Keeping a gun in your car....

[Roadie]

Great post, Roadie. However, I don't know many people who carry unloaded guns. So, if your wife or teenage son is pulled over and reaches into the glove compartment for the registration information and that Glock falls out, it's theirs. Hopefully, she has a LTCH or is pulled over by a VERY UNDERSTANDING LEO.

Also, for context here is the beginning section of the IC you provided:

Sec. 1. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) and section 2 of this chapter, a person shall not carry a handgun in any vehicle or on or about the person's body without being licensed under this chapter to carry a handgun.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), a person may carry a handgun without being licensed under this chapter to carry a handgun if:

Besides, it's a big risk to leave a gun in the car in the first place, whether you are at work, home or even at a game. I can't say that I've not done it, but it's still a huge risk.

Agreed. That is why I am still pushing my wife to get her LTCH
My son needs his too. He is stationed in Hawaii, but I am assuming that since Indiana is still his "residence" that he is still eligible for an LTCH here. I guess i need to research it..

 

[Deet]

Your question is not should I keep a gun in my car, it is what should I keep in my car. You have already made up your mind to keep a car inside your vehicle, and as usual we (INGO) get into the problems and concerns of leaving a gun in a car. I have left a gun in my car for many years as a back up to my EDC. I have never had a problem, no thiefs, no rust, no arrests. You have a right to keep yourself safe, and a gun in the car seems to make you safer than not. Get a LTCH and keep the gun out of sight and maybe you can enjoy the benefits of being prepared for the worst. As far as the choice of which gun, maybe a old military surplus gun will serve you well. I own a P64 Radom, $150 gun, and it stays outside in my car all year round. No rust, no pitting, and for $150 I don't care what it looks like as long as it goes bang. I do clean it, and shoot it twice a year to make sure it is functioning properly.

 

[loudpedal]

Personally, I think that leaving a handgun in a car all of the time is a bad idea. As far as being concerned about theft; the value of the weapon is not the point. For Colts sake if any of our firearms are stolen they are already in the hands of a criminal. Defending against a criminal with handgun is one of the main reasons most of us to carry.

I won't say that I have never left a handgun in a car unattended, but that is where we all need to use good judgement. If I leave one in a car in a busy place say a parking lot in a shopping center the magazine is generally in my pocket. When I return I chamber check, and replace the magazine.
At night when I come home, chamber check place my weapon wherever I choose (we have no children, and hopefully no company) in the morning chamber check load and I'm on my way. So rust isn't a concern for me.

 

[BlueEagle]

Personally, I think that leaving a handgun in a car all of the time is a bad idea. As far as being concerned about theft; the value of the weapon is not the point. For Colts sake if any of our firearms are stolen they are already in the hands of a criminal. Defending against a criminal with handgun is one of the main reasons most of us to carry.

I won't say that I have never left a handgun in a car unattended, but that is where we all need to use good judgement. If I leave one in a car in a busy place say a parking lot in a shopping center the magazine is generally in my pocket. When I return I chamber check, and replace the magazine.
At night when I come home, chamber check place my weapon wherever I choose (we have no children, and hopefully no company) in the morning chamber check load and I'm on my way. So rust isn't a concern for me.

I have to agree on this one; I just had two stolen from me yesterday. It's NOT a good feeling.

 

[loudpedal]

I have to agree on this one

On this one? Surely you didn't just start agreeing with me. Well if this it is you're first time keep it up.

Seriously I'm sorry to hear about you're missing weapons. Please keep us posted with any updates about you're loss. But even under the circumstances
HAPPY BIRTHDAY

 

[sprint395]

I work like 75 miles from my house. I dont feel right about not having a firearm withing 75 miles. I have had a handgun hidden in my car in addition to my EDC for years with no problems. I shoot it about once every 3 months and give it a good cleaning.

 

[WestSider]

Don't leave guns in vehicles, you are arming criminals by doing so.

 

[SubicWarrior1988]

I'd considered a truck gun and decided that a pocket pistol was the answer for me. I was concerned about the drastic effects of sub zero weather on my pistols reliability and of course, I was concerned about theft.

It's not for everyone, but dropping an LCP in your pocket is one possible solution. Good luck.

 

[tom1025]

Don't leave guns in vehicles, you are arming criminals by doing so.

This is ridiculous. How many of you leave guns inside your house when your not home?

 

[bwframe]

This is ridiculous. How many of you leave guns inside your house when your not home?

Interesting. Wonder what the stats are for guns stolen from homes vs guns stolen from vehicles?

 

[dtkw]

Well, I have never kept my gun in the car for long period of time or short period of time. My P226 is finished with K-Kote whatever that is, no idea. Anyway, if you carry a gun for defense, what's the point to put it in the car? Unless you are going to court or any Federal building that bang guns. Why bring it in the first place?

 

[tom1025]

Well, I have never kept my gun in the car for long period of time or short period of time. My P226 is finished with K-Kote whatever that is, no idea. Anyway, if you carry a gun for defense, what's the point to put it in the car? Unless you are going to court or any Federal building that bang guns. Why bring it in the first place?

Just remember one is none and two is one. Its not like a thieve automatically knows you have a gun in your car. How many times have you guys seen thieves hiding in the shadows waiting for you to park your car so they can break into it?

 

[bwframe]

...Its not like a thieve automatically knows you have a gun in your car. How many times have you guys seen thieves hiding in the shadows waiting for you to park your car so they can break into it?

That brings up the issue of advertising your stuff (or not) to thieves of all kind.
Gun advertisements on your car, house, clothing?
Long gun cases or long guns in and out of vehicles in public view?
Ammo or ammo boxes in public view?
Shooting in the back yard?
Hate to start the , but it is advertising your stuff; Do you OC?

 

[tom1025]

That brings up the issue of advertising your stuff (or not) to thieves of all kind.
Gun advertisements on your car, house, clothing?
Long gun cases or long guns in and out of vehicles in public view?
Ammo or ammo boxes in public view?
Shooting in the back yard?
Hate to start the , but it is advertising your stuff; Do you OC?

Alot of good points here.

I don't open carry. Hate the extra attention and harrasment it brings from LEO.

 

[trailrider]

My work truck is a piece of crap. No obvious reason for breaking in. I leave my edc hidden in my truck while at work. I carry it while not working so temp changes don't concern me. Besides, it's just a glock.

 

[tom1025]

How many of you worry warts have you guns insured? All of mine are covered under my homeowners policy. I am sure you can do the same with renters insurance as well.

 

[wiseinvestor]

This should not be that big of a deal if you do regular cleanings anyway

 

[ederue]

Against it... just saw another post on here that one of the members just had his stolen out of his vehicle. Better to carry it.

 

[Jeremy1066]

My vehicle is NEVER left unlocked. Its a late model vehicle with a factory alarm. Its not a huge concern of mine. Keeping it on me at all times just isn't realistic

I'm a little late on this thread, but my truck is also ALWAYS locked, and by the time I heard the alarm go off and grabbed another pistol, the pistol that always stayed "safely" locked inside was gone. Evidentally, the thief didn't care about my truck being locked or the alarm going off. Not a good plan.

 

[SubicWarrior1988]

I'm a little late on this thread, but my truck is also ALWAYS locked, and by the time I heard the alarm go off and grabbed another pistol, the pistol that always stayed "safely" locked inside was gone. Evidentally, the thief didn't care about my truck being locked or the alarm going off. Not a good plan.

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