Car Gun Transportation Case Idea

[xxxx]

I have a new approach for handgun transportation in a vehicle...

I drive a BMW 3 series, to those who own that car - there's not much storage space in the cabin for a locked container.

When I was stuck in traffic on the freeway I thought of an idea. The door cubbys that most vehicles have would be a PERFECT place to store a firearm in a sealed and locked container.

I was thinking about using nylon/leather on the outside and a foam like material on the inside supported by a layer of hard cardboard in the middle that would conform flush with the cubby in the car. On the top there would be a plastic zipper that is lockable.

This designed offers numerous benefits: it is easily accessible quickly in case of emergencies, it is legal, since it is flush with the cubby it is not noticeable in the least, thus not making your car a target for thieves.

I drew a VERY rough schematic since my description is so poor. As you can see - because of the location of the zipper it could be accessed in a matter of seconds.

I would love to hear your input and if anyone has a good idea for a locking system besides 2 zippers with a key/code lock binding them.

[SexualChocolate]

I would think that fiberglassing an enclosure in the door with some kind of hinged flap with a lock would be easier.

You could make it look very stock if you are skilled or know someone who is skilled with fiberglass.

You could take it to a stereo shop that does custom installs, not tell them exactly what its for, and have them make it for you.

Just an idea.

[xxxx]

Well truthfully, I was thinking about making one for myself and other CalGunners - I think it is a great idea personally. I don't know much about fiberglass.

Edit: But your right - fiberglass or plastic would be better, maybe even wood. I just don't know how to go about fiberglass or plastics - and I don't have access to my tools currently.

[OneSevenDeuce]

I'm having a hard time visualizing it from your diagram, but it's not a bad idea. Especially if you could remove it and use it in another car if you wanted to. I wonder what the legal ramifications would be. Does this concept comply with California law?

[xxxx]

I believe it does comply with California state law (I am sure others will chime in) it is not attached to the car, it is simply a lockable container that fits flush inside your door cubby that has the zipper/hinge on top for quick access.

All most door cubbys are different sizes and shapes, thus it would be difficult for a "one size fits all"

[OneSevenDeuce]

All most door cubbys are different sizes and shapes, thus it would be difficult for a "one size fits all"

Easy fix. Removable velcro pads to adjust for size differences. You can have that idea for free.

[kpinole]

Doesn't a mini gunvault accomplish the same thing? It should be small enough to fit in most door cubbies and easily under car seats.

[OneSevenDeuce]

That particular one you wouldn't be able to open in the door slot. One with a hinged door maybe.

[xxxx]

Doesn't a mini gunvault accomplish the same thing? It should be small enough to fit in most door cubbies and easily under car seats.

That does not accomplish the same thing for numerous reasons:

1) It is not easily accessible, must be removed from the door cubby, put on lap, unlocked, pistol removed.

2) It looks like what it is; a gun vault thus if it is in your cubby - it is visible and your car is now a target for thieves. That's an extra 45 seconds at least over the design I am purposing.

3) It is not small enough to fit into mine.

My design stays in the car door cubby, top opening and flush with the cubby thus making retrieving your handgun a one handed, quick, and simple task.

[UserM4]

How would you unlock the lock easily?

[paul0660]

The law says "the" utility compartment but that is a consideration. If it is obviously aftermarket, and only velcroed in place or form fitted, it should pass.

As far as opening the lock quickly, the usual way is to use a combo lock off the combo by a single digit.

[kpinole]

That does not accomplish the same thing for numerous reasons:

1) It is not easily accessible, must be removed from the door cubby, put on lap, unlocked, pistol removed.

2) It looks like what it is; a gun vault thus if it is in your cubby - it is visible and your car is now a target for thieves. That's an extra 45 seconds at least over the design I am purposing.

3) It is not small enough to fit into mine.

My design stays in the car door cubby, top opening and flush with the cubby thus making retrieving your handgun a one handed, quick, and simple task.

Ahh...understood. Only thing I disagree with is that it would take 45 seconds...with practice, it can be done in 20 seconds or less. Just tested myself with one hand, under driver's seat....including inserting the mag, and cocking the gun. There is a lot more fumbling involved, but can be done with one hand under 20 seconds, which I don't think would be too much longer than your plan (5-10 seconds?), and should still be legal(?). Well, its just an alternative until your idea goes into "production"....not meaning to threadcrap/jack.

Still interested in your idea though and will subscribe to this tread.

[cs101]

How would you unlock the lock easily?

either leave the key in the lock or leave the combination code already set to unlock.

The only locked container that is illegal to store a firearm in the car is the glove box. I never read anything mentioned about accessory containers. As long as it locks and completely encases the firearm, you're good to go.

If you're going with a zipper, I'd just stick with a small neoprene case (same one used for concealed carry without CCW) with lock. I would rather have a solid case with a quick release type lock, set the code press unlock and it pops right open. ill be shopping for one that fits the bill.

[xxxx]

It becomes a utility compartment once it is attached to the car. I am still trying to figure out a quick locking mechanism.

kpinole - keep in mind you conducted your test in a controlled environment - factor in stress and driving at aprox 45mph and it will be much more difficult.

I am trying to make my design a quick, stress free, and one handed way to access an unloaded handgun from a car door cubby via your left hand. IMO it is the next best thing to a CCW while driving.

[xxxx]

12026.1 says The firearm is within a motor vehicle and it is locked in the vehicle's trunk or in a locked container in the vehicle other than the utility or glove compartment.

I'm not going to pretend I know the difference, or definition.

From my understanding a locked container becomes a utility compartment when it is attached to the car. An example would be a lock box with a cable hooking it to the seat. Until it is attached/secured to the vehicle in some manner it is a sealed and locked container.