If you are in your car often and you don’t like to wear your concealed holster while sitting, you may be wondering what is the best concealed holsters for your vehicle.
Keeping your sidearm on you at all times is the best practice. Some people just don’t like to have their concealed carry holster on their person while sitting. It can be awkward. Seatbelts push the sights into you, your gun digs into your leg or any number of uncomfortable occurrences that may happen.
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How to Carry a Gun in a Car?
After doing some research, I found how to carry a gun in a car that works best is the Highway Holster Vehicle Seat Mount. This is designed to securely mount to most standard seats and sits within the space between the seats. It works best with at least a one-inch gap to sit in. It has a mounting platform for your handgun holster to clip onto. It is designed to allow concealed carry permit holders to have relief while seated in their car.
However, there are many other things to consider when choosing to carry your gun in your car besides picking the best car gun holster. One is the most important.
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car?
Can you carry a gun in your car? The answer is maybe, but it depends on the state you live in. Unfortunately, there is no one rule that applies to every state. Every state has different laws regarding carrying your gun in your car. For states that have concealed carry permits for carrying on your person, then they allow you to carry in your car. We go into greater detail below.
Can I Carry a Gun In My Car Without a Permit?
The answer is yes, you can carry a gun in your car if your state does not have concealed carry permit laws. However, you have to pay close attention to the particular laws in your state. They are very different depending on what state you live in. We have links to state maps below but here are a couple examples:
Can You Carry a Gun in the Car in California?
Yes. However, California has very restrictive rules when it comes to carrying a gun your car without a permit. If you are legally allowed to own a gun, you can have it in your car if it is unloaded and in a locked container. What is crazy is that “locked container” can be your trunk, but not your console or glove compartment.
Can You Carry a Loaded Gun In Car in Florida?
Yes, if you have a permit for sure. If you don’t have a permit you can still carry a gun in your car if it is “hard to get to”. Like a gun case or the glove compartment. This is where the law becomes at the discretion of the police and courts. So it may be best to check with a Florida attorney to understand your liability.
What should you do if you are pulled over carrying your gun in car? We will discuss these car gun carry topics below. As well as review a few additional car pistol holsters.
Can I Carry a Gun in my Car When Traveling?
The longer answer includes the questions, do you want to conceal it, or carry it openly, do you want it loaded or unloaded, and where are you traveling.
Traveling can have enough problems by itself. Adding a gun into the mix means doing more research. You don’t want your trip to be cut short with a visit to the local jailhouse.
Here are a few tips for traveling with a firearm. I’ve included some links to resources. Be aware, this is not an exhaustive list of resources and laws may change, sometimes frequently. It is up to you to make sure you are following current laws.
Federal Firearm Travel Guidelines
Federal laws regarding travel with a firearm are fairly straightforward. There is no permit needed. The Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) protects you from local restrictions if you are transporting your firearm for lawful reasons.
Here are a few links for Federal Laws regarding transporting a firearm:
- Guide To The Interstate Transportation of Firearms
- Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide
- Airline Transportation of Firearms
- Frequently Asked Questions (ATF)
State and Local Gun Laws
This is where things get tricky. Laws vary from place to place. If you do anything, besides just pass through a state, you must obey all local gun laws.
This is where there will be more homework. There aren’t any shortcuts. Therefore, you will have to map out your trip to make sure you stay legal:
Specific Locations
You can do some research to see if your handgun is welcome at specific locations. Based on the answers you get, you can arrange your travel itinerary accordingly.
Concealed Carry Permit
Sometimes the state you travel to does not honor your home state concealed carry permit. ApIf it doesn’t you can apply for a non-resident concealed carry permit. Here is a link that will give you information on how to do that.
What If I Get Pulled Over With Gun In Car?
You are driving down the highway, you don’t realize your taillight is out, and you get pulled over. You are carrying a concealed weapon in your vehicle. This may make you a little nervous.
Following your local laws will help you in this situation but adding some common sense will make this an even better experience.
The first thing to keep in mind is that when a police officer approaches a car he or she has no idea what they are going to encounter. They do not know you are the good guy patriot that you are. They are trained to remember that traffic stops can end up being deadly situations.
What To Do If You Get Pulled Over With Gun in The Car?
If you get pulled over with a gun in your car, use some common sense. Pullover, to the right, far enough that the officer has room to approach your vehicle without worrying about the oncoming traffic. Turn your engine off, roll down your window and place your hands on your steering wheel. They are watching your hands as they approach. This is not the time to be digging through anything or making sudden movements.
As the officer approaches your open window he or she will probably ask you a question or give you a command. This is when you can calmly inform them that you have a permit and are carrying a concealed handgun.
Then you can explain to them the movements your hands will be making. For example, some states allow a gun to be in a glove box. Your insurance card and registration may be in there also.
You can explain to the officer that you have a permit, your gun is in the glove box, along with your paperwork, and then ask the officer how they would like you to proceed.
Some states have made it mandatory to show your CCP at the same time you show your driver’s license, in a traffic stop. This is another good time to let the officer know you are carrying.
Just make sure that when you inform the officer they can see your hands and what you’re saying doesn’t come across as a threat. Making a statement like, “I have a gun,” may not come across as friendly as, “office, I am a CCP holder and I am carrying a handgun in a holster under my steering wheel.”
Best Concealed Car Holsters
| Product Name | Where to Buy | |
|---|---|---|
 | Highway Holster Vehicle Seat Mount |  |
 | Tactical Pro Sports Tac Mag Gun Magnet | |
 | Grand Gun Works Ride Ready Car Holster | |
 | Jotto Gear Quick Access Locking Handgun Holster for Car | |
Best Car Seat Gun Holster
1. Highway Holster Vehicle Seat Mount
This mount is made from molded utility-grade plastic. It’s flexible enough to contour with the seat yet rigid enough to hold the weight of the gun.
It uses two small screws for support and adjustment. Mounts to the inside of the seat with Velcro cinch straps, elastic cords, and friction.
Features
- Conceal carry option for vehicle
- Designed for holsters that have belt clips
- Support mounting accessories like magnets and small Ram Mount products
- Adjustable to fit between seats or seat and console of most vehicles
- The muzzle is positioned in a safe direction
- Within driver’s reach
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to install | Holster required |
| Fits snug and is solid | May have a tendency to move towards the driver seat |
| Two easy-to-use, small screws | Maybe a little too flexible |
| Firearm points in a safe direction | |
| Easy access | |
| Concealed well |
Best Magnetic Gun Car Holster
2. Tactical Pro Sports Tac Mag Gun Magnet
This gun mount is actually a magnet. It holds up to 25 lbs. It has no problem holding fully loaded Glocks, XDMs, .45s, or just about any other handgun you could think of.
It is actually multiple magnets that keep the handgun from spinning around. It works well for multiple locations like bedside, under your desk at work, and of course your vehicle.
Features
- Strongest gun magnet on the market with a 25lb rating
- Weatherproof
- Shockproof
- Multiple Neodymium Magnets for superior contact
- 100% lifetime guarantee
- Mount under the desk, in car, safe, or entryway
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good quality | Needs some kind of padding so it won’t wear your gun |
| Affordable | Doesn’t come with any mounting supplies |
| Strong magnet | |
| Gun does not come loose | |
| No need for extra holster |
Gun Car Holster for Under Steering Wheel
3. Grand Gun Works Ride Ready Car Holster
This holster is designed to mount right under your steering wheel. It’s made to fit most sized handguns. Leather holster included.
Features
- Includes leather holster
- Ambidextrous
- Works with most vehicles
- Lifetime warranty
- Fits most small and large frame handguns
- Fits small frame revolvers too
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made well | Doesn’t fit all cars |
| Provides easy access to a handgun | May come loose |
| Keeps gun out of sight | The holster is very stiff |
| Durable materials | |
| ambidextrous |
Best Locking Gun Car Holster
4. Jotto Gear Quick Access Locking Handgun Holster for Car
This is an incredibly rugged option when it comes to a locking gun holster for your car. Easy to install with multiple mounting options for your vehicle as well as your office or home. A silicone lining keeps your handgun clean and free of scratches. Made in USA!
A recent discovery is the Vara Reach Holster. It has biometric locking access. Highly recommend checking out this vehicle option.
Gun Holsters for Car – Conclusion
As you can see, there are a few different ways to carry your gun in your vehicle. When you think about keeping a gun in your car, you will have the same kind of goals as when you keep a gun in your home.
You want gun car holsters for your vehicle to be out of sight and secure, yet readily accessible at all times. Just as you spend time figuring out where you like to keep your gun at home, and where you like to wear it on your body, spend some time and figure out where you would like to carry your gun in your vehicle.
The Highway Holster Vehicle Seat Mount is my top pick for many reasons. It really gives you the most bang for your buck.
It’s well made, durable, and can hold the weight of your gun. My favorite feature of the Highway Holster is that it comes with self-drilling screws, making it extremely easy to mount this gun holster for your car.
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15 Responses
It comes with two self-drilling screws. “Not having to drill holes in your care” is misleading.
Good point Bob — that is/was a bit misleading. I updated the wording so it accurately reflects the fact that the Highway Holster has two self-drilling screws.
Thanks for pointing that out.
Chris
Did you take a look at the easy reach holster mount? arizonaideas.com I love this holster mount!
Hey Fred,
Thanks for sharing. I haven’t tried that — have you? If you have, would you mind sharing your experience, either here in the comments or directly to me (chris@gunnewsdaily.com). I’d love to add your thoughts to the article so that others may benefit as well.
Best,
Chris
Quit dealing with amazon would be my first piece of advice. Do some research on the idiot who owns amazon and his opinion on guns and the 2md Amendment.
There are folks who sell from their own market/store via the amazon marketplace. Think of it like you avoiding a gun shop that happens to be in a shopping center where someone that doesn’t favor guns is the landlord. You’d be hurting the shop owner because of the people that pay rent to.
I agree with you Andy. You will find all kinds of people. The people that hate guns hate them till the day comes when they wish they had that protection.
Where does these 2 screws mount??
I Can’t believe that you didn’t even look at one of the Automobile holsters that was one of the first on the market. When I bought it there were only a couple of them out there. Gold Star Holsters Under the Steering column holster actually has a level one retention that the firearm snaps when you put the gun into the holster and so wont be a projectile. It also utilizes two clips not screws that put holes in your dash. I have had mine for over 6 years and it stays put. Much better than these recommendations in my opinion.
I only see three mounts reviewed. What happened to the other seven mentioned in the title?
Thanks Kenny, exactly what I was looking for in an automobile carry holster. With a lifetime warranty to back it up as well.
Wait – WHAT?! You never tell a cop you are carrying unless he has probable cause to search you/your car. Are you NUTS?! I cannot take anything else said on this site seriously after reading that part…..
The responsibility to tell a leo you are armed varies from state to state
Unfortunately some state laws require you tell a police officer if you’re carrying to avoid accidental shootings I assume and for the safety of all parties involved.
SOME states.. If it isn’t required in your state, why mention it until there’s a need? My first conceal carry permit class was taught by state troopers and even they said (my state does not require notification) there is absolutely NO REASON to bring it up in a traffic stop unless they ask or have probably cause/ask to look in your vehicle.