onperson1
Recently I took a look at the various ways and means I carry a concealed gun. Most of the time the gun I’m carrying is on my person. But much to my chagrin, I found I’m probably too often carrying concealed in, well, less than optimal places. So here’s a brief commentary on a few ways I carry “off person” and why I’m going to re-commit to carrying on my person.
Automobile Console
Maybe we all do this, but it doesn’t make it wise or good. Sometimes I put the Taurus 650 you see here in the console between the driver and passenger seats of my car. (The glove box is just too far of a reach.) I place it so the muzzle points down and the stocks are up. Placing the gun in the console increases comfort and accessibility. But placing the gun in the console means it is not on my person and requires the extra step of opening the console to get to it. Better would be an on-body holster, especially a cross-draw holster.
Messenger Bag
My messenger bag isn’t a concealed carry bag but does have tall pockets on the front that are perfect for hiding a smallish gun such as the Taurus. I like carrying it there because it increases comfort and accessibility, but only if I’m actually carrying the bag. As soon as I set that bag down I have effectively lost control of the gun. Better would an inside or outside the waistband holster.
Vehicle Survival Kit
In the trunk of my car is the 5.11 Small Kit Tool bag I’ve already reviewed. It’s main compartment has a great slot for the Taurus, right next to the first aid kit. So the gun is as handy as the bag and locked in my trunk when not in use. Except a vehicle survival bag is hardly ever in use. As such, it is often forgotten or taken for granted. In other words, it would not be good to leave a gun in there, because it would not be in my immediate control. Worse, someone else may drive my car, decide to access the bag, or, gets pulled over by a police officer… You get the idea. Better would be a pocket holster.
Time to hear from you. What are your thoughts on off-person concealed carry?
— Mark Kakkuri
