How do you secure a handgun in your vehicle?

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

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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.

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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?
 
I do like the one that is made to look like a safety kit, that is a good idea but is it bolted down?
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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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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