Riverdog wrote:
I have been wondering about OC while riding a motorcycle. My CPL renewal hasn't come through yet (I'm an idiot and let it lapse) and I'll be doing a weekend motorcycle camping ride in the Olympics. Having read RCW 9.41.050, specifically section 2a:
(2)(a) A person shall not carry or place a loaded pistol in any vehicle unless the person has a license to carry a concealed pistol and: (i) The pistol is on the licensee's person, (ii) the licensee is within the vehicle at all times that the pistol is there, or (iii) the licensee is away from the vehicle and the pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.
Now I understand that a motorcycle is considered a vehicle. However, the "in" gives me cause to question, as I technically ride on the externals of the vehicle.
So, does anyone have experience or expertise in the matter? In my head my options are:
- Open carry a loaded firearm on the motorcycle and see where that leads
- Open carry an unloaded firearm, keeping a magazine handy
- Store the pistol in my locking box in my saddle bag
Away from the motorcycle I'll be OCing. I'm just curious my options while riding.
First, Riverdog, I want to apologize for muddying up the water around your question. I certainly didn't set out to get involved in a pissing contest.
Next, I think I better explain my method better, and what works or might not.
First, as a holder of a CPL, I can carry concealed anytime, except witin the NP's. The obvious answer there is to unload and put the sidearm away. How far you deem it necessary to separate gun and clip/ammo, you be the judge. I got read the riot act- but let go- some time ago for having the 2 in proximity. Thus my opinion that putting gun and ammo in separate bags precludes that argument.
My OC treads close to the line. It is a high ridiing holster on my belt. It is covered but for the last inch of barrel/slide when on the bike. I could easily argue it is concealed. It's no more apparent than a gun that's printing thru clothing.
Once off the bike and coat removed, it is OC.
As to OC on a motorcycle, it would seem that it would need to be unloaded. If that is the case, it's as well off in a bag with ammo nearby as it is on your person. It's not very instant either way.
The whole thing seems like a matter of small significance if you will soon get your CPL. Carry it concealed on the bike and the argument over just how ends.
Now if you wanna see a whole 'nother set of arguments (thanks but not for me) ask a bunch of M/C riders how to carry concealed on the bike. There's all kinds of opinions on where, what condition, what injuries might result if you crash with pistol in this position or that, yadda, yadda.
Have fun at Kalaloch! I was just there last week! Very nice ride. I touched the 4 corners of WA.