Welcome back to another edition of Wheelgun Wednesday. This week, I wanted to look at some of the interesting quirks that the motorcycle community has when it comes to concealed firearms. In the world of polymer lightweight carry guns, some bikers are still choosing to carry full metal framed revolvers, but my main question starting out was why that was the case. Let’s take a closer look at revolvers in bike culture.
Revolvers and Bikes
When it comes to the American bike community, there is still a prevalence of revolvers over semi-automatic pistols. Now I certainly know there are some people who carry a modern polymer semi-automatic, but I was genuinely shocked when I started talking to other bikers about what they carry. First of all, there is a strong comparable market between bikes and guns since a large number of guys in the motorcycle community can also be into firearms. It’s always fun to chat with other guys at events about their bikes and guns because everyone owns a polymer-framed semi-auto, but for some baffling reason, they carry something stainless or unique wheelgun like a Smith & Wesson 629, Colt King Cobras or Python.
My good buddy, who’s a naval officer, carries a King Cobra and has a Harley Street Glide that he rides on the weekends. Another close friend of mine has a large Harley Road Glide and typically carries an Agency Arms Glock 19 as his everyday carry, but when he rides his bike, he carries a Smith & Wesson 686+ snub nose because it’s his bike gun. The trend of carrying a revolver on a motorcycle isn’t common for all bike riders, though, and I think it’s important to make that distinction. Not all motorcycle riders just carry revolvers, but a very specific group of riders do, which you may have picked up by my friends’ bike and gun choices. Now it’s time to look at why that may be the case.
Sport Bike Vs Harley Riders
There’s a very significant difference between sport bike riders and guys who ride Harley cruisers. The vast majority of Sport Bike riders who carry guns, in my experience, are usually technical guys and are either a part of the 2011 group or high-end Glock guys, where the Harley Davidson crowds are the ones still carrying the vast majority of revolvers around the community. Now, why would this trend be true? Well, let’s look at the type of bikes that each group rides and the common trends between the two.
Sport bike owners are technical and always looking for the latest and greatest tech to push the limits of their bike. It’s a very modern take and most of the guys who carry guns on sport bikes I have met will carry the latest Staccato or 2011 style firearm or a high-end customized Glock. Now, if we look at Harley owners, they have almost the exact opposite mentality from those of the sport bike community. They are all based on tradition, form over function and they just want an interesting carry gun that matches their bike’s style. Harley owners are usually all about Chrome, with the older style air-cooled large V-Twin engines. When you look at the bigger picture of why Harley guys carry revolvers, it goes back to the tradition and matches the aesthetic of their bikes with chrome, leather and a bit of drama, which revolvers fit in perfectly with.
Style Over Function For Some
So it boils down to fitting an overall look and I am in full support of it. Now, this isn’t the case for everyone. I have met plenty of people who carry modern polymer pistols who ride a large Harley Cruiser, but there’s a crazy high number who carry a revolver instead. I will admit, even though I own one of the more modern Harley Designs with the last year model of the Night Rod, I have carried my Smith & Wesson Model 27 and 686+ Deluxe more than once because it just feels special. Riding motorcycles isn’t for everyone and I think it’s an event, which is why people carry revolvers while they ride.
I think it’s a reflection of their bike choice and I’m fully up for this behavior. The vast majority of people find a reliable, simple concealed handgun, but there are a number of people out there who decide to take something more interesting because they want to be different from their typical carry gun. It’s a huge plus for keeping revolvers in the mainstream market when so many have switched to smaller semi auto pistols. I respect some of the bikers keeping with tradition and carrying interesting revolvers, as they carry guns, which makes conversations and events fun because we have plenty to talk about with new folks.
Overall Thoughts
Having revolvers in various subcultures is an exciting way to keep the spirit of the wheelgun alive. While some will argue they are outdated and a fading technology, there are certainly groups and subcultures in America that absolutely still love the beloved revolver for everyday use. I will admit I am one of those people.
What do you guys think about the bike community carrying revolvers still? Let me know in the comments below. If you have questions about revolvers or firearms in general, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you next week for another edition of Wheelgun Wednesday.
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