Securing Your Vehicle Carry

[USN2Pulpit]

For those who keep a piece in a vehicle, what do you do to insure the security of that firearm when you are not present - and what are some suggestions out there? I'm considering keeping a piece in my vehicle, but don't want to be negligent in the way that it's stored. I would like it to be accessible, but only by me or at my discretion.

 

[eagleeyes]

there is a cool console safe pictured in the 'giveaway package' that might interest you i took a look at it and it seems a perfect thing for a vehicle

 

[chapguy]

I've got a GunVault NV200 that I keep under my seat. Anytime I need to stow my pistol I can put it there and feel comfortable about it. Keeps small hands away, it's hidden from sight and it's anchored to the seat rails so it would take more than a "Smash-n-grab" effort to take it. Sure beats leaving it in the glove box or console unlocked.

 

[Tom Connolly]

Simplest way for me is to lock it in the glovebox and then lock the vehicle with the key fob. As someone who volunteers at schools (no handguns allowed), this is what I do & don't feel like I'm being negligent at all. It's double locked from anyone else.

 

[FAS1]

I don't store a handgun in a vehicle because I have had one broken into before and know that they will get everything they can real quick. They will pry your glovebox open with a simple screwdriver (that's also how they entered my Surburban). More than likely your glovebox or console is just made of plastic and is not very secure. Along with carrying a gun is the responsibility to reasonably secure it. The small 21ga (very thin steel) boxes with a cable are better than nothing, but the cable can be cut with a regular pair of dikes.

What do you drive and how much space is there to mount something stronger? Is there a trunk you can mount a small safe in?

 

[45acpXDm]

I have a Gun Vault, instead of using the cable I mounted/bolted mine down. I have a few friends who have ammo cans bolted down and use padlocks. I prefer not to leave my gun in my vehicle, but what I have done to better secure it at least adds a bit more security when I have to use the vault. In addition to the factory aarm system, I also have a RAVELCO anti-theft ignition system. It is much better than most all of the alarm type security systems, so auto theft is curbed better as well. Steal your vehicle and they get your gun as a bonus and they have more time to get into your gun vault. I have yet to decide how I would secure long guns/shotguns, but that is my next project, time to search out all thats available for them. I have a Jeep Wrangler and a Dodge truck, so two vehicles that don't have trunks and are more difficult to secure stuff in.


CD

 

[Treo]

Simplest way for me is to lock it in the glovebox and then lock the vehicle with the key fob. As someone who volunteers at schools (no handguns allowed), this is what I do & don't feel like I'm being negligent at all. It's double locked from anyone else.

I can get a gun out of a locked glove box in less than 1 minute

 

[Tucker's Mom]

I don't usually leave my gun in my SUV when I leave the car. It is usually with me. But I have a spare and extra magazines underneath my seat (driver's side) in a lockable box out of public view.

 

[CCWlady]

I am interested to see what suggestions are given. I am going on vacation and will be carrying everywhere I legally can, but I know of one place I will have to leave the gun in the car. We have a middle console that has a lock and of course the car will be locked. No trunk, but I think I will use the cable lock on the gun and take the bullets with me? I also thought about getting a very heavy duty cable to lock it under the seat? Any other suggestions?

 

[Tucker's Mom]

What is the point of having a gun and leaving it in your car? Just keep it out of sight if you have to leave it only for a short time. We travel around the country by car and/or fly. Even with our "vicious rottweiler" in the car, we keep our guns out of sight if it is ever left there. Out of sight, out of mind so to speak. If you are in a bad area, be afraid, but in a better area, I do not think you have any reason to be scared.

 

[USN2Pulpit]

Thanks for responses everyone.

 

[Bozz]

We have a Jeep Wrangler... one of the hardest vehicles to secure ANYTHING in.

If we must leave a gun in it, its in our 16ga. steel vaulted glovebox which is bolted inside the dash... not an easy thing to get into, would take more time than most would be willing to spend.

 

[Treo]

Wal Mart sells a lock box that can be bolted or cable locked to your car that works very well. I got mine for about 25$

 

[CCWlady]

Wal Mart sells a lock box that can be bolted or cable locked to your car that works very well. I got mine for about 25$

Treo what is the make and model? How easy do you think this would be for someone to cut the cable? Walmart.com: Custom Accessories Portable Case with Combination Lock: Home Security

 

[Treo]

Treo what is the make and model?

Haven't the foggiest, they sell them in the sporting goods section as in car gun safes.

How easy do you think this would be for someone to cut the cable?

Locks only stop crimes of opportunity. If they really want in the box they'll get in, your average smash and grab guy, not so much.

 

[Tom Connolly]

Fair enough, and I saw a post from someone that it actually happened to. I guess in my naivete, I figured if there's nothing on my car to suggest there's something inside (NRA sticker, CCA, etc.) so then no one is looking for a firearm. Also, I drive a 2003 white minivan with a dog gate for my service dog; also not much that screams this invalid has something worth stealing, especially in a handicapped spot.

All that said, I have been appropriately schooled and will also be looking for a lock box that can be bolted down. I will say this, I would like to make sure I put it where it cannot be seen. Growing up in the Bronx and working in the South Bronx, leaving anything visible was a sure way to get broken into. Even my radio was just an old crappy thing without knobs and kind of hanging out, so I was pretty much left alone. I feel like having a safe in view would do the same, invite someone to at least try, which is not what I want. I'm not about to put an elaborate alarm system in such a vehicle, but I also don't want it stolen so they can work on the safe somewhere quiet. At first look I thought this was simple, here again I find I'm not diligent enough these days. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Tucker's Mom]

As already been said, where you go you just pretend to look like them and they leave you alone but then what do I know? I have not been to those places and and had no intention of going there...knock wood!

 

[Lowjiber]

I've got a GunVault NV200 that I keep under my seat. Anytime I need to stow my pistol I can put it there and feel comfortable about it. Keeps small hands away, it's hidden from sight and it's anchored to the seat rails so it would take more than a "Smash-n-grab" effort to take it. Sure beats leaving it in the glove box or console unlocked.

Ditto here. Works just fine when strapped to the seat anchor.

 

[lafaillepj]

if you have room a bolt in gun safe is always a good choice.

 

[Rayb]

We have a Jeep Wrangler... one of the hardest vehicles to secure ANYTHING in.

If we must leave a gun in it, its in our 16ga. steel vaulted glovebox which is bolted inside the dash... not an easy thing to get into, would take more time than most would be willing to spend.

I agree, I have a wrangler as well and it can be a challenge. Unfortunately some time I have to leave my gun behind and find this works well for me:

Bestop 42640-01 - Bestop® Locking Under Seat Storage Box in Textured Black for 07-10 Jeep® Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited JK - Quadratec