Been thinkin about this one. I keep my Taurus compact .40 in the center compartment. Removed the bottom panel and makes just enough room for a holster and the gun. i'v given some thought about modding the side panel on the driver's side of the center console to pop out and have a mounted holster there. Wouldnt need much space...but what i have works.

Even as a Deputy I hardly carry off duty. so I keep it in the car. if something happens while im in the car...i have a Drive and a Reverse to get out of the situation. (always leave enough room to escape). and be observant of your surroundings...

When i do carry off duty its in a fobus on my side. fobus is usually kept in the glove box if i ever feel the need to slide it on. although I am thinkin about a keltec .32 or .380 to keep in the pocket at all times. just havnt broke down and bought one yet....saving for the AR-15 I want.

On the other notes in this thread. First and foremost...as a Deputy Sheriff, i prefer people to tell me when they have a gun in the car. Keep your hands on the wheel and just tell me. Im not gonna shove my glock in your face cause you told me. I'll ask if u have a CCW and where the gun is located. If you have a CCW i'l check it and let ya go. If you dont have a CCW im gonna secure your gun and run a check on the SN. No issues w/ the u or the gun...your on your way in a few minutes...plus a ticket for whatever i got you for...:devilgrin

On the other hand...if you pop the glove box or center console and i see it w/o you telling me then yea....your going to be staring down the barrel of my glock when you turn back around. (and your a dumazz)

In Florida the general rule is 3 steps away from you. soo...in a secured holster, in the glove box w/o one in the chamber is cool w/ me. in case of a revolver...in a holster, and in a locked glove box or compartment, or even in side another case will work.

and those of you in "open carry" states. those are some of the most stupid laws i can think of. How do you expect Law Enforcement to know the difference between an honest citizen and sum dirtbag w/ a gun strapped to their hip? Always wondered about that...ya got any insight? seriously...how do you tell?

concealed carry is different in that a law abiding citizen will tell law enforcement cause they have nothing to fear. usually dirtbags wont tell us....and they get to know the pavement intimately because of that......

 

If you are considering a mini Kel-Tec for a BUG, the P3AT (.380ACP) is a far better choice than the .32 caliber version of this gun. I have one (second gen) and I carry it from time to time when I can't, or won't, carry one of my normal carry guns.

As for notifying when stopped, this is not a requirement in Virginia since the carrying of a firearm is not against the law. Obviously, if it is concealed then a permit is required. What I mean by this statement is this. The fact that a citizen is carrying a firearm does not give an LEO a reasonable suspicion of criminal intent. It is viewed as a normal action on the part of the citizen. Now with that said, I do inform for several reasons. 1) I don't like surprises of that nature and I suspect neither does the officer. We both want to go home at night, so I prefer to set his mind at ease right from the start. 2) If he is with a partner who is a rookie or not particularly savvy about citizens carrying arms, then I have at least calmed one LEO and perhaps moved him to my side to qwell any heated encounters. 3) Those who chose to carry take on the responsibility to conduct themselves in all manners above the general population. We need to send a message to the public and to law enforcement that we are the good guys and what we are doing is a good thing. So the more police officers we can get to support our rights, the better for all concerned.

Now this part of your post bothered me.

"and those of you in "open carry" states. those are some of the most stupid laws i can think of. How do you expect Law Enforcement to know the difference between an honest citizen and sum dirtbag w/ a gun strapped to their hip? Always wondered about that...ya got any insight? seriously...how do you tell?"

The reason it did is because at first glance, it would appear as though you may not be in full accord with citizens carrying arms. As for Virginia, we have no laws regarding open carry - that's why it is the default mode of carrying a defensive side arm. As for an LEO not being able to tell the good guys from the bad guys, have you ever encountered a BG or perp walking around like a normal citizen with a piece on his hip? I would bet the answer is most likely "no". And do keep this in mind. Police do NOT have the right to carry firearms when acting as police. They have the privilege and authority to do this. And they get this privilege and authority from "We The People". On the other hand, We The People absolutely do have the right to bear arms. While this may seem like a bit of word mincing, it most definitely is not. Rights lost most often are never reclaimed.

I have been CC'ing for fifteen years and OC'ing for close to three years. During these times, I have never had a negative encounter with an LEO of any kind.. never. In fact, every month the local chapter of the VCDL meets at a Fairfax County police station. You're talking perhaps 50 to 60 openly armed citizens in a police station and not a peep from the police. And two weeks ago, I was in Richmond with over a thousand other VCDL members on lobby day to lobby our representatives in the state legislature. All were armed and walking the halls of their offices and meeting with them. No problems; all was well. We do it good in Virginia.

As for me open carrying? My knees no longer afford me the opportunity to fight or run so my "little friend" speaks silently for me. When I CC, I look just like the rest if the unarmed population. My visible gun tells would-be BG's to leave me alone.

Hope I have satisfied your concerns. If not, I welcome further discussion. If you would like to learn more about the OC movement, visit www.opencarry.org and you will learn most all you would need to know.

 

Not telling an officer you are carrying is plain stupid.

 

Your opinion. And along with that, some states do require that a citizen inform.

While I don't agree that it's stupid for those states where it is not required (recall, I live in Virginia), I do agree that it is generally both prudent and sensible. As I said, I don't like those kind of surprises.

 

[quote=SouthernBoy;11704045]
"...it would appear as though you may not be in full accord with citizens carrying arms. As for Virginia, we have no laws regarding open carry - that's why it is the default mode of carrying a defensive side arm"

Okay, Being in Florida the gun carry laws are different. The US Consitituion gives people the right to bear arms. As long as they follow certain procedures and regulations. It is left up to the individual states as to what procedures and regulations as set forth. I dont really care if law abiding citizens carry as long as you follow the rules. If Virgina lets you cary openly (which i still think is a very bad idea) then have at it.

".........As for an LEO not being able to tell the good guys from the bad guys, have you ever encountered a BG or perp walking around like a normal citizen with a piece on his hip? I would bet the answer is most likely "no"

I have encountered both in this situation. and MY safety becomes more important than anyone elses when I encounter someone w/ a gun. your normal citizens understand this and have no issue w/ it. Only the thugs and Dumbazzes are going to have issues. So to answer you...this is a "yes" and "no" answer from me. Since Florida does not have an open carry law I have not encountered someone in that situation. the only experience I have is w/ concelaed or mabe the hunter in the woods (which is a totally different situation.


"............ And do keep this in mind. Police do NOT have the right to carry firearms when acting as police. They have the privilege and authority to do this. And they get this privilege and authority from "We The People". On the other hand, We The People absolutely do have the right to bear arms. While this may seem like a bit of word mincing, it most definitely is not.

Im gonna disagree w/ you. You are mincing words and splitting the diffenitions of the consitution mighty thin. i understand when I chose to become a LEO I gave up certain rights...being offended, duty to act..etc. I did not give up my right as an american citizen to bear arms. I did gain the ability to use deadly force and bear a firearm while on and off duty. which is a great responsibility and not one i take lightly. Now b4 you go off...i also know that every citizen can act in defense of others including deadly force if justified. happy? Still...dont water down the consititution based on your want to feel better about open carry laws and your ability to do so in Virginia.

"...the local chapter of the VCDL meets at a Fairfax County police station...."

What is a VCDL? i was gonna go with Very Content Driver's Lovefest....LOL sorry.... But seriously there is going to be little that you can do or say that will change my mind on open carry laws. I dont agree w/ them and this isnt the cop in me talking either. As a voting citizen I dont agree w/ them. Thanks for the insight, im always interested in how other states handle things.

quote]

 

I meant that.

 

[QUOTE=andURpoint;11705098]Well let's see. I'll try to address this as best as I'm able. We do agree on some things and differ on others and I have no problem with that other than since you are in law enforcement, you don't use the color of law to your personal interests. We do see that happen from time to time and believe me, we call the police and our elected officials on the carpet when it does take place.

"Okay, Being in Florida the gun carry laws are different. The US Consitituion gives people the right to bear arms. As long as they follow certain procedures and regulations. It is left up to the individual states as to what procedures and regulations as set forth. I dont really care if law abiding citizens carry as long as you follow the rules. If Virgina lets you cary openly (which i still think is a very bad idea) then have at it."

Yes, Florida laws are different than those in Virginia in a number of ways. And I need to remind you that the U.S. Constitution gives no rights to anyone or anything. The right of the people to keep and bear arms existed prior to the inception of these two documents. What the Bill of Rights does do is to warn government that these, and other, rights are not to be infringed. I would add that this is not a mincing of words.. these are our Founding documents.


"I have encountered both in this situation. and MY safety becomes more important than anyone elses when I encounter someone w/ a gun. your normal citizens understand this and have no issue w/ it. Only the thugs and Dumbazzes are going to have issues. So to answer you...this is a "yes" and "no" answer from me. Since Florida does not have an open carry law I have not encountered someone in that situation. the only experience I have is w/ concelaed or mabe the hunter in the woods (which is a totally different situation."

And MY safety takes precedence over yours or anyone else's which is as it should be. (don't know what a "normal" citizen is, but I tend to believe myself to be one where I live). Virginia also has no open carry law which is why open carry is the default, or normal, mode of carry.


"Im gonna disagree w/ you. You are mincing words and splitting the diffenitions of the consitution mighty thin. i understand when I chose to become a LEO I gave up certain rights...being offended, duty to act..etc. I did not give up my right as an american citizen to bear arms. I did gain the ability to use deadly force and bear a firearm while on and off duty. which is a great responsibility and not one i take lightly. Now b4 you go off...i also know that every citizen can act in defense of others including deadly force if justified. happy? Still...dont water down the consititution based on your want to feel better about open carry laws and your ability to do so in Virginia."

I never said you gave up your right to keep and bear arms. What I did say is that when acting in your official capacity as an LEO, you carry your weapon at the pleasure and approval of We the People because we have determined such to be necessary in the execution of your duties. When you revert to a private citizen, you then enjoy the same rights as do I. The reason is simple. We own the government and all of its agencies. They belong to us. BTW, I might add that I didn't and am not about to "go off". I can assure you that I know the Constitution and the Bill of Rights pretty well, as well as Virginia Code regarding the carrying and use of firearms.


"What is a VCDL? i was gonna go with Very Content Driver's Lovefest....LOL sorry.... But seriously there is going to be little that you can do or say that will change my mind on open carry laws. I dont agree w/ them and this isnt the cop in me talking either. As a voting citizen I dont agree w/ them. Thanks for the insight, im always interested in how other states handle things."

VCDL = "Virginia Citizen's Defense League". We are a grassroots firearms rights organization here in our state. As for trying to change your mind about open carrying, I could care less what anyone else in another state thinks about it and that is not a smartass answer - it's the truth. I care what takes place in Virginia. Just out of curiousity, why do you open carry? Let me pose an answer. Yes, it's part of your job but it's primarily for your protection. Well, same here. So tell me, where's the difference in that part of the equation?


I'm not going to argue with anyone about this because I don't have to. I respect your position and enjoy these discussions.. really, I do. But I am also steadfast in my rights and deem them superior to any beliefs a police officer may hold about citizens carrying firearms.

It has been both fun and enjoyable. Perhaps you might like to visit Virginia and join some of us for an open carry lunch sometime. You might find it quite enlightening and we would love to have you as a guest.

 

i have a license to carry and i just hidemy XD 40 in the door. Very easy to just pull the pouch open and its locked and loaded... I have never told a officer that i carry a gun unless he ask.

 

Yeah, the last thing I want to be doing is staring down the barrel of a nervous rookie LEO's gun who hasn't been properly educated in the laws and ways of the state and who just saw my sidearm. It does happen.

I do know a number of people who will refuse to inform and their reasoning is sound. They argue that their activity (carrying a firearm, open or concealed) is a normal and legal action and it is NOT cause for RAS (Reasonable Articulable Suspicion), let alone PC (Probable Cause). There have been some officers who seem to believe otherwise, and therein lies friction. Virginia has case law which has been decided in favor of citizens carrying their arms and that is how it should be.

Still there is that argument that just won't go away where some insist that informing is a good thing while others insist that it is the camel's nose under the tent. Frankly, I can see merit in both sides and tend to side with the ladder because of the rights issue. However, every one of the police officers I have encountered while carrying (both ways) have been nothing less than professional, courteous, and clearly in favor of my actions. So my inclination is to inform, as much as a PR move as to avoid any unsavory behavior.

 

Ok let me get this back on track to the intention of my original post. Sorry for the delay I have been out of the country for a nice little break. Again I am a deputy part time so I know the all requirements in the first place.
What I am trying to get an idea for is to find a place where I can leave my .38 hidden when I am not in the car. I generally carry a .40 or a .45 1911 (Thank you Jesus or the 1911, Amen) So you can see where I am getting at now. I want something totaly hidden to wear if someone was to break in my vehicle they wouldn't see it. So a seat holster wont work.
Now I know some are going to say why do you need a gun that your going to leave in the when you have a another to carry on your person.....oput very simply its my decision and its actualyl quite difficult to pull your firearm from the hip when your legs are out in front of you and a seat belt is on. Anyways I am not going to get into situational talks or why or why not leave it in the car......I just need to find a good place for my .38 totally hidden that I can easily get to. I am thinking about molding my door panels to look solid but have a secret compartment. I say panels because you can't mold one and not the other. Anyways thanks for the input and.......discussion lol. Happy Target Shooting to all of you and I pray that none of us ever have to pull to defend.

Flask

 

What about an area behind or under a rear seat in a locked container which is either bolted or cabled to some structural part of the car? Of course, this does not make the gun readily and easily available to you so there is that problem. Some trunks have partially hidden sections where you might consider doing something like this instead of an area around a rear seat.

I understand your predicament and it's not an easy task to find such a place within the confines of a vehicle. Another possibility is some kind of "dummy" box (or container) in the trunk under the rear deck.

A few weeks ago, I attended a "Use of Deadly Force" legal seminar and there were some gun security items being offered for sale. They had a few lock boxes which could be cabled to a seat rail for storage under a seat. Works if the BG doesn't have bolt cutters with him.

 

I'm not so big on leaving the gun in the car but that's your decision.

I've seen people make false floors to install a midrange speaker facing up from the floor. You would lose some floor space but the insulation itself is an inch thick. You may get away with only having the floor 1.5" higher than normal. It's not the ideal place since it would take a few seconds to get to it. But if you kept the factory carpet I'm sure you could make it pretty well hidden even if the floormats were removed.

You could have a good stereo shop do it and tell them you're installing a very shallow driver in there. They don't have to know what it's for.

 

I agree with this statement. If you do this and someone steels your car, you effectively just gave them a loaded gun. Not a good thing.

 

lets revive this thread... I am currently carrying it on my waste and its too effective when the safety belt on.... i tried putting it next to the center console between the passenger side but it doesnt fit too well

 

 

you got 2 hands. 1 for steering the other for brandishing. job done.

 

First off, I skimmed.

I carry my .45 between my center console and passenger seat. Butt up and easily accessible. Couple scratches, meh.

I have been pulled over in many states while gun in car. I do not have a CCW permit. I never openly offer the fact that I am carrying. If a cop asks a question like: do you have an "illegal" drugs or weapons. I simply reply NO!

If the conversation is mellow I may incur that I do have a gun or 2 in the car.

Most get excited but things go smooth.

The best advice that can be given is:

Know the gun laws in the states you are in or will be travelling in and abide by there guidelines.

Hence I do not visit anti-gun states. PERIOD. They can get fucked.

I do not ride solo. Even when I am by myself.

 

Not tying to get into a debate but I do have a question? Why not get a CCW permit? When I first started carrying I didn't have a permit but I was scared shitless anytime I got pulled over. Finally, I went a head and got mine and it's been smooth sailing ever since. In fact in my experiences it seems that Officers are very appreciative of me letting them know I carry and therefore let me out of "some" tickets. However, I live in Philly but my permit isn't honored in Delaware, so I take that risk whenever I enter that State but it's only usually for short period and so far I've been good so far.

 

If I have my .45 on me it goes between the console and passenger seat like saucey. It's a Ruger SR1911 and came with a fabric zipper pouch. It fits nice and snug in that area. I unzip the pouch and position the grip for easy access. The gun slides in and out nicely. When looking in the windows you can't even tell what it is. Hell, the wife rode in the car with me the other day and was in the car for 45 minutes before she realized it was damn near touching her leg. When I don't have my 1911 on me I carry my Taurus TCP .380. It's usually holstered in my boot or in my top console area. The wife carries a Ruger LCR .22mag. It's usually in her purse or console. We are both CCW.

 

I would not want to touch your gun if it's been in your waste.

For me, 99% of the time I only carry my Ruger LCP which I have a pocket holster for. If I'm going somewhere it can't be with me, in the console for a bit. I'd love to have a mounted holster between the seat and console but I think it would be hard to do it cleanly or discretely. I rarely carry my G36 or XD .40 sub compact which are my other small guns but if I am they stay on my person. If I'm carrying a full size it's also staying on my person. With a comfortable IWB holster they shouldn't be in your way when driving, I recommend Kholsters, they're pretty cheap too. Open carry is legal here, my area overall is a little too liberal so it's more hassle than it's worth.

 

I been wondering about this for awhile now since ive had my car. there really isnt a good place to put a gun that is not viewable from outside the car. between passenger seat and center console is prolly best place. I got a springfield XD 9mm and would like to carry it and keep it in my car but it would have to be hidden from view.

 

 

if you're a lefty or good with left hand, can't you somehow fix it inside the door pocket?? it's barely visible even if you look through passenger side window..

damn people carry big caliber CCW these days... 45 hurts my wrist lol

 

I just purchased a Springfield XDS 45 over the weekend. I don't have a holster yet but this gun feels great in my hands. It's gonna be my new Summer CCW.

 

I had my CCW permit in Tennessee and in South Dakota. I took the class here but had to wait 5 years after my DUI. So I never got it.

NM laws are actually pretty good. My vehicle is an extension of my house so I need no permit.

I don't usually carry going into most stores, and if I was you would never know anyway.

Like I said, I don't travel to or drive through anti-gun states. I don't spend my money in those places.

I stay in the mid-west, south - south-east.

 

 

Ok... Just wondering

 

now why would you have an illegal firearm in your vehicle?

 

A bit late to the party but I faced a similar issue when I got my Acura. This is the solution I came up with.







Now the nice thing about this setup is that it uses the TMMS system. Which means it is modular. All my holsters have it so I can take them off my training belt and put them right in the car. If I need to switch out which gun I have in there or just take the gun out of the car I can take the whole thing with me and just leave this small black piece that nobody would have a clue what it is. Also in this location the firearm is not visible from the outside from any angle I have been able to see.

It is very easy to draw while driving or stopped.

The down side. I messed up a bit. It should have been canted a few degree towards the center of the car. As it is the steering wheel must remain tilted high. Which is fine with me but still an oversight..

 

They sell pretty pink guns that hold water for people like you.

 

 

Call my crazy but I think .45 is much easier to shoot than .40, less velocity/pressure. My G36 .45 ACP is much easier to shoot than my XD sub .40 S&W.

 

It all depends on how many bullets you fire with each gun.

I shoot a 9mm and do just fine. Definitely snappier due to gun size but easier to conceal.

Walther PPS

 

My Taurus PT709 9mm seems to have more of a "kick back" than my Taurus 24/7 45 compact.

The 709 is smaller so I attribute that to weight.

 

Im now using my 24/7 45 compact as my CCW.
THe 709 seems to sit to low under my belt since I use a IWB holster.

The 24/7 .45 seems to be just right.

Have you tried the Ruger LP 380?

 

I dont think I will venture into the 380 calibur. Just not a common enough round. Just a personal preference. Also I have like 1700 rounds of 9mm that I need to burn up and don't need to buy any for a few years.

 

been pretty hard for me to come across 9mm ammo.
Havent been to the range in months now. I only have a box of 100 FMJ and 30HP = (

However, I have about 3k .22lr but I have no .22lr firearm to use them. ( my cousin in Miami has been purchasing ammo for me...not sure why he sent me .22lr but oh well..)

 

I can't find 9mm anywhere. Luckily I'm stocked up. This is why I got the 1911. .45 acp is everywhere.

 

yeah.. at $0.50-0.75/rd.

Ammo is back on the shelves but these fuckers continue to gouge consumers.

9mm is around, you just have to look. I bought 500 rds for $100 a few weeks back.

That's not legal in some places.

 

1k rounds about a year ago cost me 180shipped. You can find ammo - just look for walmarts