[GKC]

I've read a number of comments on this and a couple of other gun forums about people having a "truck gun" or a "car gun" which, based on their comments, seems to be a gun that is less than pristine, although reliable, not extremely valuable, and one that could be easily replaced in the event of the vehicle being broken into, or in the event the gun is actually used and then confiscated by the police.

I have mixed feelings about this...on the one hand, I wouldn't want one of the "better" pistols in my small arsenal to be stolen or confiscated...actually, I wouldn't want ANY gun that I owned to be stolen or confiscated. If I did, I wouldn't own it anyway. OTOH, if I need a gun (as in an encounter when I actually have to use it) I want it to be one of the best (i.e., most reliable) guns I own. I am mulling over getting a gun specifically for the console...not that I would leave it in the car at night (even though I park inside my locked garage.) I am thinking about getting something like a Ruger SP101...which is rugged, reliable, not expensive, fairly easy to find, and could bounce around (a bit) in the console and still be fine in terms of function. I don't anticipate being in a sustained shootout, so 5 rounds (with a couple of speed loaders full in the console too) should suffice. It wouldn't be my "best" (like one of my Colt 1911s) but it would do the job, and I wouldn't worry about it (of course, I would take all reasonable precautions.)

So...what do you do?

 

[KevinCa316]

ive been considering my 92 because its the most inexpensive gun i own, however being "full steel" has serious disadvantages sitting in a car in arizona heat...

 

[tritiumfreak45]

Glock 20. Relatively inexpensive, 100% reliable straight out of the box, 15+1 rounds of 10mm, and the size and weight to handle it. For a dedicated car gun, I'd want something that deals well with intermediate barriers such as glass and metal. If you don't want the massive 10mm frame, go with a Glock 31. 15+1 rounds of .357 SIG penetrating power.

A .45 ACP is not a good candidate for a barrier-minded pistol, and neither is the 9mm. A .40 would work about as well as the .357 SIG, but the 10mm would really kick some ass on the street. Run some 200gr WFNGC loads from Doubletap and you should be able to deal with pretty much anything.

Disregard their disclaimer about not using their lead bullets in the Glock barrels (polygonal rifling). Hardcast lead is not a problem, just be sure to clean well. The soft lead bullets are the ones that really cause pressure spikes, and only if you're switching back and forth between lead bullets and copper jacketed bullets. OR, if you're super concerned about the lead giving you issues, get a 6" barrel from Lone Wolf, EFK, Storm Lake, or Barsto.

For sights, get Nitesiters. When you set your rig up (place it out of sight, obviously), get some 1/2" or so diameter metal tubing and polish the inside really well. Then bend them and anchor them so that they are catching solar light while the car is in the sun. You can flare the openings up for this. The Nitesiters will stay fully charged for most of the day, and when you get in and it's starting to get dark, your sights are nice and bright. Worst case scenario, you become a victim of deadly highway violence and your car gets flipped or spun around, knocking the gun loose from its holding position. Those bright sights would help you find your gun if you had to get to it quickly. Don't worry about them being "too bright" like some do. If it's dark and you need luminous sighs, you'll have your headlights on and won't have night adapted vision, so that extra brightness will be a good thing.

 

[GKC]

ive been considering my 92 because its the most inexpensive gun i own, however being "full steel" has serious disadvantages sitting in a car in arizona heat...

My wife asked me the other day if I ever worried about the heat setting off some of the bullets in my gun, when we leave it in the car and go into a store or restaurant, etc. I don't think I've ever heard of that happening...

 

[KevinCa316]

My wife asked me the other day if I ever worried about the heat setting off some of the bullets in my gun, when we leave it in the car and go into a store or restaurant, etc. I don't think I've ever heard of that happening...

oh thats the least of my worries... im concerned ill have to draw it and drop the sucker cause its gotten too damn hot to hold!

 

[A X E]

Taurus PT111 Millenium. Not the best pistol, but it goes bang every time. I bought it years ago for $275. It tucks away nicely and I have two 10 round mags. Stays in the truck hid away all the time. If someone broke in, it would be a little tough to find, but not impossible. I guess it is the only firearm I have that I wouldn't shed a tear over, but I would still be pissed off.

Out!

 

[Ausher]

anyone experience problems with corrosion from humidity? whats a good way to prevent it?

 

[dsk]

Don't ever leave a firearm inside a vehicle unless you absolutely have to. I'm one of the most careful people out there regarding personal security and have always lived in relatively safe areas, yet I've been victimized by car prowlers no less than three times over the past 20 years. I no longer leave anything of value inside a car if I can help it. I also take offense to the notion that you can just leave a cheap gun inside your vehicle and not care if it gets stolen. As "law-abiding" gun owners we get scrutinized enough as it is, and carelessly allowing guns to be filtered into the criminal supply chain only makes us look worse.

 

[HybridLycan]

The more i think about having a dedicated gun in my car I realize how under gunned I am in any extended firefight. I will continue to carry a side arm with me at all times and if my budget allows for a gun dedicated to the car it will be a rifle. Until I can get a nice AR I am thinking a cheap Mosen-Nagant or two. If I am in the position of fighting my way to the car I want to know I have more waiting than just a handgun.

 

[AZ115]

Taurus PT111 Millenium. Not the best pistol, but it goes bang every time. I bought it years ago for $275. It tucks away nicely and I have two 10 round mags. Stays in the truck hid away all the time. If someone broke in, it would be a little tough to find, but not impossible. I guess it is the only firearm I have that I wouldn't shed a tear over, but I would still be pissed off.

Out!

Great suggestion on the Taurus PT111. Now I'm gonna justify it to my wife!:biglaugh:
My other guns are just too valuable!

For real though, My brother in-law has one. I have fire it a few times and I do like it.

 

[HybridLycan]

Don't ever leave a firearm inside a vehicle unless you absolutely have to. I'm one of the most careful people out there regarding personal security and have always lived in relatively safe areas, yet I've been victimized by car prowlers no less than three times over the past 20 years. I no longer leave anything of value inside a car if I can help it. I also take offense to the notion that you can just leave a cheap gun inside your vehicle and not care if it gets stolen. As "law-abiding" gun owners we get scrutinized enough as it is, and carelessly allowing guns to be filtered into the criminal supply chain only makes us look worse.

I was thinking about building a good locking rifle mount would you still refrain from leaving a rifle in you car on a regular basis?

 

[dsk]

I might also add that if you keep a firearm tucked away and well-hidden inside your vehicle then it's probably going to be impossible to get to if you suddenly need it anyway. Think about the scenarios for a minute. If you encounter a road-rage driver you'll still be seated and strapped in when it happens. If you encounter somebody in a parking lot you're going to be wishing you actually had your gun on you, not locked away inside the car somewhere. If you do keep a gun inside your vehicle it needs to be readily accessible to be of any use to you, which of course makes hiding it in the first place a real problem. The only practical solution is a small pistol safe of some sort bolted to the vehicle that still allows you to pop it open and access the pistol, yet will hopefully slow down a smash n' grab burglar.

One other problem remains, of course. Any thief with half a brain knows that where there's one firearm there's bound to be more, especially if the vehicle was parked right outside your dwelling.

I was thinking about building a good locking rifle mount would you still refrain from leaving a rifle in you car on a regular basis?

Like I just said, if it's locked away (such as behind your seats) then what good is it? I would probably have a rifle mount installed just for the sake of bringing a rifle along while on vacation, but I'd also be aware that my ability to get to it if suddenly threatened by roaming thugs would be seriously diminished. There's no substitute for having your protection firearm directly on your person, so that no matter where you go (such as stopping at some convenience store out in the boonies to go take a leak or ask for directions) you have the means to defend yourself right at hand. Some will say "but I can't legally carry concealed where I am, so what's the point?". If that's the case you might want to check up on the laws regarding having a loaded gun inside your vehicle as well. If CCW isn't allowed in your area then odds are keeping a loaded gun inside the car isn't either. And then some places (such as where I live) allow CCW, but require that it be on your person and/or under your direct control at all times. Walking away from the vehicle with a loaded gun left inside is technically illegal where I live, even though I have a CWP.

 

[BirchwoodShooter]

Sadly enough, DSK's scenario never occured to me, I've never had a break in and i'm fully insured so even if it did happen I wasn't too worried about replacing my XD40SC I keep in my center console, but (stupid me) never considered the possible consequences of a BG getting my truck gun beyond it being pawned. I even typically leave it in the truck at night. It helps that my nearest neighbors are 1/4 mi away and my house can't be seen from the street (most non neighbors passing by, incl. pizza delivery guys think my driveway is just a dirt road into undeveloped property) but I guess I should probably start bringing it in at night. Not really ideal as a truck gun anyways, but I loved my 1911 so much and I'm not a small guy by any standard so it became my CC weapon, leaving the XD to be the truck gun.

 

[AZ115]

I stand corrected!

Don't ever leave a firearm inside a vehicle unless you absolutely have to. I'm one of the most careful people out there regarding personal security and have always lived in relatively safe areas, yet I've been victimized by car prowlers no less than three times over the past 20 years. I no longer leave anything of value inside a car if I can help it. I also take offense to the notion that you can just leave a cheap gun inside your vehicle and not care if it gets stolen. As "law-abiding" gun owners we get scrutinized enough as it is, and carelessly allowing guns to be filtered into the criminal supply chain only makes us look worse.

Thanks DSK for reminding me on why I don't leave anything of value in the car especially my guns. Last thing any of us would want is to walk up to a perp standing there with a loaded gun we facilitated them with. Or maybe the guilt of a crime committed with my stolen gun.

 

[NonPCnraRN]

I had a cop friend tell me to not even leave spare change in my vehicle. How would you feel if a creep broke into your car for the visible spare change and scored a handgun or carbine as a bonus? Don't leave valuable clothes visible in the car or packages. Remember the Harley hoodie may not be that expensive but who knows what may be a good score to a theif. Team sportswear such as baseball jackets are a frequent target. A pack of cigarettes would be reason enough to break into a vehicle for some people.

 

[CRUE CAB]

J frame .38 with +P loads.
Stainless and is about a year old.
I dont leave in the truck over night or where it would be seen right off.

 

[Munch520]

I'd get a high cap compact for a car/truck gun...something that's easily maneuverable and has a light rail. Never thought of a white light on the loudout for a car gun but a friend ended up needing one about a year ago when he was fiddling with his car after the battery died (of course in a bad area) at night

I agree with DSK...no doubt about never leaving a gun in a car wihle you're not in it. If you have to, or if you have other valuables to store for an extended period of time, definitely get one of these
http://www.tuffyproducts.com/
http://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-282-247-tuffy-jk-conceal-carry-security-drawer.aspx

The wrangler has the rear deck protection (for when the top's off) and the under-seat drawer for the driver's side. Ammunition, the surefire light, etc. usually sit in the drawer. Very easy to install too, just undo the front mounts for the seat, slide the drawer in/flanges aligning with the stock seat mounts, then bolt the seat mount/drawer mount in series to the floor. Takes 3 minutes.

There are very few times I need to leave a weapon in the car and this drawer gives me that extra piece of mind.

 

[MotorSeven]

Please don't leave guns in cars. They get stolen all the time. How are you going to feel if some scrote uses your gun to harm someone?

If you can't carry it on you where you are going, then leave it at home in a proper safe.

 

[JayTee]

Here's my "truck gun" for my Jeep Wrangler...I bought a left-handed Fobus paddle holster for my CZ75, cut some of the excess paddle off and heated the remaining paddle with my wife's hairdryer so I could mold it flat and get rid of the curve in order for it to fit flush against the center console. Then I drilled a small hole in the paddle and used my existing torx bolt that holds the side panel on to my console to attach the holster to it. Simple as that. And no, I never leave it in there unattended.

 

[US1911]

Don't ever leave a firearm inside a vehicle unless you absolutely have to. I also take offense to the notion that you can just leave a cheap gun inside your vehicle and not care if it gets stolen. As "law-abiding" gun owners we get scrutinized enough as it is, and carelessly allowing guns to be filtered into the criminal supply chain only makes us look worse.

I might also add that if you keep a firearm tucked away and well-hidden inside your vehicle then it's probably going to be impossible to get to if you suddenly need it anyway.

Please don't leave guns in cars. They get stolen all the time.

This pretty much sums it up = Personal Responsibility. Afford your guns the same high level of protection at all times. Above and beyond that, I've never understood why anyone would want a lesser quality gun to defend themselves with while in a vehicle. If you carry a quality reliable firearm on your person, then it stands to reason that you shouldn’t want anything less to save your life while you're in your vehicle either.