocked and said what !!! I use it for the kids diapers and water bottles and slid a diaper out of it hahahahahah
but I do use it a lot to carry the kids STUFF extra bottles etc.. when going to the park etc. as it makes a good daily bag also
my almost 30 year old timbuk bag is great and I wish the new ones were so nice and simple like the old ones with just 3 nice large pockets inside and that is it !!!


otherwise like few others CCW is on your person IMHO and where it should be
comfy quality rig will fit well carry well and conceal like they are supposed to

tacticool is a lot like expo cool most dont notice our rigs anymore than any other 4x4 those that do like the cop are curious cause they are into it !!
I do go up to other cool expo trucks once in a while say hello ask if they are on expo etc..
I dont go up to ricer cars cause I am not into them ?

agree vests are shoot me first wear and something I would avoid at all cost !

 

[Martinjmpr]

What is the advantage of 'bag carry' vs 'on your body carry' anyway? Only thing I can think of is it gives you more relaxed dressing choices. IMO carrying in a bag is not "carrying" at all, it's "transporting" (like when you go to the range.)

When I drive my revolver is normally in a bag. Depending on what state I'm in it may be loaded or not (the irony being that in the areas where you're most likely to need a gun, having it loaded is illegal, and the areas where it's legal to have it loaded, you're about as likely to need a gun as you are to need a meteor shield on top of your vehicle.)

Speaking of guns, National Parks used to be "gun free zones" but I've been surprised at how that's changed. When we went to White Rim, we got our "briefing" from the ranger on duty and she made a point of saying "having guns in your vehicles is fine, but you can't do any shooting." Of course, given that most of the National Parks out west are staffed by locals, they pretty much have the local's gun-friendly attitudes, too.

 

[1911]

(the irony being that in the areas where you're most likely to need a gun, having it loaded is illegal, and the areas where it's legal to have it loaded, you're about as likely to need a gun as you are to need a meteor shield on top of your vehicle.)

Yep. Not that I would ever recommend doing anything illegal, but that is the choice one must make between the possibilities of being tried by twelve or being carried by six. Risk management.

 

[Schattenjager]

A pack is just to be another option. I have plenty of holsters, but they are not always conducive to the days attire or activities. More than one windy day has proven to be a pain in the butt. On a long day away from home and office, I get tired of having it on me. If I have a ccw pack then I will certainly not leave it around for someone to go through looking for a pen etc. This is simply a search for a common pack that can also be used for ccw as well as carry an iPad, p&s camera, books, phone, wallet, water etc. Something that can do this and not look tactical is what I was asking about.

Looks like the Arc'teryx Blade 24 might be the very thing.

 

[Honu]

Just my thoughts why bags agree they are transporting more than carrying and if you do use a bagmpractice with a bag and its not a great solution
For me its more when I am wearing surf shorts or certain situations where holster just does not work out well
Example daypack is strapped around your waist and holster wont work etc...

Agree last resort and not in place of

 

[xcmountain80]

Well anything pink from maxpedition should pretty much eliminate any suspicions.

A

 

[CodyY]

belt puch, a T-shirt and cut-off jeans and no one ever gives it a second look.

Oh, yeah they do.
1986 called and said "Jorts" are rad, man.

 

[Schattenjager]

Well anything pink from maxpedition should pretty much eliminate any (armed) suspicions.

A

But would likely create others!

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Maybe its just me but I see a man purse and I say this guy has something of value and not necessarily a CCW. Looks to inviting and easy to get to the wrong crowd IMO. Why not just a small personal carry, I find it undectable in any pocket.