Leaving a Gun in the Glovebox Overnight

[papaholmz]

Is it bad for the gun if it is left in a car overnight with the temperature changes? I'm worried that if I leave one in a locked glovebox overnight that condensation might build up on the inside of the gun and cause problems later on (I live in SC, so during the winter temp will get below freezing occasionally and in the summer it usually doesn't go too high above 100 F). Any suggestions? Also, is one type of material (i.e. polymer, scandium, steel, etc...) better at being left outside.

Thanks,
-papaholmz

 

[Jbabbler]

I think it's irresponsible to leave it in your car if it's outside but if you must, put a bag of desiccant in the gun rug with it.

 

[frogger42]

Before I started carrying concealed, I kept a Ruger SP101 in my glove box 24/7. My car was locked in a garage at night, but I never had a problem with it and I only took it out and cleaned it or fired it about once every 6 months.

 

[mokin]

While I don't trust the security of a glove box as a permenant situation, I have played the odds as a temporary solution. More to the point of your question though, I have kept several pistols locked in various containers for extended periods of time in the passenger compartments and trunks of different cars/trucks with no appearent harm. I shot and cleaned them regularly and always shot the ammo that was stored with them first to be sure temperature changes hadn't comprimised its' reliability. With that in mind though, this has all taken place in a very dry climate with extreme temperature and barametric changes.

 

[inSight-NEO]

Im not really an expert on the aspects of leaving a gun in a vehicle, but Ill take a stab at in anyway. First, I think that if the gun is well lubricated (using high quality lube or grease) it should withstand the temperature extremes. However, the results may vary if you keep the weapon in a holster. For instance, its my understanding that leaving a weapon holstered for too long can invite oxidation. I believe this is due to the fact that the holster can strip away and/or absorb any lubricant necessary for maintaining the weapons finish.

If you plan on keeping this thing in your vehicle all of the time, it probably would not be a bad idea to keep an eye on it, in terms of any visible effects of moisture. Plus, Id probably keep such a weapon maintained (cleaned or at least lubricated) on a fairly regular basis and do regular function checks. Ditto on making sure the ammo is in proper condition. Personally, if moisture is of any possible concern here, Id keep the ammo (at least) indoors. If we are talking about a semi-auto weapon here, this should prove to be no inconvenience at all. This, aside from the benefits to your ammo, would also keep you from having a loaded weapon in the car upon your absence.

In terms of which finish would be most durable...I cant say with any "facts" to back me up. I cant vouch for temp extreme resistance, but I like polymer weapons because there is obviously less metal to oxidize. Plus, I think they are more resistant to blemishes vs all steel weapons. Either way, most high quality guns, whether polymer framed or not, will probably resist harsh temps quite well. Id personally be more concerned about "function" vs "finish" when dealing with this type of scenario.

Lastly, Id like to say that I personally do not condone keeping ANY firearm stored within a vehicle for an extended period of time. Not only are you inviting more "wear and tear" on the weapon, but it just makes the gun far too accessible to those who may misuse it. Personally, Id just keep the gun indoors and transport it as needed. After all, if it makes it as far as your garage or lot, why not just bring it inside?

 

[Jbabbler]

My brother kept his Kimber in his Glove box 24/7. Someone broke in and stole it one night. It wasn't locked so he has no idea how long it was gone before he noticed. The GBI called him about 2 years later and said they had recovered it from a burglary. He was able to go claim it again.

 

[Chihuahua Floyd]

See Eightball's post "Ice on the car gun..."

 

[Roper1952]

I'll be blunt, you're nuts to leave a gun in a car. Besides possible legal ramifications, how would you feel when your window is busted, your gun goes missing and is used in a felony?

 

[Ben86]

Leaving guns in cars, while you are home for the night, is for the most part lazy and irresponsible. It also submits your gun and ammo to repeated, rapid changes in temp, which can creat condensation.

Although, I admit I occasionally do it if I have too work a late shift and then an early shift and would like one less thing to do as I'm rushing out the door in the morning. I do keep mine in a lock box however and live in a place with a very low crime rate.

 

[Duke of Doubt]

What legal ramifications?

The owner is not liable for the misuse of his stolen weapon.

Perhaps if he left the car and the compartment unlocked and an innocent party, say a young child, climbed in, found it and shot herself.

 

[psyopspec]

Had an experience this morning with guns secured in vehicles that I wanted to share. After my little eyes fluttered open this morning, I grabbed a shower and poured a cup of coffee in a travel mug before heading off to work. As I got to the main door of my building, I saw a note from the management. To whit:

Several cars were broken into last night in the area. Remember to lock your vehicle and remove any items of value when you leave it unattended. Please inspect your vehicle and contact the PD at 555-5555 if you were a victim of the break-ins.

I just about dropped my coffee when I remembered that I'd left a carry gun under the seat after disarming last night to go into a bar for a bit (didn't drink). When I concluded my business at the bar the previous night, it had already been a long day and when I got home I hadn't bothered to resecure that gun on my person. Imagining the headache I'd have to deal with explaining to the local constabulary why it was that I'd so easily allowed a handgun to fall into the hands of a thief, I ran out to where my vehicle was parked.

I did a full walk around and realized the doors were still locked from the night before and none of the windows had been breached. I reached under the seat and breathed a heavy sigh of relief when I realized that the firearm was still there. A little over a month ago I bought a mountable lock box; I finally "got around" to putting it in today. If you're a person who keeps a "car gun," or occasionally disarms and leaves a weapon in your vehicle, consider it's security if you haven't done so already. The mini heart attack I had this morning was no fun, and it would have been a crappy day had I been out one of my favorite guns. Lock your stuff up.

ETA: As for rust, if I do end up leaving a gun a cold environment for a spell, I disassemble and wrap in a towel when I bring it indoors, then wipedown and relube after the parts warm up enough not to condensate. However, after what I went through recently I'd recommend avoiding leaving it in the car.

 

[papaholmz]

Thanks for the responses, It seems like it won't really hurt the gun.

Btw, I only leave the gun in the glovebox overnight when I have to work third shift every third week as I can't take it in with me to work.

Thanks,
-papaholmz

 

[moooose102]

it makes me nervous to leave my pistol (or any gun) in the car for any length of time. so i would not be able to do that. it really isnt a safe place IMO. if you do decide to do it, you should find a spot where no one can see what you are doing, and check it every single day, to make sure it is still there. if it is stolen, you will want to report it to the police as soon as possible, so you will not be drug into some legal nightmare.

 

[anythingshiny]

my car was rifled thru last night.

i 'usually' lock it at home and always when away from home, but last night it was unlocked.

I sent the boy out to warm it for me as it was 12 degrees this am...and he came running back in saying someone had been in the car.

odd as heck because they rifled thru my cd's but took none, change bin was untouched and the glove box was open but undisturbed.

it MAY have been the cardboard target back FULL of holes in the back of the rig that made him or her think twice...but from now on it is LOCKED at all times.

 

[Jbabbler]

Thanks for the responses, It seems like it won't really hurt the gun.

Btw, I only leave the gun in the glovebox overnight when I have to work third shift every third week as I can't take it in with me to work.

Thanks,
-papaholmz

Thats understandable. I do think that their are some good gun safes avaialble for cars if you are forced to do that like you are. Does your work search your bag when you go in?

 

[Ron-Bon]

Bad Idea

 

[expvideo]

I think it's irresponsible to leave it in your car if it's outside but if you must, put a bag of desiccant in the gun rug with it.

But he didn't ask if you thought it was responsible. He asked if it would damage the gun.

The answer is no. One night in the glovebox is not going to hurt your gun. I've left mine in a glovebox for a few days at a time, on rare occassion, and it has never caused any problems. Mine is a Sig P226, so it is all metal, no polymer

 

[Mello]

Just addressing your concern over condensation, it is the circumstance where the object is cooler than the air and the water vapor condenses on the object that you have to worry about. Gradual temperature change in a car should not present condensation issues like you see on a glass of ice water on a dining table. Even if you do get some moisture on your gun, cleaning it promptly should prevent rust. I assume your weapon is not stainless steel.

Since the responses wandered off topic to consider security of an unattended car, I was motivated to purchase a gun safe for my vehicle.

 

[sophijo]

obvious point

This is obvious; probably why not explicitly addressed here but; stainless is much less prone to rust and polymer not at all. Having said that; I don't leave firearms unattended, in my vehicles, even if "safed" up.

 

[regal]

Btw, I only leave the gun in the glovebox overnight when I have to work third shift

I'm in the same situation. I disagree with these posts saying its irresponsible to leave a gun in a car over night.

I guess if we work 3rd shift we are supposed to drive to work unarmed. Fat chance. I had my pistol nickel plated and have had no issues leaving it in the car over night.

 

[Joe Mamma]

There should be no condensation problems with you leaving it your car overnight. The slow gradual changes in temperature won't create a problem.

Condensation could/would be a problem if you bring it into your warm house from your cold car.

Joe Mamma

 

[KenW.]

I'm pretty good with a slim-jim, what's your address?

 

[KINGMAX]

not the best place to secure a firearm

 

[S&Wfan]

On the new website just put up by our new "Commander-In-Chief" are his stated intentions in a variety of issues. One is in the "Crime and Law Enforcement" section. To keep "High Road" I will not post the link.

He's going to go after guns again to cut "down on crime," and to make it where children can't shoot a gun. IMHO, one of the main ways BGs get their guns to kill, rape and rob people is by either stealing them . . . or buying them from other gang members who stole them. The vast majority of guns owned by honest civilians are securely stored in safes . . . and the fastest, easiest way to procure a gun is to break into a few cars! This has got to stop!!!

DO NOT leave weapons in cars where they can be stolen . . . or eventually you will contribute to the problem which may one day cause us all to lose our right to bear arms.

Responsible gun ownership is a mortal responsibility! If you have to temporarily leave a gun in a vehicle, for goodness sakes . . . get a secure lockbox for the vehicle which cannot easily be stolen or opened!!!

T.

 

[Big Bill]

Unless you have a concealed weapons permit, it's illegal to keep a gun in your glovebox or anyplace else in the car that conceals it.