Do you use a car safe ?

[Wanderling]

And if so, what would you recommend ?

Honestly I am not as much concerned with gun being stolen as with liability.

 

[HRnightmare]

I had the nano vault that tethered with a non cuttable cord to the seat or something positively attached to the car until I went to give it to a friend and it opens if you twist the dial hard enough. It is still under warranty but CS responded in the worst written email riddled with spelling and grammar errors and practically written in ebonics "we recommend taking it to a locksmith before sending it in". WHAT? I need to pay a locksmith to look at a $30 box? I emailed back criticizing the request and have NEVEr heard back despite sending 2 emails since to follow up. NOPE. In the trash it went and I am currently looking for a replacement.

I would NOT reccomend the gun vault nanovault products.

 

[CZ9shooter]

When I must leave my gun in the car I use a small lockable case by GunVault. Unsure of the exact model. It has a manual combination lock and coated steel cable to secure it. Fits nicely under my seat. Its not super rock solid, but perfectly adequate. Keeps curious hands off my weapon. If someone REALLY wants in there it will take some work.

More than enough room for my Jframe and a couple speed loaders. I believe most full size semi autos would fit.

Edit: Mine has been good. I do admit the lock could be a bit beefier, but I do not feel it is real problem.

 

[oneounceload]

Honestly I am not as much concerned with gun being stolen as with liability

If you aren't concerned about the gun being stolen, then what liability are you concerned with? I keep one in my car door's map pocket - can't be seen even from INSIDE the car (including the driver's seat) let alone from outside. I lock my car when I travel out of my garage

 

[Teachu2]

My Tundra and the wife's Sequoia both have these: http://www.costco.com/Console-Vault-Unique-Security-Solutions.product.11318704.html

 

[Pyro]

My glove compartment locks.

Does that count as a gun safe?

 

[Wanderling]

If you aren't concerned about the gun being stolen, then what liability are you concerned with? I keep one in my car door's map pocket - can't be seen even from INSIDE the car (including the driver's seat) let alone from outside. I lock my car when I travel out of my garage

What I meant was, I am not as much concerned with losing the gun if it's stolen, as with being held liable for negligence if it's used in a crime.

Obviously if you leave a gun visible in an unlocked car it's gross negligence. If you leave it in an unsecured glove compartment in a locked car, it's a grey area. If you put it in a locked cable secured safe in a locked car, I can't see anyone being able to prove negligence.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Got any links to where a guy was found negligent in a case like you are worried about?

 

[todd_g]

When I must leave my gun in the car I use a small lockable case by GunVault. Unsure of the exact model. It has a manual combination lock and coated steel cable to secure it. Fits nicely under my seat. Its not super rock solid, but perfectly adequate. Keeps curious hands off my weapon. If someone REALLY wants in there it will take some work.

More than enough room for my Jframe and a couple speed loaders. I believe most full size semi autos would fit.

Edit: Mine has been good. I do admit the lock could be a bit beefier, but I do not feel it is real problem.

I have the keyed model. Works just fine. I rarely have to use it but it is there.

 

[txblackout]

+1 to the console vault in the tundra. I also mounted a serpa holster inside the console vault.

 

[HRnightmare]

Got any links to where a guy was found negligent in a case like you are worried about?

I am curious of this as well.

In my state I believe the only time negligence is the owners fault is if the gun was left in direct access to a minor or felon and was used improperly. If someone breaks into my vehicle and gets a hold of my gun regardless of whether its locked inside a box inside my car or in the center console or glove box (where it is, only if I am going to the post office or work, etc.) THEY are held responsible, NOT me...like it should be!

 

[cc-hangfire]

I use a small locking steel box secured to seat post by cable. I believe it's by Gunvault. I have two, one in my wife's car for interstate travel; one adjacent state doesn't reciprocate for carry licenses. In my vehicle there are times when I am on a client's property where state law requires firearms be locked away in private vehicles.

Depending on the area and how long I will be away from the vehicle, I use the lock box instead of the console. Like any system, given enough time & tools a thief can either break the box or cut the cable, but it prevents a smash-and-grab, complies with state law, and would give be some defense from liability in case of theft.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Had one of those finger tip combo safes.

Can't remember the name but on top it had the outline of four fingers and you could easily manipulate it in the dark or mounted out of site.

Oddly, I used it more for locking up my keys when diving than for guns. Great for valeting the car when I don't want to take a carry to dinner/movies too.

 

[Wanderling]

I am curious of this as well.

In my state I believe the only time negligence is the owners fault is if the gun was left in direct access to a minor or felon and was used improperly. If someone breaks into my vehicle and gets a hold of my gun regardless of whether its locked inside a box inside my car or in the center console or glove box (where it is, only if I am going to the post office or work, etc.) THEY are held responsible, NOT me...like it should be!

This was mentioned in my class by the instructor, a retired LEO. He said he had his gun locked in a safe in his trunk with a cable for liability reasons. As I understand, the problem is not with criminal but civil liability.. but then I am not sure I understand it well.

 

[oneounceload]

And depending on what state, that may very well be an issue. I do not believe it is one where I live.

 

[bikemutt]

I've got one sitting behind the passenger seat, its attached with case-hardened chain around the front seat base. Keep my auto registration, insurance document and a Sig 1911 nightmare carry in it. Its the 4 button finger touch model.

EDIT: case hardened may be inaccurate, we called it tractor chain on the ranch, its a bear to cut without a torch.

 

[FAS1]

This was mentioned in my class by the instructor, a retired LEO. He said he had his gun locked in a safe in his trunk with a cable for liability reasons. As I understand, the problem is not with criminal but civil liability.. but then I am not sure I understand it well.

Most people understand that the small light duty portable safes attached with a small cable don't provide much security at all. They seem OK for TSA use, but if you need to leave a gun in your car for prolonged periods of time on a regular basis, I would consider something a little harder to break in to that is bolted down.

Liability or not, I don't make anything easy to steal. I hate thieves!

 

[TRX]

I use the GunVault NV200. We ordered four, all keyed the same, for $100, and put one in each vehicle.

The cable is supposed to be bolt-cutter-proof; I dunno. I could probably get the box open with some work from a big screwdriver or a tire iron. I figure it is adequately strong for a $25 box; I don't expect an inexpensive item like that to be resistant to tools. I was more worried about smash-and-grab robberies.

 

[FAS1]

The cable is supposed to be bolt-cutter-proof; I dunno.

Where do you see that claim? I have only seen them rate the cable at 1500# tested. I assume that means 1500# pulling to break the cable. Doesn't really address cutting strength. Thicker usually means stronger to break or cut and these cables are light duty that are used on these type boxes. You could make a stronger cable using parts from Home Depot, I guess.

Take a look at your garage door cables, 1/8"? Same size, only without the vinyl cover? Mine cut with just a regular pair of dikes. It does take both hands, but that's all.

I could probably get the box open with some work from a big screwdriver or a tire iron.

Like this?

I do think that these are a good option to keep your gun out of your kids hands when travelling and for TSA use, etc. Just don't think it will slow a thief down much, if at all. When my Suburban was broke into in a Chili's parking lot on a Saturday afternoon, they used a similar size screwdriver to pop the door latch and I didn't even notice when getting into the vehicle. They will be carrying a couple tools with them. They don't usually smash a window in a "Smash & Grab". It's easier and less noticeable using a screwdriver.

 

[guyfromohio]

I have a cheapo-safe In a hidden compartment in my vehicle. MAy deter a crook, but won't stop one. Will stop a child though. I keep it in there and refer to it as my Reginald Denny gun. If things look like I may need more than my CCW, I can get it and be prepared. Doesn't work instead of a CCW though due to ease of access.