Keeping a gun in the car? Yes or no. If so, how?

[checkmyswag]

So my carry gun is a bit difficult to draw while seated in the car. I generally don't like the idea of keeping a gun in the car in case someone breaks into it.

But, is there a way to mount a safe or similar in a car that provides security and quick access?

Not sure I'm going this route, that's why I want to explore it some more here.

 

[Sam1911]

Seems like you're asking two questions:
1) Is there a way to safely secure your gun for fast access while you drive?
2) Is there a way to securely store your gun while you leave it in the car?

1 -- Sure. Folks have mounted holsters to their car seat bases, to the steering column, under the dash, etc.

2 -- Yes. Google "car pistol vault" and you'll see lots of options for locking pistol cases that mount or cable-tie to your car and will keep most smash-and-grab types from walking off with it.


There are some drawbacks to the car-holster idea. One is that you've got to do quite a bit of extra "fiddling" with the gun that you normally wouldn't have to do. Every time you get in or out you've got to draw and reholster that gun (in the awkward setting of sitting in your vehicle), which increases both your chances of someday having an "oopsie" and also can draw the unwanted attention of onlookers who might wonder why this guy who just parked his car in front of the store they're entering seems to be arming up...

 

[khegglie]

^^^^^^ in a nut shell.

 

[oneounceload]

Since I pocket carry and drawing is difficult, i will also have a second gun in the car - especially on long trip to unfamiliar locations. In this instance, being a LH is an advantage, as I will use a fanny pack with built-in holster or similar and have it sitting in the car door map pocket area - it is hidden out of sight, is readily available, and no one knows but me

 

[Skribs]

I have a gunvault in my car for if I have to leave it, or in the scenario that I'm out somewhere (friends house, hotel) and I want to take gun my gun off to go to bed. Small, but works for what I need it to work, and difficult to break into without a tube lock pick or some power tools.

I am looking at getting a holster to mount to my steering column. I don't have the link to what I was looking at, or remember the specific product name, but they are out there.

An alternative would be to ankle carry a BUG. That's about the only spot I think I could easily get to while in a car while the gun is on me. Of course, if you're like me and only ever wear shorts (even though I live in western WA), might not be the best option for CCW.

 

[Inebriated]

I sometimes put whatever gun I'm carrying in a removable holster when I'm driving, and put the gun back on and hide the holster when I get out of the car.

HERE is the pic. I know it looks like velcro, but it's a lot stronger/more secure. Holds a loaded Glock 21, no problem. Though I am going to switch to a holster with a strap, just in case the gun were to fall or something.

Obviously you have to be mindful of your surroundings when you reholster, as Sam mentioned.

 

[Ryanxia]

I just stick with the gun I have on me. It's not ideal for quick access while seated but it's good enough for me.

 

[kcshooter]

When I'm in my truck, my ankle gun becomes my primary, as my primary is hard to get out, especially since I carry behind the hip and the seatbelt compounds the draw issue.

However, on long trips, I take it out for comfort. I used to put it between the seat and console, but was always worried about having it dislodge on a panic stop.

So I mounted this on the lower part of my dash, making the gun accessible. http://www.blackhawk.com/product/SERPA-Quick-Disconnect-Kit-2-Female1-Male,1239,82.htm
I also mounted one inside my center console, since it came with two.
I can snap the serpa holster in and out of either one, although I never use the one in the console. The dash mount has been pretty convenient.

(No, I don't carry a serpa, it just for this specific use)


I have a lock box with the cable secured around my seat frame post, for the very rare times when I decide to leave my gun inside my vehicle.

 

[Captains1911]

I don't believe in routinely storing guns in cars. Carry it with you, it's much more useful that way. Don't give felons easy access to it.

 

[murf]

i'm with captains1911. when you store a weapon in a vehicle, it becomes public property for anyone riding in that vehicle.

the laws could construe a passenger as being armed, or carrying a concealed weapon. can't happen if the weapon is on your person.

just something to think about.

murf

 

[Vector]

I own two GunVaults, one that I bought a few years ago, and another that was recently given to me as a gift.
It works as a great deterrent for someone who might otherwise break into your car/truck and take off with your handgun when you can't carry it to certain venues(i.e. football game, courthouse, etc.).

http://www.gunvault.com/

Since I now have two, I'm thinking of selling one, so if you are interested, PM me.

 

[X-Rap]

The little strongboxes work good but you can do the same with a small cable and a padlock through the frame on a revolver or the mag and ejection port on an auto.
I often have a gun left in my truck, I would hate to have it stolen but that goes for all my possessions.

 

[The-Reaver]

I wedge mine in between the center counsel and my seat. Angles perfectly for me to access the button to release it and it doesn't move at all on the draw.

 

[oneounceload]

When I'm in my truck, my ankle gun becomes my primary, as my primary is hard to get out, especially since I carry behind the hip and the seatbelt compounds the draw issue.

How comfortable are you carrying there? I have never been able to sit for even short distances with a gun anywhere on the waist, especially with a seat belt? (One of the reasons I went to pocket carry - well, that and my fat gut making clothes a touch tight! )

 

[kcshooter]

How comfortable are you carrying there?

I carry IWB at about 4o'clock, and for trips under a half hour, I don't even notice it. I'm a 42 chest and 34 waist, so it hides well, and the grip finds the pocket in my lower back without a lot of digging in or pressure.

After some time though, it does get uncomfortable. Hence, the dash holster.

In order to draw it when holstered, I have to lean forward and towards the window, and that's not really a position I want to go to if I'm approached by a threat on the drivers side. Hence, the ankle gun.

I wedge mine in between the center counsel and my seat.

That's what I used to do also, but in a hard panic stop or collision, there's nothing there to keep control of the gun.

 

[M2 Carbine]

This has been my 24/7 vehicle carry for many years. I've never seen any reason to change it.

 

[Warp]

How comfortable are you carrying there? I have never been able to sit for even short distances with a gun anywhere on the waist, especially with a seat belt? (One of the reasons I went to pocket carry - well, that and my fat gut making clothes a touch tight! )

What belt are you using? What holster? What gun? Where on your waist is the gun located?

I can drive all day long (seriously, like 15 hours) with my IWB carry pistol (Glock) and it doesn't bother me one bit.

 

[mcg-doc]

Ankle holster for longer car trips.

 

[Jeff H]

The newer Ford Super Duty trucks have lockable storage under the center front seat and all of the rear seats. I have used the front seat storage to store my carry gun many times and I have used the rear seat storage once while I was on vacation in Sandusky, OH. I was soooo close to the CMP, I just had to get a M1, but what to do with it while on vacation? Never fear, ford has a storage compartment for everything.

The photo below isn't mine, but you get the idea.

 

[Nuclear]

I secure my gun in one of those lockable metal cases/cables when I'm going into someplace I can't carry. When I'm driving any distance I have a holster that fastens onto the seatbelt and take off my normal holster, as it isn't comfortable while driving.

 

[grumpy66]

Seeing as you are in Texas, do what I do.

Put your gun on the seat next to you and lay a towel over it.

Perfectly legal.


And to M2 Carbine: Nice Ruger Speed Six.

 

[Warp]

Seeing as you are in Texas, do what I do.

Put your gun on the seat next to you and lay a towel over it.

Perfectly legal.

I suggest putting it somewhere that keeps it from moving around. As soon as you brake abruptly, turn sharp, get in a minor fender bender, etc, that gun could be just about anywhere...and will very possibly be out of reach.

I, personally, also like to see all loaded handguns in holsters. But that's just me.

 

[Skribs]

To those saying "why would you want to?" the OP isn't talking about storing the gun in the car for extended periods of time. There are times when you would need to store it in your car while not in the car, such as if you have to go to court. I had to go to court to get my CWP - I wasn't in an actual courtroom, but I was in the building.

 

[fatcat4620]

I will unholster (iwb) and put it on the center console. I drive a hooptie so I have lots of room to move around. Sometimes it lives in there for days at a time since I can't carry at work and dont make many stops.

 

[X-Rap]

I really have no problem storing a gun in my truck for extended periods, it is not unusual to find a rifle and or a handgun in there most of the time.
It's a calculated risk but it's one I am willing to take given the places I go and park and the way I have them stowed.