In Vehicle Carry

[some guy]

Greetings all. Been a firearm owner for years and had no real interest in carry. Things are changing for me and I'm driving for work a LOT more now (self employed).
Would get a CHL even though really only have interest in carrying a handgun in the vehicle with me. Not when I leave the vehicle. That poses some interesting issues. Wondering if any of you have experience or insight.

Putting the weapon in a hidden location that can't be seen from bystanders outside the vehicle, nor preferably by passengers inside and don't want a lock box that prevents immediate access either. Anyone dealt with this dilemma? Under the dash in a horizontal mount seems most reasonable and easy to reach. Maybe a door pocket modification, but then you have change of sight line issues when the door is opened.

What about leaving the vehicle in a parking lot? Weapon need to be locked in a box each time I stop and leave the vehicle? That would be very impractical and would draw unwanted attention at times.

I'm sure there are more details that I can share, but I think you get the idea. Typically I'm not visiting the hood, but I also know parking lot vultures may cause concern for theft if the weapon is left unattended.

[some guy]

Sorry, did not mean to imply I would carry in car without first getting the CHL. (Fixed first post, thx)

What I'm looking for is responses related to the actual method of carry, concealment and thoughts about leaving the weapon unattended while I am visiting a client.

Cheers!

[AlaskanInTexas]

What I'm looking for is responses related to the actual method of carry, concealment and thoughts about leaving the weapon unattended while I am visiting a client.

I generally travel with a briefcase, and so I keep it in there when driving. Otherwise, I have a small storage area in the dash (right below the radio) that works just fine. I don't like to leave it in the car unattended, but in the rare circumstance where I must, I pull down the backseat giving me access to the trunk, and then slip it under the carpet and into the spare tire.

[johncanfield]

..Under the dash in a horizontal mount seems most reasonable and easy to reach. Maybe a door pocket modification, ...

If you decide on under the dash or door pocket carry, be really careful that the gun absolutely can not be seen even if a LEO sticks his head in/near an open window.

[oohrah]

[quote="some guy"]Sorry, did not mean to imply I would carry in car without first getting the CHL. (Fixed first post, thx)
quote]

You do know that you carry in your car without a CHL under the Texas Motorist Protection Act (MPA)?

[AlaskanInTexas]

Sorry, did not mean to imply I would carry in car without first getting the CHL. (Fixed first post, thx)
quote]

You do know that you carry in your car without a CHL under the Texas Motorist Protection Act (MPA)?

I believe his statement was in response to a caveat about driving through school zones, something that is not protected by the MPA.

[cb1000rider]

You do know that you carry in your car without a CHL under the Texas Motorist Protection Act (MPA)?

Except in a school zone. And I've got to pass through one to/from work soon due to a new school being built. No alternate route available.

[some guy]

Sorry, did not mean to imply I would carry in car without first getting the CHL. (Fixed first post, thx)
quote]

You do know that you carry in your car without a CHL under the Texas Motorist Protection Act (MPA)?

I believe his statement was in response to a caveat about driving through school zones, something that is not protected by the MPA.

Yes I would get a CHL for various reasons. The school zone issue is a big one. In my line of work I am in and out of the car making frequent stops. Most of the places do not allow carry and I don't really want to load/unload a holster every time I get in the car (truck actually) nor do I want to wear an empty holster. So in my case it makes sense to find a reasonable way to provide protection just while on the road.

It is road rage types of instances that I think about the most. While I likely would not have drawn in this case, just look at what the bikers did in NYC recently. They were clearly not thinking and acted out in anger/rage over something small the driver did or maybe he did nothing at all. Drawing a handgun in that case may have meant taking on the whole bunch that could have been carrying legally or not. But that is a whole other discussion for a different thread.

..Under the dash in a horizontal mount seems most reasonable and easy to reach. Maybe a door pocket modification, ...

If you decide on under the dash or door pocket carry, be really careful that the gun absolutely can not be seen even if a LEO sticks his head in/near an open window.

Ah... very good point. Is LEO sticking his head in the window even allowed by standard procedures? I would think not... if needed they would want you to exit the vehicle/open the door. Then what are the concerns of view with him looking while the door is open? I guess no more than general public view concerns?

Good points so far guys! Thanks.