packing on the farm

[jimg]

There have been a number of threads about carrying firearm(s) on the farm but not much on the practical details. To me wearing a holster just doesnt work much of the time. All the extra maintenance from dirt and sweat makes it problematic at best. The last thing I want to do at the end of a long day is clean a weapon & holster. Also a belt holster seems to be in the way more than not. Not sure a leg holster would work any better. Then theres the issue of discretion, not always do I want it visible. In some cases a long gun might work if I can figure out where to mount it out of the way (on the tractor) but still have it accessible. OTOH if Im away from the tractor Im also away from the weapon.

I guess its the wide range of use thats getting me. Sometimes Im doing field work, sometimes passing cash w/ a customer, sometimes working on my machines, sometimes cruising my land, sometimes walking/riding between farms etc.

I'd like to hear what you're doing and how you decided on a particular method...and how its working out.

 

[rtimgray]

If I carried around on the farm, and the few times that I have, I think it is probablyl more important to pick a particular weapon to carry. When I tote one around, it is a simple, beat up single action revolver, with the hammer resting on an empty cylinder (load 1, skip 1, load 4 more). I usually toss it in the toolbox. Please note, this a $100 gun. However, it is safe to shoot and reasonably accurate. I would not carry a nicer weapon in this way. Your firepower is also limited to 5 rounds, but after all, you're at home. Not saying something worse couldn't happen, but where do you draw the line (i.e. hi-capacity .45, extra clips, back-up gun, etc.)

A lot just depends on your intention of using (varmints and snakes, you will likely not need more than 5 shots). If it comes to personnel defense, that is a different ball of wax.

That's just what I do. Good luck.

 

[LC '92]

I frequently carry on the farm. Usually a stainless S&W with a 3" barrel. The holster is a high ride belt model that rides just over my right back pocket. If I don't want anybody to see it, I pull my shirt tail out.

The stainless guns are very corrosion resistant, but the leather holsters take a beating. They should be considered a consumable.

I've also been known to carry a Glock 23 in the same location. The Tenifer finish on them protects from the sweat corrosion. Glocks come with a high ride poly holster that is both good and will not degrade from sweat.

I hope this was helpful.

Jeff

 

[LBrown59]

There have been a number of threads about carrying firearm(s) on the farm but not much on the practical details. To me wearing a holster just doesnt work much of the time. All the extra maintenance from dirt and sweat makes it problematic at best. The last thing I want to do at the end of a long day is clean a weapon & holster. Also a belt holster seems to be in the way more than not. Not sure a leg holster would work any better. Then theres the issue of discretion, not always do I want it visible.
In some cases a long gun might work if I can figure out where to mount it out of the way (on the tractor) but still have it accessible.OTOH if Im away from the tractor Im also away from the weapon.

I guess its the wide range of use thats getting me. Sometimes Im doing field work, sometimes passing cash w/ a customer, sometimes working on my machines, sometimes cruising my land, sometimes walking/riding between farms etc.

I'd like to hear what you're doing and how you decided on a particular method...and how its working out.

I'd be afraid somebody would get to the tractor and the gun before i did!
L B

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

i'm curious about this too.....if it's not convienent, i'm sure i won't do it......

plus, i run home from work, go to the garage right then, etc.....

i think the idea of carrying a gun is great, i know i'd never have it on me when i need it- being for self defense, rabid dog, etc....

 

[the_sandman_454]

plus, i run home from work, go to the garage right then, etc.....

i think the idea of carrying a gun is great, i know i'd never have it on me when i need it- being for self defense, rabid dog, etc....

Well for the run home from work and go to the garage thing, you're in Ohio, where you can now get a concealed carry permit so you can just keep it in your vehicle. Store it in a small safe you can install in the car for those times you can't have it on your person (at work, the post office, etc).

I always have a firearm on my person when outside the home except at work or the post office. I tend to carry a J frame revolver in a pocket holster. Of course a 1911 in an outside the waistband holster is my other option.

I could fit my J frame in the tool compartment on the left fender of my JD 3520 if I didn't want it on my person, that way it's relatively secure since nobody knows it's there, but you still have it nearby just in case.

Of course if I'm going to go check on something that doesn't seem right or what have you, I'll probably still have a sidearm, but also a long arm. In my case, a 16" AR15. IMO it doesn't hurt to be a bit prepared.

In case of varmints while out tractoring, I'm tempted to rig up a way to mount a hard or soft case for a rifle to the back of the ROPS on the tractor, just in case an opportunity for a shot at something like a coyote, etc presents itself.

 

[schmism]

3rrl has a good pic of the rifle sling he keeps on the FEL loader arm connection point. out of the way, easy to get to both on and off the tractor.

i often wear side slung suspenders. because they attach at my "hindge point" of my waist i find them to do there job, but not get in my way.

if i were to pick a holster it would be similar.

 

[WarrenF]

Just remember all. Concealed carry permits are for CONCEALED WEAPONS. You can carry a weapon on your person OUT IN THE OPEN in most states. You can have a weapon in your car or truck as long as it is out in the open.

and to all of you, I say CARRY. Be well armed. However remember this. If you pull your weapon in self defense, you better make darn sure that you USE IT. Don't just try to bluff your way through a situation.

 

[Podunkadunk]

I keep this in my pocket all the time, whether out working, eating in a restaraunt, in the mall with my wife, etc.

Not a hand cannon, but better than nothing. Wipes down easily and in less than a couple minutes.

Ruger LCP .380

 

[schmism]

i was going to suggest something like that in a .22 version. All my "work" pants/shorts are cargo. I could easily carry something like that in a side cargo pocket.

 

[thl]

The Springfield M6 Scout in stainless. Folding 410 shotgun & 22 hornet combination. I've got a scabbard slightly below and next to my seat where it resides.

 

[LBrown59]

Do you have to have a Concealed carry permit to carry on your own property?
L B

Just remember all. Concealed carry permits are for CONCEALED WEAPONS. You can carry a weapon on your person OUT IN THE OPEN in most states. You can have a weapon in your car or truck as long as it is out in the open.

and to all of you, I say CARRY. Be well armed. However remember this. If you pull your weapon in self defense, you better make darn sure that you USE IT. Don't just try to bluff your way through a situation.

 

[jimg]

Ive already decided what Im going to carry around, just cant figure out how to. My Glocks will stand up to sweat and dirt BUT they do need to be cleaned. I suspect too after some time the ammo will also be effected. As I said, at the end of the day Im ready to rest not mess about cleaning my HG. I want to keep it on me or at least close enough to get to it but its hot and humid down here and it wont be long before Im soaking wet...enough to wring out my shirt and pants. Along w/ that theres all the dirt which now wants to stick to the wet spots (all of me). Wearing it also has to be comfortable and not likely to wear raw spots and be out of the way.

Actually I thought Id try a split scheme where I keep a long gun on the tractor (when I operating it over a period of time). Once Im off the tractor I could figure a mean to keep a HG close. I think its the HG part thats hanging me up.

 

[WTA]

I have a gun shop here on my farm, I'm a gunsmith. We don't have much walk in traffic at all because I mainly work on military weapons but the ones we do have personally come out to the farm have spread the word about me. Before I started packing all the time we had three robbery attempts. One I actually caught in the act when I got a call from my alarm company and beat the cops here. I had a pistol in my jeep that day luckily.
Now I work from home exclusively and am armed all the time. It's amazing that noone has tried it since word got around about that. One of my neighbors has even spread a rumor that I killed a guy trying to break in. It's not true but it sure deterred some people that were thinking abut being stupid. Then a few months ago some real idiot tried to kill the lady next door with a big knife. She had a pistol in her pocket and took care of that problem real fast!

The way I think, if you are going to carry a gun openly then first make sure it's legal to do so. If it is then wear it proudly and make sure everyone can see it.

I had a western rig custom made for my pistol and it sticks out like a sore thumb but it's extremely comfortable. About the only time I take it off is showering, eating, sleeping and when I am on the tractor. Then I have a short barreled 12 gauge instead.

Here's a pic of my pistol rig.

Here's my rifle that I carry when I'm working way out in the field sometimes.

I'm just not getting robbed out here.

If you want a really good, safe and comfortable carry holster then contact Black Hills leather. The owner can custom make anything you want just the way you want it. He is the one that made mine. I also have a really nice clip pouch on the other side of the belt. The rig is a little heavy but it fits me perfect and I don't even realize I'm wearing it much now. That's the difference between an off the shelf holster and a custom made one.

Also that M6 scout is single shot on both barrels if I remember right. If you are going to use it for self defense then a single shot is the last gun you want to have. Most people miss the first shot when under stress and having to defend themselves. Cops do too. It's best to have more than the average bad guy at least and they more often than not carry cheap throw away revolvers.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

good point....

that's why i keep ole' betsy right beside the bed with 5 in the mag and 13 more rounds on it......then, in the night stand there is a 15rd 9mm with a couple of extra clips.......

i learned my lesson and from my grandpa, that suprise is 90% of the attack and from now on, if i hear the back door being kicked in, they can come to me and i'm ready for a small war in my bedroom.......

Also that M6 scout is single shot on both barrels if I remember right. If you are going to use it for self defense then a single shot is the last gun you want to have. Most people miss the first shot when under stress and having to defend themselves. Cops do too. It's best to have more than the average bad guy at least and they more often than not carry cheap throw away revolvers.

 

[riptides]

My pack consists of one 150lb mutt, one 120lb mutt. If someone makes it through them, there are other various defense in-depth approaches we have taken.

 

[RoyJackson]

The easiest way to pack (IMHO) is pocket carry. Downside is the limited access to the gun if you're seatbelted on the tractor. Of course, pocket carry only works with a small handgun, so you have to determine the risk vs. benefits of carrying a small gun.
I don't have one, but the chest holster used to carry hunting revolvers and such might be something to consider. Here's a review of one. Since I wear bib overalls, a belt holster won't work for me, but this chest holster would do fine

As far as what to carry...Glocks are pretty tough and don't require daily cleaning. The 9mm models (17 and 19) are extremely durable and ammo is relatively inexpensive. Just make sure the ammo feeds reliably (my 17 eats Speer Gold Dots with no problems...but my 19 doesn't).

Of course, I just toss a little .38 in my pocket (with a holster). That's worked for me in my circumstances for a lot of years.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

If I am going out to the vineyard, orchard or any of the fields for a long day of spraying or such where I know I am going to be on the tractor all day I use my shoulder holster and carry my Glock. If I am going to be on and off the tractor all day then I leave it in the gun safe at home. I have not tried to mount a gun boot to carry a rifle on the tractor because I really do not want the gun being bounced around all day long day after day.

 

[litework]

The way I might carry in public is a lot different than the way I might carry on the farm or in the woods. When I open carry and discretion is not necessary, I'm usually carrying one of my hog-legs or a large framed 10mm auto at the minimum. These guns aren't "tacticool" but they extend my range a bit when I'm more concerned with animals that walk on all fours.

The only way I have found to comfortably carry a large gun is with a bandolier holster. Similar to this... Galco holsters; Holsters; Gun holster, pistol holsters, western holsters, shoulder holsters, leather holster and Glock holsters

I realize that I am sacrificing a lot of speed for comfort, but your firearm is a lot more accessible from a sitting position.

 

[LBrown59]

the way I might carry on the farm

Do you have to have a concealed carry permit to carry a concealed weapon on your own property ?
L B