About Off-Body Carry
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to talk about off-body carry today. This manner of carry has been utilized for decades by many concealed carriers. Shooters today also benefit from a wide range of holsters and bags optimal for off-body carry. Today we are going to delve into what this type of carry is and explore many considerations regarding off-body carry. Without further ado, let’s go over off-body carry.
What is Off-Body Carry?
Like the name suggests, off-body carry involves carrying a firearm off of one’s body. This is to say that a firearm is not explicitly concealed on one’s person. With this method of carry, concealed carriers typically retain their firearms in various types of bags or packs. This method of carry is primarily utilized for handguns due to their small size. In addition to handguns, some also opt to off-body carry small firearms such as short barreled rifles (SBRs) or subguns. Naturally, handguns are viable for a wider range of bags and packs than their larger counterparts are.
What Kinds of Bags and Packs are Used for Off-Body Carry?
Today, off-body carriers employ a wide range of bags and packs for carry purposes. These items range from generic, non-specialized offerings to purpose-built products optimized for carry. As long as one can reasonably retain and carry a firearm in a bag or pack, it can be used for off-body carry. Sling bags, traditional backpacks, messenger bags, and even fanny packs are commonly employed for off-body carry. Purpose-built offerings include specialty compartments for firearms. Many offerings, like those from
Vertx, take advantage of accessories such as holsters to aid in retention and optimal concealment. For example, one can utilize Vertx Tactigami accessories such as holsters and spare magazine holders.
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Provides More Utility than Just Carrying a Gun
Naturally, off-body carry provides more utility than just carrying a gun. Depending on the bag or pack one employs, one is able to effectively carry a variety of other items. Things like tools, flashlights, notepads, keys, wallets, and even spare magazines can be carried in various bags and packs. This is to say that one can easily carry everyday items and goods alongside their firearm in this capacity. Many shooters employ various types of bags and packs in their everyday lives as it is. For these people, utilizing a bag or pack for off-body carry isn’t a huge lifestyle adjustment. Of course, adding a gun to one’s baggage comes with other considerations to keep in mind.
Always Be Aware of Your Firearm’s Location
With off-body carry, you should always be aware of your firearm’s location. In everyday life, people routinely remove their bags and packs for a number of reasons. Whether one is seated at a restaurant, a bench, or in a vehicle, people often remove their baggage. In ordinary cases, if one misplaces their baggage or leaves it unattended, there is little risk beyond property loss. This all changes once a firearm becomes part of the equation. With off-body carry, one should be extremely vigilant of the bag or pack carrying their firearm at all times. If one must remove their baggage for whatever reason, they should keep an eye on it and not leave it unattended. Failing to keep an eye on one’s bag or pack with a firearm in it can lead to loss or theft. Obviously, we do not want firearms getting stolen and falling into the wrong hands. To prevent this, one should always be aware of the location of their firearm when off-body carrying.
Allows for Carry Regardless of Clothing
An advantage of off-body carry is that it allows for carry regardless of clothing. In traditional concealed carry use, prospective carriers have multiple clothing considerations to keep in mind. One must ensure that they employ a holster system or belt which is capable of supporting the full weight of their carry gun. Some types of clothing do not allow for the use of belts, nor can they support the weight of a holstered firearm. Clothing such as gym shorts or joggers are prominent examples of such clothing. Additionally, concealed carriers often choose clothing with the intent of minimizing printing to not broadcast the fact they are carrying. With an off-body carry solution, one’s selection of clothing becomes less important.
Eliminates Potential Discomfort
Due to the fact that one is not carrying on their person, off-body carry eliminates potential discomfort. Due to the wide range of body types, builds, firearms, and holsters, many factors and variables exist can influence comfort. Some people may find typical inside-the-waistband or outside-the-waistband carry to be discomforting. This is especially evident for larger body types, larger holsters, and larger firearms. With off-body carry, there is no potential for discomfort of this type to occur as the firearm is carried off one’s body.
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Ease of Arming and Disarming
Rather than having to deal with a holster on one’s body, off-body carry involves an external carry source. To begin off-body carrying, one simply needs to pick up the bag or pack containing their firearm of choice. Disarming can be accomplished in various ways. If in a secure location, one can simply take the bag or pack off and put it away. If one wishes to retain the bag or pack but remove the firearm, this is also accomplished easily. The firearm can simply be removed from the bag and stored in a separate location if needed. By being able to easily arm or disarm, off-body carry is a method of carry which allows one to easily adapt to changes.
Training is Important
As with all types of carry, training is important. This type of carry is notably more complex and involved than traditional carry methods. Drawing from inside-the-waistband or outside-the-waistband holsters is a natural act for many. Traditional holsters are easily accessible on one’s waistline and do not require the additional work that off-body carry options need. With many off-body carry solutions, one needs to open the bag or pack to access their firearm. This often involves undoing clasps or unzipping a compartment. One must factor these additional steps and the more involved draw process into their training regimen if they intend on engaging in off-body carry. Neglecting to practice the deployment of one’s firearms regardless of carry method is a detriment to their self-defensive capabilities. Be sure to practice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, off-body carry is a popular and viable method for carrying firearms. Many concealed carriers employ this method for various firearms and other items. While this method comes with additional considerations, one can certainly train around them and use off-body carry to their benefit. At True Shot Ammo carry a number of
bags optimal for off-body carry in addition to our
ammo for sale. Our inventory of
ammunition for sale encompasses popular calibers and gauges like
9mm,
5.56,
12 gauge, and
.22 LR. Whether you want to
buy a bag or pack for off-body carry or
buy bulk ammo, we have you covered. As always, happy shooting.
