Vehicle carry - My solution

[DavidS]

I have been trying to figure out what to do with my MK40 when I am driving. I pocket carry and access to it is a little cumbersome while driving. I have looked at the various methods shown online, like under the steering column and inside the center console, etc. But I did not like the methods I have seen for various reasons.
I almost exclusively drive my Chevy pickup and this fix is for it, not for all makes and models of vehicles.
Long story short, I had a Forbus GL2 holster for my Glock 23 that was in a drawer doing nothing. I cut off the paddle flush and parallel to the bottom of the holster so the paddle would not bottom out in door compartment. The holster then clips to the edge of the compartment and is pretty stable, although I might add a little strip of hook and loop. The MK40 just sits in the holster and is not gripped by the holster so it slip right out when I grab it. It is very stable when in the holster and does not rattle around like it is loose. It sits right below the door handle, is not pinched up against the seat and is very easy to access. Also, it is not visible from outside the vehicle.

[tv_racin_fan]

Not bad at all.

[Pointblank]

My solution is a cross-draw holster.

[DavidR]

Vehicle carry - My solution

Nice!

Florida law requires that a gun in a vehicle be securely encased which includes "snapped in a holster". I wonder if this is legal in Florida?

[garyb]

Readily accessible and securely out of sight for me. Either on me or in the latched center console.

[Bill K]

Looks to be that you're right handed... Is the map pocket deep enough so that you could mount the holster to effect a right handed cross draw? I'd want to be able to easily grasp the gun with my strong hand.

[berettabone]

I just leave it in my Desantis, and set it under the center console.

[wyntrout]

If you're a lefty, that might work, but you would have to always remember to get the pistol out of sight every time you open the door. I still think it is a bad idea for the pistol NOT to be on your person. This precludes forgetting to put it back on every time you dismount... as at the gas pump... or a carjacker drags you out of your vehicle at gunpoint... or a cop asks you to step out of your vehicle!

Wynn

[DavidS]

Looks to be that you're right handed... Is the map pocket deep enough so that you could mount the holster to effect a right handed cross draw? I'd want to be able to easily grasp the gun with my strong hand.

Yes, the map pocket is deep enough BUT there are other issues that arise trying to mount the holster inside the pocket with the paddle on the outside. It would not be as simple.
The top of the map pocket has a lip that extends out from the door which likely will bump knuckles during the draw.
The inside lip of the map pocket has some ridges the help grip the paddle belt tabs, the ridges are not on the outside of the lip.
The holster tends to cant toward the door when the holster is mounted inside the map pocket.

[Ikeo74]

I see 2 problems with the placement of your gun.

1) It is can be seen every time you get into or out of your car.

2) It could be flipped out of the holster if the door is slammed shut too hard.

Someone sees your gun when you exit the car and waits until you are out of sight, brakes your window and takes your gun.

Everyone is going to know you have a gun in your car and they might feel threatened by it.

If you don't lock the car door every time you get out the gun will soon be missing.

[DavidS]

I see 2 problems with the placement of your gun.

1) It is can be seen every time you get into or out of your car.

2) It could be flipped out of the holster if the door is slammed shut too hard.

Someone sees your gun when you exit the car and waits until you are out of sight, brakes your window and takes your gun.

Everyone is going to know you have a gun in your car and they might feel threatened by it.

Good observations.

1) I recognized this as a potential problem and handle my parking and vehicle exit with that in mind. Most of the time, it is removed from the holster and placed in my pocket before exiting the vehicle.
2) I do not believe this is possible, the arrangement is very secure. It would require a significant upward force to flip out of the holster.

[Southerngunner]

If you're a lefty, that might work, but you would have to always remember to get the pistol out of sight every time you open the door. I still think it is a bad idea for the pistol NOT to be on your person. This precludes forgetting to put it back on every time you dismount... as at the gas pump... or a carjacker drags you out of your vehicle at gunpoint... or a cop asks you to step out of your vehicle!

Wynn

I agree with all of wyntrout's comments especially about a cop wanting you to exit your vehicle in the event of a trafic stop . In Arizona it is recomended that if a CCW permit holder is involved in a traffic stop that you hand your permit along with your D.L. and inform them you are armed. A lot of times two officer's aproach the truck from opossing sides if the cop on the passenger side happens to see where your gun is it could get tense pretty quick before you have a chance to inform them of its location.

[DavidS]

I agree with all of wyntrout's comments especially about a cop wanting you to exit your vehicle in the event of a trafic stop . In Arizona it is recomended that if a CCW permit holder is involved in a traffic stop that you hand your permit along with your D.L. and inform them you are armed. A lot of times two officer's aproach the truck from opossing sides if the cop on the passenger side happens to see where your gun is it could get tense pretty quick before you have a chance to inform them of its location.

Oklahoma law requires that I notify the officer upon initial contact that I have a weapon, something that I would do anyway or in any other state even if not required.

As far as the opposing side officer, or the near side officer for that matter, the gun is not visible from outside the truck. They would only see it if I open my door, which would only be done at their request, and by then I would have informed them of the weapon and permit.

[Bawanna]

I agree and think your good to go. Being the seat and stuff is there it can't be seen from the passenger side and not from the drivers side unless they stick their head in the window which ain't gonna happen.

Technically in Washington and it's up for debate all the time, if your carrying concealed in a vehicle and ordered out, the gun has to come with you and be on your person. You can't lay it on the seat or dash etc.

I've heard that this has changed and you can now do so, put it in the glove box, or seat or holster such as your doing.

It's still up for interpretation. The stupid thing is your allowed to leave your gun in your car unoccupied as long as the gun is out of sight and the vehicle is locked. Like you visit your kid at school and your foolish enough to follow their rules, you can leave it secured in the car.

Surprisingly most driver/officer contacts I've heard of from friends and such say the officer usually isn't concerned about a gun. Aware and cautious of course but not panicked. One guy had his gun in the glove box on top of his paperwork. He told the officer and he said to just put it on the seat and get the papers.

[Southerngunner]

Oklahoma law requires that I notify the officer upon initial contact that I have a weapon, something that I would do anyway or in any other state even if not required.

As far as the opposing side officer, or the near side officer for that matter, the gun is not visible from outside the truck. They would only see it if I open my door, which would only be done at their request, and by then I would have informed them of the weapon and permit.

A Silverado is also my main vehicle and because I carry strong side and I am right handed I sometimes will either put the pistol in the center console or between my seat and the console so my seatbelt doesn't impare access while I'm driving.as soon as I shut off the truck my pistol is in my holster before I get out ,I never leave a gun in any vehicle anattended. If your method works for you that is all that matters.
Regards,
S.G.