I'm a beach bum of sorts, but the beach I frequent is in a high-crime area. I need to find a gun and carry system that will allow me to have some protection for my fun in the sun. I love my Sig but it's just unconcealable in board shorts and no shirt so I'm looking at my .380 options. My considerations:
- Could be exposed to saltwater. Not planning to take it on a swim, but stuff happens.
-Sand may be an issue.
-Needs to be concealed without a shirt.
-There could be problems with printing if I unexpectedly get wet.
I was looking at the Kel-tec and the LCP but the LCP is backordered into the next century. Any suggestions on a weapon for this role? What about some ideas for carry methods? I'm keeping an open mind about this one."
Another consideration: caliber should be able to stop a dog. Seems a lot of scumbags in our area pile into one van, with their pitbulls, and drive from Compton, etc. to the beach, paying 5 bucks for parking, with 10 gang members, and their dogs. Ok, I exaggerate a little, but not much.
Here is my plan. Use a beachy, long sleeve, surfer style shirt. When you want to get sun, you can tie it around your waist, hiding your gun. Your only real carry choice is Thunderwear, or whatever they call it now.
For shorts, board shorts aren't going to give you much concealability, so, shop carefully, buy big. I do have a couple pair that have front pockets, and, with a pocket holster, I can carry a baby beretta, or an ultra light S&W, or similar alloy gun. A better solution for shorts are cut offs, big and baggy. That's what the gang guys wear, and, they have a reason.
The other carry method is a fanny pack. That sort of yells gun, but, at least you have one.
Sand does get everywhere. I suspect your only safe bet is to put the gun in a plastic bag, and use a hammerless revolver, pulling the trigger through the bag..??? Adds to problems of actually using the gun, but, it's better then not having one.
If you use thunderwear, 340 S&W, using .357, at least 148 grain bullets. Think trying to stop a pitbull.
As for the folks that say don't go to that beach:
I've found some of the nicest isolated beaches aren't immune from having a bunch of gang punks pull up, and decide it's their beach, and, you are in the way. They get drunk, they let their dogs off leash, and, you have to hope their dogs have better sense then they do...
Can of pepper spray is an excellent idea, as well.
The spear gun idea has merit in another, rather weird way. You could bring your gear, and, you can put a bang stick on the end of the spear gun. That gives you an impact 12 gauge, legal, and, right out in the open. Check your state laws, however.
I've often thought about carrying one while surfing...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powerhead
