secure handgun in car

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  • 16,000th post!!!
    What do I win for noticing?

    You win a free embarrassing story.

    I won an award yesterday so i had to be in actual uniform. On the way to the award i stop at 7-11. My radio clip had broken so i needed super glue which was hanging by the cigarettes. I tell the cashier i want a box of cigarettes and the crazy glue and point to the crazy glue. I then start digging in my pockets for my wallet and he hands me my cigarettes and a Black Ant pill package.

    For those that don’t know black ant is an over the counter pill that keeps your pecker hard.

    So here i am in full uniform holding cigarettes and a pecker hard pill. The pills were right above the glue so he only saw where i pointed. I immediately tossed it on the counter and said whoa buddy you’re gonna get me fired. Everyone in line buying coffee was dying laughing.

    That is good enough for me.
     

    Blaster229

    God loves you, I don't.
    MDS Supporter
    Sep 14, 2010
    46,409
    Glen Burnie
    Any one of those cable secure type boxes would be enough to deter the casual daytime smash and grab thief. If they would even decide to look under the seats or elsewhere that isn't a quick looksee.
     

    Biggfoot44

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 2, 2009
    32,881
    Open/ soft top Jeeps are a special case . With essentially no capabilities to lock the vehicle generally , and open to casual view, you really need a substantial heavy duty unit , not just for firearms, but also cameras, electronics, wallet if your one of the people who remove from back pocket for long drives .

    For "normal" hard sided vehicles , I look at it like 4511 . A moderate quality lock box with steel cable will handle quick smash & grabs . Remember we are in Maryland , where we have very high rates of thefts OF vehicles . Once the entire vehicle is stolen , the thieves will have plenty of time to deal with the fanciest of safes .
     

    jrumann59

    DILLIGAF
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 17, 2011
    14,024
    Always figured concealment trumps all but the best locks in this case. The post office is probably the best example, Have seen people diligently lifting the lid on their center console, and stashing their pistol before getting out, and walking into the post office. If I know I'm headed somewhere that I can't lawfully carry, I stash it BEFORE I get there. A lock box that isn't secured to the vehicle is worthless if a thief can just take it. Console safes are nice, and expensive, probably the best defense when secured to the vehicle, but figure the console and glove box are the first things a smash& grab thief would go for, so they will find it quick, even if they can't defeat it without stealing the car or jumping the owner. I'm a fan of small hidden compartments, and magnets tucked up behind the dash or glove box, relatively accessible, concealed, but not really "secure", but for a $5 speaker magnet, it's reasonably good compared to a $300 console safe IMO. Might be better off spending that much on a remote security cam running live stream and alerts through mobile data, like the Owl or Arlo go, especially if you have a nice car.


    Console vault seems geared more towards truck owners not car owners. anything beyond console vault it is almost obvious you are concealing something because of time or movements involved. Too much time stashing in glove box, reaching under a seat or getting out and going to the trunk.
     

    Biggfoot44

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 2, 2009
    32,881
    For quick in & out stops like Post Office, discresion is probably more important than ultimate security .
     

    FAS1

    Member
    Jan 30, 2015
    10
    does anyone know of a "safe" or something to securely store a handgun in your car when going places you're not allowed to carry it?

    I would like a safe type box.. preferably one that's able to be secured to the car (so they can't just steal the entire box). I have seen them for the TRUNK and are very nice but run about $1000+.

    If it's something you need to do all the time like leaving your gun in the car at work, then I would look at a more secure option than one of the cabled clam-shell type boxes that are relatively thin steel and most of the cables can be cut with just a plain pair of dikes. Also, moving it from the cabin to the trunk would increase security as well from a smash and grab.

    I would also be wary of battery operated ones if you are in a cold climate where that might effect reliability when placed in your car.

    There are several brands of "Simplex" locking handgun safes that would be a good option if you are considering the trunk as the most secure place to keep it.

    Here's some info on how someone I know did his in his Mustang GT. No room in the cab and has to leave it there during work. He unholsters the gun while in the car and places it in an inconspicuous nylon Bible cover to walk it back to the truck and place in the box. The box uses tamper proof hardware from McMaster Carr and I can give you the details of what he used if you want.

    e217e8c9b4eb7a0a6f7fa54a34bb920b.jpg
     

    Occam

    Not Even ONE Indictment
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 24, 2018
    20,239
    Montgomery County
    For quick in & out stops like Post Office, discresion is probably more important than ultimate security .

    Agreed. Security By Obscurity is pretty powerful when the people you're mostly worried about operate based on easily-seen targets and body language. My post office stops involve mostly attempts to make sure I'm not obviously disarming while getting out of the truck.

    Also important to note: if you're even in a USPS parking lot before you've de/unholstered, you're already in felony territory. My usual PO stop happens to have a not-federal-property adjoining private strip mall lot, so un-heeling while parked there doesn't run into that technicality. But it's something to remember.
     

    swinokur

    In a State of Bliss
    Patriot Picket
    Apr 15, 2009
    55,394
    Westminster USA
    Just remember under MD transport law, leaving the firearm in your vehicle while doing an activity not allowed under the statute may not end well if it's discovered.

    Just a thought.
     

    MaxVO2

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    ****I have one of these inside my car, in the spare tire well, as my car didn't come with a spare (Run flat tires). I like it so much I bought several more to put throughout the house. It's well built, has a simplex type lock, and this model can easily hold two full size Glock 34's and my baby 43, a mag or two, and some beef jerky and/or a folded up Hustler magazine. It was easy to bolt down into the car, and it's not made of cheap sheet metal. I think it weighs about 25 lbs or so. I got it them for $150 ish each some time back on sale. Nothing will keep out a determined and well prepared thief forever, but it makes it less likely for the less determined, and less well prepared thief to just bust a window and take the entire range bag with pistols, etc...
     

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    Moorvogi

    Firearm Advocate
    Dec 28, 2014
    855
    Just remember under MD transport law, leaving the firearm in your vehicle while doing an activity not allowed under the statute may not end well if it's discovered.

    Just a thought.

    Interesting point. I don't know enough to agree or disagree if this includes variables such as "designated collector" or "conceal carry permit". I do know/agree that it applies w/o these things. At one point, the collector designation use to allow you to transport firearms for personal display etc etc. Thus allowing you to leave them secured in the car while you did other things.

    Time to do some more reading!
     

    swinokur

    In a State of Bliss
    Patriot Picket
    Apr 15, 2009
    55,394
    Westminster USA
    There is no proof that the DC status provides any real protection under the transport statute. I would not depend on it. Having a carry permit in MD would exempt you from the restrictions however.

    IANAL
     

    3paul10

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Mar 6, 2012
    4,879
    Western Maryland
    ****I have one of these inside my car, in the spare tire well, as my car didn't come with a spare (Run flat tires). I like it so much I bought several more to put throughout the house. It's well built, has a simplex type lock, and this model can easily hold two full size Glock 34's and my baby 43, a mag or two, and some beef jerky and/or a folded up Hustler magazine. It was easy to bolt down into the car, and it's not made of cheap sheet metal. I think it weighs about 25 lbs or so. I got it them for $150 ish each some time back on sale. Nothing will keep out a determined and well prepared thief forever, but it makes it less likely for the less determined, and less well prepared thief to just bust a window and take the entire range bag with pistols, etc...

    Exactly!! Protect the Hustler mag! :)
     

    DC-W

    Ultimate Member
    Patriot Picket
    Jan 23, 2013
    25,290
    ️‍
    DC letter does nothing for transport.


    The only way you're legally transporting handguns in the state of Maryland are:
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/f...on=4-203&ext=html&session=2019RS&tab=subject5

    §4–203.

    (a) (1) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person may not:

    (i) wear, carry, or transport a handgun, whether concealed or open, on or about the person;

    (ii) wear, carry, or knowingly transport a handgun, whether concealed or open, in a vehicle traveling on a road or parking lot generally used by the public, highway, waterway, or airway of the State;

    (iii) violate item (i) or (ii) of this paragraph while on public school property in the State;

    (iv) violate item (i) or (ii) of this paragraph with the deliberate purpose of injuring or killing another person; or

    (v) violate item (i) or (ii) of this paragraph with a handgun loaded with ammunition.

    (2) There is a rebuttable presumption that a person who transports a handgun under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection transports the handgun knowingly.

    (b) This section does not prohibit:

    (1) the wearing, carrying, or transporting of a handgun by a person who is authorized at the time and under the circumstances to wear, carry, or transport the handgun as part of the person’s official equipment, and is:

    (i) a law enforcement official of the United States, the State, or a county or city of the State;

    (ii) a member of the armed forces of the United States or of the National Guard on duty or traveling to or from duty;

    (iii) a law enforcement official of another state or subdivision of another state temporarily in this State on official business;

    (iv) a correctional officer or warden of a correctional facility in the State;

    (v) a sheriff or full–time assistant or deputy sheriff of the State; or

    (vi) a temporary or part–time sheriff’s deputy;

    (2) the wearing, carrying, or transporting of a handgun, in compliance with any limitations imposed under § 5–307 of the Public Safety Article, by a person to whom a permit to wear, carry, or transport the handgun has been issued under Title 5, Subtitle 3 of the Public Safety Article;

    (3) the carrying of a handgun on the person or in a vehicle while the person is transporting the handgun to or from the place of legal purchase or sale, or to or from a bona fide repair shop, or between bona fide residences of the person, or between the bona fide residence and place of business of the person, if the business is operated and owned substantially by the person if each handgun is unloaded and carried in an enclosed case or an enclosed holster;

    (4) the wearing, carrying, or transporting by a person of a handgun used in connection with an organized military activity, a target shoot, formal or informal target practice, sport shooting event, hunting, a Department of Natural Resources–sponsored firearms and hunter safety class, trapping, or a dog obedience training class or show, while the person is engaged in, on the way to, or returning from that activity if each handgun is unloaded and carried in an enclosed case or an enclosed holster;

    (5) the moving by a bona fide gun collector of part or all of the collector’s gun collection from place to place for public or private exhibition if each handgun is unloaded and carried in an enclosed case or an enclosed holster;

    (6) the wearing, carrying, or transporting of a handgun by a person on real estate that the person owns or leases or where the person resides or within the confines of a business establishment that the person owns or leases;

    (7) the wearing, carrying, or transporting of a handgun by a supervisory employee:

    (i) in the course of employment;

    (ii) within the confines of the business establishment in which the supervisory employee is employed; and

    (iii) when so authorized by the owner or manager of the business establishment;

    (8) the carrying or transporting of a signal pistol or other visual distress signal approved by the United States Coast Guard in a vessel on the waterways of the State or, if the signal pistol or other visual distress signal is unloaded and carried in an enclosed case, in a vehicle; or

    (9) the wearing, carrying, or transporting of a handgun by a person who is carrying a court order requiring the surrender of the handgun, if:

    (i) the handgun is unloaded;

    (ii) the person has notified the law enforcement unit, barracks, or station that the handgun is being transported in accordance with the court order; and

    (iii) the person transports the handgun directly to the law enforcement unit, barracks, or station.


    (c) (1) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to the penalties provided in this subsection.

    (2) If the person has not previously been convicted under this section, § 4–204 of this subtitle, or § 4–101 or § 4–102 of this title:

    (i) except as provided in item (ii) of this paragraph, the person is subject to imprisonment for not less than 30 days and not exceeding 3 years or a fine of not less than $250 and not exceeding $2,500 or both; or

    (ii) if the person violates subsection (a)(1)(iii) of this section, the person shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than 90 days.

    (3) (i) If the person has previously been convicted once under this section, § 4–204 of this subtitle, or § 4–101 or § 4–102 of this title:

    1. except as provided in item 2 of this subparagraph, the person is subject to imprisonment for not less than 1 year and not exceeding 10 years; or

    2. if the person violates subsection (a)(1)(iii) of this section, the person is subject to imprisonment for not less than 3 years and not exceeding 10 years.

    (ii) 1. Except as provided in subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, the court may not impose less than the applicable minimum sentence provided under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.

    2. If the person violates subsection (a)(1)(v) of this section, the court may not suspend any part of or impose less than the applicable mandatory minimum sentence provided under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.

    (iii) Except as provided in § 4–305 of the Correctional Services Article, if the person violates subsection (a)(1)(v) of this section, the person is not eligible for parole during the mandatory minimum sentence.

    (iv) A mandatory minimum sentence under subparagraph (ii)2 of this paragraph may not be imposed unless the State’s Attorney notifies the defendant in writing at least 30 days before trial of the State’s intention to seek the mandatory minimum sentence.

    (4) (i) If the person has previously been convicted more than once under this section, § 4–204 of this subtitle, or § 4–101 or § 4–102 of this title, or of any combination of these crimes:

    1. except as provided in item 2 of this subparagraph, the person is subject to imprisonment for not less than 3 years and not exceeding 10 years; or

    2. A. if the person violates subsection (a)(1)(iii) of this section, the person is subject to imprisonment for not less than 5 years and not exceeding 10 years; or

    B. if the person violates subsection (a)(1)(iv) of this section, the person is subject to imprisonment for not less than 5 years and not exceeding 10 years.

    (ii) 1. Except as provided in subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, the court may not impose less than the applicable minimum sentence provided under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.

    2. If the person violates subsection (a)(1)(v) of this section, the court may not suspend any part of or impose less than the applicable mandatory minimum sentence provided under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.

    (iii) Except as provided in § 4–305 of the Correctional Services Article, if the person violates subsection (a)(1)(v) of this section, the person is not eligible for parole during the mandatory minimum sentence.

    (iv) A mandatory minimum sentence under subparagraph (ii)2 of this paragraph may not be imposed unless the State’s Attorney notifies the defendant in writing at least 30 days before trial of the State’s intention to seek the mandatory minimum sentence.
     

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