Looking for options to keep a S&W 327 Snub Nose handy while driving (if I am unable to carry on my person).

I am seeing a lot of options for semi-autos but nothing that is revolver specific.

Any recommendations?

d1

One option is a magnet. There are a variety of them out there.

I'm not sure where you are that prohibits the on-body carry in your vehicle but if I want to take my J frame "off body" I'd keep it in a holster that it fits in, pocket or belt, and place it in the "map pocket" aka door pocket or side pocket. It would be easy to get there.

As I recollect, carrying a handgun in a vehicle in Texas ("off body" in this instance; otherwise, concealed carry is required) includes a concealment requirement so if that's part of the issue put an empty wrapper of some kind over the gun and holster.

I don't do this in my car but I can't imagine the options are very different for pistols. I just did an Internet search and I was overwhelmed with options.

Storage is different. Nobody around this campfire likes the idea of leaving a gun in a vehicle but if that's necessary they make various locking devices that fit into consoles. Probably for trunks, too. I know that they make very interesting safes for rifles and shotguns that fit into the back of SUVs that are nearly impossible to detect.

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Come and take it!!

I have a Ram 1500. I can clip any of my kydex IWB holsters onto the storage slot alongside the center console. Easy to draw and then remove to move back to concealed or to secure it elsewhere.
As far as storage, the dealer sells a key safe that fits inside the console. It’s made by Tuffy. I had the dealer install it as there is some minor cutting of plastic inside the console. It’s hidden underneath the armrest storage lid. It’s very secure. The console light lights it up. Plenty of room for a large handgun and spare ammo. But you are not accessing it quickly.

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I don’t use a IWB holster, maybe one day I will find one that fits. But if I did have one, what you mentioned would be ideal.
I prefer not locking away the handgun, so mainly looking for an option, within arms reach, that I can permanently use in the vehicle.

I vote for a magnet as well. But in modern vehicles, it's darn near impossible to locate a metal plate to stick the magnet to. I suppose one could use 3M tape or something similiar.

I would strongly oppose leaving the gun/holster floating around loose in the vehicle. I've read many stories on the infamous Miami FBI shoot-out & one agent lost his gun when their car got rammed by the bank robbers. (I think it was found under the front seat somewhere?)

My .o2

I used to have a 360 PD scandium that I put a techniclip on, then had it clipped to a piece of plastic up inside the storage compartment that is attached to the engine cover on my Chevy express work van. Being as light as it is, it stayed firmly in place no matter how hard I hit speed bumps. Well hidden too, it was in a place no one would ever look because it was literally stuck to the bottom of the cup holders. I don’t think I’d trust a magnet on a steel gun, though there are some pretty strong rare earth magnets.

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

I've seen magnets at Home Depot that would pull your fillings out from across the room.

With so many guns now being alloy, a magnet might be problematic, IMO.

Carry and storage have their own issues to deal with.

Personally, I prefer on body carry. I tend to carry OWB, so it isn’t that hard to draw from. Long trips, I may move the holster up or back for comfort… but I try to keep it on me since I prefer to not worry about it if I needed to respond quickly from the vehicle. I know some people who like shoulder holsters for that. I have cargo pocket holsters, which work. Only one I think is hard to utilize is the ankle holster. If you do mount a holster in the vehicle, which I’ve seen people do… I don’t recommend leaving it in the vehicle.

Storage… I suggest one of the few lockable setups that are incorporated into your vehicle (and depending on vehicle, you may have more/less options). Keep in mind, storage to me means you are leaving the vehicle and the firearm is still there. Yes, cables and lock boxes do work. But I try to plan a little more than just a smash/grab. I keep an SBR with suppressor in my back locker, mainly for off duty use. I keep a spare key for the locker in my bag, on my duty belt and elsewhere that I can easily utilize it… if something hits the fan. I also like it if I’m traveling and can lock a long gun up pretty easily. I’ve tossed other things in there, such as wallet, badge, credentials.

I also have an insert that gives me a small locker in the center console. I tend to keep spare ammo for my duty gun (Glock 19) and my common carry guns (9mm J-frame, LCP Max and P7M8). But I can easily stow a handgun in there with somewhat easy access and adequate security.

Brands for the two I have… you usually can find the products cheaper on other sites, but at least you can get sizes and model numbers from them.

Anti-Theft Car Safes | Shop Truck Safes | Console Vault

Secure vehicle storage solutions - Tuffy(R) Security Products

Great feedback. Thank you for the links.

Edited a little bit more… being I started writing before your last reply.

Agreed. And if your car doesn't have a metal spot to affix the magnet to you can screw most of these types of devices into the plastic and then the magnet works fine.

Still, if you are compelled to leave the gun in the car, then get whatever it takes to lock it up securely. The magnet is not for storage, it's for putting the gun where you can reach it quickly when you are present.

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Come and take it!!

Please let us know how it is legal to carry a loaded gun in your vehicle but not on your person while driving. At least that is what I am getting from your post. Or.... I suppose it could also be interpreted that you don't want to have it in a holster while driving, but I am a little perplexed.

That said, an inexpensive Kydex holster could be mounted between the seat cushion and the center console of you have one in your vehicle. You could also do the same in a deep door pocket if available. Mounting it under the dash is also an option.

Personally, if you are legally allowed, the best place to carry a loaded firearm is on your person and a small revolver should be no biggie to do that with. I am and have always been against a firearm in a vehicle that was not on a person's body. It would be too easy to inadvertently leave it in the vehicle unattended. To me that is a recipe for being stolen and used for illicit purposes. With all the best intentions, I am sure it would be left there unattended at times - not a good move in my opinion.

I never mentioned anything about legalities.
I can carry it on my person, but based on the type of clothing I wear, it is not conducive to use a holster (other than a should rig) and would prefer to have the option to have the handgun accessible while in the vehicle.
I am receiving decent suggestions but have yet to find a picture of a revolver mounted in a vehicle (outside of a console mounted lock box or similar).

Everyone's credos are unique, so I will never discount how people exercise their 2A rights. I always use it as an learning opportunity and it mitigates falling into the trap of close-mindedness.

d1

I am aware of a holster that can be mounted right under the dash, keeping the pistol relatively out of sight and accessible. It overcomes the potential discomfort of carrying in a seated position and potential difficulties drawing rapidly. You may find some in old articles by Pat Rogers, as he had one in his Suburban.

I'm with Screwball on the issue of getting out of the car and having to address putting the gun back in a holster on your body, etc. It is both indiscreet and slow. I am looking at the Craft Holster synthetic version of their cross draw for use in our RV. The reality is that if you are in a vehicle, evasion will be a better choice (don't pull up in a line of traffic, etc.), and if you need to deliver lethal force, a vehicle is one heck of a lot more effective than a sidearm.

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NHI, 10-8.

It seems like everyone where I live has a car gun. I once heard from a local cop that some kids broke into 5 cars and got a gun from each car...He picked them up on the 5th break in. In my experience, many of the emergencies requiring a gun happen in about 1 second. You won't probably be able to react unless it's in your waistband OWB or IWB. It's not always what you expect either.

I placed an order a couple weeks ago with Craft Holsters. Unfortunately there is a long wait period. Might receive by 1 June.

Chief brings up an interesting point. I didn’t really even think about it back when I used to clip that little Scandium J-frame up under the console in my van until I got pulled over one day by a FHP trooper. When asked if I had a firearm, I described what it was and how it was secured, all the while with my hands firmly on the steering wheel. With the passenger door open, he looked up under the storage compartment with his flashlight and still couldn’t see it. He finally had to feel around for it to find it. Anyway, he thought it was a pretty ingenious way to stow it and we ended up talking about guns and diving for awhile. The diving was because I had one of those plastic license plate surround things that said “I’d rather be diving”, and the reason he pulled me over because it covered the county name on the tag. I never pointedly asked him if carrying a revolver that way was legal, and other than saying it was ingenious, he made no further mention of it.

I never left it in my van when I wasn’t present. I would pocket it or clip it to my belt and wear it IWB whenever I got out.

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

Personally I don’t like the idea of a vehicle holster. If you’re car jacked, you either have to leave the gun or grab it. Then you’re holding a gun which will probably piss off the perp. Personally I carry concealed on body, that way when I get out of the vehicle the weapon is still on me and concealed.

Where do you keep it if you run into a store?

Glovebox guns are not a good ideal. Just the perspective of a policeman.

Just Google console security box. You can leave it unlocked while driving and lock it before exiting your vehicle.

I don't carry a gun on my person; car console storage has been my choice for a long time. I don't agonize over such things.

IWB holsters are CHEAP. You can buy one for the sole purpose of leaving in vehicle. Left or right handed depending on where you want to mount it…… I used a $10 magnet on the side of my center console. Magnets have mounting holes for 4 small screws. It held my 2” model 36 for many miles. When I got rid of truck I was going to plug holes but just left the magnet in it. On gray interior you don’t even notice it

Why do these threads go off the rails so quickly. OP simply asked for ideas on carrying a gun in vehicle. He did not ask if you thought it was a good idea. He did not say he was going to leave it in the vehicle 24/7. If you think it’s a bad idea, simply don’t reply. Nobody knows why he wants to do it. Perhaps a long trip and it’s a matter of comfort. Perhaps he has a disability. Who knows. He just asked for ideas.

For IWB I have 4 from Jel Tech, purchased 6 others for family and friends and no complaints,, And in the 20$ range ! They fit me real well ! Plus John is great to deal with ! I know several people here have purchased from John ! He is in California and ships fast !3 to 5 days average to Maine !
https://www.ebay.com/str/jeltecholsters

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9mm Shield

I did just that got a Kydex IWB for my truck

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9mm Shield

d1 - When I drive & carry, I usually keep the gun on my person. But, if I am on a long drive, I will sometimes take the gun & holster (usually a compact semi-auto) and slip it between the bucket seat and console of my vehicle. I can leave it just deep enough the grip is easily grabbed if needed, or push it down a little further, and it is out of sight.

I have never had a gun not stay tightly placed, even during some hard off-roading, but it really is going to depend on your vehicle and holster type I would think.

A friend carries a Sig P365 low on the outside of the drivers side center console of his Tacoma with a magnet. Hardly noticeable, and it has stayed secure for him, but its magnet to steel slide - no holster. Works, but I don't know if I like that..

Larry

Sounds like you need an ankle holster.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

You might want to look closely at a "cross draw holster". Very comfortable and very easy to get to.
Jim

Three decades OTJ and two decades plus retired and always carrying OWB, it's what I'm used to. Driving it's pushed as far forward to three O'clock as possible. Get out of the car or truck it's slid back.

Concealment wise, winter an untucked flannel shirt. Summer a Hawaiian shirt. Joe Citizen is only going to notice printing if the guy carrying the gun is fussing and adjusting the weight. Use a high quality belt and holster. Don't fuss with it. Cops that carried for many years pay no attention to their weapon so people don't notice.

BTW, I shoot regularly with a half dozen other cops, deputies and agents. Most of the time we don't know for sure that the other guys are carrying. Concealed also means a calm demeanor.

That said, we're all geezers so no one is packing a G-17 w/RDS and two extra magazines. We go, small, light and concealed, surprise is our friend.

When traveling, I typically place one of my handguns (revolvers or pistols) and a spare magazine/speed strip in a fanny pack, and the fanny pack sits in the driver's side door pocket. I know, fanny packs are not cool, but the pack can go in the door pocket or under my front seat, and gives me fast handgun access if needed. The pack is quickly and easily removed and doesn't draw much attention. I also usually have a small tac light and spare folding knife in the bag, too.

Is the pack you use a velcro "rip-style" version?

Actually, it's an older fabric version with zippers. But the main compartment zipper works just like a velcro rip style closure.

I think a lot depends on your vehicle and what kind of space it offers. Ideally you would have it secured in a way that it wouldn't move should you brake hard or get into an accident. Loose in a cupholder would not be the way to go. Legalities aside, I don't think it's a great idea to keep a firearm visible in your car like on those dash mounted holsters or hidden among your vehicle documents that you might have to reach for during a LEO traffic stop. I would rather be the one informing the officer to the presence of the weapon in a normal and calm manner when presenting identification rather than letting him see it before we even talk and risk him becoming fearful or combative. Also the issue someone above brought up regarding security is a valid concern if you are going to park and leave the vehicle and gun unattended. I know they make some safes that bolt to the frame or floorboard of the vehicle. That would be a good option for storage after parking. I would also try to make sure it's hidden and you don't offer anything else that looks tempting to a smash and grabber looking through windows. Personally I would never leave a firearm unattended in a car if it could be helped. Maybe you could carry in the car on your body with a cross draw holster on the hip, then remove it and store the gun when you arrive at your destination. Something like this: Andrews Custom Leather - Carjacker Crossdraw

In the 80's Idaho law for a non CCW license holder said you could carry a loaded handgun in your vehicle but it could not have one in the chamber or where a pull of the trigger would bring a cartridge into firing position. That meant that if you had a DA revolver, you could only carry cartridges in 4 out of 6 chambers. I am not sure if it has been changed as I left ID in 87.

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Front sight and squeeze

When you are behind the wheel, the vehicle is your weapon. Shooting while driving is difficult at best...I know as we practiced at my farm with the windscreen on my farm Jeep folded down.

Follow up. I bought two magnets designed for this purpose. They come with holes and screws to affix to plastic/polymer car interiors.

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Come and take it!!

They don't look good when I am wearing shorts.

To answer the original question, we have 2 options.

My wife's car has a storage spot behind the dash screen. You press a button and it goes up. It will fit any pistol or revolver up to a 1911 or a 4" revolver.

My car has a deep console with a removable drawer. The handgun is in the bottom and the drawer covers it up.

So, in my line of work, we tend to search vehicles regularly. If there is a vehicle with a “hidden” area… we find out pretty quickly.

You know who finds those areas even quicker? Criminals that either break into or steal vehicles…

First of all, my comments were directed at the OP's question. As a previous poster stated, he wasn't asking about legality or common sense.

Second of all, my entire family has full carry pistol permits, so if we are stopped (which is almost never - haven't had a traffic violation in 60 years) the officer looks at the license plate, knows who we are and his first question is: "are you carrying". Thus, if the answer is "YES", he has no reason to "search" because the info is readily given. (The PP is provided along with the License and Registration.)

Thirdly, no firearm is EVER left in any one of my unattended vehicles.

An interesting story.....My son moved out of state, and until he could find a secure place to live, he rented a condo in a high rise building with an underground parking garage. One day he was alerted by Management that cars had been broken into. He checked and his truck WAS vandalized. Reportedly, the robbers got a whole slew of guns. My son lost nothing other than a broken window. His six handguns were locked in his condo......LOL. (he bought a house a week later)

Before retirement I carried an AR-15, a PAN disruptor, C-4, Det Cord, cast boosters, non-el, electric, and fuse detonators, det cord, and various other items in my government SUV or P/U. There are very good locking heavy duty vaults, but you pay for them. When not in use the vehicle had to be in a locked garage or it had to be emptied.

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No good deed goes unpunished.

Ok…

And I was pointing out that places that appear to be hidden are usually widely known by people who do any sort of research in vehicles. Unfortunately, that equates to people who would break into your car to steal from you.

Spots behind a radio touchscreen… I really wouldn’t consider that easily accessible. Usually takes a few seconds for it to raise up. Same with bottom of a center console, as you have to dig through stuff in the console and then the drawer. All this while the driver or passenger likely needs the gun… like right now!

None of my reply touched on legality or common sense, it was a known observation that gives others an alternative view. I really couldn’t care less about what you do in whichever setting, nor did I suggest you are someone who would leave a gun in their vehicle. Whether or not you were answering the OP, you only had one line I did not quote… which only says you have two options to answer the OP.

Considering the thread title clearly says carry and storage options, and the OP appreciated both sides from my earlier reply, it isn’t a far leap for someone to think storing a gun in one of those locations is being “recommended.” If X member is scrolling thru the thread, I’m giving perspective that your post lacked. Some people just don’t read everything in a 40+ post thread.

Sorry if you felt that I was calling you out, but with all that… I just pointed out to people browsing the thread that those locations aren’t as hidden as some people think. Just browse YouTube with your make/model, and I’m sure you’ll find videos showing those type of locations. Good criminals use videos like that for research when they look to find something better than a wallet or some loose cash in a car.

I didn't perceive that the OP was asking for "hidden", thus my response was only directed at STORAGE OPTIONS.

Hopefully you have a valid reason to do so . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

19 CFR §162.6

I took the liberty of saving others their time.

§ 162.6 - Search of persons, baggage, and merchandise.
All persons, baggage, and merchandise arriving in the Customs territory of the United States from places outside thereof are liable to inspection and search by a Customs officer. Port directors and special agents in charge are authorized to cause inspection, examination, and search to be made under section 467, Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1467), of persons, baggage, or merchandise, even though such persons, baggage, or merchandise were inspected, examined, searched, or taken on board the vessel at another port or place in the United States or the Virgin Islands, if such action is deemed necessary or appropriate.

[T.D. 72-211, 37 FR 16488, Aug. 15, 1972]

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I’m your Boogie Man, uh huh.