There may be times when a gun may need to be temporarily stored in a vehicle. Research state laws where you live or travel as the laws vary about how and where a firearm can be temporarily stored in a car or truck. It’s not recommended to store a firearm in a vehicle but sometimes there’s no other viable option.

Reasons why to store guns in vehicles properly

  1. Avoid costly fines and penalties. While states have differing laws that include serious penalties and fines, it’s important that all gun owners properly secure firearms responsibly. In states with stricter gun laws, you could risk a felony.
  2. Car thefts are on the rise. News outlets routinely sound the alarm about the skyrocketing rise in car thefts. The National Insurance Crime Bureau states that 932,329 vehicles were reported stolen to law enforcement in 2021 in the US. That is a 6% increase over 2020 and a 17% increase since 2019. And there’s also a high incidence of gun theft even if the vehicle isn’t stolen.
  3. Don’t make it easy for thieves to take your handgun. You spent good money on your pistol. According to a 2023 FieldandStream.com article, a mid-priced handgun costs between $600-$1200. The FBI reports that on average at least one gun is stolen from a car every 15 minutes. If thieves break into your vehicle, don’t make it easy for them to take your gun. The Steelhead Large HD Pistol Lockbox is great American-made portable gun storage solution.
  4. Don’t let your gun be used against you or your family. The FBI reports that the most common source of stolen guns (41%) are cars parked at residences in driveways and outside homes. Think about that for a minute. Some firearms are stolen from unlocked vehicles. And according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, an alarming 11% of vehicle thefts reported in 2021 were facilitated by keys or key fobs. Vehicle owners may leave their vehicles running attended to warm them up in winter months or cool them down in warmer months. “Puffing,” leaving a car running attended, is a common practice and thieves are ready to take advantage of this opportunity.
  5. Don’t let your gun be used in other crimes. Stolen guns are a major source of gun crime in the US. The US government reports that about 96% of those stolen firearms were stolen from cars and homes of everyday people. FBI data shows that gun thefts from cars are the largest source of stolen guns.

 

How to properly stow a pistol in a vehicle

  1. Know the particulars of state laws for where within the car or truck firearms can be stowed.
  2. Locked vehicles’ doors are not considered to be secure storage of firearms.
  3. The glove box and center console, even if they lock, are not secure gun storage locations. Thieves can quickly and easily pry these open.
  4. A lockable lock box or lockable gun case that can be securely affixed to the vehicle frame is the preferred storage of the National Shooting Sports Foundation. The Steelhead Large HD Pistol Lockbox can either be mounted or secured to the frame with a beefy cable. This Made in USA pistol box offers other high security features like 12-gauge steel construction and highly pick resistant key lock.

Steelhead Pistol Box secured with cable to seat

How to select a pistol lockbox to secure your gun in a vehicle

  1. Compare the thickness of the metal used in the pistol lockbox. The Steelhead Large HD Pistol Lockbox utilizes 12-gauge steel throughout which makes the lockbox more resistant to smashing, prying and hammering. This is more than 2x as thick as most key lock boxes. Massive ¼” hinges are staked, welded and feature an integrated pin guard to prevent punch attacks. Steelhead’s hinges are more than 2x as thick as most hinges. A 270-degree, welded reinforcement hoop is another security feature.
  2. Compare locks for pick-resistance. Steelhead’s key lock resists tampering attempts better than the competition. Other key locks have succumbed to coffee stir sticks and coffee straws. Steelhead’s high end key lock features a lock pick proof, multi-sidebar design with 6 billion key combinations and a hardened drill-resistant body with additional hard pins behind the face which is a major upgrade from tubular and wafer locks. A double shear lock mechanism proves increased pry support.
  3. Compare mounting options and cables. Steelhead offers four mounting holes on the base for anchoring. Bolting is the preferred method of securing a portable pistol box. Steelhead’s beefy cable that secures the lockbox to a vehicle is thicker than other cables which can be cut with a simple scissor. Steelhead’s 3’ long, 6,000 lb. rated, ¼” galvanized cable with 5/16” coating is made in USA.
  4. Compare sizes. Make sure the pistol box can accommodate your firearm, ammunition and spare magazines. Steelhead offers a large heavy duty pistol box weighing just over 11 lbs. Dimensions: 8.5” wide x 11” deep x 3” tall.
  5. Compare country of origin. Steelhead’s Large HD Pistol Lockbox is Made in USA, in Shakopee MN. If American-made is important to you, consider purchasing this high quality, well-designed pistol lockbox.

Pistol Box Exterior

Pistol Box Interior

Watch Handgun Safe’s YouTube video review of the Steelhead Large HD Lockbox.