Pistol setup for ATVing

[drowhawk]

I ride a Yamaha YXZ1000R just about every other weekend at various off-road parks/trail systems. Currently, I stuff my P320C (my EDC) in the glovebox of the machine when riding and then tuck it in my waistband if we stop somewhere. This has worked OK but it has some downfalls.

1. I cannot access my pistol quickly once it is in the glovebox. It is wrapped in fabric to protect it from all the bouncing around so it takes a minute to get to.
2. Although my 320C is a great personal defense weapon against two-legged varmint, my biggest concern where we go is bear and sometimes moose (depending on where we are). Obviously a 9mm isn't going to deter an angry bear in time.

I've been considering a Glock 20 as I've heard good things about 10mm for bear country and it is in my price range (~$600). IDK if I should still conceal my 320C for when we do stop somewhere in case I need to defend myself against a human, as opposed to the G20. I also am looking for a better mounting setup in the SXS. Keep in mind on-body carry when riding is just not an option. There is A LOT of bouncing.

 

[SomeSoldier]

I ride a Yamaha YXZ1000R just about every other weekend at various off-road parks/trail systems. Currently, I stuff my P320C (my EDC) in the glovebox of the machine when riding and then tuck it in my waistband if we stop somewhere. This has worked OK but it has some downfalls.

1. I cannot access my pistol quickly once it is in the glovebox. It is wrapped in fabric to protect it from all the bouncing around so it takes a minute to get to.
2. Although my 320C is a great personal defense weapon against two-legged varmint, my biggest concern where we go is bear and sometimes moose (depending on where we are). Obviously a 9mm isn't going to deter an angry bear in time.

I've been considering a Glock 20 as I've heard good things about 10mm for bear country and it is in my price range (~$600). IDK if I should still conceal my 320C for when we do stop somewhere in case I need to defend myself against a human, as opposed to the G20. I also am looking for a better mounting setup in the SXS. Keep in mind on-body carry when riding is just not an option. There is A LOT of bouncing.

Whats bouncing have to do with carrying?

 

[drowhawk]

I get chaffed just from the seat. I can't imagine grip stubble or a metal slide serration against my body.

 

[SomeSoldier]

I get chaffed just from the seat. I can't imagine grip stubble or a metal slide serration against my body.

T-shirt between grip and skin?

 

[Steal2B]

I will always recommend someone getting a new gun in a new caliber as a matter of scorched earth principles, but there is data ....

Handguns for Bear Defense: a Study by Caliber – Concealed Nation

One of the things most hotly debated by hunters, firearms owners, and flat-out bored people is the answer to the question: “What caliber handgun do I need to be safe against bear attack?” Not to get all clickbait-y, but the answer might surprise you. Ammoland was kind enough to make a little...

concealednation.org

 

[Catskillkid]

I will always recommend someone getting a new gun in a new caliber as a matter of scorched earth principles, but there is data ....

Handguns for Bear Defense: a Study by Caliber – Concealed Nation

One of the things most hotly debated by hunters, firearms owners, and flat-out bored people is the answer to the question: “What caliber handgun do I need to be safe against bear attack?” Not to get all clickbait-y, but the answer might surprise you. Ammoland was kind enough to make a little...

concealednation.org

Interesting article. I would've thought for sure that a .357 or .44 Mag would've definitely been the way to go, though, I get that the penetrating power of the 9mm is probably what makes it successful. .45ACP not quite as good. Maybe the bears have frying pans under their fur?

And OP...I don't see why you can't get a solid kydek or similar holster that you can securely keep on yourself. Even if you're doing tricks with the ATV I'd like to think a superior quality holster with good retention would be able to hold no matter what. Frankly, I'd trust that then just throwing it in a glove box but that' just me.

 

[SomeSoldier]

My vote, can't go wrong with 454 Casull or 480 Ruger.

Ruger® Super Redhawk® Alaskan® Double-Action Revolver Models

ruger.com

 

[BDinPutnam]

Chest rig.

 

[Steal2B]

I get chaffed just from the seat. I can't imagine grip stubble or a metal slide serration against my body.

Can't believe you went there. Not sure if you're naive or got a brass set of balls.



Anyway that's why God created Tuf-Foot spray (what pansy ass halfbacks have to use to not get blisters from cleats), Tee Shirts, Houge Rubber Grips, or holster with a body / sweat shield.

For this kind of activity I use a velcro belly band with a kydex velcro holster.

What & how do you carry when it's hotter than hell & you're gonna sweat

Question for all those who say they carry at all times as long as they're breathing....don't any of you work out? Gym? Run? Swim? I swim everyday. Please offer me some insight on carry methods without telling me to, 1- carry a Glock, or 2-don't swim (i have physical limitations that don't allow...

nygunforum.com

 

[kev74]

How about a shoulder holster?

 

[spat]

I get chaffed just from the seat. I can't imagine grip stubble or a metal slide serration against my body.

Hybrid holster like the alien gear maybe ?

That neoprene is pretty comfortable.

Also, go for the G29 and have power and concealability.

 

[Marine Cpl]

Wear a t-shirt tucked in, carry your firearm in an outside the waistband holster, and cover it with a button down shirt. Outside the waistband doesn’t push the grip on your skin. Or you can go with this. I have one and it’s very comfortable.

Hill People Gear | Real use gear for backcountry travelers

Real use gear for backcountry travelers

hillpeoplegear.com

AS far as what gun to carry, carry the one that you are accurate with. Whether it’s 9mm, .45ACP, or .40 for example. Load them with Hard Cast Bullets. Those are deep penetration hunting bullets. They will penetrate enough. Especially for black bear here in NY.

Many always recommend big bore revolvers because that is what the fat, bearded guy at the gun shop always says to buy and that is what everyone else repeats over and over but it’s better to carry what you are proficient with rather than a low capacity big bore revolver that you will miss with and miss again with due to heavy recoil and slow follow up shots.

Many bear have been successfully killed with service level calibers. This guy below did so with a 7 shot 9mm pocket pistol loaded with Hard Cast bullets from. Buffalo Bore. The key is to use the right ammo. Buffalo bore will deliver to your door.

An Official Journal Of The NRA | Alaska Outfitter Defends Fishermen from Raging Grizzly with 9mm Pistol

Two weeks ago, veteran outfitter Phil Shoemaker was guiding two fishing clients in the Alaska bush when the party came face to face with an enraged grizzly. Shoemaker, armed only with a 9mm semi-auto pistol, defended his clients and himself. Here’s his account …

www.americanhunter.org

 

[Robin]

Rides so smooth you will forget you are carrying.
Robin

 

[drowhawk]

View attachment 77168
Rides so smooth you will forget you are carrying.
Robin

You on Conesus? Someone in my neighborhood has that exact machine.

 

[drowhawk]

Thank you all for the replies! I really like the belly band idea as well as the t-shirt, OWB holster, and button-down shirt idea. You all have certainly given me some food for thought. And yes, I realize I am being a little bit of a pansy but this is also our hobby that we like to be as comfortable as possible while enjoying, hence why the suck-you-in bucket seats and 4 point harnesses make it tough to carry on body.

 

[Newguyhere]

Friend of mine has 100 acres upstate and is always atv’ing or working in the woods. He wears a Kensington chest holster and a Glock and loves it.

 

[Upstate43]

Chest holster is the way to go. I bought a Diamond D Leather holster for my S&W revolver....there are certainly less expensive options out there, but the quality is top notch and it can be adjusted to most body types. I picked mine up for tracking game through thick vegetation, but I could see its applicability to getting in and out of vehicles.

If you want to get a 10mm, go for it, but I personally wouldn't spend money just to have a "bear" gun, at least not in NY. 99.9% of black bears want nothing to do with humans. If you truly are concerned, 9mm, 40s&w and .45 acp offer some outdoor loads (buffalo bore) which could work well enough.

 

[Xae289]

Take a look at the Hill People Gear kit bag. It's a chest pack designed to carry a handgun in the main compartment and has another pouch for odds and ends. I love mine. I've used it for hunting, hiking, running, walking the dogs, bicycling, etc. It keeps your firearm well concealed and protects the trigger without needing anything else (though just for insurance I sometimes snap a kydex trigger guard over it if I'm going to be bouncing around and I'm carrying a striker fired pistol). I haven't ridden my motorcycles in a few years now, but when I start again, that's definitely how I'll carry.

Drawing from the bag is not as efficient as drawing from an openly carried chest holster, but just as efficient as drawing from an IWB holster once you've put in some reps to practice. It fits relatively large handguns too. I've heard any Glock will fit and it comfortably fit my Glock 35 (longslide .40 with a full size grip). No semi-auto I've stuffed in there has printed, including a buddy's Glock 21. I think it would fit any revolver up to a 4" barrel, but you'll have a noticeable bulge where the cylinder is if it's a big bore.

Hill People Gear | Real use gear for backcountry travelers

Real use gear for backcountry travelers

www.hillpeoplegear.com

 

[1075tech]

Maybe you can do something like this..

 

[BDinPutnam]

Take a look at the Hill People Gear kit bag. It's a chest pack designed to carry a handgun in the main compartment and has another pouch for odds and ends. I love mine. I've used it for hunting, hiking, running, walking the dogs, bicycling, etc. It keeps your firearm well concealed and protects the trigger without needing anything else (though just for insurance I sometimes snap a kydex trigger guard over it if I'm going to be bouncing around and I'm carrying a striker fired pistol). I haven't ridden my motorcycles in a few years now, but when I start again, that's definitely how I'll carry.

Drawing from the bag is not as efficient as drawing from an openly carried chest holster, but just as efficient as drawing from an IWB holster once you've put in some reps to practice. It fits relatively large handguns too. I've heard any Glock will fit and it comfortably fit my Glock 35 (longslide .40 with a full size grip). No semi-auto I've stuffed in there has printed, including a buddy's Glock 21. I think it would fit any revolver up to a 4" barrel, but you'll have a noticeable bulge where the cylinder is if it's a big bore.

Hill People Gear | Real use gear for backcountry travelers

Real use gear for backcountry travelers

www.hillpeoplegear.com

I had completely forgotten about those guys, thanks.

 

[Criticalt]

I ride 4 wheelers and horses on a daily basis.
Heres my Glock 20 in a $40 DeSantis thumb break holster. No chaffing, no issues.


I either carry that or a 357 mag. Same thing, no chaffing, no issues. Also in a DeSantis thumb break holster.


As far as caliber....
Ive spent alot of time in remote Alaska dealing with both coastal brown bears and inland Grizzlies. You would be shocked at some of the guns and calibers locals carryfor bear defense.
Everything from single shot Contenders to 9mm with 35 round extended mags.
Most guides carry 44 mag, 454 Casull or 10mm.
You really need to think of your skill and ability to stay calm. With a good timed shot you can kill a bear with a 22 LR. But 99 out of 100 times its a point and unload whatever you have.
Your chances will be better with a heavier bullet when the pressure is on.

 

[dwa12479]

If you're looking to stay concealed and IWB, you can't go wrong with the N82 Professional. There's a suede backing that completely isolates the gun from your skin, you never know it's there.

Whenever I'm at my Father-In-Laws farm in Oregon, I use a Blackhawk Serpa. We spend a ton of time on the ATV's up there with 100 acres to cover. No need to conceal, and I love the retention. I don't worry in the least about losing the gun. I know that Serpas get a lot of hate, but I like mine.

 

[SmallGameAddict]

I've stood there looking at the (stuffed) grizzly standing inside the Cabela's in Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Just those 6" claws, not to mention the power in those forelegs that can break a moose's neck with one swipe.

Caught flat-footed against an unpleasant surprise like that, 1200 lbs. of unhappy bear, even with my Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 mag on my hip, I would suddenly feel woefully inadequate.

 

[Chevusa]

Mount a cheap SERPA holster right to your ATV within easy reach. It'll be locked in and not go anywhere then you can retrieve it and carry it on you normally when you get off.

 

[BDinPutnam]

Better solution. Worked just fine for the Desert Rats against the nazzis.

 

[jimc]

There are lots of good options here for 'regular' ATV's. The OP has a machine like this:

2020 Yamaha YXZ1000R SE Pure Sport Side-by-Side - Photo Gallery, Video, Specs, Features, Offers, Inventory and more

2020 Yamaha YXZ1000R SE Pure Sport Side-by-Side

www.yamahamotorsports.com

I have a modified 4 seat Teryx and have the same problem storing a handgun. I'm not worried about bear, I just feel more comfortable carrying. We use 5 point harnesses, so on body carry isn't really an option. I end up with mine buried in a bag in trunk storage. We often go to events with lots of people we don't know, so keeping it hidden is high on my priority list. Traveling fast off road means a ton of bumps and vibration, so keeping it protected from banging around/breaking free is important as well.