Glove compartment gun, which one?

I have decided, in addition to my conceal carry gun, I'd like to keep a small handgun in the glove compartment of my vehicle. Briefly, there are a few reasons for this. 1) No matter what the situation, it's nice to know there is a gun available in the vehicle. 2) I like the idea of a smaller gun, that will fit in a pocket holster or wallet holster for convenience. 3) A backup to the regular conceal carry gun

So, here's what I'm looking for. Something under $500, preferably in the $300 range. If the car is ever broken into or stolen, I'm not losing an expensive gun. Something in 380, 38Spec or 9mm (prefer 9mm because I already shoot that). Something that fits in a pocket holster, or even better, in a wallet holster. If I am just running a quick errand I don't need to worry about conceal carry, just grab the wallet holster from the glove compartment and stick it in my pocket before going into the store.

So, I know a few ideal guns are the Ruger LCP, LCR, S&W J-frame (Bodyguard, Centennial, 642 etc.) Taurus PT709, PT738, Walther PPS, Keltecs and I'm sure there are plenty other models.

So any experiences and insight you might have regarding these very small, lightweight, short barreled guns which will easily fit into pocket or wallet holsters would be much appreciated.

I was going to reccomend the Bersa Thunder .380, but I think it's a little long in the barrel for your needs. It may be worth your time to check them out though. A very underated gun.

Taurus P85 should fit into your needs very nicely. I personally carry a G36 or CW9 in my console and never had a problem. They are a little more money than you have budgeted, but they do work. You could also look at the Taurus PT111 Pro. They are good pistols and in your price range.

I have handled and shot the Ruger LCP and feel it is a solid little gun. It can be accurate if you take your time with it, but really, this type of gun is meant for shooting targets at an arms length.

I also handled a wallet holster from Uncle Georges holsters and was impressed. But he only makes them for three models of pistols (Ruger LCP, Taurus PT738 and a Keltec.) I also found a website, pocketholsters, which makes wallet holsters for about 15 different guns. So that is the way I'm leaning right now. Either the Ruger/Uncle George combo or something that fits in one of the pockethosters.com offerings. Hard to find a decent 9mm for under $500 in a wallet sized gun.

If you get the LCP or one of the Kel-Tecs or one of the other small 380's that are coming out now. They are so small that they can be comfortably carried in a pants pocket all the time. Mine is on me just about all the time. A Glovebox gun is also a good idea but maybe something like a 4 inch 357 revolver would be a better idea. Just about about anyone can run a revolver with little or no training should you feel the need to arm your passenger for whatever reason.

I picked up a couple Rossi revolvers for glove box guns.

Personally I have two Ruger Security Six and a RIA 45 in the vehicles by the driver's seat.

That's a good point. Maybe I don't necessarily need to combine the two functions 1) pocket carry 2) truck gun Plus it gives me a reason to buy two more guns! :D I might start with a good pocket carry gun. Then keep an eye out for a decent bargain on a used revolver for a truck gun.

I keep a Cz-82 in my truck. Magazine holds 12 rounds of 9x18 Mak. Fills the power void between the 9mm Parabellum and the .380 acp.

I picked up a couple Rossi revolvers for glove box guns.

I think a cheap .38 that works, is ideal. I'm thinking about a Taurus 80 for this roll.

Not in the glove compartment, but I carry a Glock 23 in the door pocket of my Xterra. Two extra mags in the console. Kahr .380 always in the front pocket.

After my truck was broken into a year ago. I WOULD NOT LEAVE A HANDGUN IN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT.Fortunately I didn't have one in there at the time.They found a small pair of Steiner binoculars in the GC and a GPS in my center console.

I just keep one on me when I'm out and don't leave anything of value in my truck.

Yeah, the glove box is an easy target. Some lock, some don't, but none of the locking ones really do a wonderful job, and I wouldn't want it behind a keyed lock anyway. I don't necessarily have anything against a dedicated truck gun, and theft is why I'd opt for a cheap .38 that operates, but there should be a few better places for this thing than the glove box. It'll take some ingenuity to keep it out of sight, readily accessible, and beyond the 'smash-n-grab' thief's usual spots to check.

I keep mine in the driver's side door pocket. Easier to reach and unseen from outside the vehicle.

I keep a Kel-Tek P11 in mine. Less than $300 and 10 rounds of 9mm.

I have a Taurus 445 that I use as a glove box gun. It's a .44 Spl similar to a Charter Bulldog. Paid $260 for it, and if I lost it I wouldn't cry.

I think a revolver is best for that need - no magazine springs to mess with. Ruger sp101 would be my choice, 38 or 357, stainless steel, tough as nails, accurate, easy to shoot, small enough to carry if you have too - heck its great carry gun actually.

LCR's and J-frames are great but thats a carry gun that is intended to be very light and not fun to shoot, if its gonna live in a truck get something with more mass that you can shoot better. Save the light guns for carry only guns. I really dont enjoy shooting my jframe much, sp101 is much friendlier.

I like the biggest gun possible for the job but I think a truck gun needs to be concealable too, which rules out GP100 size revolvers for me.

What about the S&W 910 or 908?

If it is to be loose in the glove compartment, I suggest a DA or DAO trigger mechanism. I also do not recommend carrying your vehicle registration and insurance documents in the same compartment as a gun.

Id get a Security/Speed Six with a 2 3/4 inch barrel and just stuff it in the waistband if you need to carry it. Can get them for aroun 400-450.

I also do not recommend carrying your vehicle registration and insurance documents in the same compartment as a gun. Absolutely! A lot of bad can happen if you are at a traffic stop,reach for your registration and the LEO sees your hand in the vicinity of a loaded weapon.

Here is one that meets all your criteria.

http://www.shop.countrysidewalk.com/Rossi-461-357-2-6-shot-blue-R46102.htm;jsessionid=E7DCE65CE278FC474F0593066AF6FC92.qscstrfrnt03

Jim

None.

And you will agree with me when your car is broken into to too

I have a SP101 in .357 that I have as a glovebox blaster. Always there, 100% reliable.

tauras 85, stainless steel(do not have to worry about rust) .38 cal, double action only, bought for $125 used

And you will agree with me when your car is broken into to too
I've had two guns stolen out of my locked truck. I still keep one in it. That's what works for me.

There may or may not be a S&W J-frame floating around in the glovebox of my old Jeep Cherokee. Really freakin' small glove box (from when they were a "glove box" instead of a "crap carrier"), so I needed a smallish gun anyway to fit/share space with owner's manual, etc.

Not only is .38 +P fine, so is the barrel length, etc, from distances ranging from "me" to "outside the car door." Never have to worry about the mag getting ejected or unseated, either, and it WILL fire when I pull the trigger.

Call me a screwhead if you want, but I've put some serious thought into putting one of those Taurus Judges out there stoked with some of that Federal Hangun .410 defense ammo....because from "me" to "outside the car window" distances, it'd do plenty w/o much worry of overpenetration.

YMMV, but I want a gun that can handle any temperature extreme w/o worrying about mag spring tension, if the mag is still seated properly, if lint somehow gets on it, etc etc etc, over a period of years of "not checking on it" if need be (I do check it, but still).

I have a Keltec P32 in my center console. It also acts as my deep concealed gun when the time warrants. It is inexpensive, reliable and always there.:evil:

I think a nice 4" S&W 66 would be a nice glove compartment gun. I want something that can reach out a ways besides the small carry piece I might have on me.

The S&W model 64 police trade-in revolvers are great deals right now and make a fine glovebox piece: J&G Sales (http://www.jgsales.com/product_info.php/smith-wesson/revolver/p/smith-wesson-model-64-ny1-38spl%2C-4inch%2C-vapor-hone-finish%2C-good-to-very-good-condition/cPath/16_211_431/products_id/3591)


Also, the CZ82 is a good deal right now as well: Aim Surplus (http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F3CZ82&groupid=3)

CZ-82, best buy on the market while the gettin is good. I you haven't bought one then what they heck are you waiting for, once the surplus dries up they will become alot more expensive. Glocks and Bersas aren't going anywhere and neither is their price.














....you still here? Why aren't you buying a CZ-82 yet!!!! Damnit now man!!!!

Kel-tec P3AT or P32 would be the key

got a 3 in Rossi .38 that fits nicely between armrests, unseen unless u raise them up, but easy to get to. Once pulled into a rest stop and a fella saw me and began slowly walking towards my car with something behind his back. I slipped the Rossi out and laid it on the dash and seems the guy decided he really didn't wish to converse with me after all as he backed away and started walking off

I remember the gun writer Jim Wilson asked his readers this question some time back. It doesn't exactly fit your criteria, because it would not be as concealable, but the overwhelming choice was a large caliber, short barrelled revolver, because:

1. revolver reliability, no manual safety
2 large caliber (.44 special, .45 colt, .45 acp) makes a big hole but,
3. is subsonic, so you don't get a sonic crack in the car
4. can't be put out of battery by pressure on the front, if it's for a car it might well be close quarters

I currently have a glock 30 in my car, i was thinking of a little taurus revolver i saw in .45 colt.

star firestar m40 with .40 180gr gold dot

I have decided, in addition to my conceal carry gun, I'd like to keep a small handgun in the glove compartment of my vehicle.

I'm not trying to be a you-know-what, but this is how a lot of guns end up on the street. It's been my belief that guns need to be locked up in a safe or on your person.

Post #11 will back up that assertion. I've had my car broken into twice now and the thought of a firearm ending up in a criminal's hands gives me the creeps.

S&W 442 or 642. They sound perfect for what your trying to do. Load up some 158 grain LSWCHP's and your good to go. I prefer the buffalo bore + P's.

I would guess 75% of the stolen gun reports I have taken over the years were unsecured in cars.

I would be really pissed if I came out and found somebody breaking into my car. Even more unhappy to get shot with my own gun.

Every gun stolen from a decent person and used in a crime is one more argument for the anti gunners to show how "irresponsible" gun owners are.

Car guns should be reliable but fairly inexpensive, in the event your car gets broken into. For what you'd described, something flatter & smaller would work better in a wallet/pocket holster. Going from small to larger...
- Kel Tec P32, P3AT, or PF9
- FEG PA63
- CZ82
- Sigma or Ruger PXX

blue_ridge (http://www.thehighroad.org/member.php?u=109101)
Glove compartment gun, which one?

I don't operate gun giveaway programs, so I don't keep guns in glove compartments. The odds of my vehicle being burglarized are FAR greater than my odds of being in a gunfight. Moreover, my glove compartment is too far away to reach quickly in an emergency. I do usually carry a secondary handgun, but I keep it closer than a glovebox or console, and take it with me when I exit the car.

It's been my belief that guns need to be locked up in a safe or on your person.
That isn't always possible. I am now retired but when I was working I was employed by a truck rental company. I was "installed" on site on the customers premises. I was the ONLY person on the property and worked at night. This was in one of the WORST communities in Birmingham,Alabama. An area known for it's high crime rate. Neither the company that I worked for nor the customer allowed for firearms either on my person or in my vehicle. I had to drive through the worst areas going to and from work. My truck was broken into by an aquaintance who knew the guns were there. The guns were lock in the glove box inside a locked vehicle. So my only choice was to keep it where it was or leave it at home and THATwas NOT an option. I was neither irresponsible nor negligent.

how about a flintlock in your glove compartment! One shot and you can use the ensuing smoke cloud as your chance to escape :)

My ideal of a "car gun" is different than my CCW handgun.

My car gun should be bigger, heavier, longer barreled and accurate. It should be able to shoot ammo that will PENETRATE well . . . just the opposite of a house gun, in case you have to defend yourself from some drive by thug on the highway.

It should be a good, economical REVOLVER for several reasons. First, you have to DRIVE, so a limp-wristed, one-handed jam of an auto would put you in deep trouble!

Second, you don't want hot cartridge cases forcefully ejecting INTO the car and bouncing around and possibly hitting your eye or cracking the windshield.

Third, most revolvers are cheaper if they were stolen than a pricey automatic that requires hundreds of rounds through it to break it in, reliability-wise.

RECOMMENDATION? A fine, vintage (20-30 year old) S&W .38 special or .357 revolver. Lots of police trade-ins from that era are still bouncing around out there at great prices . . . well within your range. Don't trust your life to a second-tier gun. IMHO, only the best will do . . . and that means a sweet trigger pull Smith and Wesson.

I'd go with an RIA 45 or Kel Tek P11. Not sure if those would be in your budget range though.

I am not allowed to carry at work, like many people here. Let me just say that I park in a secure parking lot that is monitored on video. It also happens to be adjacent to a Sheriff Department. This doesn’t make it %100 safe, but I do feel more comfortable about my vehicle’s safety.

Since I can’t carry at work, I like to leave a weapon/holster in the car. Several companies make holster mounts, which are pretty much a mount anywhere solution that has belt sized bars for attaching your own holster. Quite easy to make on your own. I don’t leave it in this, I lock it in a lock box bolted to the floor. This isn’t foolproof, but it is fool-resistant. If you park in an area where you wouldn’t leave a laptop in plain view, unattended in the seat then I wouldn’t recommend keeping a loaded weapon locked inside. I’d hate to imagine my gun falling into some guy’s hand who uses it to perform a violent crime.

As far as the best model I’d recommend? Well I use a Glock. Definitely not my favorite piece. But if it is stolen, there is no love loss. It’s a tool, an ugly tool. It is also very cheap and very resistant to heat and moisture. Living in the south, it can get hot and humid really quick inside of a vehicle. If I keep my carry piece in there (Kimber Pro CDP II) at times, but I make sure to clean it once a week since the barrel isn’t stainless. I’ve heard of tight fitting 1911 grips swelling and cracking due to extended vehicle storage, but never personally seen it.

I also notify the officer I have a concealed carry permit (legal obligation in NC), that I have a weapon and the weapon’s location as soon as he steps to the window. I also turn on the interior light if it is dark and keep my hands on the wheel where he can see them as opposed to digging around for my insurance card as he approaches the vehicle. That’s called respect. If I were in his shoes, I’d have respect and show leniency for the guy/gal that did that for me. CCW permit holder or not and legality aside, you should notify an LEO about any weapons you have. These guys run the risk of getting shot during traffic stops. I had a friend lose his life when he stopped an interstate traveler with a broken tail light.

And for heavens’ sake, if you keep it in the glove box…don’t keep anything else in there and make it stable. You’re using it as a holster/storage. Treat it as such. You don’t want to need it and go digging for it. You also don’t want crap setting off that trigger when it slides around, accidents happen and you don’t want an exit hole in your fender to prove it.

The gun you keep in the glove-compartment should be the one you don't mind losing, having used in a crime, scaring the hell out of an LEO, being found where you are not allowed to have it, or being found by someone in the car who's gonna screw around with it sober or not.

Just make sure you park under the lights when you pull into the Trailer Park and you'll be fine.

:rolleyes:

Al

Just make sure you park under the lights when you pull into the Trailer Park and you'll be fine.
I'm speechless.

Hmmmm, how would you feel if your glove box gun WAS stolen and used to killed someone?
:uhoh:

how would you feel if your glove box gun WAS stolen the same way I'd feel if someone hit me over the head and took it off my person or broke into my house and stole it out of the safe. killed someone? All by it's self?

Choice of glove box gun? Whatever fits.

Another factor: Do you have to hold a CCW permit to have a gun in the glove box where you live? If so, does anyone else use that car?

Another factor: Do you have to hold a CCW permit to have a gun in the glove box where you live? If so, does anyone else use that car? Yes we do,yes they do and yes we all do.

the same way I'd feel if someone hit me over the head and took it off my person or broke into my house and stole it out of the safe.
I'm sorry but there's a big difference to me. In the instances you described there is an effort to secure the firearm where here there's not. At the very least it should be in a lock box or a car safe when left unattended. The gun can be unlocked when the vehicle is in use.

Leaving a gun unsecured for long periods in a car can be seen as act of negligence and if it's every used to harm someone the family's lawyer could make the life of the gun owner very miserable.


All by it's self?
:o

That's what happens when you rush through a post.

effort to secure the firearm where here there's not.Locked glove box+locked truck does not equal no attempt to secure. I can't speak about where you live BUT here (unless you are in the Birmingham area) car break-ins are rare and most gun owners have a handgun in their vehicle. My guns that were stolen were taken by a co-worker who knew they were there.That's what happens when you rush through a post. Been there,done that.

The S&W model 64 police trade-in revolvers are great deals right now and make a fine glovebox piece...

That's what I was thinking from the very first post. That said, I don't live or park where vehicle break-ins happen, and I don't leave a handgun in the truck... shotgun behind the seat, well.. um...

Les

Kept my Beretta 96FS in the compartment for a long time. Spare mag was wedged between the seat and console with a flashlight.

Check out the new Diamondback .380s, basically a micro Glock that they are making now that the Glock patent ran out. And i know alot of people that like a Hi Point for a truck gun, truth be told they ARE reliable, and if yours is not they will send you a new one free, they are ugly as sin however, which is perfectly acceptable for a truck gun. And as others have said dont keep you insurance in the same place as the gun, the center console would be a good place for a gun in your car has one big enough.

I carry a gun on me when I go out, so the only thing in the glove compartment that is gun related is extra ammo. Years ago before cc laws I kept a J frame .38 in the glove compartment, which was legal. There is usually a Mossberg 500 in the trunk. If you want a dedicated glove compartment gun, I would suggest a J frame in .38 or .357. Low maintenance, and reliable.

i bought a cz 82 for 150 at a gun show had a gun smith look it over, give it a professional cleaning, & repaint the sights. for a total of $200. shoots great, cheap ammo, & holds 12rds. i keep it my jeep. my has some holister wear but that does not bother me. if your worried about theft get one of those lockable boxes with the cable for when you will be away from your vehicle for long periods of time or overnight.