review of Gun Gear's fanny pack

[knkali]

http://www.gungear.com/cgi-bin/ez-catalog/cat_display.cgi?account=X300536;search=3;search=Co ncealed%20Weapon%20Fanny%20Packs;limit=category;v= 2.0
Both come with a holster that is velcro'd on the back of the pack. I had to restitich the generic shape to fit the P40 more snug. No big deal but glad I had it done.

I ordered the small and the medium for my P40. I really wanted the small size to work but after many attempts at repositioning the gun and trying to open the pack, the gun would catch at either the rear sight when the zipper ran by it or the lower edge of the grip 50% of the time. I abandoned it and went with the medium size. There are NO hang ups when opening the pack but I do have more room than needed. Since there are no 1/2 sizes and having a smoother deploy is better, I will stick with the medium.

Both are the same design but the small, for some reason, is built better. The materials seem heavier duty. The medium not so much. I think with daily use, the medium pack will need replacing every 1 to 2 years--just a guess. The small looks more like the 2 year mark. Both have enough room for an extra mag velcro'd next to the gun. They sell the mags holders for an extra 1-2 dollors. At $52 shipped, no big deal if they do not last years and years. I had no problems storing my keys, fob, smart phone, wallet and extra stuff in both sizes.

I like the shape and the usable storage available. The zippers are smooth even with loaded up pockets. The look is less tactical than the Kabar and some of the other packs I saw out there. I jogged a bit with it and found the bounce to be enough that I wouldnt run miles with it. A thicker waist band would be ideal but the one that comes with it does the job.

In short, I feel it is well positioned in the market place for the price point. Gun Gear was very prompt with the ground shipping. One thing I would consider is having the holsters they sell sewn up to match your gun better than the generic version that comes with it. A shoe repair shop did this for a few bucks.

The second thing I would consider is cutting the zipper pull tabs a little shorter on the actual gun pouch so they do not get accidently grabbed when going for the rip cord. I did this, and it worked well.

Hope this is useful.

[JFootin]

Good report!

[knkali]

thanx :)

[yqtszhj]

You noted that you wouldn't jog for miles with it but do you think it would be good for a day hike through the woods or something like that?

[knkali]

You noted that you wouldn't jog for miles with it but do you think it would be good for a day hike through the woods or something like that?

perfect for that

[yqtszhj]

perfect for that

Thanks

[JFootin]

Here's a Bulldog Fanny Pack, small or medium size, for $13.06:
http://www.lowpriceguns.com/product.php_270479

The price difference is dramatic, to say the least.

[Longitude Zero]

Excellent report. I would NOT advise to carry a fanny pack in any context other than maybe jogging on in the woods. In an urban environment thugs know about them and automatically assume you are packing. This telegraphing is NOT beneficial as many street thugs are drawn to you as a challenge and not put off as a deterent..

[knkali]

Excellent report. I would NOT advise to carry a fanny pack in any context other than maybe jogging on in the woods. In an urban environment thugs know about them and automatically assume you are packing. This telegraphing is NOT beneficial as many street thugs are drawn to you as a challenge and not put off as a deterent..

I agree.... what about the converse.... could it ever be something that makes thugs look for an easier mark too? Do you really feel it never is a deterent?

[knkali]

Here's a Bulldog Fanny Pack, small or medium size, for $13.06:
http://www.lowpriceguns.com/product.php_270479

The price difference is dramatic, to say the least.

great price. I wish I saw that earlier

[Barth]

I agree.... what about the converse.... could it ever be something that makes tugs look for an easier mark too? Do you really feel it never is a deterent?

I do think a fair number of people know exactly what it is.
It may no scream, but it sure does whisper - gun
When Florida started it's current concealed carry law It appeared that the crime rate actually dropped. The dirty little secret was that tourists were being targeted more often. Presumably because they were less likely to be armed than the locals.

After carrying that way for several years, it did appear to be a deterrent (to me). My issue was I felt I had lost the all important element of surprise. If I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, walking into a robbery in progress, I might just get shot strait up.

Everyone has their own opinions and I can respect that.
We can agree to disagree. It's nice to hear all the thoughts on these
issues.

[Rainman48314]

Excellent report. I would NOT advise to carry a fanny pack in any context other than maybe jogging on in the woods. In an urban environment thugs know about them and automatically assume you are packing. This telegraphing is NOT beneficial as many street thugs are drawn to you as a challenge and not put off as a deterent..
Can you back up that statement with even one study or is it pure hunch?

[mr surveyor]

I figure the common street thugs to be totally ignorant of Concealed Carry laws, and at best (or worse) would see a fanny pack as a target for goodies. Now, there are a few low lifes out there that know how to use certain basic technology, such as "Google Earth" to find trails and access points to "unsecured" sites that may have easily accessable (to them) access to semi-precious metals (copper wire, brass, steel, etc) or access to normally difficult areas of other targets of opportunity. I would bet that the common street thug/gang banger is going to recognize a fanny pack as a bag full of goodies waiting to be taken.

Personally, as long as I am vertical (bi-pedal), I will continue to carry my "stuff" in pockets, and my handgun either IWB or OWB under a cover garment, or "boot carry". I have a great deal of respect for Bawanna's situation, but also see that he does have some carry advantages that the rest of us fortunate bi-pedal folks may have. Things like fanny packs and other "hides" for handguns would normally go unnoticed to the normal hoodlum. The fanny pack may be "comfortable" to some, but I would not find it to be "comforting".

Sorry for the ramble...I have too man irons in the fire to be coherent half the time (but I still have to tag the thread:D).


surv

[knkali]

Since I have adopted the fanny pack carry I have worked on the deploy like crazy. Actually, for me, it is more predictable than my holster draw and just as fast as my fastest holster draw. The predictability comes with not having to worry about or deal with different shirt fitments and pant heights ect. The fanny pack removes these variables. There is no question in my mind that the professional thug is getting trainning too or at least spending time at the range; therefore, many probably can recognize a ccw fanny pack from a German tourist. This was confirmed by a forum member here who I believe was retired LEO(not the tourist part). I do not remember his handle though. I do have a problem with the fanny pack deploy in that I do cross my forearm with the muzzle 100% of the time. Also firing from retention is not very possible w/ the pack. I do have tremendous clothing options with the pack. Hey I want to look good too.:yo:

[knkali]

I do think a fair number of people know exactly what it is.
It may no scream, but it sure does whisper - gun
When Florida started it's current concealed carry law It appeared that the crime rate actually dropped. The dirty little secret was that tourists were being targeted more often. Presumably because they were less likely to be armed than the locals.

After carrying that way for several years, it did appear to be a deterrent (to me). My issue was I felt I had lost the all important element of surprise. If I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, walking into a robbery in progress, I might just get shot strait up.

Everyone has their own opinions and I can respect that.
We can agree to disagree. It's nice to hear all the thoughts on these
issues.

IMHO well said

[knkali]

I wish I could wear without consideration of ccw like AZ. I am not sure if AZ is still like this--it has been 20 years since I was in AZ and saw peeps carrying exposed. My ss kimber would be a very nice addition to any fashon ensemble.

[Barth]

I do have a problem with the fanny pack deploy in that I do cross my forearm with the muzzle 100% of the time.

You didn't mention exactly how you're carrying?
I ended up going cross draw, with the pack on my weak side.
This made for a sweet draw.
Try it, you might like it...

[knkali]

You didn't mention exactly how you're carrying?
I ended up going cross draw, with the pack on my weak side.
This made for a sweet draw.
Try it, you might like it...
Not sure how that improves things. If the pack is in front of you the only option is a x draw--right? If I open with my weak hand or draw with it, what would be different. Not attacking, just making sure I understand.

[Barth]

Not sure how that improves things. If the pack is in front of you the only option is a x draw--right? If I open with my weak hand or draw with it, what would be different. Not attacking, just making sure I understand.

Maybe it doesn't.
Just a suggestion.
I don't understand either.
If the pack is on your left hip (on the side).
You open with your left hand.
And cross draw with your right.
How do you "cross your forearm with the muzzle 100% of the time"?

[knkali]

I have the pack in front. When I pull it open with my weak hand, my forearm is in front of the muzzle unless I let go of the lanyard and move my weak hand to my chest when I draw.