handgun/ammo left in vehicle

[ryanrichmond]

Thanks guys. Again, more useful information. I will think more logically about this kit. I carry wherever I go anyway so I suppose a gun left in the truck isn't necessarily important but I will keep an extra box of ammunition in there and switch it out every 6 months or so.
I have an old backpack I will store everything in after I've sealed it all up in vacuum bags. Just roll the backpack up tight and slide it in the cubby.

If you have more ideas, keep 'em coming. This is kinda fun

 

[Zumet]

which handgun should i take (bug out bag)??
357
45 acp
22 semi
22 SA
44 mag/spl
45 LC.. I own a 45 trapper rifle also.

 

[ryanrichmond]

That's a whole can of worms, Zumet. You could discuss for days which gun would be the best to have in a BOB but I would say (in my opinion), from the guns you listed, that the 357 or 44spl would be nice to have.
I say that because I like revolvers and decent sized calibers. Revolvers have less moving parts, no jams, and always goes bang when you pull the trigger.

 

[K0ZZZ]

If we're talking long term storage of a pistol, and you're in an area with higher humidity, the only precaution I'd consider taking would be to put it in one of those food vacuum bags. Just to keep condensation off of it, considering how many hot and cold cycles it would go through. Since you said you're not looking for immediate access to it. If it was something you'd need to grab in a "when seconds count" situation, I'd rotate out the ammo and do a thorough clean ever 3 months.

 

[JTHunter]

K0ZZZ - sounds like good advice.

 

[788Ham]

Don't put any full cans of beans or tomatoes in there, might gum up the ammo a tad!

 

[bobbarker]

If you have an army surplus store around you anywhere, or look around online, I'd suggest a poncho liner instead of a regular blanket. They are about the warmest things I've ever covered up with outside of a sleeping bag, and they take up VERY little space.

I would even take it over one of those space blankets a few folks have mentioned. A poncho liner is MUCH more durable. I'm not sure what they'd go for online, but usually can be nabbed for 7-10 bucks in a surplus store.

 

[ryanrichmond]

nice. I'll look into those, bobbarker

 

[oldfool]

somebody says "bug" or "bug out", I look for something to step on
but I keep a few hundred rounds in a small cooler in the pickup cab year round, just 'cause too lazy to tote ammo in/out every week range trips, restock once a month as needed
but it could stay there for years if need be, no worries about deterioration or safety, hot or cold, short time, long time

a gun, no, just wear one

 

[CraigC]

IMHO, the best use for a Glock or similar autopistol is truck duty. They are essentially rust proof and I won't be crying in my beer if it gets stolen.

 

[stickhauler]

I'd agree with the poncho liner, I carry one in the truck with me (I drive OTR) and they will keep you warm as toast, and they're an easily stored item. I can't seem to find them anymore, as I'd love to find a few for all my vehicles. The one I did find was around $20.00.
For food items, I'd suggest MRE's, they are designed to have a long shelf life in every weather extreme.

 

[LemmyCaution]

Vacuum packing to prevent condensation damage is a very good idea, but you should also put a small packet of silica gel dessiccant in with the firearm to absorb whatever moisture is not removed by the vacuum.

 

[ryanrichmond]

Dessiccant packs are already a well known thing in my house. I wouldn't think of storing anything anywhere without tossing in a couple with the supplies being stored.

 

[oldfool]

"best use for a Glock"

cannot disagree with that
but I have a thing for wheelies, most of the time, even though I don't generally casual wear one, I shoot 'em a lot
if/when one is in the truck "map case" (I ain't telling what if/when means)
an older model but excellent condition model SS 4" Rossi six shooter with a not real bad trigger, very accurate, and 100% reliable is what it is, and the IWB gets parked securely elsewhere during a long ride; not a bug thing, just a comfort thing, the map case
(never did like stopping to ask directions nohow)
if I forget and leave it in the truck, no harm done; and if bad unlucky enough to get it wrong gone, it's not like losing a mint k-frame
map case draw be handier than IWB draw from the driver's seat

used to be a "pretty much mint" SS 60 J-frame, but I don't much like leaving that one out there if I happen to forget to take it out
always did shoot better w/ 4" than 2" anyway

 

[Leathermarshmallow]

Get an otter box. It is waterproof and you can buy different sizes. Here is a pic of one that I keep in my truck. (I now have more items in it).

 

[CraigC]

...cannot disagree with that
but I have a thing for wheelies...

Me too, I just don't leave `em in the truck.

Although I've toyed with the idea of getting a stainless sixgun (all stainless, innards included) specifically for truck duty. I would invariably end up putting swanky grips on it, getting some nice leather for it and generally getting too attached to it to leave it in the truck. So I save me from myself and just keep a Glock (or at present, an XD) for truck duty.

Get an otter box.

That's pretty cool and a good lookin' "kit".

 

[ryanrichmond]

Good idea with the otter box. hm I should have designated a budget before I started this thing.

 

[Paul47]

I'm pretty sure I've read that extended exposure to high temperatures degrades gun powder, and may cause it to burn a lot hotter than it normally would (leading to high chamber pressures). It gets really hot in cars.

I would certainly cycle it through at the end of the year (use it for practice) so you don't end up with multiple years of exposure in the ammo.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Mine is a stainless S&W 1006, with some extra loaded mags. 180gr 10mm full loads. I have concluded that the 10mm and .44 Mag represent the best available for the auto and revolver, respectively, for use from a vehicle. One probably won't be concerned with concealment, as they would be stored in a vehicle, and power to engage hostile targets, and possibly shoot THROUGH or into vehicles, etc, is a real possibility. The rust resistance and semi-auto delivery of the 10mm gives me an edge, although if I had a good stainless .44 Mag, I would not complain. I have never had any degradation of ammo quality or problems from carrying and storing guns and ammo in a vehicle.

 

[45Fan]

Seems that everyone has covered most of the bases, but I havent seen anyone mention toilet paper, or maybe wet wipes. Not something that anyone thinks about, until nature calls.
As far as storing it, I have a buddy that keeps about the same kit you are thinking about, but its in a small bag, similar to a pilots helmet bag, and it goes just about everywhere he does. No worries if he changes vehicles, just grab the "go" bag and go.

 

[ryanrichmond]

The ultimate plan for this kit would be getting me to a safe zone in the event that my vehicle breaks down and my cell phone is dead and I'm in the middle of nowhere (rarely ever). I'm planning for 2-3 days of emergency survival (generally how long it would take me to get to a safe area/find help)
Oh no I'm in the middle of nowhere and I have no means of communication! Oh good, I have my BOK; I'll just hump it to the nearest civilization and radio for help.

 

[CZguy]

I'm pretty sure I've read that extended exposure to high temperatures degrades gun powder, and may cause it to burn a lot hotter than it normally would (leading to high chamber pressures). It gets really hot in cars.

This comes up from time to time. Gun powder degrades (very slightly) from temperature extremes and time. Practically you will not notice any difference.