APOD Firearms

Carrying A Handgun In Vehicle

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  • majormadmax

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    Aug 27, 2009
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    San Antonio!
    Unless licensed, a handgun has to be concealed while being carried under the Motorist Protection Act. Thus, most magnetic mounts are not a good option. Plus, even with a license, that is not a legal way to openly carrying a handgun (must be in a shoulder or belt holster). The weapon can be concealed on your person, just be sure not to go anywhere else (other than to your home) carrying it that way otherwise you'd be in violation of the law.

    As for leaving a firearm in your vehicle, it's never preferred option. If you are forced to do so, it's at a great risk so do your best to leave no indicators that there is a weapon inside.
     

    Charlie

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    Mar 19, 2008
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    'Top of the hill, Kerr County!
    Unless licensed, a handgun has to be concealed while being carried under the Motorist Protection Act. Thus, most magnetic mounts are not a good option. Plus, even with a license, that is not a legal way to openly carrying a handgun (must be in a shoulder or belt holster). The weapon can be concealed on your person, just be sure not to go anywhere else (other than to your home) carrying it that way otherwise you'd be in violation of the law.

    As for leaving a firearm in your vehicle, it's never preferred option. If you are forced to do so, it's at a great risk so do your best to leave no indicators that there is a weapon inside.
    This ^^^^^^^
     

    Dawico

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    Oct 15, 2009
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    Lampasas, Texas
    The center console is probably the best all around place to carry a firearm. The door pocket or glove box work too. I prefer to keep mine on me in my normal concealed carry location.

    Leaving a firearm in your vehicle is not recommended.
     

    oldag

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    Leaving a firearm in your car is a risk. So is leaving it in your house. Either one can be broken into.

    Due to 30.06, there are times when you will have to leave the firearm in the car.
     

    oohrah

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    Jul 24, 2013
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    I keep a flat, cable-tied combo safe under my front seat for those times I have to disarm when out and about. It's not completely secure, but it will deter the smash and grab better than a console or glove box.
     

    Mikewood

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    Jan 8, 2011
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    Houston
    Most cars seem to have little cubby holes and hiding spots that are good places to hide guns but allow relatively easy access. Behind the dash, under the seat, under center console rubber mats, you might have to look a bit but you can probably find one in your car. Add a kydex or cordura holster and some Velcro and your all set.


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    HKaltwasser

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    Noggin

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    I installed a console safe in the centre console of my F150, now I realise that is not a show stopper for the determined criminal but it will take them a little longer to get into thus depending upon the location increase the risk of them being interrupted. I only resort to the safe when I have to visit a 30:06 establishment otherwise my weapon goes with me, mostly open, concealed if I have to.
     

    crewe

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    Jul 21, 2017
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    Houston
    Is there any reason to not leave it in your car other than it could be stolen?
    I have a smaller sedan now and there's really nowhere I can conceal mine except the glove compartment.
     

    jrbfishn

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    Cars get stolen and broke into quite often. We mostly use a small sedan too. If you think hard enough, there are ways to conceal most handguns. As long as it is concealed from view from outside the vehicle, it is not illegal to leave it in the vehicle.

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    crewe

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    Jul 21, 2017
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    Houston
    Oh I'm sure there are ways, but I guess I'm just not that creative.
    Is there any potential damage that could come to the firearm as a result of leaving it in a hot car?
     

    Shady

    The One And Only
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    Aug 24, 2013
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    the gun gets hotter than your car if you fire a few rounds though it. Although I guess if you are the kind of guy that fills in the engraving marks with crayons then you may have a problem.


    Oh I'm sure there are ways, but I guess I'm just not that creative.
    Is there any potential damage that could come to the firearm as a result of leaving it in a hot car?
     

    jrbfishn

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    Oh I'm sure there are ways, but I guess I'm just not that creative.
    Is there any potential damage that could come to the firearm as a result of leaving it in a hot car?
    Other than some powders behave a little differently when they get hot, not that I can think of.
    If the heat inside my car melts my gun and not the interior of my car, me and the manufacturer are going to have a problem.

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    Dallas Hicks

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    Jul 23, 2017
    44
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    Alvin, TX
    I appreciate all of the replies and ideas! I drive a Nissan Maxima with not too many options for concealing the gun. My center console is too small to put one in.

    I always figured it would be smart to have it somewhere to be able to easily grab.
    On a side note: I don't have a CHL yet, but look to be getting one soon.
     

    motorcarman

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    Feb 13, 2015
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    Rural Wise County, TX.
    I would advise against keeping a firearm in the same location as vehicle paperwork (tag registration, insurance card etc.).

    About 40 years ago I knew a guy that kept a bag of pot in the glove box and when he got pulled over the paperwork was in there too. He took the papers out and the pot was visible to the officer. HE WENT TO JAIL!!!!!

    Keep the firearm and paperwork separate.

    bob
     

    Dallas Hicks

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    Jul 23, 2017
    44
    11
    Alvin, TX
    I originally thought I might leave a gun in a vehicle, but after reading some of your thoughts i think it's probably a bad idea. I haven't figured out what I'm gonna do just yet as I don't have a CHL but I think leaving it in the car is not a good option.


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