Gun Vaults in Trucks

[osnola]

Dear LEO,

I recently visit a gun show in Del Mar, CA. The name of the vault is the "Titan Gun Safe", Here's the video...

http://www.titangunvault.com/gun-safe/titan-gun-vault

The sale person claims that having this Gun Vault installed in the cab of my truck, right next to my seat is perfectly legal. Basically, the gun is not loaded, and the magazine is in a separate compartment attached to the side of the safe. The safe unlocks the door access to the gun and the magazine.

I'm law abiding, and I don't want to offend any LEO. What options do you have?

[Lrchops]

Looks like something that would be easy to remove from a vehicle with a pry bar. The combination mechanism has too many functions to quickly access.

The best vehicle safes are welded to the floorboard with a magnetic key lock mechanism. They are easy to conceal and difficult to compromise.

[Ubermcoupe]

Looks like something that would be easy to remove from a vehicle with a pry bar. The combination mechanism has too many functions to quickly access.

The best vehicle safes are welded to the floorboard with a magnetic key lock mechanism. They are easy to conceal and difficult to compromise.

I have never seen a Mag-Key lock type device. Could you point me in a direction to find one of these? Thanks.

[Toolfreak66]

Some people say if the vault is mounted to the inside of the vehicle it is part of the vehicle and considered a "utility" compartment. This would make it illegal to put a gun in. I'm not a believer that an aftermarket gun vault should ever be considered part of the vehicle, but I've heard of LEOs giving some people hassle about it. If it is not installed and just sitting on the floor or seat it is 100% legal.

[osnola]

Ok... So if I use a cable to secure the vault to a hard point, like a seat mount, would that be considered part of the vehicle or removable?

[Lrchops]

I have never seen a Mag-Key lock type device. Could you point me in a direction to find one of these? Thanks.

Me and my pal made one for his Bronco. We welded up a steel box and made a door latch lock mechanism much like the ones used on shotgun locks in police cars. The lock mechanism has an electronic release button under the driver side dash and a key lock on the box door itself. We cut out a section of the rear floorboard under the rear passenger seat, and welded in the box, hooked up the wiring to switch and fuse box. It came out really nice! The inside of the box is lined with foam padding and felt. The box cannot be seen because it is under the carpet.

When I see my pal, I will get a snap shot of the box, but he lives 4 hours away, so it may be a while!