Have you been thinking about purchasing a vehicle gun holster for your handgun? This product is one way to make sure you’re armed at a crucial time: when you’re driving. Many people choose to invest in a vehicle holster as a convenient way to carry a gun when traveling or commuting. They choose car holsters for a variety of reasons. You can protect yourself during a mugging. You can feel more secure if you have to drive through a rough neighborhood. You carry a weapon regularly but want the convenience of being able to leave the weapon in your (locked) vehicle if you have to enter a school, work, or another location where guns aren’t permitted.
You’ll want to first make sure that it’s legal to have a gun in your car, and to be aware when you cross state lines, as each state has different laws and regulations when it comes to firearms and what people do with them. However, laws pertaining to driving with a gun aren’t rocket science, and are fairly consistent across the board. You’re also protected by the Firearm Owners Protection Act. You’ll want to make sure you’re in the right, in case you get pulled over for something like a routine traffic violation. Visit this site for more information about traveling with firearms.
Some people choose to keep a safe in the car. Some folks choose to construct their own car holsters, which we wouldn’t recommend either; you could hit a wire when you’re drilling the holster in.
A Few Considerations:
- Ease of removing gun from vehicle
- Where you want the gun relative to your seat
- Ease of drawing the gun while seated, with seatbelt on
- Guns can often be stolen from cars
- More accessible than the glovebox
- Why you feel you need a car holster
- Whether you want to be the one drilling the screws (watch those wires!)
- Do you want your passenger to have access to the gun as well?
- Where in the vehicle would you like to place the gun (below the dash or steering wheel, or somewhere on either side of the driver?)
Our Favorite Car Holsters
There are a few different holsters that people choose again and again, for good reason. The best holster for you isn’t any particular brand. It’s the one that matches your goals and that you feel most comfortable and natural using. That said, here are our top 4:
1. Advanced Performance Shooting Holsters "Longest Haul" Vehicle Mounted Holster (Right Side Mounting Bracket)
Advanced Performance Shooting Holsters "Longest Haul" Vehicle Mounted Holster (Right Side Mounting Bracket)
This holster is made to be a permanent fixture in your car, so don’t invest in this one if you want to be able to take it out at some point. Who would you want to design your gun holster, if you could choose? The military and law inforcement special ops? Well, you’re in luck; that’s who designed this holster. These are hand-crafted, high-quality, versatile pieces. You can mount them in a few different places in your vehicle as well. This model is our favorite, hands down.
2. Desantis Kingston Car Seat Holster for Large Frame Model Gun, Black
Desantis Kingston Car Seat Holster for Large Frame Model Gun
At just under $, you get what you pay for with this model, which was created in none other than Kingston, Jamaica. It’s ideal for situations where you want to go unnoticed. This car seat holster goes between the user’s legs. A few users reported that the straps do loosen slightly while driving, but we found that the quality of this product was well worth the purchase. Some users recommend simply sewing the strap in place to prevent unwanted loosening.
3. Magnetic Gun Mount & Holster For Vehicle And Home
Magnetic Gun Mount & Holster for Vehicle and Home
This is a convenient, simple, and elegant way to store any kind of gun. You don’t need to worry about rough roads, either; this is a powerful magnet that holds onto your gun like a dream. This model is priced at $$.
4. Steering Wheel Gun Holster
Steering Wheel Gun Holster
This is an extremely versatile option, as you can use this magnet for your car, in your office, under your bedside table...the possibilities are endless. It works for all sorts of firearms, installation is a breeze, and it has a nice rubber finish that won’t scrape your gun. At $, it’s affordable, too. This might not work with heavier weapons, but users loved this product.
Avoid Buying
Ride Ready Car Holster
Ride Ready Car Holster
This holster clocks in at $. We love the gorgeous leather holster and how simple it is to install. No drilling needed, so that you don’t have to worry about hitting any wires while affixing this holster to your vehicle. It’s subtle, too. However, many users have reported difficulty getting the gun strapped in tightly enough, broken buckles, and cheap. We’d pass on this one.
Other Factors
Some people don’t realize that their weight may be a consideration when buying a car holster, or when attempting to use one. If you’re a little overweight, it may be more uncomfortable for you to unholster the firearm. You might need extra practice shifting to reach the weapon, or you might opt for a different type of firearm storage for your vehicle.
Also, do you want your gun to be visible to others, so that people around you know that you’re carrying? Or, do you want to be more discrete about your weapon? Some holsters are more hidden than others.
Once You’ve Bought Your Car Holster
Try taking a class on car tactics, so that you have some tools and muscle memory when it comes to drawing, unholstering, and reholstering your firearm.
Other Options
There are a number of other options out there if you feel like the car holster isn’t the right choice for you. There are console vaults, security briefcases you can keep in your car, console vaults that allow you to can store your firearm conveniently and securely, and microvaults. These days there are also a huge amount of options for holsters that can be hidden under most kinds of clothing, even basketball shorts. Do your research first, so that you can make an informed decision on how you want to carry your firearm.