handgun storage for car

[4V50 Gary]

Colorado HB24-1348 requires handguns left in vehicles be secured. What storage container do you recommend?

[ballardw]

I think you might want to provide the requirements from the law.
Since "coffee can" would be a "container" more information to make informed suggestions is needed. Unless of course the legislature worded the law so poorly a "coffee can" fits...

[4V50 Gary]

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1348

[Nathan]

You are exempt from the requirement if you live in the car! Maybe a set of curtains and window shades might be better.

Otherwise locked, hard sided and out of view….locked car.

[Adventurer 2]

https://vaulteksafe.com/vaultek-vaul...-all-products/
I own 2, and if i wanted another it would be a Vaultek.
I have the single firearm, thumbprint one in my truck (i secured it with sheet metal screws because i don't have a lot of faith in cables). My second Vaultek is a single with just the touchpad. They are heavy gauge steel and the rechargeable battery runs for months.
I would skip the Lifepod series as i believe i could break into those with a screwdriver.

[Bill DeShivs]

A simple bicycle lock through the trigger guard and around the seat bracket should do.

[4V50 Gary]

I'm throwing a (used) sleeping bag and a second hand camp stove in my car and say I live out of it.

I'm looking into the theheadrestsafe that replaces the headrest. Camouflage. Better than a bulky box that screams "gun!" to a burglar.

[Cirdan]

I had a console vault. They're customized for each vehicle. Not just for guns, any valuables you don't want easy access to. It hides in the center console of your vehicle.

[4V50 Gary]

Cirdan - that's neat and easier to use. Thanks.

ETA: emailed them and they don't make one for my vehicle.

[bamaranger]

My response likely will not be popular. Avoid storing guns in a car.

I realize that if you carry on your person routinely, there are places in society where you cannot legally enter with a gun. Here in AL, the county courthouse and most doc offices and hospitals, schools and the US post office come to mind.....OK....I get it. You need secure lockable storage in your vehicle while you temporarily surrender your 2nd amendment rights.....got it. But......

I know far too many folks...many who should know better....simply leave a handgun in the glove box, console or under the seat, etc. That is a foolish practice and just asking to have a gun stolen.

[Aguila Blanca]

Originally Posted by Bill DeShivs

A simple bicycle lock through the trigger guard and around the seat bracket should do.

Except that's not what the law calls for.

The act prohibits knowingly leaving a firearm that is not a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless the firearm is stored in a locked hard-sided or soft-sided container that is placed out of plain view and the container is in a locked vehicle, the locked trunk of the locked vehicle, or a locked recreational vehicle.

I use one like this, except mine uses a tubular key rather than a combination. The tether is wrapped around the spare tire stand in the back of my Jeep.

https://www.amazon.com/Dalmbox-Pisto...6&sr=8-27&th=1

[Schlitz 45]

If you have to disarm simply locking your handgun in a console or glove compartment is in compliance with the CO law. I hate doing it but have on the occasions when I have to. We do have a separate vault in the wife’s truck if needed.
I avoid leaving anything I care about in a vehicle for even short periods of time.

[GJeffB]

Gary, as you've discovered, my Colofornia is getting pretty outrageous in a swarm of [IMO] current extra-constitutional legislation. I have almost your exact question out on several other forums. As some may or may not notice, the statute is seriously unserious. Penalties are basically a non-misdemeanor $100 fine. Requirements are a "hard sided container." Heavy polymer should qualify. "out of plain sight" is ludicrous after the vehicle is stolen. And a common reply is something to the affect of "I always carry and never leave it in the vehicle." Really? Including schools, government offices, post offices ... ? [eta: my F150 has locking doors, but no lock on glove box or console. Thus the need for a *separate* locking container]

However, law is the law. Now, I have come to a solution that I only recommend to me. Hornady and/or subsidiary SnapSafe has a 16 gauge lock box with either key lock (my preference) or combination lock. That should be able to defeat fingernails and cheap pocket knives I have decided on the smallest Snapsafe box that will hold my 1911 (most likely the XL size, maybe XXL) for about $25-35. My post office or school trips are 5 minute affairs. I'll not spend $2-500 on a safe to save a 1-in-a-million possible $100 fine. Of course, YMMV

-jb, more worried about SB-3 ban

[4V50 Gary]

GJeffB - I'm buying a couple of those boxes that Aguilar Blanca recommended but I'm mounting them beneath a shelf in a cabinet I'm building. False bottom and voila! Two hidden boxes. The car is a different matter and I'm leaning towards the headrest. I tend to go to Court House every now and to the gunsmithing school. No loaded guns in gunsmithing.

[GJeffB]

Gotcha Gary. I'm planning a new strategy:
No prohibited areas - I'm carrying full load out; Gotta stop at prohibited areas (otherwise known as free fire zones ) I'll do my best to find

https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperst...IN/of3/380-ACP

and put it in a Tupperware secured with a locking knot rubber band. Oh, and remember to lock my doors. feh Maybe all moot if Colofornia passes SB-003 banning all detachable magazine firearms.

Mods: asked and answered, straying off topic, close if you deem appropriate

-jb, come and get 'em

[BrianO]

I admit I used to just cable-lock mine and slide it under the seat, but with kids around and quick stops here and there, it didn’t feel safe. I ended up getting a SnapSafe lockbox really fits right under the seat, easy for me to grab when needed, but totally out of sight and secure. Honestly should’ve gotten it way sooner.

[Capt Jack]

i use console vault….if you have center console they will most likely have one that fits
https://www.consolevault.com/

[noyes]

..

[ballardw]

Originally Posted by Capt Jack

i use console vault….if you have center console they will most likely have one that fits
https://www.consolevault.com/

I have a Dodge minivan with a console. Nothing at this site listed.

[Ricklin]

I do love my Tesla. All the cameras are on when I walk away and my car quacks (like a duck) the bad guys know better than to mess with a Tesla. Their activities will be on hi def video for me to have them prosecuted. 4 cameras are active when parked and Sentry is activated. That big red hairy eyeball on the touchscreen is effective. I give zero craps what Elon does as long as his company keeps making the best car I've ever owned. I'm rather fond of his rockets as well.

[4V50 Gary]

I can see all around cameras as an add-on option. It must be a drain on the batteries though.