Why cover it up? About that rifle cover!

So, what started this whole thing with covering the rifles?

I'll start with some basic local history from my city.  My department began carrying long guns on patrol almost 20 years ago.  As a senior motorman, I had been pushing for our motors to have a way to carry rifles on patrol.  The car cops got them, and we felt we needed them just as much!  I knew we could find a way to make it work.

July 16, 2015.  A terrorist shot fired dozens of AK rounds into a Marine Corps Recruiting center, and immediately drove away, on to his actual intended target.  The Naval Operation Center that housed dozens of Naval and Marine Corpsman.  The first shooting was an attempt to divert all of our resources, turn our eyes away from his real prize.  When he pulled up to the NOC, one of our observant patrol officers spotted him speeding down Amnicola Highway as he was about to enter the NOC.  The terrorist crashed through the barricade at the NOC, bailed and went into the NOC, killing as many heroes as he could.  Brave Marines saved lives at the cost of their own.  Our department was rolling in hot, including our Motor Squad, which had been in the process of conducting a funeral escort.

We of course responded immediately to the threat.  Among the casualties, one of our Motor Officers took an AK round to the leg.  The suspect was killed, but sadly not before 4 Marines and one Navy corpsman lost their lives.  An additional Marine was wounded at the original shooting location at the recruiting center.

Following the after-action reviews by our department's administration, our chief at the time ordered that we find a way to make long guns on our Harley's a reality.  Fortunately, I already had a plan in place, and our rifles were converted to folders using the Brownell Law Tactical Folding Stock adaptor system and using a mounting system inside the saddlebag I designed (now available as a kit on our website).

Fast forward to 2023, when the department began making the transition to BMW RT-P's.  Long guns were still wanted.  BMW's best option was the external mount by FMS Accessories, but the bosses wanted them out of public eye (initially).   As a gun guy I knew we needed a way to protect our rifles from the elements.  We researched our options and found very little.  FMS Accessories, as good as they are, offered only what amounts to the equivalent of a chastity belt for the patrol rifle.  Takes minutes to undo and get to your rifle when needed (not a viable option when seconds count).  Another offering was made from leather and was prohibitively expensive.  I knew I could come up with a better option, and the first version of the Tactical Motor Gear rifle sleeve was born.  After a few years on patrol with several variations of that sleeve to what is now our latest and greatest (the Quick Armor Rifle Sleeve), we now have a product that is fast, durable, and effective for keeping the patrol rifle oiled up and clean.  Constant exposure dries out the lubrication in the rifle, and AR platforms love oil!  Additionally, most people don't notice the "bad assault rifle" on the back of our bikes!  

After just a very short while, our administrators realized that our citizens actually haven't complained about visible long guns, and most recognize the reality of modern Policing today.  

Our department's motors aren't required to cover their long guns on patrol - some of our motors do for the sake of keeping the rifle clean and the optics clean and protected, while others elect to run without.   At Tactical Motor Gear we believe a protected long gun will work when needed, and we know from experience that rapid access in a critical incident is not optional!  Whatever you decide to do for your set up on patrol is ultimately up to you to decide!  All we want is for you to ride safe and train often!

Joe