Vehicle Carry/Storage Options???

[defiant1]

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

 

[ISCS Yoda]

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.

 

[Baxter6551]

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.

 

[defiant1]

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.

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.

 

[bobsguns]

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

 

[tlawler]

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.

 

[bobsguns]

I don’t think I’d trust a magnet on a steel gun, though there are some pretty strong rare earth magnets.

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.

 

[Screwball]

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

 

[defiant1]

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.

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). 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 **** 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.

 

[Screwball]

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

 

[ISCS Yoda]

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

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.

 

[chief38]

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

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.

 

[defiant1]

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

 

[Doug M.]

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.

 

[stanmerrell]

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.

 

[defiant1]

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.

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

 

[tlawler]

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

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.

 

[2wheels]

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.

 

[Rob613]

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

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

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

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