Finished Project: Carry Gun Car Holster

[lvalmont]

I carry my S&W 442 almost everyday. I always take it off of my person and put it in the center console when I get in my car for two reasons:

1. My vehicle is a tiny 2-door with bucket seats which results in the 442 digging into my body.

2. In combination to the awkward position, my seat belt prevents easy access and results in a very slow draw.

Problem with Center Console:

1. There is a 1 second window in which my firearm is exposed when putting it into and taking it out of the center console. If you were walking by the in parking lot, you might see me do this.

2. If I were to draw, I would have to open the console, and then partly fish around inside to grab it.

3. Takes up most of the space.

Solution:

Cheap $10 Fobus Paddle Holster bolted to the underside of the steering column. Draw speed is near instantaneous. Also, all actions of holstering and unholstering happens underneath the steering wheel where no one could see.

I don't ever leave the firearm in the car (it is only holstered there when I am driving) so I am not worried about thieves seeing it or stealing it.

Comments? Criticisms?

Now lets see your car carry set ups!

 

[crazydaysorg]

A couple questions:

Do you pull the gun from your carry holster and put it into the steering column holster when you enter the car? Or are you somehow moving the carry holster to the steering column?

If you are moving just the weapon, is the holster permanently affixed to the steering column? And are you concerned that an exposed (though only slightly) empty holster might make you a target as you approach your vehicle or your spouse who might not carry?

 

[LHRGunslinger]

Good solution to a tricky problem. Might cause some problems if you ever get pulled over though.

 

[Ole Humpback]

This gives me a good idea for my Camaro. I have a massive void space in my dash over the radio & under the A/C vents where I could do something like this. Also, it helps to have a massive dash overhang. You can tell they weren't thinking about someone hitting there head on the dash in 1989.

 

[lvalmont]

A couple questions:

Do you pull the gun from your carry holster and put it into the steering column holster when you enter the car? YesOr are you somehow moving the carry holster to the steering column?

If you are moving just the weapon, is the holster permanently affixed to the steering column? Yes, took off that part of the steering column and went to town with nuts and bolts. It has a metal backing plate so it is very sturdy

And are you concerned that an exposed (though only slightly) empty holster might make you a target as you approach your vehicle or your spouse who might not carry?My car sits VERY low to the ground, you would have to squat down to see it. Also it is black injection molded plastic bolted to a black plastic steering column amid an all black interior. It is very hard to notice. I had to use a flashlight in order for the camera to even pick it up.

Good solution to a tricky problem. Might cause some problems if you ever get pulled over though.

I have a CHL. The only problem is if police claim that it isn't "concealed" enough (in Texas, handguns may be possessed in your vehicle CHL or not, just has to be concealed).



Here is another image if you were standing and opened my door.

 

[00 Buckshot]

Very nice set up! Congrats!!!!

 

[Warhawk83]

Brilliant!

 

[joehorner]

I have a similar setup in my pickup truck. I bought a used left handed kydex paddle holster. Keep in mind I am right handed. Mount it on a slight cant towards your right knee. The interior is a dark grey and it is not that easy to see. It works for me. I just drilled holes thru the paddle and plastic dash then used small allen bolts with washers. Very sturdy installation. Joe

 

[joehorner]

I have a similar setup in my pickup truck. I bought a used left handed kydex paddle holster. Keep in mind I am right handed. Mount it on a slight cant towards your right knee. The interior is a dark grey and it is not that easy to see. It works for me. I just drilled holes thru the paddle and plastic dash then used small allen bolts with washers. Very sturdy installation. Joe

 

[lvalmont]

Joe, great minds think alike!

 

[agoodpeter]

this is a very important topic in carrying,,, the mounting of a holster on a dash is good,,, but my senerio is that i carry to work,, but do not bring the gun into work (hospital),,, i always unholster the gun a couple blocks away,,, if you have a routine of unholstering the gun every morning some will see your unholstering or holstering motion sooner or later. my rav 4 has a deep velvet like lined pockect that fits my pistol pefectly, though a mounted holster would protect the trigger on a loaded gun better...still a very good thread