Where do you carry your gun while in your vehicle?

[Sharpie1]

I CCW every single day. I prefer 3:30-ish OWB with a cover vest or jacket, and I usually either carry a full-size 1911 or a Makarov. I also always carry a Kel-Tec P32.

I drive a whole lot, and when I'm in my vehicle, I don't like my gun in its holster for a couple of reasions.

1. Discomfort

2. Gun rubbing up against seat belt anchor

3. Hard to reach in an emergency

I have often wondered what would be the most effecient way to take care of this problem.

Putting the gun in the passenger seat, even when covered causes a couple of problems. I don't want to be reaching over there for the gun if I need to deploy it out the driver's window. This would make me turn away from the threat. And also, while I don't drive with doors unlocked, I might on occasion drive with windows down - and I don't need someone just hopping in the front passenger seat to try to do something and end up sitting on my gun, and I don't need someone running up while I'm at a traffic light to grab whatever's in the seat.

Pushing the gun down between the seats is also not "cool" with me. Dust bunnies, french fry what-nots and other yuckiness could get all over the gun, and the gun is also going to be partially exposed. This could be bad at a drive-thru window, or visible by passers-by, or if an intruder was able to mount a successful ambush and force you to drive - he may discover the weapon - which would not allow you to take advantage of an opportunity to attack the BG. It would also be a very nice new toy for the BG if he were to get away with it.

SO, after much deliberation and hand-wringing, I have decided what I think is the best (for me anyway) way to "carry" while driving.

When I get in my car, I unholster, then sit on the gun with grip accessible between the legs. The gun isn't (really) pointed at my body, but rather at the seat - although I CERTAINLY wouldn't want it going off while in that orientation ...but, as we all know, guns don't "go off" unless you make them go off.

This "carry" method allows me to completely conceal the gun, yet have it within very easy reach in case of emergency. Also, this prevents any fumbling and looking around for it during a crisis.

What works for others? Am I crazy? Is there possibly a better solution?

TD

 

[10-Ring]

Center console in a position I can easily draw it if I need it but is still hard to detect from inside or outside the vehicle.

 

[Baba Louie]

OWB Cross draw?
Ankle holster?

During the Miami FBI fiasco, a couple of the good guys guns were loose (well, they weren't holstered on body), vehicles collided, guns went flying... problems ensued... Of course they went looking for trouble and found it, you probably won't be doing much of that... but accidents do happen and the dynamics just might cause some form of unfortunate mechanical discharge... maybe.

I agree that a 3:30 or 4:00 carry while belted in is not a good thing, but if I ever have to get out of vehicle in a hurry or when I'm flustered due to external stimuli, I don't want to have to fiddle with a firearm or leave it lying where I was sitting or look for it on the floorboard...

Cross draw on my left side and I can reach it with either hand in a pinch...

Depending on type and size of gun (Mak or Keltec), an ankle holster is awfully easy to reach while seated in the car...

Just a thought or two.

Adios

 

[4thHorseman]

I'm with you 10-Ring. Center counsel

 

[stevelyn]

Drivers door storage compartment in an open top holster.

 

[stevelyn]

Drivers door storage compartment in an open top holster.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

Well, one of the guns I carry is in a Galco Ankle Glove on my left leg. When I'm sitting in my car or truck, I can get it out pretty quickly. Much faster than the gun on my hip. I don't have a cross-draw holster yet, but it seems like that would be even faster.
(Of course, the first thing would be to jet away quickly if possible. I don't want to give a lawyer thousands of dollars to represent me~when I was right in the fist place. Now this ISN'T a shot at the lawyers on the board--OK?)

KR

 

[Edward429451]

Dedicated holster to be left in vehicle? Screwed, glued, strapped, whatever. Couple extra mags. Insert in holster upon entry, retreive before exiting.

When I was a security guard and spent lots of time un vehicle I wore a thigh holster, works well. Other times before holster installation, under leg on seat.

Be creative.

 

[Pain]

I have an Uncle Mike's Clipped to My center console, and when I get in the Truck, I unholdster it from my IWB Galco, and Drop it into the $9 Uncle Mike's. Works Perfectly, Out of site to Passers by and I can get to it in a hurry.

 

[Partisan Ranger]

I like to stick my K-9 or Glock 27 in the driver's storage compartment on the driver's door, in the holster of course. It's low and out of sight and I just have to drop my left hand from the steering wheel to grab it. I'm a lefty, so it's the ideal spot for me.

 

[Logistar]

I wear a shoulder rig whenever possible. -Very comfortable in the car. I have no trouble drawing. - excellent retention AND if I need to step out of the car for gas or something (a more likely situation to need it) I don't have to worry about leaving it in the car where it would be out of reach.

In fact I drove straight from Louisville to eastern Texas and back the next day and never took it off except to shower or sleep. If it fits right, it is just like another article of clothing. -shouldn't "bother you".

Otherwise I guess I would place it in the glove compartment or the center console but I can't acquire it quickly from either one.

Oh, yeah.... here's a tip for you. I often wear a light jacket to drive in. (More comfortable than a heavy one.) IF I MUST leave the gun in the car.... I exit the vehicle wearing the jacket (and the gun). I open my trunk where I have a heavier/better jacket or coat.

I can slip the jacket off along with the holster so noone can see that I have a gun. I put on the other jacket and close the trunk. It appears that I simply changed jackets and ALSO (to anyone watching) that my trunk and passenger compartment are empty except for a cheap jacket that I threw in the trunk. (That DID take some practice but it works! -Haven't dropped the gun yet!)


FWIW
Logistar

 

[Smoke]

Vehicle A.: Screwed a Fobus Holster to the inside of the lockable center console. Holds the butt of the gun flush with the top edge of the console.

Vehicle B.: Usually door pocket. Butt up in an old open top holster I got from some place I can't recall.

Vehicle C.: On me.

ALso have a Uncle Mikes Nylon holster fixed in my briefcase. Keeps butt of the gun right at the top of the zippered compartment. Carried in the left hand I can easily reach into the open compartment and draw. Kimber Ultra Carry CDP does alot of duty here when I can't carry on me. Can also be thrown in the seat of the vehicle for quick access.

 

[bpisler]

3:30 works for me in the focus i drive now.I use a holster with a FBI tilt and have no problems getting to my pistol while seated and seat belted.

 

[Zach S]

Between my right thigh and the side bolster of the seat, or under my left thigh on the seat.

 

[pythium]

TA, get yourself a glock and those old french fries won't be any problem.

 

[Airboss]

Where to carry

The left door storage compartment of my Truck is lined with a canvas coin bag that banks get and ship coins in these things are tough as nails but are soft.Just make a "u" slide the gun inside and it is very handy when I get out of the Truck and need to re-holster my body shields the gun from anyone seeing whats happening.The gun rides without makeing any noise and is protected,but with easy access.YMMV

 

[Hawaiian]

My center console with the lid closed. If driving the wife's Rav 4, in the drivers door in position for a cross draw.

 

[CWL]

Seems like a situation where a paddle holster would be practical. While not perfect, it will allow easily switch to cross-draw for comfort.

If you carry a briefcase or bag, how about in this on the passenger seat?

 

[denfoote]

Car Carry

Here in AZ, all passengers in your vehicle have to have a CCW in order for you to conceal a handgun anywhere within their reach, like a center console or glove box. This came up when a guy's wife was charged with carrying an illegal concealed weapon because her husband had his piece in the center console. The conviction was upheld on appeal!!

Sooo, the moral of the story is if you want to safely (read legally) carry your gun in your car, you must carry it on your person. If you do not have a CCW, it must be clearly visible!! You cannot carry it on the dash, because that runs afoul with the brandishing law!! Under dash holsters, while formally legal, are no longer so without a CCW.

Ain't Democrats from California wonderful???? :banghead:

 

[sm]

I CCW IWB 4 0'clock ( always have).
I have in the past used center console better adapted, door pocket, and as Smoke mentioned a fixed holster ( mine pre Fobus days) adapted.

Currently I drive a bench seat P/U I still CCW IWB. Now depending on schedule, I may move BUG to inside shirt tucked into to waistband , leaving shirt unbuttoned. this is cross draw ( inside weak side is left about 10:30). Now I can drive , and if need be with bloused tucked in shirt , no cover garment get out , pump gas, go to restroom, get snackes...etc. Especially on extended trips in the summer. Sometimes in jeans and such and wearing shirt tail out I still do this, jus tdon't put tail under or impeded by seat/lap belt. I get out and again stays in place while I stretch legs...either way with primary, or BUG it works for me.

I even use full size 1911 this way, bit oversize shirt, untucked ...Khakis and tucked but bloused works. K frames too.

 

[Ky Larry]

I lay the pistol on the seat next to me and fold the arm rest down over it. It's easy to reach and out of sight.