What's The Best Way To Carry In A Car?

[Phriend]

I'm looking to purchase a pocket pistol very soon. That said, it seems that it would be very difficult to draw the weapon from my pocket while in a seated position inside my car.

Are there any good ways for me to carry my weapon while driving that would allow for a speedier draw? (Ideally I'd like to avoid strapping on a new holster just for this).

 

[Titan6]

If your jurisdiction/ vehicle allows it, a holster on the side of the seat works well.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

... it seems that it would be very difficult to draw the weapon from my pocket while in a seated position inside my car.

Or seated, period. A definite disadvantage.

I put my handguns (no matter how carried on my person) in the center console of my truck while actually driving, then put them back in my holster when exiting. A problem with this is that it can become dislodged and go flying in the event of an accident, sudden stop, or even an attacker ramming your car. Provided your state law allows it, it is probably best if you (and I) somehow affix a holster to your dash, center console or door panel, and put the gun in that.

DeSantis makes a holster (Kingston-something) that is affixed to the front of the seat, via a large strap running across the seat cushion. This looks uncomfortable to sit on, however. I think Fobus makes some sort of vehicle mount, too.

 

[ChickenHawk]

I carry OWB at 3:00 so do not have any discomfort while sitting in the car (as I did with IWB at 4:00) and have easy access to my gun even when seated.

When I am going on long trips I often opt for a shoulder holster for similar reasons. Depends on my mood and whether or not the weather requires a jacket.

There is always a Kel-tec P3AT holstered in my center console.

Cheers,
ChickenHawk

 

[researchdoc]

Cross Draw
If you don't want to put the holster on and off the belt to change positions, you can get an adjustable paddle holster that can switch sides easily.

If you are using a pocket holster, and have a place in the seat (such as between console and seat or between splits in a bench seat) cram it down in there. Very quick draw that way and can throw a coat or hat over the gun too.

OR, you can get another gun that you have for just car carry leaving mighty mouse in the pocket altogether.....

Here is a good read:
http://www.galleryofguns.com/shootingtimes/Articles/DisplayArticles.asp?ID=4837

 

[Samuel Adams]

Does anyone have any experience with the Barsony under dash holsters sold on Gunbrokers.com?

 

[rdrancher]

If you are using a pocket holster, and have a place in the seat (such as between console and seat or between splits in a bench seat) cram it down in there. Very quick draw that way and can throw a coat or hat over the gun too.

That's what I do when I don't bring along the truck gun. I stuff the pocket holster and gun between the seat and console.

rd

 

[nalioth]

My preferences are on the left side butt-forward belt holster.

This allows you to draw comfortably and have your handgun pointed out the window.

It also allows you to exit the vehicle under duress with your firearm (you might forget to grab it from the center console, or as previously mentioned the pistol might move around and be out of reach during a quick exit)

 

[Zach S]

I used to use a vehicle mounted holster. Probably will again if the car I get to replace the caprice has room for it.

 

[HRT]

In general I have little use for nylon clip on holsters ...however car carry is one of the exceptions. In my 89 Chevy 1500 with a bench seat I fasten the middle seatbelt and clip the holster to the seatbelt strap. Sudden stops the pistol is secure. Throw a newspaper, fast food bag, hat, jacket all sorts of other stuff over it and it is out of sight. In my more modern vehicles I will often clip the nylon holster to the lap belt portion of the seat belt and again my ccw is safe from unplanned migration. The down side of these carry modes is that it requires a reholster prior to exiting the vehicle, unless you have a dedicated truck or car gun. Which I do not because too many locations to which I travel are non permissive with the possibility, nay I say likelihood, of vehicle searches as a condition of entering the area. I continue to need employment so I am not free to avoid the non-permissive areas in SE Virginia.

 

[Guitargod1985]

As a couple of people have already mentioned, a holster affixed in a readily accessible location is a plus. I personally have a snap-in type holster fastened under instrument panel. The best way to do it is to cover over the fasteners with some rawhide or other smooth material so that you won't scratch up you gun. Also, make sure it's not clearly visible from the exterior of the car - this part can be tricky.

This is all assuming that your jurisdiction would allow such a thing. I live in Florida and we have state wide preemption and a snap-in holster is considered "securely encased," but I have a CWL anyway, so no biggy.

Another poster mentioned that he takes his CCW off body and places it in the center console. Do whatever works for you. I personally don't do this because I have a dedicated car gun, so I don't have to go through the trouble of trying to discreetly remove my carry piece and put it somewhere in the car.

Another tip: I find that a snub nose revolver is the best car gun because if someone gets the drop on you and is right at your window, you don't need a long barrel. You'll may need to shoot through a window or even a door, so .357 magnum is not at all a bad choice.

 

[chris in va]

I just slide my gun inbetween the center console and passenger seat. We can do that in VA, check with your state laws first.

 

[clemsonu0219]

If your vehicle allows it, I place mine in between the driver and middle seat of the truck. Quick access and easily concealed

 

[Trempel]

Couple of thoughts on carrying off your body in a car. If your gun is in a holster that's open or just jammed between the seat and the console, there could be a couple of problems with that, IMHO.

1. If you get into a car accident, even a small one, all kinds of crap that's not tied down or in glove box/center console will go flying around. I wouldn't want to have a gun do that, if only for a reason that even small ones are heavier than most objects their size and have edges (hammers, sights, etc.) and might do some damage at car crash velocities. Plus, you have a loose firearm that could potentially make its way out of your vehicle in such a scenario.

2. Cops are statistically in more danger during a "routine" traffic stop and knowing that, they approach these situations with some extra caution. Their reaction to a visible weapon within occupant reach will likely be more drastic during a traffic stop than even if they just saw you packing on the street. If you have a pistol that's plainly visible and you're pulled over, I suggest automatically rolling down the driver side window and putting both hands outside. The cop will know you did that for a reason and are trying to appear not threatening. You can calmly explain why you did that when he makes his way to you and he will know that your hands are nowhere near a weapon. If you keep a piece concealed in a console or glove box, DON'T keep your registration and insurance in the same spot.

3. Again, if your pistol is openly carried inside a vehicle, are you sure that you can retain it from another person in the vehicle? Not that your spouse would all of a sudden grab it and plug you for not asking directions! I'm just saying that there could be a possibility that a carjacker or some crazy might just try and get into your car, so why give them a weapon in the process and create an extra problem for yourself?

 

[orionengnr]

When I get into the car, I remove my CCW weapon from pocket or IWB and place it inside waistband cross-draw at 10:30-11:00 sans holster. Easy to keep it concealed and readily accesible.

 

[Hawaiian]

I often pocket carry. Here in Oregon, it is cold or raining most of the year. Except for a few months, I have a jacket of some sort on. I buy jackets with pockets large enougn to carry in. That solves most of the problem for me.

 

[GLOCK19XDSC]

pro-tech seat buddy looks like a viable option

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=406994

 

[skinewmexico]

Does anyone have any experience with the Barsony under dash holsters sold on Gunbrokers.com?

I had one, stuck it to the inside of the console in my Suburban. Worked like a charm, and cheap.

 

[simpleguy]

2 thoughts

I am conflicted on this.

On one hand when training you would ideally draw from concealment and train your reflexes to go for your concealment holster.

On the other hand do you lose more time by-
A. going for your concealment holster and re-adjusting for your in car storage/carry location.
B. digging around for your concealed firearm on your person while fighting your seatbelt.

Personally, I have floated between the two and probably will continue to do so until I convince myself one way is best. I have considered the Safepacker from Wilderness Tactical.

http://store.thewilderness.com/index.php?cPath=51

It actually can be attached to your seatbelt.

 

[Prose]

He said pocket gun...

Put it in your shirt pocket!

Or light jacket or anything that has a shirt pocket that is inconspicuous. That's what I do.

 

[ojdidit]

A different thought

Wow, I can't believe I'm the only one that does this. My "car" gun is a SW J-frame that I keep in the pocket on the back side of the passenger seat. That way it is always secure and easily within reach, but it can't be seen from outside the vehicle. I keep the snubbie in a pocket holster so I can also use it as a carry gun when needed. I works great for me.

 

[Jubjub]

I keep a Model 10 snubby in a nylon holster clipped under the driver's seat. Easy to reach, easy to work, and just try to get it away from me in a clutch with me on the four finger grip and them on a 2" barrel.

 

[snorky18]

sorry to resurrect an old thread, but for all of you that swap from one location to another (an example would be orionengnr removing his CCW weapon from pocket or IWB and placing it inside waistband cross-draw at 10:30-11:00 sans holster), do you have any concerns about an AD/ND?

Yeah, yeah, be careful, keep your finger away from the trigger, pay attention, and everything SHOULD be fine, but you have to admit that the unholstering/reholstering would at least increase the chance of an AD / ND, even if only by a small margin. The incident with the goober US Airways pilot who shot a hole in his own cockpit comes to mind.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23819887/

I drive a mid-sized car, and anywhere I carry on my waist I seem to be able to not reach the gun due to the seatbelt etc.

Shoulder and ankle holsters might be OK in the car but aren't so great the rest of the time.

Under the front of the seat makes the most sense to me, but I'm not comfortable with what would happen in an accident with no retention.

At this point, I think a paddle holster that you could use for strong side carry or crossdraw makes the most sense....

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I now keep a revolver just right in the middle console compartment.

 

[Floppy_D]

Run a belt down the seat, out the back, under the bottom, and around the front... so when you sit on it, it runs down the crack of your butt. Next, use an FBI cant-style holster for your gun of choice (an adjustable works, or any holster that inverts the gun with the mag pointed slightly up), attatched to the belt, and right between your knees. You can reach right between your knees and draw real quick, and it is well concealed.

As you get into your car, holster it in the seat holster. As you get out, switch to your carry holster. Easy habit to get into, makes driving more comfortable, and your sidearm more accessible.