Firearm Left In Vehicle

[mattx109]

The company I work for doesn't allow employees to carry firearms (or any other "deadly or dangerous" weapons) while on the job. The parking lot isn't company property, and I'd like to carry to and from work, but I'm nervous about leaving a pistol in the car. I see shattered window glass on the ground more than I'd like.

I suppose I could just remove the barrel, or mainspring, or some other critical component along with the ammunition, but does anyone have any other suggestions? Some kind of safe designed for use in a vehicle, maybe?

 

[sm]

Welcome to THR.

http://www.handgunsafe.com/index.htm

Couple of thoughts. Some states require something like this in CCW stats. Not a bad place for valueable items like when going to the gym, road trips, etc. I prefer mechanical devices, no dependency on batteries.

Most Important thing to remember...DO NOT TELL anyone, show anyone that you have one bolted securely in vehicle. Out of sight - out of mind.

Remember what Richard Saunders said ( Ben Franklin).

Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.

 

[mattx109]

Thanks for the link.

I'm pretty hush-hush about carrying. Those with whom I shoot know I carry, but it doesn't get out much more than that.

 

[VaughnT]

A lot depends on what type of vehicle you have. The gun vault works well for a lot of things, but if you have an SUV you might want to look at www.truckvault.com for your needs. I especially like their Command Post design, though that's a bit much for my needs. The big catch, other than the mall ninja factor, is that you can secure your tools and your weapons without compromising storage room for kids or groceries. At least, that's what I'm thinking.

Definitely a good idea if you have the room.

 

[mattx109]

This is a midsize sedan, so my only real options are under the seat or in the trunk. Anywhere else would be visible from the outside.

 

[mr_dove]

Here's a list of small gun lockboxes, most of which would be appropriate to use in a vehicle. The Armloc magnum might be something to look at there.

http://www.mrdove.net/Pistol Safes.htm

 

[larry_minn]

I saw a small lockbox that had a cable that was looped around seat mounts and had a lock. Some cable that they claimed a hacksaw/plier couldn't cut. ?? Price was $40 IIRC.

 

[mattx109]

There's a safe featured at the above link that mentions it can be anchored in a car by security cable, but that the cable can be cut. If there's something out there that can withstand a significant cutting attempt, that would make the safe a viable option. Useful in the car, and portable if necessary.

 

[mr_dove]

yeah, some safes use a cable of some sort for securing in a vehicle but cables will only deter the most honest and unprepared of thieves. The best option is a lockbox designed for home use and bolted through the floorboard of the vehicle (being careful not to puncture anything).

 

[45+]

I saw a small lockbox that had a cable that was looped around seat mounts and had a lock. Some cable that they claimed a hacksaw/plier couldn't cut. ?? Price was $40 IIRC.

I would really be interested in something in this price range, even if a second, hardened cable had to be purchased. A short cable that is not easy to access with bolt cutters or a hacksaw can buy you quite a bit of time.

larry_minn, if you can direct me to same, I would appreciate it.

 

[Gabe]

What about a S&W revolver with the key lock?

 

[jamz]

I installed a small safe in the trunk of my car. I bolted it to the trunk floor. It's one of those small safes for handguns so that you can keep it by your bedside, inaccessable to kids if you have them. It has a key, as well as a programmable keypad so you can enter your own code for opening it.

Right now, it's where I keep ammo and stuff. If I were to leave a handgun in the car, it would be in there.

-James

 

[jamz]

Due to a couple of private messages, I am more fully detailing this system.


It is a product called "Advanced Security Products LLC. GunVault". I got it at my local gun shop for a hundred bucks. It is all metal, with a key and electronic locking mechanism. It has buttons, so you can enter your own code to open it in a hurry, or in the dark, and it has a key for when the batteries die.

I located a spot in my trunk that was relatively level, and did not interfere with the spare tire stuff on the bottom of the trunk. In my car (Subaru Impreza WRX) that is off to the right a little bit, so I mounted this safe to the left.

Be aware of where your fuel and brake lines are before mounting this- you don't want to drill through either of those things. Also, if your fuel tank is directly below the trunk, make sure there is clearance, you can access the bolts under there, and that you won't drill into your fuel tank. You should be able to get under there and see if there are any potential hazards.

It came with a template, which I cut out and laid on the carpet. I cut the carpet away to reveal the metal and soundproofing material. I put the template down on the metal/soundproofing, and used an awl to mark the drill points. This particular safe has 5 holes for mounting- two at the back, and three at the front.

After marking the holes, I drilled them with the appropriate size bit I had for the bolts I had on hand. I used smooth head bolts, and ran them up through the trunk floor into the safe, and screwed the nuts on in the safe. That way, no one could get under the car and unbolt the thing.

It is quite strong, someone would have to work hard at this for quite some time before seperating it from the car. Here are some pics: (The white flecks are snowflakes)

This shows it closed up.

This shows it opened.

Hope this helps!

-James

 

[45+]

A really helpful post, JAMZ! Thanks.

 

[mr_dove]

that's definitely the "correct" way to mount a car based lockbox. Bolting through the vehicle makes it MUCH more difficult to remove. That will disuade almost any potential theif.

As to another poster, I've never seen anything of good quality in the $40 price range. At least nothing intended for handguns. You could probably purchase a small metal lockbox designed for storing small amounts of cash from an office supply store and figure out a way to mount it in a vehicle. It would not be very durable though.

I would recommend something more durable and more secure.

I don't care much for front opening lock boxes. I prefer top opening because they feel more accessable to me. Easier to get in to it.

Any quality safe will have some mounting holes that can be used in a car or the home. You should probably expect to pay between $100-200 for a quality handgun lockbox.

This is what I currently have. It's awesome. I'm actually working on a thorough review of it on my web site.

 

[mattx109]

Excellent info. Thanks jamz.

 

[Drav]

Dumb question but, does your glovebox lock?

 

[mr_dove]

Probably, but most glove boxes these days are platic. Mine could probably be defeated with no tools at all but any leverage item such as a screwdriver or a knife with a thick enough blade could pry it open.

Maybe some cars have glove boxes built like vaults though.

 

[mattx109]

Yes, my glovebox does lock, but it wouldn't take much to pry it open even when locked.

In the past, if I've had to leave my weapon in the car, I've taken the barrel with me and left the frame and slide in two different places, both locked (but not securely enough to deter a thief).

 

[Jeff Thomas]

I've used Mossberg Instant Access Gun Safes in a few vehicles ...

• In a Land Rover on the floorboard in front of the rear seat, within reach, hidden under floor mats.
• In Toyota / Lexus SUV under the floor mats, right side, in front of rear seat ... within reach.
• In a sports car, in a hidden rear compartment, not within reach (not practical).

In each case, any thief would first have to break into the vehicle, ignore the alarm (which, of course, happens every day), find the safe, and then work like heck to break it loose from the vehicle. More likely they'll steal the entire car.

Take plenty of time to think through where you can locate the safe. Don't skimp, because it will be defending precious cargo. And, be careful where you drill ... easy to be surprised by a hidden brake or fuel line, and that would ruin your whole day.

A simple cable lock in a hidden location could also serve well in a pinch. Hidden is the key word in all of this, and within arms reach while you're in the driver's seat is a plus ... depending upon local laws.

Good luck.

Regards from TX

 

[mattx109]

I live in Vermont, and there are no restrictions concerning handgun carry while in a vehicle. Around here, if you can legally buy and possess it, you can legally carry it -- no permits required. I'll have access to the weapon from its holster while I'm actually in the car. My concern is what to do with it when I arrive at a destination that prohibits firearms (specifically work in this case).

Something in the trunk would do just fine for me, provided a passing soccer mom doesn't get a peek and raise a stink. I've been looking into some of the suggestions given, and I'm pretty sure a trunk mounted safe with some kind of redundant system (that isn't battery operated) will be the way to go.

 

[stephen_g22]

I use two of those cable gun locks and a large combination padlock to secure a handgun in my vehicle.

I lock one of the cable locks to the driver's seat post. I lock the second cable lock to the other lock so I have a little slack. I then lock the padlock through the trigger guard behind the trigger. When locked I am unable to fire the handgun. The handgun is then securely hidden under the drivers seat.

I use the combination padlock so I don't have to fiddle with a key and can start my car to get the AC running before unlocking my handgun. This works with my S&W snubby, my Glocks and a Kel-Tec P23.

It is not the most elegant solution but it works for me.

 

[mr_dove]

I have a couple of expensive mountain bikes and have therefore done considerable research on locking mechanisms. Many of you know that cable locks are common in bike shops (similar to cable based gun locks).

What it comes down to is that a standard cable lock can be cut with regular wire cutters in under 30 seconds. I actually talked to someone who did the experiment and he was able to do it in 10 seconds. Cable locks are made up of lots of little wires. You just snip them a little at a time and work your way through to the other side.

I've never tried it before but any good bulky U-lock designed for a bike should fit through the trigger guard of a handgun. Just make sure it's unloaded.

 

[Roadkill]

Unless you are really considering a handgun only, find a Mod 44 Nagant, take off bayonet and leave it in the back seat covered by a blanket. Just take out the bolt and either bring it with you or stash it somewhere when you leave. Armed to worthless in 1.5 seconds, low cost, completely accessble, and absoultely deadly. Keep five rounds in the magazine and another ten on a stock attachment.

rk

 

[Carlos Cabeza]

Great job ! I have to add.............I did the same thing a while ago with a small gunvault safe in the trunk of my car. I looked under the vehicle for brake lines, fuel lines etc. Didn't see any so I drill away, through the carpet and through the floor of the car. everything was fine until I pushed the brake pedal. It seems I had drilled through part of the wiring harness that powers the brake lights and would blow fuses. Lesson : beware what's under the carpet too ! (Me) You EEEdiot !!