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Vehicle Carry/Storage Options???
- Thread starter defiant1
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rockquarry
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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
I did just that got a Kydex IWB for my truck
Fishinfool
Member
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
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
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Sounds like you need an ankle holster.
Sgt. Buzzard
Member
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.
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.
The fanny pack option
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.
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.
majorsideburns
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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.
Norton 750
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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.
GypsmJim
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They don't look good when I am wearing shorts.
GypsmJim
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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.
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…
