TexasCHLforum.com

Embalmo wrote:...Still, I'm looking for the perfect top loading design with a heavy magnet latch and a back-up "click" buckle (kinda' like a camera bag, except with a magnet also).

You really should take a look at the Galco fanny pack. There are two zippers on the compartment and a tpa (that looks just like a zipper pull) that is part of the outer flap. You just zip both zippers closed to the corner wher the tab is. A swift pull on the tab pulls the from flap open, unzipping both zippers at the same time. It's much quicker than trying to actually unzip a zipper. The holster part is actually a neoprene backing built into the pack with an elastic and velcro strap to aid retention (although it's not really needed). The way it fits my Kahr K40, I can draw the gun without even having to undo the strap. There's also provisions for a spare mag. (Sorry for the fuzzy pics. They were taken in a mirror and the camera had a bit of trouble.) I think that if you're going to carry in a fanny pack, the best way to go is to get one that is actually made for that purpose.

The very idea of being made by a thief who will then confront you to take you gun is ludicrous. If a thief thinks you are aremed, he will simply avoid you. Guns are WAY to easy to get for a BG to risk a drrect confrontation just to get another gun. Predators attack the defenseless, they don't go looking for the target that is most likely to fight back.

I agree that the CHL Instructor who gave the treatise on the evils "indirect" carry was expressing opinion and overlooked the many situtation when it is actually the best solution available. Also, he seemed to assume that you would have absolutely no way to stop the confrontation from actually getting to the point that you're handing over your fanny pack. Apparently, he doesn't talk about situational awareness in his classes.

I've had a Galco Escort since 1996. It's not my usual daily mode of carry, but it does get pressed into service for certain circumstances. For example, it's the best way I've found to carry while on my motorcycle. My gun is easily accessable, doesn't get flashed when I take of my jacket, and the bag blends right in to the rest of the black synthetic gear I wear. I also like it for time when I'm wearing gym shorts and the like, which don't offer enough support for another type of holster.

I've never had a single person "make" me while I was using the Escort. The design of the Escort allows you to pull the gun compartment open very easily rather than having to unzip it. It's really pretty fast. It carries the gun and a spare mag, plus it has enough room in the non-gun compartments to hold wallet, keys, change, etc...