The GMW Concealed Carry Gun Pack. Now available now on Amazon.com. BUY NOW
The GMW Cavalry Series Quickdraw Fast Loader Holster Gun Magnet available now on Amazon.com. BUY NOW
You will still need to defend yourself even from the safety of your own car. You never know when you might find yourself in a traffic altercation with some hot-headed driver who pulls a gun on you. Or you could find yourself lost on a dark road in the middle of the night and suddenly be attacked by criminals or wild animals. These are just some of the situations where knowing how to concealed carry in a car comes in handy.
Concealed carrying in your car can be a challenge. When in a car the steering wheel and seat belt become obstacles to a quick, clean draw. To make their firearms more accessible some drivers decide to keep their handguns near the hand brake or underneath their seat. Others choose to solve the problem by having a second gun designated specifically for being kept in their car. It’s important to remember that federal and state laws prohibit you from keeping your firearm in plain sight. So if you spend a good portion of your day behind the wheel, it makes sense to have an understanding of the intricacies of concealed carrying in a car. Read on and we’ll do our best to help you effectively and legally conceal and carry your firearm in your car.
KNOW YOUR STATE LAWS FIRST
The first thing to take into account when deciding how to concealed carry in a car is legality. Make sure you are aware of your state’s laws before carrying your firearm in your car. In some states, for instance, you can carry a concealed firearm in your car no problem (as long as you hold a concealed carry permit). Meanwhile in other places like the District of Columbia, which has some of the strictest gun control laws in the country, only unloaded, broken down firearms are allowed to be in the car and any firearms must also not be readily or directly accessible from the passenger compartment.
In states like Wyoming, both open and concealed carrying are allowed without a permit. In California, however, concealed handguns can be legally transported in a motor vehicle without a permit ONLY IF the gun is:
Unloaded
Locked in the vehicle’s trunk or in a separate locked container in the vehicle other than the utility or glove compartment
Take the time to research applicable laws in your state as well as any state you may be driving to before considering a concealed carry in your car.
STRATEGIES FOR CONCEALED CARRYING IN A CAR
While it can be tough to concealed carry on foot, concealed carrying in a car can be even more challenging. Being seated in a confined space which makes a quick draw tough to pull off. When you’re buckled up the biggest issue is that your seat belt itself can prevent you from being able to draw your weapon immediately when faced with a threat. The good news is that strategies exist to help you overcome this obstacle.
The FBI Cant
One of the easiest ways to concealed carry in a car is by using the FBI Cant, a special angle for carrying your handgun. Most of today’s holsters, including both IWB and OWB styles, allow for the FBI Cant angle. The FBI Cant can make accessing firearms much easier than a standard appendix carry. When carried without taking into account a proper carry angle, pistols with longer barrels can easily snag on the bottom of a car seat when you need them most. The FBI Cant can help counter this problem. OWB holsters are especially good for this style of carry and will allow easy access to your firearm. The FBI Cant offers a good level of balance between comfort and accessibility when driving or on foot.
An added bonus of the FBI Cant is that it will help keep the grip of your weapon from digging into your side while seated. Drawing with an FBI Cant isn’t the easiest and will require practice, but it is still considered less difficult than drawing from a straight-drop IWB or OWB holster.
Get a Dedicated Car Gun
Some people who practice a car concealed carry keep a dedicated car gun which they store within reach of the driver’s seat. Whether the car gun is a person’s main firearm or a backup to their regular weapon, the concept of keeping a dedicated car gun has been practiced for decades. The advantage of a dedicated car gun is that it will always be in the proper place for drawing from your seated position inside the car.
Consider Car Holsters
Another option for concealed carrying in a car is a car holster. Car holsters come in different varieties either as dedicated holsters or as holster mounts. Dedicated car holsters are often attached to a part of the vehicle, usually the front seat or steering wheel column. Holster mounts allow you to dock your holster whenever you get in the car. A good holster mount will allow you to place a compatible holster anywhere in your vehicle. It is important when installing a car holster or holster mount that it is easily accessible but still concealed from viewpoints outside the vehicle.
Secure your Firearm
There are times when you will need to disarm yourself to enter a no-gun zone such as a church, government building, or school. For this reason you need to be prepared to securely store your firearm in your car. A lockable case is an excellent option for safely storing your weapon when considering how best to concealed carry in a car. Keyed or biometric safes are available for this purpose and additionally for storing other small valuables. When using a locked safe it is always best to make sure that only you have access to its contents. What you don’t want is unauthorized people being able to access the safe, for instance curious children.
Handguns: Car Gun Safes Vs. Car Holsters
A handgun is useful for its small size and its maneuverability. Stealth, speed, and surprise can give you a huge advantage during a carjacking or any other type of vehicular altercation and that’s why handguns are the go-to type for a dedicated car gun. That being said it’s important to consider this when choosing how to safely store your gun in your car. While a gun safe protects your firearm from unauthorized hands, using a safe means retrieving your weapon can be time-consuming. A handgun holster, on the other hand, makes for easy access and allows for speed when defending yourself from an attack. A well-placed car holster can give you the advantage of a natural and quick draw from your seated position while also discreetly securing your gun in the right place.
Cramped Work Space – Firing and Defending From a Car
When seated in the driver’s seat it may be difficult for you to fully extend your arms to shoot as you normally would when standing. In a car concealed carry situation, you may have to lean and reorient your body in order to fire with extended arms. That’s why it’s important to practice shooting with partially extended arms or even with one hand before concealed carrying in your car. Knowing what you are up against can make all the difference so it is also important to learn where to shoot–you may not have a clear shot through glass. It also pays to know which parts of your vehicle will serve as good cover from live rounds and which parts of your vehicle can only provide concealment.
CONCEALED CARRY METHODS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF CARS
There are many different types of vehicles on the market today. This means that you will have even more to think about when concealed carrying in a car. You’ll need to bear in mind that a method that may work well for you in a sedan might not work in an SUV and vice versa. It’s also important to consider a scenario in which your car breaks down or runs out of gas in the middle of the night and you’ll need to store your weapon securely in the car until you get back. Here are some tips on dealing with concealed carrying in different types of cars.
Concealed Carrying in a Sedan
A sedan offers a lot of places for hiding concealed weapons. Here are some of the most accessible places for discreetly storing weapons in a sedan:
Under the Center Console – In most sedans, the center console is held to the floor by a series of plastic clips or a few screws. Removing these will reveal a compartment that can store a large pistol or even a few boxes of ammo.
Back Seats – If you are wondering how to concealed carry in a car, the back seat could be a good option for hiding your firearm. Generally the seat cover simply snaps onto the seat and the springs lie beneath it. This could be used as a good place for concealing a pistol, ammo, or even short-barrel long guns such as MP5s or Uzis. Just snap the seat cover back in place and no one will suspect a thing.
Under Seats – This doesn’t refer to just the floor under the seat. We’re talking about attaching a gun to the underside of the seat by means of a holster, tape, zip ties, or other methods. This will keep your gun out of sight but accessible when needed.
Inside Door Panels – The inside of your door panel can be the perfect place for hiding a shotgun with a folding stock or a short rifle. Door panels are usually held in place by clips and a couple of screws. It’s best to return the clips and screws to their places once you’ve stored your weapons so that missing screws aren’t noticed by someone with a sharp eye who might try to get their hands on your weapons.
Behind the Radio – A lot of people don’t realize how easy it is to remove the radio system from a car. Radios generally have four holes, one in each corner. By inserting metal rods (about the size of a wire coat hanger) into these holes the entire unit will slide out, revealing a large cavity suited for storing firearms or ammo.
Exterior – The exterior of a sedan also offers a lot of places for keeping your firearms for a car concealed carry. There are cavities large enough to hold a shotgun or rifle beneath both the front and rear bumpers. You can secure your weapons in place using materials such as duct tape.
Under The Hood – Accessible from under the hood, the inside of the fender is a good hiding spot for your firearms. The air box system could also be a good place for concealing a pistol.
The Trunk – The trunk is not really recommended for hiding weapons. That’s because any weapons in the trunk are generally easy to detect. However it is possible to safely conceal weapons in the trunk by hiding them underneath the carpet or in other hidden areas. When learning how to concealed carry in a car it’s important to think about all the possibilities of storing and hiding your firearms.
Concealed Carrying in an SUV or Truck
With an SUV or truck, you’ll have a different set of options for a vehicle concealed carry. Here are some options that differ from those mentioned for sedans.
Using the Frame – SUV and truck frames have an I-Beam type structure. This offers a natural shelf for storing weapons for concealed carrying in a truck or SUV. With the help of a few large zip ties, you can hide a rifle, shotgun, or other type of firearm on the frame itself. Unless someone goes underneath your vehicle to search for weapons, chances are no one will ever find them.
Roof – The hollow roof of modern SUVs and trucks is a good option for anyone thinking about how to concealed carry in an SUV or truck. To access the roof simply detach the third stop light at the top and rear of the cab and you’ll find a wide space for hiding magazines, ammo, and other items. Use duct tape to string all the items together to make them easier to retrieve. Remember to reattach the light so that your hiding spot stays safe and secret.
Tailgate – The tailgate provides another hollow space for hiding weapons. The inside hollow can be accessed through the latch assembly or by splitting the tailgate by removing the screws and bolts that hold it together. Some people have been known to split their tailgates and reseal them with silicone. In this method, when you need to retrieve your weapons you can simply cut the silicone seal open with a knife or razor blade.
Spare Tires – Hiding anything inside a tire isn’t the easiest but you can definitely utilize the space on top of the tire or around the rim by lowering your spare, hiding your firearms, and putting it back into place just like nothing happened.
Learning how to concealed carry in a car requires creativity and time. But hiding your defensive arsenal in your vehicle isn’t that hard if you take the time to plan for safety, accessibility, and legality.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
How to Concealed Carry in a Car: Car Concealed Carry
The GMW Concealed Carry Gun Pack. Now available now on Amazon.com.
BUY NOW
BUY NOW
You will still need to defend yourself even from the safety of your own car. You never know when you might find yourself in a traffic altercation with some hot-headed driver who pulls a gun on you. Or you could find yourself lost on a dark road in the middle of the night and suddenly be attacked by criminals or wild animals. These are just some of the situations where knowing how to concealed carry in a car comes in handy.
Concealed carrying in your car can be a challenge. When in a car the steering wheel and seat belt become obstacles to a quick, clean draw. To make their firearms more accessible some drivers decide to keep their handguns near the hand brake or underneath their seat. Others choose to solve the problem by having a second gun designated specifically for being kept in their car. It’s important to remember that federal and state laws prohibit you from keeping your firearm in plain sight. So if you spend a good portion of your day behind the wheel, it makes sense to have an understanding of the intricacies of concealed carrying in a car. Read on and we’ll do our best to help you effectively and legally conceal and carry your firearm in your car.
KNOW YOUR STATE LAWS FIRST
The first thing to take into account when deciding how to concealed carry in a car is legality. Make sure you are aware of your state’s laws before carrying your firearm in your car. In some states, for instance, you can carry a concealed firearm in your car no problem (as long as you hold a concealed carry permit). Meanwhile in other places like the District of Columbia, which has some of the strictest gun control laws in the country, only unloaded, broken down firearms are allowed to be in the car and any firearms must also not be readily or directly accessible from the passenger compartment.
In states like Wyoming, both open and concealed carrying are allowed without a permit. In California, however, concealed handguns can be legally transported in a motor vehicle without a permit ONLY IF the gun is:
Take the time to research applicable laws in your state as well as any state you may be driving to before considering a concealed carry in your car.
STRATEGIES FOR CONCEALED CARRYING IN A CAR
While it can be tough to concealed carry on foot, concealed carrying in a car can be even more challenging. Being seated in a confined space which makes a quick draw tough to pull off. When you’re buckled up the biggest issue is that your seat belt itself can prevent you from being able to draw your weapon immediately when faced with a threat. The good news is that strategies exist to help you overcome this obstacle.
The FBI Cant
One of the easiest ways to concealed carry in a car is by using the FBI Cant, a special angle for carrying your handgun. Most of today’s holsters, including both IWB and OWB styles, allow for the FBI Cant angle. The FBI Cant can make accessing firearms much easier than a standard appendix carry. When carried without taking into account a proper carry angle, pistols with longer barrels can easily snag on the bottom of a car seat when you need them most. The FBI Cant can help counter this problem. OWB holsters are especially good for this style of carry and will allow easy access to your firearm. The FBI Cant offers a good level of balance between comfort and accessibility when driving or on foot.
An added bonus of the FBI Cant is that it will help keep the grip of your weapon from digging into your side while seated. Drawing with an FBI Cant isn’t the easiest and will require practice, but it is still considered less difficult than drawing from a straight-drop IWB or OWB holster.
Get a Dedicated Car Gun
Some people who practice a car concealed carry keep a dedicated car gun which they store within reach of the driver’s seat. Whether the car gun is a person’s main firearm or a backup to their regular weapon, the concept of keeping a dedicated car gun has been practiced for decades. The advantage of a dedicated car gun is that it will always be in the proper place for drawing from your seated position inside the car.
Consider Car Holsters
Another option for concealed carrying in a car is a car holster. Car holsters come in different varieties either as dedicated holsters or as holster mounts. Dedicated car holsters are often attached to a part of the vehicle, usually the front seat or steering wheel column. Holster mounts allow you to dock your holster whenever you get in the car. A good holster mount will allow you to place a compatible holster anywhere in your vehicle. It is important when installing a car holster or holster mount that it is easily accessible but still concealed from viewpoints outside the vehicle.
Secure your Firearm
There are times when you will need to disarm yourself to enter a no-gun zone such as a church, government building, or school. For this reason you need to be prepared to securely store your firearm in your car. A lockable case is an excellent option for safely storing your weapon when considering how best to concealed carry in a car. Keyed or biometric safes are available for this purpose and additionally for storing other small valuables. When using a locked safe it is always best to make sure that only you have access to its contents. What you don’t want is unauthorized people being able to access the safe, for instance curious children.
Handguns: Car Gun Safes Vs. Car Holsters
A handgun is useful for its small size and its maneuverability. Stealth, speed, and surprise can give you a huge advantage during a carjacking or any other type of vehicular altercation and that’s why handguns are the go-to type for a dedicated car gun. That being said it’s important to consider this when choosing how to safely store your gun in your car. While a gun safe protects your firearm from unauthorized hands, using a safe means retrieving your weapon can be time-consuming. A handgun holster, on the other hand, makes for easy access and allows for speed when defending yourself from an attack. A well-placed car holster can give you the advantage of a natural and quick draw from your seated position while also discreetly securing your gun in the right place.
Cramped Work Space – Firing and Defending From a Car
When seated in the driver’s seat it may be difficult for you to fully extend your arms to shoot as you normally would when standing. In a car concealed carry situation, you may have to lean and reorient your body in order to fire with extended arms. That’s why it’s important to practice shooting with partially extended arms or even with one hand before concealed carrying in your car. Knowing what you are up against can make all the difference so it is also important to learn where to shoot–you may not have a clear shot through glass. It also pays to know which parts of your vehicle will serve as good cover from live rounds and which parts of your vehicle can only provide concealment.
CONCEALED CARRY METHODS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF CARS
There are many different types of vehicles on the market today. This means that you will have even more to think about when concealed carrying in a car. You’ll need to bear in mind that a method that may work well for you in a sedan might not work in an SUV and vice versa. It’s also important to consider a scenario in which your car breaks down or runs out of gas in the middle of the night and you’ll need to store your weapon securely in the car until you get back. Here are some tips on dealing with concealed carrying in different types of cars.
Concealed Carrying in a Sedan
A sedan offers a lot of places for hiding concealed weapons. Here are some of the most accessible places for discreetly storing weapons in a sedan:
Under the Center Console – In most sedans, the center console is held to the floor by a series of plastic clips or a few screws. Removing these will reveal a compartment that can store a large pistol or even a few boxes of ammo.
Back Seats – If you are wondering how to concealed carry in a car, the back seat could be a good option for hiding your firearm. Generally the seat cover simply snaps onto the seat and the springs lie beneath it. This could be used as a good place for concealing a pistol, ammo, or even short-barrel long guns such as MP5s or Uzis. Just snap the seat cover back in place and no one will suspect a thing.
Under Seats – This doesn’t refer to just the floor under the seat. We’re talking about attaching a gun to the underside of the seat by means of a holster, tape, zip ties, or other methods. This will keep your gun out of sight but accessible when needed.
Inside Door Panels – The inside of your door panel can be the perfect place for hiding a shotgun with a folding stock or a short rifle. Door panels are usually held in place by clips and a couple of screws. It’s best to return the clips and screws to their places once you’ve stored your weapons so that missing screws aren’t noticed by someone with a sharp eye who might try to get their hands on your weapons.
Behind the Radio – A lot of people don’t realize how easy it is to remove the radio system from a car. Radios generally have four holes, one in each corner. By inserting metal rods (about the size of a wire coat hanger) into these holes the entire unit will slide out, revealing a large cavity suited for storing firearms or ammo.
Exterior – The exterior of a sedan also offers a lot of places for keeping your firearms for a car concealed carry. There are cavities large enough to hold a shotgun or rifle beneath both the front and rear bumpers. You can secure your weapons in place using materials such as duct tape.
Under The Hood – Accessible from under the hood, the inside of the fender is a good hiding spot for your firearms. The air box system could also be a good place for concealing a pistol.
The Trunk – The trunk is not really recommended for hiding weapons. That’s because any weapons in the trunk are generally easy to detect. However it is possible to safely conceal weapons in the trunk by hiding them underneath the carpet or in other hidden areas. When learning how to concealed carry in a car it’s important to think about all the possibilities of storing and hiding your firearms.
Concealed Carrying in an SUV or Truck
With an SUV or truck, you’ll have a different set of options for a vehicle concealed carry. Here are some options that differ from those mentioned for sedans.
Using the Frame – SUV and truck frames have an I-Beam type structure. This offers a natural shelf for storing weapons for concealed carrying in a truck or SUV. With the help of a few large zip ties, you can hide a rifle, shotgun, or other type of firearm on the frame itself. Unless someone goes underneath your vehicle to search for weapons, chances are no one will ever find them.
Roof – The hollow roof of modern SUVs and trucks is a good option for anyone thinking about how to concealed carry in an SUV or truck. To access the roof simply detach the third stop light at the top and rear of the cab and you’ll find a wide space for hiding magazines, ammo, and other items. Use duct tape to string all the items together to make them easier to retrieve. Remember to reattach the light so that your hiding spot stays safe and secret.
Tailgate – The tailgate provides another hollow space for hiding weapons. The inside hollow can be accessed through the latch assembly or by splitting the tailgate by removing the screws and bolts that hold it together. Some people have been known to split their tailgates and reseal them with silicone. In this method, when you need to retrieve your weapons you can simply cut the silicone seal open with a knife or razor blade.
Spare Tires – Hiding anything inside a tire isn’t the easiest but you can definitely utilize the space on top of the tire or around the rim by lowering your spare, hiding your firearms, and putting it back into place just like nothing happened.
Learning how to concealed carry in a car requires creativity and time. But hiding your defensive arsenal in your vehicle isn’t that hard if you take the time to plan for safety, accessibility, and legality.