swimsuit carry,....no, seriously

luke1 · March-06-14 18:03

No joke, I'll be taking the wife and kids on vacation up to northern michigan this summer to Mackinac, and seeing as to how I have my CCW for now,...(please don't try and "keep me safe" libs)...so naturally I'll be safely excercising my second amendment right in my....board shorts.

Is there anything waterproof container wise, outside of a ziplock bag? I understand a single action .22lr won't get me very far if a flash mob of freshwater mermaid zombies attack, but the bottom line is that I carry something on me however and whenever possible, and preferably that something will be inside something that will fit discreetly inside my trunks

being kept nice and dry..

ideas?

Goatpacker · March-06-14 18:03

A lot of board shorts come now with a tethered heavy zip lock pouch for your wallet or phone. There is also a hard plastic case for cigs that some minis fit in. What will you be carrying?

Goatpacker · March-06-14 18:03

Waterproof and holds 5 cigars, would prob hold a Widow too, and even camo. Saw it on Walmart.com.

luke1 · March-06-14 18:03

...probably my .22lr, or a .22mag, cant have it be too heavy, I also don't want to print or have it be an issue. I thought maybe my Kel-tec p32, but the reliability of the mini revolvers kinda trumps the p32 if I only had the option of one gun. Although the kel tec is still featherweight, the minis still are a bit lighter still..

It just goes against the grain to be completely without options, even on the beach. I know that summer still a ways away, but I thought I'd just check the forums and see if anyone had any thoughts...

Heck, I'm open to suggestions, anyone have a better suggestion as to what to carry?

luke1 · March-06-14 18:03

goatpacker, that's a cool idea, I wonder how truly compact that is, I'll definately take a look at it...now, if I can just find five cigars.....thanks for the heads up. That just might work.

Goatpacker · March-06-14 19:03

Google waterproof cigarette cases. Lots of options that direction. I think Walmart even has a decent in store selection of waterproof carriers in the camping section.

TwoGunJayne · March-06-14 19:03

Shoot it from a ziplock bag.

Classanr · March-06-14 20:03

+1 what TGJ says. Here's why: you are going into the water and need to leave "something" behind. In a bag it can be safely and discreetly buried under the beach blanket in the sand. You don't have to be fumbling in your pants if you need it, you already have your hand under the blanket *before* the action goes down - or if it don't go down, then you just straighten out the blanket. You can't use it while you are swimming anyway.

That cigar case is going to wack you about on waterskis or a parasail. If you go that way, take the "purse on a tether" approach.

My approach is to baggie the thing *and* bottle it. My watersports is river running. It is bagged and in a water bottle pouch pocket (doesn't compete with the bottle itself). I keep that water bottle hanging like a purse slung over my head cross-shoulder, and everybody thinks I'm cool to stay hydrated whether on the water or on the beach.

Zip-Lock brand seems to be the one that most people who dive say leaks the least. Even the expensive friction/and/roll seals leak during activity.

I am a bit curious. Why are you worried about it getting wet? Stainless, right? When I'm sailing, my Guardian sits out there on my belt in its beat-up DeSantis gun rug. I hose it off when I get home. No biggie.

PaducahMichael · March-06-14 21:03

Quote from: Classanr on March-06-14 20:03
+1 what TGJ says. Here's why: you are going into the water and need to leave "something" behind. In a bag it can be safely and discreetly buried under the beach blanket in the sand. You don't have to be fumbling in your pants if you need it, you already have your hand under the blanket *before* the action goes down - or if it don't go down, then you just straighten out the blanket. You can't use it while you are swimming anyway.

That cigar case is going to wack you about on waterskis or a parasail. If you go that way, take the "purse on a tether" approach.

My approach is to baggie the thing *and* bottle it. My watersports is river running. It is bagged and in a water bottle pouch pocket (doesn't compete with the bottle itself). I keep that water bottle hanging like a purse slung over my head cross-shoulder, and everybody thinks I'm cool to stay hydrated whether on the water or on the beach.

Zip-Lock brand seems to be the one that most people who dive say leaks the least. Even the expensive friction/and/roll seals leak during activity.

I am a bit curious. Why are you worried about it getting wet? Stainless, right? When I'm sailing, my Guardian sits out there on my belt in its beat-up DeSantis gun rug. I hose it off when I get home. No biggie.

Honestly, I'm not trying to be a smartie here - seems to me like I've always heard "Keep your powder dry". Would dunking under water cause the ammo to have a failure to fire? I'm new to CCW...so I'm serious with this question. I do a lot of fly fishing, which means standing in a river waving a stick...and I have been know to fall in from time to time.

Goatpacker · March-06-14 21:03

I agree as well, I just use a heavy duty ziplock bag, but you asked for options other than a bag.

Classanr, why can you not use a gun while swimming? As long as your ammo is dry you can shoot a gun. Like TGJ says, Right in the baggie, don't even have to take it out. I am not going to leave my gun on the beach when I get in the water. Would not leave my wallet there either, got a bag for it too.

Classanr · March-06-14 21:03

Quote from: Goatpacker on March-06-14 21:03
I agree as well, I just use a heavy duty ziplock bag, but you asked for options other than a bag.

Classanr, why can you not use a gun while swimming? As long as your ammo is dry you can shoot a gun. Like TGJ says, Right in the baggie, don't even have to take it out. I am not going to leave my gun on the beach when I get in the water. Would not leave my wallet there either, got a bag for it too.

Several questions here to answer. Let's see if I can be brief.

Not When Swimming: When I am swimming I am not standing, and that means my hands are pretty well occupied keeping my head above water. Now, if the concept is "wading", that's a different kettle to stir. At that point, almost any "water purse" will do the job. All in all, a visibility-blocked swim bag with a stout tether is the way to go. The point of keeping the gun dry is unnecessary if you are going to clean it at night anyway. I'd be much more worried about sand getting into the schlitz, because even in fresh water there is copious grit in the water. The baggie holds merit if you can keep it in your pocket, but keep in mind that pockets (and you) get tossed upside down. You wouldn't be the first to have a baggie-covered gun sink like a stone to the bottom. Button or zipper pocket, or a tethered pouch.

Ammo Dry: Here's a great test for a single 22 round. Will cost you a dime at the very most. Drop one in a glass of water. Come back a month (oh, wait a minute, in some states you'll have to lock that glass in a safe, so YMMV) and fish the round out. Put it in any 22 gun. Pull hammer, pull trigger. Just make sure you follow the 4 primary safety rules first, because that round will definitely fire.

I was presuming you were not looking to waterproof a C&B. If so, then the hardshell case is best.

If you are worried about your rounds, rub beeswax around the rim. That bullet is in the rim so tight that water is not going to get in, but beeswax won't hurt. Oh, wobbly bullet? Why would you want to put that in your self-defense weapon except to dinkle with at the range???

Whatever you do, test it first. Drop gun inside your "waterproof" container, drop container into a trash can of water, then poke the thing regularly and with vigor with a broom handle. Do so for 5 minutes, then walk away for an hour. Fish out, inspect.

Most people are disappointed that some water worked its way inside. The trick is to learn to live with the water, because if you need that gun at the beach, you *will* be getting it wet!

Goatpacker · March-06-14 22:03

While I'm fumbling in my pants I guess you will be digging in the sand. In the water or not, my gun will be with me, not on the beach.

G50AE · March-06-14 23:03

The Glock 17 can be fitted with marine spring cups and fired underwater.

Classanr · March-07-14 05:03

In that case, http://www.thunderwearholsters.com/

It be easier for women. Hook a flashbang under the bra part then slip on a *nylon* t-shirt. Lots of women wear the "overcover" swim gear. Nylon to prevent wet-tshirt printing and quick-dry.

Kevin55 · March-07-14 06:03

22lr ammo has healed bullets. I doubt they do well in water. Like anything, test before you bet your life on it.

There are dozens of waterproof cell phone cases. I bought a couple soft cases on eBay. Before I use them, I will test them first. I really bought it for cell phones. I'd probably still put the cell in a ziplock, inside of the soft case.

The grip holster will reduce the revolver profile.

http://www.google.com/search?q=cell+phone+waterproof+case&client=safari&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=qcgZU7_ZJc76oAT80ILAAw&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAA&biw=1024&bih=672#

engtee · March-07-14 07:03

The FFL I bought my first Mini (12-15 years ago) from said he was ex-LAPD (big guy, probably 6'4"/260). He said that he had put a 1-1/8 mag in a plastic bag and gone swimming with it in the waistband of his trunks. It functioned perfectly, following that.

TwoGunJayne · March-07-14 08:03

From my chrono tests, if I can wobble or twist a .22 bullet in the case then I don't carry it. Burn it up on the range.

The bullet might be slightly undersized, or maybe the crimp didn't take. It's probably going to give lower velocity either way.

Another thing I do is weigh each round on a reloading grain scale. Any round that's "too light or too heavy" goes into the range pile.

My feelings are that poorly sealed rounds are more vulnerable to long-term moisture, even if a quick dunk doesn't seem to do anything. It's the long term capillary action between the bullet and the case that concerns me. I've watched liquids climb 6 inches against gravity due to the capillary action effect only.

Then again, I usually swap out my ammo within 4 months... at least before the ammo shortage. I'm very overdue for a swap... carry ammo becomes range ammo. Fire your carry, if it all lights then you know that you were good to go.

Kentucky Kevin · March-07-14 09:03

Carried a cell as well as a Glock 26 on a rafting trip quite some time ago. Glock was in a fanny pack, stayed in even while being tumbled/sucked in a rapid. Cell phone was double baggied. Both were wet, both worked. YMMV

blue_heron · March-07-14 16:03

Otterbox 8000 Series cases work for me and they are available at Amazon.

Dare I say it?

OK........ I will say it...... Ramses or Trojans; protection in place until you're ready to shoot your load.

grayelky · March-08-14 23:03

The camping section at Wally World has several water tight (their words, not mine) boxes that will do nicely what you are looking for, and they are not much money.

Paducah Mikey-
You must also be new to fishing. Any experienced fisherman would never admit to falling in. He was drug in by the fish, that ultimately broke the line due to its huge size....

OV-1D · March-09-14 03:03

Quote from: grayelky on March-08-14 23:03
The camping section at Wally World has several water tight (their words, not mine) boxes that will do nicely what you are looking for, and they are not much money.

Paducah Mikey-
You must also be new to fishing. Any experienced fisherman would never admit to falling in. He was drug in by the fish, that ultimately broke the line due to its huge size....

Same thing happened to me except it was a 14 foot alligator , we fought for three days with neither getting the advantage . Finally he gave up and swam off , I continued to live in an otters den for two more days before being rescued by some bass fishermen . Then I woke up dry as a bone !!!!

G50AE · March-09-14 04:03

Quote from: OV-1D on March-09-14 03:03
Quote from: grayelky on March-08-14 23:03
The camping section at Wally World has several water tight (their words, not mine) boxes that will do nicely what you are looking for, and they are not much money.

Paducah Mikey-
You must also be new to fishing. Any experienced fisherman would never admit to falling in. He was drug in by the fish, that ultimately broke the line due to its huge size....

Same thing happened to me except it was a 14 foot alligator , we fought for three days with neither getting the advantage . Finally he gave up and swam off , I continued to live in an otters den for two more days before being rescued by some bass fishermen . Then I woke up dry as a bone !!!!

Were you wearing your CCW Badge?

PaducahMichael · March-09-14 08:03

Quote from: grayelky on March-08-14 23:03
The camping section at Wally World has several water tight (their words, not mine) boxes that will do nicely what you are looking for, and they are not much money.

Paducah Mikey-
You must also be new to fishing. Any experienced fisherman would never admit to falling in. He was drug in by the fish, that ultimately broke the line due to its huge size....

Nope - not a new fisherman. Just been doing it so long that I no longer need to tell fish stories and to know that everyone who fly fishes eventually gets baptized.

Now, you want to talk about tales? Remind me to tell you about when I was a lumberjack in the Great Sahara Forest.

RL · March-09-14 21:03

Quote from: luke1 on March-06-14 18:03
...probably my .22lr, or a .22mag, cant have it be too heavy, I also don't want to print or have it be an issue. I thought maybe my Kel-tec p32, but the reliability of the mini revolvers kinda trumps the p32 if I only had the option of one gun. Although the kel tec is still featherweight, the minis still are a bit lighter still..
<SNIP>

Weight-wise, the P32 loaded is about 2.5x heavier than a loaded Mini. Also, you are 100% correct in saying that your Mini's reliability trumps the P32's. My wife and I had our CC P32's fail on the same day at the range a few week ago. I wish someone took a photo of our reactions. We were both thinking...um, we would be in deep doo-doo if this was a real life bad situation.

G50AE · March-09-14 21:03

Just out of curiosity, does anyone have experience carrying while wearing a wetsuit? I have a friend who is an avid kayak-er, and may be interested.

TeeJay37 · March-10-14 09:03

I ordered the smallest Pelican case they make. It should be in today, so I'll be able to take some pictures for you to get a size comparison.

luke1 · March-10-14 09:03

RL- yeah, that stinks about the p32's. I picked one up for my wife, but honestly I'm kind of conflicted about recommending it as a carry gun if it can't be trusted. In theory, the p32 is genius...if it's reliable. Sometimes I just can't figure kel tec out. Who are all these people that have the reliable ones out there?

I've never had to "fluff and buff" my Rugers, or my Seecamp .32. What gun company can get away with expectations so low, that if the gun actually works, people are amazed?? No wonder I'm hooked on NAA...quality, reliabilty, great customer service, with fair prices, and they're American made? Where do I sign up?

So I had the conversation with her this weekend about the reliability of revolvers vs. the "finicky" nature of pocket pistols..might be back to the drawing board..

luke1 · March-10-14 09:03

TeeJay....yes, please post the pictures. If you don't mind, could you give us a rundown on how waterproof it is?... how well made? The biggest mini that will comfortably fit in it? Hear good things about Pelican though..

much obliged...

TeeJay37 · March-10-14 09:03

I will actually be doing a short review for it, so once I do, I'll be posting that up. I hadn't really planned to do a water test, but now that this came up, it seems like a great idea. I've got a Black Widow, so if it fits, pretty much any Mini will, with obvious exceptions.

Oh, also, it's expected to come in tomorrow, not today.

luke1 · March-10-14 10:03

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faZrSw_ICZI

otterbox actually looks to be very well made, it's a little bulky to have in a pocket, but I may just sling it over my shoulder or something...It's definately on the short list. The youtube clip definately help sell me on quality...

luke1 · March-10-14 10:03

TeeJay...I'll be looking forward to your impressions of the pelican..I'm gonna check those out too.

TeeJay37 · March-12-14 07:03

Hey Luke, I got my Pelican yesterday. It's not clear, like I had originally thought, which would work better for you. It will not fit my Black Widow, but I believe it would fit a standard Mag or maybe even a Pug, depending on your grips. It fits an iPhone, so that should give you a good perspective of size. I watched a guy park a car on it, the other day. I'll be doing my own testing this Friday and I'll post up my findings.

2 9/16"x5 1/8" interior

Won't fit!

TwoGunJayne · March-12-14 07:03

Sorry the BW won't fit, but that certainly looks like a hard-use field ammo carrier though!

TeeJay37 · March-12-14 08:03

No problemo, TwoGunJayne. That's not what I bought it for. They make bigger versions, this one is just the one i happened to need. It fits perfectly in the pouch I bought it to go in.

heyjoe · March-12-14 11:03

how do you fit that in your bathing suit, unless you swim in cargo shorts