How to Carry a Gun in Your Car
The best way to carry a concealed weapon is on your person no matter where you are. Personally, my sidearm never leaves my body unless I’m going to a post office or any other place that doesn’t allow firearms on site. I recommend that you try to get used to doing the same, because it really is the safest method of carrying.
But, some people just can’t keep their pistol on their body while in their car, because doing so is just too awkward for them. I get it, the seat belt tends to push the rear sight into your skin. It can get irritating. The only problem, is that most of the holsters and lock boxes out there are insufficient for concealed carry in the vehicle.
Before we proceed with the answer, however, I want to take a moment to say that it is imperative for you to know the laws concerning concealed carry in your home state. Every state is different, and I don’t pretend to know the laws in each one.
What to look for:
First, no matter which method you decide to go with, you need your concealment to have a few key attributes. The most important attribute for carrying a concealed weapon in your vehicle is that it needs to be easily accessible should a self-defense situation arise.
The main problem with using a lock box or glove box, is that it is out of the way, should you need to defend yourself. If a car jacker decides that he wants to end your life and take your car, there is no scenario that allows you to reach over to the glove box and pull your .357 Magnum out in self defense. And if you need to take the time to unlock your safe to get your gun, you can really be up a creek without a paddle.
Something else that you need to make sure your newly found method of carrying in a car has, is that it blends in nicely with your interior. In other words, you don’t want it to stick out like a sore thumb. The reason why is simple. Let’s say that a bad guy sees your revolver under your steering column as he walks up to your window with his own gun in hand. What do you think happens next?His awareness is raised, and he puts you down before you can even reach for your own gun.
Or, let’s say you get pulled over by a police officer for something as stupid as a taillight being out. Maybe you’re in a state like Pennsylvania where you aren’t required to inform him that you’ve got a gun in the car, so you don’t say anything about it. All of a sudden, out of the corner of his eye, he spots the glimmer of a shiny new .44 Magnum Redhawk. Guess who is going to have an uncomfortable conversation?
The best idea for in car, off body carry of a concealed weapon is to have it easily accessible, but hidden enough so that there is no chance that someone will just happen to see it.
This doesn’t leave you with a lot of options. Most of what is out there is meant to be secure and hidden, without giving someone who needs to defend themselves with a lot of reaction time to open up a locked safe or reach over to the glove box.
Or, they have the option to leave the gun completely out in the open, like under the steering column or in a bag next to them raising other concerns.There are problems with these methods of concealment. But, when you want to drive, have your weapon within reach and totally concealed out of view, there are only a couple of different ways you could go.
Some holster manufacturers decided that they wanted to try and fill the gap to make the perfect automotive holster for cars and trucks. For example, Blue Stone Safety and Seat Carry each make a product that attaches to the bottom of your seat, and drapes over it. The part that actually holds your gun sits low enough that it can’t easily be seen. The best thing, though, is that the pistol remains easily accessible right between your legs if you need it.
The best mode of carry is always on your body. But, for some drivers, on body carry can be extremely uncomfortable – especially for long distances. When you want to comfortably carry a concealed weapon in your car while retaining easy access to it, the best option is a seat holster from one of the companies mentioned above.
Whatever you do, make sure you understand the laws for your area -> http://www.handgunlaw.us/
Speak Your Mind