Summer temperatures where I live are frequently in the mid 90s, and in a parked vehicle, much higher. Humidity is high and often near 100%.
With that in mind, what handgun would be most suitable for storage inside a parked vehicle? Heat variation, humidity, corrosion resistance, and above all else, reliability are key issues to be considered. I am looking for the gun least likely to suffer from extreme heat and humidity, least likely to have its functional reliability affected, and least likely to corrode.
Would a Glock be a good choice? In general I would say yes. It is unlikely to corrode, and would probably be reliable even after prolonged storage. But what happens to polymer when it is subjected daily to extreme variations in temperature? I don't know how hot it gets inside a car parked in 95 degree heat, but it is very hot.
Would a stainless steel revolver be a better choice?
Or an all metal frame semi-auto like a Sig 229 or 1911? Seems like they would more likely to corrode than a Glock.
Also what lubricant should I use for a handgun subjected to extreme heat and humidity?
How bout a Kel-tec folding carbine? When stowed, they are small enough to fit in many consoles or gloveboxes, use common mags, are available in .40 for good penetration on other vehicles, and are cheap enough that you won't fret too hard if it does get stolen. I'd spray it with a liberal dose of silicone, wipe off the excess and say have a nice day.
My glove box is tiny, so I go with a rough but ready Sig P6, with 3 extra mags, for a total of 33 rounds, in a clip-on holster; should be sufficient to allow me too fight my way to the Taurus CT9 carbine in the trunk if SRHTF, but if I was starting from scratch, I'd seriously consider the Keltec.
Other trunk items include 2 spare 25-round mags for the carbine, 100 rounds of boxed ammo, a KaBar, an old Mag Light (do they still make those?), an entrenching tool (just cuz- its got an interchangeable axe head too), a flare gun with 5 reloads, Gerber multi-tool, 30' of paracord, zip-ties, a boonie, cami jacket, spare socks, 1st aid kit, and a surplus GI backpack to hold it all.
Have considered an AR for a trunk gun, but I'm willing to accept the tactical limitations of the 9mm so I can feed both from the same ammo supply.
Around here, the only dangerous predators are two-legged, ranges are short, and civil disorder would be the main threat.