Looking for suggestions for a fairly compact over the shoulder bag (I would want the bag to fall around the lower hip area). I'm looking for a bag large enough to carry a P228 (at the most). I would most likely be carrying a snubbie, but I like to carry my 228 as well.

My primary use for this would be for when I walk my dog and when I ride my bike. I want something that I can quickly throw over my shoulder. I want it to safely secure my weapon with quick access as well as provide additional storage for cell phone and keys. Additionally I want the strapping mechanism to be very strong so that it could not be ripped off my shoulder. I also want something that seems more hipster / metro, than camo/war zone/tactical/look at me I have a gun.

I've looked at the maxpedition stuff (which looks really nice), but everything seems way to big. I really like the design of the fatboy versipack, but in the pictures on their website it looks pretty big (any reviews of actual size and wearability would be appreciated). If it was 30-40% smaller without all the additional pouches attached I think it would be perfect. The manta looks like it has some promise, but once again, its rather large.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I like a "gun only " bag also , I have six
"gun only " bags ( + one or two mags )

I find mine at garage sales, in the $1.00 box, or the .50 cent table.

one held a poleroid camera, one is an insulated pop or water bottle carrier, one is for a thermous and sandwich tote.

they don't shout firearm ! they are not " tacticle" .

I avoid the zippered ones, as cheap zippers can be unreliable , all mine close with Velcro.

You may want to look at Maxpedition (www.maxpedition.com). They have several options and sizes to choose from.

Check out the edcforum.com there are a lot of non-tactical style smaller bags. If I were you I would probaby check your local Target, last time I was there they had a fair amount of Swissgear small satchel/messenger style bags.

Thanks for the recommendation Frank. The edcforums had a wealth of information, and I think I like the 5.11 sere bag although it is still a bit large for my tastes.

My main concern with non-purpose built bags(ie target and walmart) is the strength of the shoulder strap and the ergonomics of gun removal. I think bendable brings up a very good point about the unreliability of zippers.


I went ahead an ordered the SERE bag. AT $34.99 it seems like a steal compared to the other EDC type bags on the market. If the SERE bag doesn't work out, I think I will make a bag to fit my purposes, with gun access via zipper or velcro. IE: the gun pouch will be a flap that is held down by industrial velcro. The flap will also have a zipper on it so that the gun could be accessed quietly (try quielty opening industrial velcro). In the event that the zipper stuck, snagged, etc, then I could just pull the flap and get at it.

Now I just need to go see what kind of durable canvas/nylon/codura fabric I can find at JoAnn fabrics.

The SERE bag looks like a solid choice to me. Another place you can look for some really neat gear is a company out of CA called Countycomm. They do small government/leo contract runs and sell some things through their website. Nice stuff reasonable prices. I tend to agree about the non gun bags sometimes needing reinforcement.

Here you go.

http://www.lapolicegear.com/mafaves.html

This bag is great. Side pockets for spare mag and flashlight, large main compartment, a few small pockets on the front for organization, and a zippered pocket on the back for your pistol.

Redtape I do like the fatboy but the additional side packs make it look a little too tactical for me and make it look bulkier than it is. I really want something that can pass for a netbook case, or a daily organizer. I would hate to spend $70 for a bag then start cutting things off to make it fit my needs.

I'll report back on how the SERE bag is working once I've tried it out for a little bit.

it looks alittle less tactical if you get black or the two colored ones I think.

ACTEG,

I have the regular Versipack from Maxpedition and use it for just about the same things you're planning to use the SERE bag for. It works well and is quite a bit smaller than the Fatboy Versipack. If the SERE doesn't work out for you I think the regular Versipack will fit the bill. BTW- the pack is VERY well made and durable. The zipper seems almost indestructible. Good luck with your purchase and let us know how it works out.

Regards,

S-

quote:

Originally posted by ACTEG:
Redtape I do like the fatboy but the additional side packs make it look a little too tactical for me and make it look bulkier than it is. I really want something that can pass for a netbook case, or a daily organizer. I would hate to spend $70 for a bag then start cutting things off to make it fit my needs.

I'll report back on how the SERE bag is working once I've tried it out for a little bit.

Like murray said, a different color looks less tactical and I believe they make different sizes and models. I haven't found anything else that size that has as good construction or organization.

Sounds like you are looking for a Safepacker.

I like my Fatboy a lot, but its gun pouch is too small for a P228, IMO. P245 is OK, SP101 is great. I use the main pouch for other things, but there is plenty of room for a P228 there. The Jumbo probably better as the gun pouch is wider, but I haven't tested mine yet; the whole bag is even bigger, so likely not what you want, though.

second the safepacker. I have one and use it in exactly the way yu are describing it but for a 226.

Another big amen for the Safepacker! My oldest one is Colt Commander-sized, which means I have had it a very long time; I think I sold my Commander in 1991. Since then, it has carried several short-barreled revolvers, and since 2004, it has occasionally held a P229, though it is a tighter fit than I like for the latter. My newer one is sized for a Colt Government +1", and has been used to carry a 1911, several sixguns, and presently, mostly a P229.

I only occasionally sling it on a strap. For walking the dogs, or riding a bicycle, I wear it on a belt. For around-town use, I usually hand-carry it. Just to be clear, when I hand-carry a Safepacker, or have it slung on a strap, I virtually always WEAR another concealed handgun, too. A Safepacker is a great way to carry a big fightin' handgun when it may be difficult to conceal a large weapon under the clothing.

quote:

for a Colt Government +1", and has been used to carry a 1911, several sixguns, and presently, mostly a P229.

third the safepacker I have one and it is very versatile and does not look "tactical" at all

So, the SERE pack is in and I really like it. The size is just about right. It has two main pockets. One is a zippered opening that is close to the body and behind the top flap. This opening is perfect for a gun. The positioning and angle makes it perfect to draw from. When I walk my dog I usually have the zipper open half way so that if I need to get to my gun I can just shove my hand in (pushing the zipper the rest of the way open). My 228 fits in there with a good bit of room. I'd imagine a 226 or a full size 1911 would fit as well. The other pocket is under the top flap and it is the main compartment.

Quality is great, and it works great for my intended purpose. Best of all it was $38 shipped.

I would do a more in-depth review, but its already been done.

click on the link and scroll about 3/4 of the way down if your interested.

http://edcforums.com/index.php?topic=14373.0

quote:

Originally posted by bjor13:

quote:

for a Colt Government +1", and has been used to carry a 1911, several sixguns, and presently, mostly a P229.

third the safepacker I have one and it is very versatile and does not look "tactical" at all

FWIW, when I go places such as the upscale Galleria Mall in Houston, and sling or hand-carry a Safepacker, I get no strange glances at all. Most people, including security guards and moonlighting LEOs working the entrances of gun-free zones, have no idea I am toting a handgun right past them. Yes, it IS legal for me, as a peace officer, to carry in most gun-free zones, especially in Texas.