How do you secure a handgun in your vehicle?

[surg_res]

Lets talk about how you secure a firearm in your vehicle. I occasionally travel with a handgun in my truck, however, I'm always nervous to leave it there--for fear that with a break-in, it could get snatched quite easily despite being concealed. I'd like to have a more permanent arrangement for a handgun in my truck...

At home I have multiple quick-access, bolt-down handgun safes distributed about my place. These boxes keep handguns on the ready but are also quite secured from the children, etc. Do you know of any similar quick-access bolt-down safes made for vehicles? I imagine they would have to be fairly compact or slim to work between seats, etc.

[KCabbage]

Check this out http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=434716
If you shop around you can probably find it cheaper.

[fastforty]

Two cable locks. One stays locked around the seat post. The other gets dropped through the open action, then locked through the first one. The whole affair gets flipped under the seat.

[ZeSpectre]

A lockbox, painted to resemble a safety kit, and bolted in place where the original factory first aid kit was supposed to go (not included in my trim package...of course).

I refer to it as "urban camouflage" and only one person (another gunnie) has ever even noticed that my "first aid kit" has a keylock.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/zespectre/Box001.jpg

[Deaf Smith]

I put a 'do not touch' sign on mine.

Is like the 'gun free' sign schools use and just about as effective. See, 10,000 school administrators can't all be wrong, right?

[rantingredneck]

Here are a couple of lockboxes I use:

Stackon brand, sells for about 50-60 bucks at Dick's or Gander Mountain or the like:

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/rantingredneck/041.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/rantingredneck/042.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/rantingredneck/043.jpg

Pro's: Very solid construction with heavy duty locking bolts. Small and easy to hide.

Con's: So small that maneuvering a handgun in or out is tricky if it's a full size revolver or automatic. 4" GP100 or Ruger P-Series size gun is maxing it out. (3" SP101 pictured in safe).


Honeywell model that Walmart sells for about 30 bucks:

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/rantingredneck/044.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/rantingredneck/045.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/rantingredneck/046.jpg

Pro's: Good size. Can get guns in and out quickly without banging up fingers or guns. Will easily accomodate truck gun +2 extra mags and allows me to place a layer of foam over the top so I can secure my carry gun when I'm going into NPE's.

Con's: Lock is not nearly as sturdy as the above Stack On model. One bolt only and it's not of the same quality. Hopefully it's enough to discourage or slow down the typical smash and grab guy.

I posted the above in a thread on securing in the home earlier today, but it applies to vehicles as well.

I'm presently using the lower setup in my truck (2001 Dodge Ram extended cab). I can key the code and retrieve the gun from seated in the driver's seat. I currently keep a P97 (pictured) and 2 mags in there pretty much full time. If I'm going somewhere that my carry gun can't go it goes in on top of that other section of foam. I've got it bolted securely through the floorboard of the truck. Only thing I'm not real happy with is the lock itself. It's not as sturdy as my others and I actually have another Stack On model (like the one pictured above) that I'm thinking about switching out for the Honeywell. I'd likely have to give up the full time truck gun though. Both won't fit.

[surg_res]

ZeSpectre,
I love the creativity! That first-aid kit is brilliant... As for the security, having quick access would be ideal for me. To have to secure or unsecure a firearm (i.e. cables and keylocks) everytime you travel could get old--not to mention the potential vulnerability when parking, etc.
There are a coulple of top-load electronic safes similar to the ones posted by redneck and cabbage, but I can't figure out how I could mount those to the vehicle, without them 'sticking out' or just being in the way. I might need to be a bit more creative. Thanks for the ideas!

[KCabbage]

Great idea on the "first aid box" Ze :) I will tell you that that particular box isn't that safe if you have older children. I lost my keys one time and all I had to do is remove the long pin in the exterior hinge to get inside. I also picked the lock on a couple of occasions and i'm no lockpicker.

Surg - did I post a electronic safe? I could of swore i posted a link to an extremely thin keyed lock box.

[surg_res]

No it wasn't electronic, but I found the following near your link...

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=397660

I like the key safe you showed, b/c of the thin size; however, I"m just thinking of a quick access device that doesn't require unlocking everytime you ride in the car. I have very young <3 kids and I keep everything ready but out of their 'reach,' so to speak, with the electronic safes.

Thanks for the tips.

As for weapons, I'd like to carry my 4" S&W 686 in the truck--for reasons of functional simplicity, power, and accuracy; though, my other options would be a 2" 38spcl, one of my colt 1911s (4" or 5"), or a colt 380 gvmnt... What do you guys think?

[KCabbage]

I hear ya' on the electronic aspect. I used to have a keyed lock on my bedroom closet where I keep my clothes and some guns on the highest shelf. I really didn't like the lock due to having to have a key handy and because it was pretty slow to unlock. A few weeks ago I caught my 6 year old daughter trying to reach the key that was hanging above the door and that was the end of that!

I did some searching and bought a cool little electronic cabinet lock that's very fast(light or dark) and very secure, I love that thing! Only bad thing about it is that when it's dark the little blue light that lights up when you enter a number is blinding so I cover it or close my eyes.
http://www.lock-depot.com/Item/Cabinet-Locks/Codelocks-CL1006;jsessionid=0a010c471f4344890565e6f24d2eabeba92826045806.e3eSch4MaN4Re34Pa38Ta38Oax10

In regards to your firearm choice...Is this a weapon that will always stay in your vehicle? If so forget the 2" snub and use something large like the 686 or 1911(not .380) ;)

[Playboypenguin]

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r89/PlayboyPenguin/TS1.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r89/PlayboyPenguin/TS2.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r89/PlayboyPenguin/TS4.jpg

[surg_res]

PBP, is that box spring-loaded on opening?

[rantingredneck]

No. It's the same one I have in my bedroom closet and it is not. You actually have to lift up on the door.

[spikespeigel]

I just drop mine in the little door pocket beneathe the arm rest on the drivers side door. Can't see it from the drivers side window because of the arm rest and the angle and you can't see it from the passenger side because of my leg. It works, it's readily accessible and required no modification because my 1911 sticks out for a perfect grip... And then there's the 2 full magazines in the center cup holders for when the zombies try to take over the truck:eek:

[ZeSpectre]

ZeSpectre,
I love the creativity! That first-aid kit is brilliant... As for the security, having quick access would be ideal for me. To have to secure or unsecure a firearm (i.e. cables and keylocks) everytime you travel could get old--not to mention the potential vulnerability when parking, etc.
There are a coulple of top-load electronic safes similar to the ones posted by redneck and cabbage, but I can't figure out how I could mount those to the vehicle, without them 'sticking out' or just being in the way. I might need to be a bit more creative. Thanks for the ideas!

Well, certainly not a solution for everyone but in my case that box is simply for "drop off" storage. My firearm stays on my person unless I have no other choice but for those rare times when I have to secure it in the vehicle that lock box is not top notch, but certainly better than any of the other compartments in a Jeep <grin>.

[Dingoboyx]

Go the little safe.... best idea (and a car alarm/immobiliser) :D

[rantingredneck]

I just drop mine in the little door pocket beneathe the arm rest on the drivers side door. Can't see it from the drivers side window because of the arm rest and the angle and you can't see it from the passenger side because of my leg. It works, it's readily accessible and required no modification because my 1911 sticks out for a perfect grip... And then there's the 2 full magazines in the center cup holders for when the zombies try to take over the truck

That's all well and good when you're in the vehicle, but when you aren't and the gun is what do you do?

[doc540]

inexpensive handgun: rear seat map pocket

I secure mine with the factory locking system and an aftermarket alarm.

[NightSight]

Try this place. I've had my eye on this for a while.

http://www.consolevault.us/

[nazshooter]

I'm looking for a solution too. I used to have a fairly heavy duty lockable box that was big enough for two pistols and some ammo but my Explorer just doesn't have any good place to hide such a thing and it looked too much like a juicy target to me. Sure it was bolted down but a burglar wouldn't know that until after breaking my windows. I guess I may try some variation on ZeSpectre's idea.

FWIW:

When I was in Home Depot the other day I saw a "tool box alarm". Obviously that's not a solution by itself but it could add an extra layer of security to some other solution.

[spikespeigel]

Quote:
I just drop mine in the little door pocket beneathe the arm rest on the drivers side door. Can't see it from the drivers side window because of the arm rest and the angle and you can't see it from the passenger side because of my leg. It works, it's readily accessible and required no modification because my 1911 sticks out for a perfect grip... And then there's the 2 full magazines in the center cup holders for when the zombies try to take over the truck

That's all well and good when you're in the vehicle, but when you aren't and the gun is what do you do?

Ah yes... I see now. Fortuantely, the only time it's not on me is when I'm on base. Not too many car break-in's on base so I just put it under the seat.:D

[ZeSpectre]

Not too many car break-in's on base so I just put it under the seat

Wow, that sure hasn't been my experience. The three vehicle break-in/thefts I've experienced were all army bases!

[armsmaster270]

The weak point on the small digital safes is the key lock override they are easy to defeat.

[rantingredneck]

True, no system is perfect. The best you can hope for is to extend the time the thief would have to spend working at it, thereby extending his exposure and risk of being caught.

Somebody shows up at your vehicle with drills, prybars, etc. and has plenty of time to work at it, they're gonna get what they came for.

[MortalWombat]

The weak point on the small digital safes is the key lock override they are easy to defeat.
If you are sure you are diligent about keeping the batteries up to date and sure you will never forget the combination, you can put some JB weld or superglue in the key lock to disable it. Or at the very least, superglue the plastic cover that hides the key lock around the inside edge of the plastic cover (taking care not to get it in the lock), so that if you need to, you can get to the key lock with some tools and some time, while still making it a little more difficult for a casual thief (or curious teenager trying to test his lock picking skills) to get to.

The second method I actually used on this safe (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95824) that I bought for my house for $300, because the key lock was the barrel kind, and I found I could use the ballpoint pen method (http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2004/09/64987) to pick it pretty easily. My main concern wasn't a determined thief with time on his hands, but a smash and grab thief, or curious teenager with access to the internet (I have a 17 year old son who often has friends over. I trust my son, but I can't always control what other people's kids do).

[NightSight]

I don't that the link that I dropped got much attention. Maybe pictures will work better. There are two ways for these safes to work. You can order them with a standard key lock or you can order them with a three digit mechanical tumbler.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418Ej-%2Bx01L._SL500_AA280_.jpg

The idea would be to remove your weapon from the safe when you got in your truck and put it into your favorite car holster i.e. Kingston holster or FAST holster. Once you reach your destination, you could replace the weapon into the safe.

IMO, a dedicated vehicle gun does not replace a carry weapon; however, if you carry iwb strong side hip, you may have trouble accessing your carry weapon in a hurry. A safe place to secure your dedicated vehicle gun is a must.


This is a picture of the Kingston by DeSantis.

https://store.forestandfield.com/images/desantis/DESANTISn92.jpg

[ThunderStorm]

I use one of the 4 button electronic small safes with a spring loaded door and a cable to secure the safe itself. I do like the one that is made to look like a safety kit, that is a good idea but is it bolted down?

[ZeSpectre]

I do like the one that is made to look like a safety kit, that is a good idea but is it bolted down?
Yes, that one is mounted. It "appears" to simply be in the slot the factory made for a first aid kit but in reality I drilled holes in the back and mounted it to the vehicle.

[Semper Paratus]

I use a high security bicycle lock aeound the sear framr through the magf well on an auto then slide it back under the seat. Eventually they can get it but it buys some time.

[surg_res]

Many good options. I like the nice built-ins posted by NightSight, perhaps they'll update designs to include 2009 model trucks soon.

Unfortunately, I can't always carry a firearm because I work in a hospital and frequent my kids' schools, etc. Ideally, I would carry more often, but I don't because I hate the feeling of leaving a loaded firearm in a parked car for 12-16 hours per day. Also, I have secured, quick access weapons in the house, which I'd also like to have in my vehicle without having to carry back and forth in my daily routine.

Previously, I would toss my 357 in the magazine pocket behind the passenger seat. Ideally, I'd like a very thin-profile top loading box, electronically activated, which could be mounted behind the passenger seat, or in the driver's door. Most of the boxes I've seen are on the bulky side, and would be easily noticed by passengers, etc.

The integrated console safe would be ideal if it could be accessed flawlessly in less than 3-4 seconds. My home safes pop open in 2-3 seconds with my gun drawn and aimed in <5 seconds.

To me, the most vulnerable time in a vehicle is when parking, entering and exiting your vehicle. But more convienient would be the ability to choose exactly when and where you conceal your weapon, versus safely leaving it in your vehicle.

I like the first aide kit idea a lot, and might paint one of my current digital lock boxes and then bolt it to either the floor or back of a seat in my truck. I love the combination of rapid-access security and psychology in that concept. My current boxes can fit 2 guns in width; however this makes them a bit fat--I'll have to look for one that is a thinner profile.

[DiscoRacing]

guess im trusting.... mine stay between the two front seats in the holsters...nothing more.

[spikespeigel]

Wow, that sure hasn't been my experience. The three vehicle break-in/thefts I've experienced were all army bases!

Marine Corps Air Station New River... Never have locked my gun up in the truck:cool: