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When you can't carry at work...

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 4:28 pm
by Big Bronze Rim
Being a noob when it comes to conceal carry as I have had my plastic less than 2 weeks, I am still battling a few logistic issues regarding work and CC.

The primary issue is that my work does not allow firearms to be carried inside the building, but I will be fine if I leave my firearm in the car. When I leave work I don’t always head home to get my gun and would like to have it available at all times. Should I just wear my whole IWB rig into work and leave the gun in the car or is it better practice to remove the entire holster (M-TAC or ROG)? I am fine wearing an empty holster all day if I have too and no one would care even if they knew I was (others would CCW if policy allowed). Also, what is the best “policy” for leaving a gun in the car car? Obviously out of sight is key, but should it be in a locked case? Glovebox? Under the seat? Trunk?

While I realize these are basic questions, I would just like to hear some insight from those more experienced than I on how you handled similar instances.

Re: When you can't carry at work...

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 4:33 pm
by timdsmith72
Eeeerrrr...You might want to remove the *NG reference....I believe it breaks one of the forum rules. Can't remember the number right offhand. :tiphat:

Re: When you can't carry at work...

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 4:40 pm
by karl
I don't work with my holster still on because it squeaks a little when empty and also shows on my belt. It's so quick to remove my gear I just remove it all. I'd recommend getting a lockbox of some sort while you're away from your car and bolt it either to the ground or have it tethered to the bottom of your seat with a cable.

Out of sight is not also helpful to prevent it from being stolen but also the law when storing handguns in the car.

Re: When you can't carry at work...

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 4:44 pm
by seamusTX
There's no best practice (though I suppose someone will say that their way is the Only Right Way.

IMHO, it's better to use a clip holster that you can remove and put on without unholstering. It seems like way too many people have accidental discharges in their vehicles. I'm assuming (though they never admit it) that they had the weapon out of the holster at the time.

You also have to do things in your vehicle without drawing attention to yourself. It's pretty easy to take off and put on a clip holster surreptitiously.

A locked box that is bolted to the vehicle is best. There are also locked boxes that you can attach under the seat with a cable. None of these things will withstand a well-equipped and determined thief, but they should keep him busy for a while.

- Jim

Re: When you can't carry at work...

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 4:48 pm
by Big Bronze Rim
Either of my current holsters are pretty easy to remove with either clips or snaps. I guess then the concern is finding a lock box big enough to contain both the gun and holster. I did read a couple of people recommending removal of the rig via a towel, handkerchief, etc and placing it in a shopping bag and putting said bag in the trunk. That is viable but a bit of extra work. It's not unreasonable though.

Re: When you can't carry at work...

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 4:55 pm
by seamusTX
... placing it in a shopping bag and putting said bag in the trunk
My concern with that is that a thief could see you putting something in the trunk and assume that it is worth stealing.

Trunks are much easier to open than car doors.

People routines fiddle around with things like bags and brief cases inside their car, so that doesn't draw so much attention.

- Jim

Re: When you can't carry at work...

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 5:05 pm
by Big Bronze Rim
That's kind of what I was thinking as well. I'd rather not have to make the extra step of putting something in the trunk if I didn't have to.

Re: When you can't carry at work...

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 5:06 pm
by GOP
A few years ago outside a restaurant (in Victoria, Texas) that was showing a 51% sign (more restaurant then bar, but that's a different story) a man broke into several vehicles. In one of them he found a loaded gun, in the glove box, and proceeded to fire it randomly. He was arrested and no one got hurt. Now imagine if that was your vehicle and your gun?

Never leave a gun unlocked, and a lockable glove box does not count, and unattended.

The cheapest way is to use a masterlock type padlock and run it through the trigger guard behind the trigger. Don't trust those mass produced Wal-Mart trigger locks, I think there was one key made for them all. This won't keep it from being stolen, but it'll keep the thief from shooting you.

Better yet, install a safe.

If you can't, or won't, carry all the time make sure it is completely safe when not in your control.

I work in the healthcare field and can not carry while at work. I keep mine locked in a safe that has been bolted to the floor frame. A few pushes of the button and it is ready to be placed back in my waistband when I go out for lunch or make a stop on my way home.

I use a Don Hume clip style holster, easy on, easy off. During weekends, or when I can carry all day, I use a MTAC.

Re: When you can't carry at work...

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 8:02 pm
by aaangel
i also work @ a hospital and can't carry @ work :mad5 my rule is if i can't carry, i just don't bring it. god forbid car gets stolen, then you just gave the BG a free gun! my only consolation is i work in the E.R. and we have 4 armed officer there @ all times.

Re: When you can't carry at work...

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 8:48 pm
by A-R
http://consolevault.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... tid=115059" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And if gun + holster doesn't fit, just leave the holster covered or in glove box. But be sure the gun itself is secured.

Re: When you can't carry at work...

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 9:30 pm
by boomerang
GOP wrote:Now imagine if that was your vehicle and your gun?
It would have been completely avoidable by not making me disarm.

Re: When you can't carry at work...

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 9:35 pm
by gigag04
If I couldn't carry at work I wouldn't be at work :)

JK - I side with the people that say lock it in the car.

Re: When you can't carry at work...

Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 2:46 am
by chabouk
boomerang wrote:
GOP wrote:Now imagine if that was your vehicle and your gun?
It would have been completely avoidable by not making me disarm.
I'm sure this will be a talking point in the 2011 Legislative session.

Re: When you can't carry at work...

Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 12:38 pm
by GOP
chabouk wrote:
boomerang wrote:
GOP wrote:Now imagine if that was your vehicle and your gun?
It would have been completely avoidable by not making me disarm.
I'm sure this will be a talking point in the 2011 Legislative session.
I agree. I won't go into a bar, period. But, I do have to go into hospitals and nursing homes, and therefore I must disarm.

Re: When you can't carry at work...

Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 12:55 pm
by Keith B
GOP wrote:
chabouk wrote:
boomerang wrote:
GOP wrote:Now imagine if that was your vehicle and your gun?
It would have been completely avoidable by not making me disarm.
I'm sure this will be a talking point in the 2011 Legislative session.
I agree. I won't go into a bar, period. But, I do have to go into hospitals and nursing homes, and therefore I must disarm.
Only if they are posted with a 30.06, otherwise you can legally carry there.