Your Vehicle is NOT A HOLSTER
For the love, will you stop leaving your firearm unsecured in your motor vehicle?
Have you ever considered the dangers of leaving your firearm unsecured in your vehicle? Research shows that a gun is stolen from a car every nine minutes in the United States. It’s a startling statistic that underscores the importance of responsible firearm ownership and storage.
Take a look at my friend’s video over at Christian Warrior (give him a like and a subscribe, you’ll love his content).
There are many reasons why you may need to secure your firearm in a vehicle such as entering a prohibited area like a federal building or a school or maybe a stadium or you choose to conceal carry to and from work but aren’t allowed to carry while at work. When this happens, you need to exercise due diligence and take steps to at least slow thieves down!
I live in Washington state, and we are often getting new laws pertaining to firearms, some are trash and others are redundant, while some are directly aimed at the law abiding. If you live in Washington state or will be visiting, I recommend you review RCW 9.41.360, Unsafe Storage of a Firearm. RCW 9.41.365 outlines the legal consequences for the unsafe storage of firearms in Washington state. It specifically addresses situations where a prohibited person gains access to a firearm that was not securely stored.
Some key points from the law are that if a firearm is stored in a way that a prohibited person can access it, the owner may be held liable. If the thief commits a crime with the stolen gun, the gun owner may be charged with a Community Endangerment crime varying from a class C felony 1st degree community endangerment if the gun is used in a crime that causes personal injury or death or a Gross Misdemeanor, second degree community endangerment if the stolen gun is used by a prohibited person to cause the firearm to discharge, display the gun in a threatening manner, or uses the firearm in a crime.
Using a secure storage device, even a terrible trigger lock, creates an exception for your being charged with these crimes when you are the victim of a theft. In Washington, you must report the theft within five days to not be charged!
While the law does emphasize the importance of responsible firearms storage and ownership, I’m not a fan of victimizing victims. It’s too bad common sense isn’t common anymore! Don’t be negligent in your storage of firearms!
So, what does secure storage need to look like and what’s due diligence?
Due diligence, in the context of firearm storage, refers to taking reasonable steps to ensure that a firearm is stored safely and securely to prevent unauthorized access and accidental discharge. This involves:
- Identifying potential risks: Assessing the likelihood of unauthorized access or accidental discharge.
- Researching safe storage methods: Exploring and understanding various safe storage options, such as gun safes, trigger locks, and cable locks.
- Choosing appropriate storage: Selecting a storage method that is suitable for the specific firearm and the environment in which it will be stored.
- Properly securing the firearm: Following the manufacturer’s instructions for using the chosen storage method correctly and consistently.
- Educating others: If applicable, educating individuals who may have access to the firearm about safe handling and storage practices.
By exercising due diligence in firearm storage, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, theft, and unauthorized use. It’s a crucial step in responsible gun ownership.
Here are some effective ways to secure a firearm in a motor vehicle:
- Gun Safe:
- Vehicle-specific: Choose a gun safe designed to fit securely in your vehicle.
- Secure mounting: Ensure the safe is properly mounted to prevent movement during driving.
- Combination or biometric lock: Use a combination or biometric lock for added security.
- Trigger Lock:
- Simple and effective: A trigger lock physically prevents the trigger from being pulled.
- Easy to use: Can be quickly removed when needed, but requires deliberate effort.
- Cable Lock:
- Versatile: Can be used to secure the firearm to a fixed point in the vehicle.
- Durable: Made of strong materials to resist cutting or breaking.
- Concealed Compartment:
- Hidden storage: Install a concealed compartment in your vehicle to store the firearm out of sight.
- Customizable: Can be designed to fit your specific needs and vehicle.
- Secure Storage Location:
- Trunk or locked compartment: If your vehicle has a trunk or a locked compartment, store the firearm there.
Additional Tips:
- Educate passengers: Inform any passengers about the presence of the firearm and the importance of safe handling.
- Regular inspection: Periodically check the security of the firearm and its storage method.
- Local laws: Be aware of your local laws regarding firearm transportation and storage in vehicles.
Remember: The best method for securing a firearm in a vehicle may vary depending on the specific firearm, vehicle, and local regulations. It’s essential to choose a method that is both secure and convenient for your needs. If you don’t have to leave the gun behind – don’t, take it with you! Know the difference between suggestions and laws about where you can and can’t take a gun with you. Check out this short video from my friends over at Washington Gun Law, William Kirk:
Here are some highly recommended vehicle gun safes and locking compartments, along with links to their products:
Vehicle Gun Safes:
- Fort Knox V-Series: Known for their durability and security features.
- VAULTEK: Known for being at the forefront of innovation and security.
- Sentry Safe Vehicle Vault: Offers a variety of sizes and features to suit different needs.
- GunVault SpeedVault: Compact and easy to install, with quick-access features.
Locking Compartments:
- Hidden Gear: Custom-designed hidden compartments for various vehicles.
- Console Vault: Secure storage solutions for center consoles.
- Under Seat Storage: Concealed storage options under vehicle seats.
Remember to:
- Measure your vehicle: Ensure the safe or compartment will fit securely in your vehicle.
- Consider your needs: Choose a product that meets your specific requirements for size, security features, and ease of use.
- Check local laws: Be aware of any local regulations regarding firearm storage in vehicles.
By investing in a quality gun safe or locking compartment, you can significantly enhance the security of your firearms while transporting them in your vehicle.
It’s crucial to prioritize firearm safety, especially when storing them in vehicles. To ensure safe and secure storage, consider using a gun safe, trigger lock, cable lock, or concealed compartment. Always adhere to local laws and regulations regarding firearm transportation and storage. By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, theft, and unauthorized access to your firearms.
