Should You Install A Vehicle Holster?

Aaron Spuler is a firearms enthusiast and recreational shooter. Follow more or his work at The Weapon Blog

Vehicle holsters are great resources for gun owners who practice concealed carry. They safely secure your weapon inside the car and help you draw it more quickly in self-defense situations. Installing a vehicle holster seems like a no-brainer, but there are some disadvantages you should be aware of.

Here are vehicle holsters’ pros and cons and other weapon storage options.

Types of Vehicle Holsters

First, it’s important to know the various types of vehicle holsters. Every car’s interior has a slightly different layout, so you might have to experiment with different varieties until you find the perfect fit. There are three main types of holsters that gun owners use:

• Holster strap: The most basic type of vehicle holster is a simple Velcro strap that goes between the driver’s seat and the center console. It’s best for small handguns. Larger pistols and rifles might be too big to fit.

• Holster mount: The holster mount is a plastic mounting device that attaches to the dash or center console with suction cups, much like a car cellphone holder.

• Magnetic holster: A magnetic holster locks your gun in place so it doesn’t shake while driving. You can also move it to different areas of your car depending on the magnet’s size. Some even include a trigger guard to prevent accidental discharges, making them one of the most popular options.

Although magnetic holsters are the most popular, you might benefit more from a simple strap or mounting device. It all depends on your weapon’s size and where the holster feels most comfortable. It’s best to only keep easily concealable pistols in your vehicle instead of large, heavy firearms.

Pro: Basic Gun Safety

The first rule every gun owner must learn is to always store the gun safely when not in use. A vehicle holster ensures this. Nobody should have a loose firearm rolling around in the backseat of a moving vehicle. It could damage the gun or cause an accidental discharge, which is a one-way ticket to losing your concealed carry permit.

Gun stability is especially important given the declining road conditions in the United States. An estimated 15% of rural American roads are in poor condition, while potholes generate about $3 billion in vehicle damage yearly.

Con: Curious Passengers

Driving with passengers can be problematic when there’s a firearm in the car, especially if you have children. Your child could get ahold of the gun and accidentally hurt someone — or themselves. Most adults know better than to play around with someone else’s gun, but they might tell other people about your weapon and blow your cover.

Not everyone needs to know you keep a gun in your vehicle. If that information gets into the wrong hands, your car could become a target for thieves. That’s why you need to keep the weapon a secret and hide it from passengers.

Pro: Faster Draw Time

A vehicle holster will help you draw your weapon with maximum speed if a self-defense situation arises. Magnetic holsters tend to have the fastest draw times because you don’t have to unstrap or unclip the gun. One second can make the difference between life and death during a shooting or carjacking.

Con: Attracts Attention

Although vehicle holsters are great for gun safety, they can attract unwanted attention from unsavory characters. Firearms are one of the most valuable items a thief can steal — even more than a wallet full of cash. A criminal with a weapon that can’t be traced back to him is a serious danger to society.

Other Gun Storage Options for Your Vehicle

Although a vehicle holster is great for self-defense situations, it certainly isn’t the most reliable option for storing your gun in a safe place. If security is your top priority, these storage options will serve you better:

• Side door pocket: The side pocket in the driver’s door is a great place to hide your firearm because people won’t see it from outside. Plus, there’s no way a passenger can reach the gun when you’re in the car.

• Glove compartment: The glove compartment is another common place where people hide firearms. You can lock the gun away and be sure no passenger sees or touches it. However, a criminal can still break into a glove compartment with the right tools.

• Gun safe: A gun safe is your best storage option if you want to be extra careful. They are fire-resistant and allow you to make a custom lock code. Plus, you can add accessories like barrel rests and protective liners to keep the weapon steady.

If none of these options work, you can always get a regular belt holster and keep the firearm at your waist. Do not put it in your waistband. Remember the first rule of gun ownership — find a safe place to store it.

Find Your Perfect Holster

A vehicle holster would make a great addition to your concealed carry setup. However, you must appreciate the risks and understand which type you need. Carefully review the various versions and determine which is best for your gun’s size and your vehicle’s layout.

Author Bio

Jack Shaw is an experienced hunter and avid writer on all things survival. He’s the senior editor of the men’s lifestyle magazine Modded, and a regular contributor to several publications centered on self and home defense.