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      10-21-2021, 07:29 AM   #1
AnthonyVincent
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Firearm storage

I hope this is an appropriate topic, however, I would like to ask those who have firearms, where they store while driving. My 2021 540i M Sport has a center console that is much too small. That is typically where I've stored in past vehicles since it allows easy reach if the unthinkable occurs, yet still fulfills the requirement (at least according to FL statutes) of having the firearm completely contained. I might add that I do not like to carry concealed on my person (legal in FL) while driving. Yes, the holster protects the trigger but a pistol is a mechanical device and in the event of a catastrophic crash, having a firearm attached to my body with a round in the chamber makes me uncomfortable. Yes, the firearm is close in the center console if it fits, but not attached to me so the risk of being inadvertently shot is reduced in the event of a discharge caused by a catastrophic crash.

I was thinking of purchasing a vehicle safe box that mounts to the side next to the driver's seat. However, that would require drilling which makes be cringe.

Thank you
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      10-21-2021, 07:47 AM   #2
paquet
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It's something I've pondered too (a location without making any modifications)
The console by the driver's left knee seems to be rather tiny (maybe a sub-compact could fit, but that's not my preferred choice of weapon)
The passenger side console is surprisingly small too, but may take a closer to full size handgun.
So far, all I've been able to think of as a potential location for a full size handgun is the driver door compartment behind the cup holder - it's lined with felt too.
Whether that complies with FL statute is not something I've had a chance to discuss with my local law enforcement folks yet.
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      10-21-2021, 09:06 AM   #3
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Perhaps a small .380 such as the Beretta Pico would fit.
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      10-21-2021, 02:11 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AnthonyVincent View Post
I hope this is an appropriate topic, however, I would like to ask those who have firearms, where they store while driving. My 2021 540i M Sport has a center console that is much too small. That is typically where I've stored in past vehicles since it allows easy reach if the unthinkable occurs, yet still fulfills the requirement (at least according to FL statutes) of having the firearm completely contained. I might add that I do not like to carry concealed on my person (legal in FL) while driving. Yes, the holster protects the trigger but a pistol is a mechanical device and in the event of a catastrophic crash, having a firearm attached to my body with a round in the chamber makes me uncomfortable. Yes, the firearm is close in the center console if it fits, but not attached to me so the risk of being inadvertently shot is reduced in the event of a discharge caused by a catastrophic crash.

I was thinking of purchasing a vehicle safe box that mounts to the side next to the driver's seat. However, that would require drilling which makes be cringe.

Thank you
I carry a Sig P365 9mm with 12rd mag as my backup/off duty CC weapon. In my 18-m550 i keep it in the center console and it fits perfect.
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      10-21-2021, 04:41 PM   #5
AnthonyVincent
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I can fit my P365 XL in the center console but not while in a holster. And the holster I have is not big. FL statutes states that the firearm must be in a holster and enclosed while in a vehicle. As for the compartment in the door, that is against the FL statutes since the firearm needs to be totally in an enclosed compartment or case.

Many firearm owners in FL don't follow the statutes and do keep their firearms in the door panel or without a holster. I prefer to follow the rules since I love my life and freedom.

I appreciate the suggestions!
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      10-21-2021, 05:01 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AnthonyVincent View Post
I can fit my P365 XL in the center console but not while in a holster. And the holster I have is not big. FL statutes states that the firearm must be in a holster and enclosed while in a vehicle. As for the compartment in the door, that is against the FL statutes since the firearm needs to be totally in an enclosed compartment or case.

Many firearm owners in FL don't follow the statutes and do keep their firearms in the door panel or without a holster. I prefer to follow the rules since I love my life and freedom.

I appreciate the suggestions!
Move to Texas! Jk... I keep mine in the glove compartment, yes it is a bit of a reach but I feel I can get it pretty quickly if the situation were to arise (hopefully never).
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      10-21-2021, 05:08 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AnthonyVincent View Post
I can fit my P365 XL in the center console but not while in a holster. And the holster I have is not big. FL statutes states that the firearm must be in a holster and enclosed while in a vehicle. As for the compartment in the door, that is against the FL statutes since the firearm needs to be totally in an enclosed compartment or case.

Many firearm owners in FL don't follow the statutes and do keep their firearms in the door panel or without a holster. I prefer to follow the rules since I love my life and freedom.

I appreciate the suggestions!
Maybe try other holster options? There are some good ones out there. I get a ton of Kydex ones to try for work, I'll throw some on my XL also and see what works. I'll let you know👍🏻
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      10-21-2021, 06:38 PM   #8
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Thank you!
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      10-21-2021, 06:40 PM   #9
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Guns should never be left in a car, that is not secure. I have had friends install a lock box, and the car was still broken into and the weapon stolen. Carrying on your person is the safest option (dominant side holster) and the gun will always be under your direct control. Guns do not go off in a crash, especially if in a proper holster with a covered trigger guard. All guns are designed to be "drop safe" from considerable heights. You could put a primed case in the chamber and demonstrate it to yourself. You can throw it against a wall, drop on the ground and any number of things. As long as nothing depresses the trigger, the gun will not fire.

The problem I have with storing guns in various places in the car:
1) You forget and leave it there. (then stolen or unauthorized access)
2) You intentionally leave it there, and unauthorized people access it...parking valet, vehicle service personnel, children, friends, family members...
3) Placing and removing it from the location, entails additional unnecessary handling of the gun. It if is stored in a holster, that will minimize the risk, but if it is not, there is a much greater chance of fumbling and causing a negligent discharge. Don't scoff, I know trained police officers and military special operations folks that have had a negligent discharge in their vehicle because they were "fiddling" with their gun unnecessarily when it should have been in the holster.
4) Any sort of "off body" carry option entails additional risks over carrying on your hip. Security and retention are the primary concerns.


I've worked as a firearm instructor for over two decades. I'm also certified by my state criminal justice training commission (police academy) as a firearms instructor.

Last edited by 430Scud; 10-21-2021 at 06:57 PM..
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      10-21-2021, 06:47 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 430Scud View Post
Guns should never be left in a car, that is not secure. I have had friends install a lock box, and the car was still broken into and the weapon stolen. Carrying on your person is the safest option (dominant side holster) and the gun will always be under your direct control. Guns do not go off in a crash, especially if in a proper holster with a covered trigger guard. All guns are designed to be "drop safe" from considerable heights. You could put a primed case in the chamber and demonstrate it to yourself. You can throw it against a wall, drop on the ground and any number of things. As long as nothing depresses the trigger, the gun will not fire.

I've worked as a firearm instructor for over two decades. I'm also certified by my state criminal justice training commission (police academy).
That's great, I'm a certified FI with my federal agency, but no one ever made a comment about leaving their weapon in a car…
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      10-22-2021, 12:44 PM   #11
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America problems
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      10-22-2021, 01:35 PM   #12
AnthonyVincent
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I wouldn't leave a gun in a car unattended. Absolutely not. In my posting, I was referring to a place in the vehicle to store while driving since I do not like it attached to me during that time. I clip it on while in the vehicle before I exit in a very inconspicuous manner. As for a firearm inadvertently firing when dropped or subjected to similar forces, I am not willing to take that chance. In 1994, I was a passenger in a severe crash that killed the driver and can attest how a vehicle just comes apart in a violent crash. Wouldn't want a gun attached to my belt during something as violent as that.

As for the possibility of guns firing when dropped? Just as one example, perform a web search on the Sig 320.
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      10-22-2021, 01:35 PM   #13
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The question for me is, where do I put my crossbow:-) ??
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      10-22-2021, 02:22 PM   #14
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The question for me is, where do I put my crossbow:-) ??
Mount that sucker on the hood, Spirit of Ecstasy style. Let them know you mean business.
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      10-23-2021, 07:35 PM   #15
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Laws are different here in MA. If I have the gun in the car and get pulled over and the officer asks me to exit, then the gun is no longer under my control, and unless it's in a locked location, I am in trouble.

I keep it in my cc holster with the safety on… yes for you the p365 doesn't have a manual safety, but it's required for it to be sold in MA… or it's my p229 with the hammer down for DA.

If you really want, there are vehicle holster options you can use. I've never used one so can't recommend, but I've seen them in use
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      10-23-2021, 09:39 PM   #16
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Only in Murca where we need to shoot people and stuff or to “protect” ourselves but wait, we have “freedom”, right?
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      10-24-2021, 06:53 AM   #17
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I'll bite - the freedom to have the means to protect yourself.

I'll ask the local LEO's here for some detail
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      10-24-2021, 11:10 AM   #18
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Smile Weapons Storage - G30

Anthony - I have my M&P Shield in the driver side lower door storage of my 2020 M550i. It fits perfectly, in the event I run into any "snakes".

Tom
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      10-24-2021, 01:56 PM   #19
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Quote:
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I'll bite - the freedom to have the means to protect yourself.

I'll ask the local LEO's here for some detail
Truth. Been in federal LE for 15 years. I carry everywhere..in my car, on my motorcycle, trains and on planes. This is a crazy world and I'd rather have it than not.

99% of the time in my car, it's still IWB..if it's a longer drive I'll put it on my left ankle or in my center console..I don't prefer ankle carry at all, but it's always an option. Typically my 4 o-clock is most comfortable, I've flown 72 hours like this.
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      10-24-2021, 07:37 PM   #20
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I also carry everywhere legally allowed to, in every state I'm allowed to. I'm the same as Tactical I keep it IWB around 4 o'clock unless it's a long drive. We recently drove from NC to FL on vacation and I made sure to carry something that fits comfortably for both the drive but the warm summer weather also. During the drive, I did pull off the holster and it fits in the center console (Sig P365 with 12 round magazine). In the winter I use the glove box if required on longer drives because I'm carrying a P226 Legion then.

I'm of the opinion that I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
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      10-24-2021, 07:54 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by macdaddy_o View Post
Laws are different here in MA. If I have the gun in the car and get pulled over and the officer asks me to exit, then the gun is no longer under my control, and unless it's in a locked location, I am in trouble.

I keep it in my cc holster with the safety on… yes for you the p365 doesn't have a manual safety, but it's required for it to be sold in MA… or it's my p229 with the hammer down for DA.

If you really want, there are vehicle holster options you can use. I've never used one so can't recommend, but I've seen them in use
My Uncle, who is a lifelong gun advocate, had all his guns, going back over 100 yrs confiscated in Worcester MA. He opened his house up to a neighbor's son going through tough times. Turns out the kid tried to sell a gun to an undercover P.O. via Facebook. In MA, the ONLY state in the USA, if you have weapons not secured properly (gun locks) they can seize them. I think this is ridiculous. Again MA is the ONLY state enforcing this.

He lost several thousand of dollars of vintage stuff. To include octagon barrel 0.22 rifles which are extremely rare and valuable.
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      10-25-2021, 07:24 AM   #22
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Not something I’ve ever thought about!
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