Duty Belt and Driving Comfortable?

[Jackhole]

It sounds to me like he just carries the rounds on his belt. Probably something like this...

I understand, but why carry them on your belt when you rarely exit the vehicle with a shotgun? There's too much on my belt already to even think about carrying shotgun rounds, and I don't carry anything an armed security officer wouldn't.

[N. A. Corbier]

I understand, but why carry them on your belt when you rarely exit the vehicle with a shotgun? There's too much on my belt already to even think about carrying shotgun rounds, and I don't carry anything an armed security officer wouldn't.

I tend to agree with this. I had enough gear on that my coworkers called me Batman. And honestly, if I wanted to carry more shotgun rounds, that's why they made the Sidesaddle.

[flashlightcop509]

I tend to agree with this. I had enough gear on that my coworkers called me Batman. And honestly, if I wanted to carry more shotgun rounds, that's why they made the Sidesaddle.

Heheheheh...

My Area Supervisor is just as bad; 2 pr. cuffs, 2 cans OC, 1 Stinger flashlight, 1 Surefire type light in a spare OC case, Radio, portable scanner, 2 cell phones, a pager on one epaulet and a 3 LED clip on light on the other... He's come to be known around the Mountain as Robocop...

[davis002]

This is the setup for my duty belt. I leave the back (between the handcuff strap and single magazine/multi-tool case) open. Sorry for the crude picture, but this is the best I could get right now

In case anyone is wondering (since the picture is kinda dark), I carry the following:

*left to right

Double Magazine
Nextel
Stinger (not pictured)
Handcuffs
Multi-tool
Asp Baton
Firearm
OC/CS
Handcuffs
Gloves

Years ago I carried so much stuff that you couldn't even tell I was wearing a belt. Over time you learn that carrying all that weight takes a toll on your body. I shed my belt of all non-essential gear (with the exception of the multi-tool... Oddly enough, I use it quite often). If you really have to carry a hundred things on your belt, do your best to distribute the weight as evenly as possible.

[GCMC Security]

What do you thing of the mic for the nextel? one of our hospitals just uses nextels for comm and thought about getting some.

[davis002]

What do you thing of the mic for the nextel? one of our hospitals just uses nextels for comm and thought about getting some.

They work well. The light-duty mics (pictured) will cost around $50 whereas the heavy-duty mics will cost upwards of $150.

[Special Investigator]

You carry a shotgun with you every time you exit the vehicle?

No I don't...but I carry 6 extra rounds on my duty belt. (I will post a pic of my set up later when I have a chance.)

[fatalflaw]

Man I cant even begin to describe the pain I was in when I first started vehicle patrols where I'm in the vehicle about 80% of my shift.

Starting from the front middle, going clockwise, here is my arrangement.

Gun at 3 o'clock, 2 handcuffs in cuff cases both at 6 o'clock side by side, at 7:30 I have my magazine holder, 26" Asp baton at 9 o'clock, liquid OC at 10 o'clock.

For the flashlight, the nextel, gloves, etc I also use 5.11 Tactical pants which omg come in real handy.

Er.. ok , all that to say this. As you can see, those handcuffs I had right on the small of my back placed together, was a real pain literally but eventually you get used to it, or you just figure out that one magical sweet spot you can sit or where to hike up the belt to where you can sit for hours pain free. Bottom line it'll get better.

[Special Investigator]

Ok, here's my set-up.....


(left to right) Weapon light, 2 extra 18rd magazines, radio w/speaker mic, pepper spray, large flashlight holder, extra shotgun ammo, glock 17, expandable batton, cuff's.

[Mall Director]

Oy Vey...

I can tell you, '06 Subaru Forrester's are not designed for driving comfort (with duty belt or sans such)...

This is my setup...


Not bad weightwise, I'm left handed so natch my cuffs and spray are on the left (unfortunatley, these being the heaviest items); But, seeing as how half my patrol involves driving, having some of the items on my belt moved forward would be equally uncomfortable (No way do I want a Stinger case jammed into my front left thight for 6+ hours)...

You noticed that too? Our 2001 Forester has no comfortability with gear! OMG, what a pain after a few hours in the seat!

[Jackhole]

Ok, here's my set-up.....


(left to right) Weapon light, 2 extra 18rd magazines, radio w/speaker mic, pepper spray, large flashlight holder, extra shotgun ammo, glock 17, expandable batton, cuff's.

I guess I just don't see the point of the extra shotgun rounds if you're not constantly carrying a shotgun.

[Special Investigator]

I guess I just don't see the point of the extra shotgun rounds if you're not constantly carrying a shotgun.

The way I look at it, you can never have too much ammo. Between the rounds loaded in the shotgun, 5 rds in a butt stock holder and the 6 on my duty belt. I feel more prepared if I get into a shooting situation. I'd hate to run out of ammo in a shooting situation. I don't want to have to run back to my squad if I run out. Besides it looks more intimidating to someone who might be a threat. Often the "look" will prevent or make someone think twice before deciding to follow thru with their actions.

[Charger]

There's nothing wrong with carrying plenty of ammo. But what Davis is trying to get at, is why carry all that extra shotgun ammo, (to have in a pinch, as you said) if you're not carrying a shotgun? Since you yourself admitted you don't carry it with you everytime you get out of the vehicle, what good are those extra rounds going to do if you have to draw & use your sidearm all of a sudden?

[Special Investigator]

If I have to get out and grab the shotgun in a hurry, I have the ammo already with me rather than spending extra time grabbing, and possibly fumbling around reaching for extra rounds.

I'd rather be prepared ahead of time. In a lot of cases, seconds count.

[Charger]

I'd rather be prepared ahead of time. In a lot of cases, seconds count.

Very true. Don't get me wrong, I agree with the idea of being prepared for anything. It's just that the idea of carrying extra ammo around with you everywhere for a weapon you don't, seems kinda... eh... What's the word here.... "Tackleberry-ish"? LOL