Choosing a car gun...
- Thread starter Mokumbear
- Start date
Ignition Override
New member
Seven, or other seasoned carriers: About the risk of leaving a gun in the car when parked during errands:
My first holster arrived ('Lefty' Remora OWB), and it is really uncomfy to wear with a gun inserted when sitting.
A coworker showed me a unique holster under his truck's steering wheel.
What are other ways to firmly mount an extra disguised holster Outside the center console?
My carry guns are the narrow, compact Sig 232, Russian Mak (single-stack) or could be the Polish P-83 (also single-stack).
My first holster arrived ('Lefty' Remora OWB), and it is really uncomfy to wear with a gun inserted when sitting.
A coworker showed me a unique holster under his truck's steering wheel.
What are other ways to firmly mount an extra disguised holster Outside the center console?
My carry guns are the narrow, compact Sig 232, Russian Mak (single-stack) or could be the Polish P-83 (also single-stack).
First thing is to make sure OC inside your car is legal.
Back to the OP's question ("which gun"):
I've heard the phrase "car gun" from time to time, but I've never been sure of what was intended, and I agree with a prior responder who counseled that step one is to figure out what the purpose of the "car gun" is.
If the person in question wishes to acquire some measure of self defense capability but (for whatever reason) doesn't habitually carry on his person, I suppose the car gun is a substitute for the on-person carry gun, in which we're talking about handgun of moderate weight, power and shootability. And, probably, one that is more immediately reachable from behind the wheel.
On the other hand, if the person does habitually carry and handgun on his person, then the role of the "car gun" shifts to being a supplement to the carried handgun, presumably there in case the person finds himself in a situation tougher than that for which the handgun is designed -- and (as another prior responder suggested), taking advantage of the car's ability to carry more weight and size than a belt holster. For me, that "supplement" would be a stainless, pump, 12 gauge shotgun, in the trunk.
I don't employ a "car gun." I do habitually carry on my person, and on rare occasion I'll add a shotgun in the trunk, though in general if I have concluded that going to Place X poses an unusual risk of having to employ my self defense capabilities, I find a way not to go to Place X. On the other hand, I do have a "boat gun" -- yes, a stainless, pump 12 guage shotgun (a retired Winchester 1200 Police) -- which resides in a secure locker on board. The function of the shotgun is to supplement the sidearm that, by definition, will always be on board if I am.
By the way, the foregoing doesn't mean that I abandon my anti-Place X mentality once on the water. Rather, the thing you have to realize on a boat is that, unlike at home, at work, or even on the road, there is no effective 9-1-1; you are, of necessity, your own plumber, electrician, mechanic -- and security.
I've heard the phrase "car gun" from time to time, but I've never been sure of what was intended, and I agree with a prior responder who counseled that step one is to figure out what the purpose of the "car gun" is.
If the person in question wishes to acquire some measure of self defense capability but (for whatever reason) doesn't habitually carry on his person, I suppose the car gun is a substitute for the on-person carry gun, in which we're talking about handgun of moderate weight, power and shootability. And, probably, one that is more immediately reachable from behind the wheel.
On the other hand, if the person does habitually carry and handgun on his person, then the role of the "car gun" shifts to being a supplement to the carried handgun, presumably there in case the person finds himself in a situation tougher than that for which the handgun is designed -- and (as another prior responder suggested), taking advantage of the car's ability to carry more weight and size than a belt holster. For me, that "supplement" would be a stainless, pump, 12 gauge shotgun, in the trunk.
I don't employ a "car gun." I do habitually carry on my person, and on rare occasion I'll add a shotgun in the trunk, though in general if I have concluded that going to Place X poses an unusual risk of having to employ my self defense capabilities, I find a way not to go to Place X. On the other hand, I do have a "boat gun" -- yes, a stainless, pump 12 guage shotgun (a retired Winchester 1200 Police) -- which resides in a secure locker on board. The function of the shotgun is to supplement the sidearm that, by definition, will always be on board if I am.
By the way, the foregoing doesn't mean that I abandon my anti-Place X mentality once on the water. Rather, the thing you have to realize on a boat is that, unlike at home, at work, or even on the road, there is no effective 9-1-1; you are, of necessity, your own plumber, electrician, mechanic -- and security.
My wife and I share vehicles often and guns freak her out so car guns are out of the question. If someone wants something, they'll get it. My two safes are to keep little fingers from reaching into pistols triggers. Your best bet is just carry your car gun on your or get a cheap gun. Taurus or Bersa maybe, you might score a used gun or police trade in.
Let me add a twist to this...
I realize now that I want a car gun that can double as a carry gun.
If I am driving somewhere, I may decide I want to carry my car gun upon arrival.
I currently have a Walther PPS 9mm in my center console which I like.
The problem is that it only leaves my Kahr PM9 readily available for carry unless I want to go out to my garage and get the PPS if, for example, I want to go ride my bicycle.
I just checked Bud's and they once again have the PPS in stock.
I would consider the Springfield XDs .45 but I bet that would be pretty ear splitting inside my somewhat compact car.
I realize now that I want a car gun that can double as a carry gun.
If I am driving somewhere, I may decide I want to carry my car gun upon arrival.
I currently have a Walther PPS 9mm in my center console which I like.
The problem is that it only leaves my Kahr PM9 readily available for carry unless I want to go out to my garage and get the PPS if, for example, I want to go ride my bicycle.
I just checked Bud's and they once again have the PPS in stock.
I would consider the Springfield XDs .45 but I bet that would be pretty ear splitting inside my somewhat compact car.
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Anything in a car is loud. I've sat in one while others shot through a windshield. I couldn't really discern a difference between the handguns. Now the short barreled .308...
That said I wouldn't trade the capacity. You know you like the PPS. It's boring, but I have multiples of certain pistols for purposes similar to what you're describing.
Limnophile
New member
IO,
Good question. To legally leave my CZ 82 in my car when I exit it, the gun must be out of sight and the car must be locked. Thus, any holster mount outside of a closed console or glovebox may not be truly out of sight of prying eyes. I keep my 82 in its military flap holster in the glovebox. I think an outside-the-console/glovebox holster is best suited as a temporary repository for your personal carry gun so you can sit more comfortably while driving.
For such a temporary repository, the steering column mount is appealing, as it is out of the way of your legs while being readily accessible. Mounting a holster onto the side or front of the driver's seat has promise. A ceiling mount is another idea. I like the idea of using a Wilderness Safepacker strapped to your seatbelt, as the Safepacker can be used in other circumstances, eg, strapped to a backpack while hiking.
Good question. To legally leave my CZ 82 in my car when I exit it, the gun must be out of sight and the car must be locked. Thus, any holster mount outside of a closed console or glovebox may not be truly out of sight of prying eyes. I keep my 82 in its military flap holster in the glovebox. I think an outside-the-console/glovebox holster is best suited as a temporary repository for your personal carry gun so you can sit more comfortably while driving.
For such a temporary repository, the steering column mount is appealing, as it is out of the way of your legs while being readily accessible. Mounting a holster onto the side or front of the driver's seat has promise. A ceiling mount is another idea. I like the idea of using a Wilderness Safepacker strapped to your seatbelt, as the Safepacker can be used in other circumstances, eg, strapped to a backpack while hiking.
I am one of those weird guys that keeps a gun in his car. I work in a secure psychiatric hospital, and obviously cannot keep any weapons on my person. In addition, my job also has me travelling along a 4-5 county area, into hospital emergency rooms, nursing homes, and schools, often during nighttime hours. Instead of taking off and putting on my gun 8 times a night, I leave one in the car.
Typically, my car gun is a S&W Model 65 3". The stainless steel means I don't have to worry about humidity, changes in temperature, etc. As a revolver, I know the gun is ready for me whenever I need it. I keep 38+p rounds loaded, and a speed loader of 357s right beside it. I keep my gun in a small safe with a steel cable that hides under my seat.
As for the OP, I think there are a lot of good options. Personally, though, I would find a safe you want to use, and then find a gun that fits the safe.
Typically, my car gun is a S&W Model 65 3". The stainless steel means I don't have to worry about humidity, changes in temperature, etc. As a revolver, I know the gun is ready for me whenever I need it. I keep 38+p rounds loaded, and a speed loader of 357s right beside it. I keep my gun in a small safe with a steel cable that hides under my seat.
As for the OP, I think there are a lot of good options. Personally, though, I would find a safe you want to use, and then find a gun that fits the safe.
I think the reality of what we may need our firearm for is changing.
Criminals versus political/terror scenarios.
A handgun may be best for nearly all criminal scenarios...
But we may see events where"A handgun is best used to fight your way back to your rifle"
I realize and accept,that does not fit the mold of what we consider "Self Defense" based on history to this point.
A car gun may be useful for defense if you are at or in your car.IF you can access it quickly enough.You work that out to your satisfaction.None of my business,I do not care to argue .
I'm not sure how it works to perceive a threat,go to your car,arm yourself,and return to the threat.The prosecutor may prefer you drive your car away while calling the police.
IMO,a "car gun" might be secured in the trunk .It opens as fast as a locked car.
I would want,not another handgun,but a long gun that gave me additional capability.
The earliest example I can think of where such a "car gun"may have been useful would be Whitman in the university tower in Texas in the 60's.
I have no idea what may present itself.
But I believe among the thousands to millions of people coming into our country without being screened or vetted at least one is bent on setting a body count record.He may not be alone.The rest is unknown.
Its not in my pickup now,but I have an aftermarket M1 Carbine with a replica folding stock that may well find a role as a car or truck gun.Ideal for everything? No.
But it fulfills the first rule of a gunfight.
Have a gun.
A Win 94 in 30-30 or a Rem 788 .243 MIGHT be a better car gun than FEG copy of a Browning Hi-Power if you are already carrying a concealed handgun on your person.
Criminals versus political/terror scenarios.
A handgun may be best for nearly all criminal scenarios...
But we may see events where"A handgun is best used to fight your way back to your rifle"
I realize and accept,that does not fit the mold of what we consider "Self Defense" based on history to this point.
A car gun may be useful for defense if you are at or in your car.IF you can access it quickly enough.You work that out to your satisfaction.None of my business,I do not care to argue .
I'm not sure how it works to perceive a threat,go to your car,arm yourself,and return to the threat.The prosecutor may prefer you drive your car away while calling the police.
IMO,a "car gun" might be secured in the trunk .It opens as fast as a locked car.
I would want,not another handgun,but a long gun that gave me additional capability.
The earliest example I can think of where such a "car gun"may have been useful would be Whitman in the university tower in Texas in the 60's.
I have no idea what may present itself.
But I believe among the thousands to millions of people coming into our country without being screened or vetted at least one is bent on setting a body count record.He may not be alone.The rest is unknown.
Its not in my pickup now,but I have an aftermarket M1 Carbine with a replica folding stock that may well find a role as a car or truck gun.Ideal for everything? No.
But it fulfills the first rule of a gunfight.
Have a gun.
A Win 94 in 30-30 or a Rem 788 .243 MIGHT be a better car gun than FEG copy of a Browning Hi-Power if you are already carrying a concealed handgun on your person.
Model12Win
Moderator
A police trade in S&W Model 10 or Model 64.
OOPS! Wrong section!
OOPS! Wrong section!
+1 Tunnel Rat
My Walther PPS 9mm has always performed flawlessly.
Excellent example of fine German craftsmanship.
So very easy to field strip.
I also noticed the price has come down significantly since I 1st bought mine some 4 years ago.
The US dollar is at an almost all time high vs the Euro.
That might be the reason.
I have tried to cause malfunctions by intentionally limp wristing and never have had a malfunction.
There are lighter guns but it's compact and, as I have read, it's a small gun that feels and shoots like a bigger gun.
I think this is the path I want to take when my budget allows.
It is compact enough to pass my t-shirt and shorts test with an IWB holster in my subtropical climate.
My Walther PPS 9mm has always performed flawlessly.
Excellent example of fine German craftsmanship.
So very easy to field strip.
I also noticed the price has come down significantly since I 1st bought mine some 4 years ago.
The US dollar is at an almost all time high vs the Euro.
That might be the reason.
I have tried to cause malfunctions by intentionally limp wristing and never have had a malfunction.
There are lighter guns but it's compact and, as I have read, it's a small gun that feels and shoots like a bigger gun.
I think this is the path I want to take when my budget allows.
It is compact enough to pass my t-shirt and shorts test with an IWB holster in my subtropical climate.
While at a red light, the road rager comes up to your car, you can't drive away due to cross traffic...
Blackbook:
Indeed,that is one of many scenarios where it would be good to be armed.I do not question being armed.
I ask you,is it better that the car is armed,or you are armed?
Is a vault or console or glove box better than your holster?
On the seat,accessable? That may be fast...unless the road rage is from a fender bender that sent the gun flying.
I do not oppose having a gun in the car.
I just suggest that if you ever are in court defending a SD shoot,there is a difference between "I was in mortal fear of my life.I drew my handgun and fired to save my life"
Versus
"Yes,this crazy angry guy was outside my car and I took 15 seconds to get my gun out of the lockbox .......etc.
Which will invite the question:
"15 seconds? Why did you not drive away?"
Yes,certainly a scenario can be imagined where it would work out.
Is the console locked?Is the console key on the ignition key ring?
The gun is not a talisman of protection in the (console,glove box,lock box,etc)
It has to be in your hand to be useful.
The nature of a threat changes by the second,as do your options.
I do not claim to know the answer.
Indeed,that is one of many scenarios where it would be good to be armed.I do not question being armed.
I ask you,is it better that the car is armed,or you are armed?
Is a vault or console or glove box better than your holster?
On the seat,accessable? That may be fast...unless the road rage is from a fender bender that sent the gun flying.
I do not oppose having a gun in the car.
I just suggest that if you ever are in court defending a SD shoot,there is a difference between "I was in mortal fear of my life.I drew my handgun and fired to save my life"
Versus
"Yes,this crazy angry guy was outside my car and I took 15 seconds to get my gun out of the lockbox .......etc.
Which will invite the question:
"15 seconds? Why did you not drive away?"
Yes,certainly a scenario can be imagined where it would work out.
Is the console locked?Is the console key on the ignition key ring?
The gun is not a talisman of protection in the (console,glove box,lock box,etc)
It has to be in your hand to be useful.
The nature of a threat changes by the second,as do your options.
I do not claim to know the answer.
Vehicles aren't armed in either case. It's always a person who is armed. Whether or not the person chooses to be armed only while in their vehicle is the topic here.
"The answer" doesn't exist. There is no one best way. The desire to seek such a standard is born from military & leo need for uniformity across the ranks for lagisticle reasons. Civilians have no such need. Civilians don't go to the company or battalion quartermaster, civilians go to Amazon.
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