As serious gun owners, we realize that we spend a great deal of time behind the wheel. The internet is awash with concealed carry suggestions, yet few address our challenges when carrying inside a car. The position of your holster, the size of your gun, and even the cant of your holster are all factors you should consider as you begin to slide in behind the wheel. With that in mind, let’s take a few minutes and look at some things to consider when carrying in the car.
Carrying in the Car – Where and How
Carrying on the body is easiest when trying to get in and out of your car, but there are also methods of carrying off the body while driving. There’s no shortage of vehicle holsters, safes, and retention devices that can be found to help solve this challenge. Regardless of the device you choose, if you go that route, there are a few essential things to consider. First off, the gun must be truly secure. If you are in a car accident, it is less than optimal to have your steel pistol bouncing around inside your car. The secondary point of concern is accessibility. While some vehicle gun safes are great for keeping things secure, they can make getting to your gun during an emergency challenging. As always, you’re balancing safety and accessibility.
You Can Keep it in the Holster
As I alluded to earlier, the most common method of carrying a gun behind the wheel is simply leaving it in the holster. There are several things to consider as well. Your holster and gun may be super comfortable while standing or walking around; you may find it less so after three hours behind the wheel. A gun carried inside the waistband holster at 3 o’clock can be challenging when I’m trying to buckle and unbuckle. This is where the FBI cant originated from. Agents simply titled their holster to make it more comfortable while driving.
Carry Comfort
There is no shortage of opinions on the best way and location to carry your gun. What I believe to be the truth is that you need to find what fits you best. However, before you make that choice, you must ensure that the carry position, rig, and gun are compatible with your daily drive time. As with anybody, I have my personal preferences. I carry a full-size gun inside the waistband, so I need to be very conscious of its position in regard to the seat belt buckle. If it is too close to 3 o’clock, it could impede my ability to take my seatbelt off. As a general practice, I carry my gun at approximately 2 o’clock and have the seat belt tucked between me and my gun. This allows me a very quick presentation while still sitting in the driver’s seat.
Practice Carrying in the Car
You must practice accessing your weapon while sitting in your car. There are two schools of thought regarding seat belt placement. People such as myself like the seat belt behind the gun, while others prefer it over the gun. Their reasoning is that it is easier to get the seat belt off. Both have pluses and minuses. You need to decide which one fits best for you.
The last point I need to bring up is the law. Some states are extremely restrictive about where you can carry a firearm in the car, while other states are less so. It is essential that you understand the firearm and transport laws not only in your state but also in your local jurisdictions. As with any concealed carry tip, it is essential that you find your own setup set-up that fits you best. Consider the points I have put forward and discover what works best for you. The only point I am adamant about is that you do, in fact, carry if you are able to. Be safe and carry smart.
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