Glove compartment gun, which one?

[blue_ridge]

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.

 

[Jonah71]

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.

 

[jfrey]

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.

 

[blue_ridge]

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.

 

[CZ223]

You may be looking at this the wrong way

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.

 

[M2 Carbine]

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.

 

[blue_ridge]

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! 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.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

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.

 

[CoRoMo]

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.

 

[Coyote3855]

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.

 

[Ruger Redhawk]

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.

 

[CoRoMo]

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.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

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

 

[greenjeans]

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

 

[joed]

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.

 

[TXHORNS]

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.

 

[cjl8651]

What about the S&W 910 or 908?

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

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.

 

[earlthegoat2]

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.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

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.

 

[jim243]

Here is one that meets all your criteria.

http://www.shop.countrysidewalk.com...E7DCE65CE278FC474F0593066AF6FC92.qscstrfrnt03

Jim

 

[wild cat mccane]

None.

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

 

[LRS_Ranger]

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

 

[kennedy]

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

 

[jimmyraythomason]

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.