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I was riding my Harley today wearing a square cut shirt covering my Colt Commander in a Galco Royal Guard IWB holster. I'm on the highway and cruising along at around 75 enjoying the beautiful Texas afternoon. I'm passing some cars and sometimes cars were passing me. At some point, something just didn't "feel right", so I ran my left hand around my back to my strong side where I discovered that the wind had blown my shirt up over and behind the butt of the gun. So the gun was essentially fully visible.

Needless to say, I rearranged my shirt as best as I could and continued on.

I've lost some weight lately, and some of my clothes fit me more loosely than they used to. This shirt would never have done this before losing the weight.

I'm guessing that none of the motorists around me noticed anything or if they did they just shrugged it off, because nothing came of it. I stayed on the same stretch of road (TX SH71 Westbound) for 10 minutes or so before reaching my destination and had no unexpected "contacts".

FWIW, the bike is a Sportster, so it doesn't look like a police type bike which would usually be an Electra-Glide or one of their other big models with bags, fairing, etc.

Basically, I just kept my cool and kept doing what I was doing.

Anybody think I could have gotten in trouble for this? The way I see it, I didn't do anything "...wantonly, knowingly, or recklessly...".

frankie_the_yankee wrote:Anybody think I could have gotten in trouble for this? The way I see it, I didn't do anything "...wantonly, knowingly, or recklessly...".

Yes, I think it's possible that you could have been charged with failure to conceal. Obviously, it would depend on the discretion of the LEO. As far as proving it in court, it could go either way. I suspect you already know that, but you asked if you could have gotten in trouble. I am sure you will re-evaluate your concealment technique before your next ride.

Everyone knows motorcycle gang members carry guns Frankie, so it was not a surprise to see an armed guy. Seriously, as you said, if you don't make a deal out of it most folks will not either.

Funny story: I was at a BBQ place on Friday and met two friends for lunch. There were a bunch of bikes lined up outside, and through the window you could see the bikers inside. I dared one of the guys I was with to go push over the one on the end so they would topple like dominoes and see how fast they would come running out.

As we finished going through line, we started heading their direction and I could see them in a group all wearing blue jeans and various Harley and other assorted t-shirts. I noticed a couple of the guys that were angled away from me had 'bulges' along their waist at about 4-5 o'clock. I was front pocket carrying my Kahr PM9 and noticed one of the guys glance at the shape on my right thigh, then he made eye contact. I nodded and he went back to eating his lunch and talking with the others.

We finished eating before they did and left as they continued their lunch. The whole time I was there I really didn't feel concerned for my safety or that any kind of trouble was afoot. I never went out of yellow to orange. As a matter of fact, I felt rather comfortable and at ease knowing that there were at least 3 of us in the place armed.

The group of 'bikers' were all City of Plano motorcycle officers with their city cruisers. They were apparently taking some training that day and allowed to be in plain clothes. The police station is only about 2 blocks away.

Would you have had an issue? Depends on if the LEO was a Harley fan or not!

(you know this is coming)

obviously open carry isn't that big a deal in Texas.

lrb111 wrote:(you know this is coming)

obviously open carry isn't that big a deal in Texas.

Chill, dude. The element of intent is lacking in your case.

Well first I would say you should be wearing a jacket to protect against possible road rash! I only carry my Kel-Tex when on my bike. I carry it in the front right pocket of my coat and it has a zipper on it. No problems!

frankie_the_yankee wrote:FWIW, the bike is a Sportster,

You should of got the dinette set instead!!!

I apologize, I shouldn't have typed that, but it was the first thing that popped into my head.

frankie_the_yankee wrote:

lrb111 wrote:(you know this is coming)

obviously open carry isn't that big a deal in Texas.