Where to Put Gun in Car Open Carry

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Open Carry in a Vehicle
3. Top Locations for Vehicle Gun Mounts
4. Comparing Mounting Methods
5. Essential Safety Considerations
6. How to Install a Vehicle Gun Mount
7. Transitioning from Body to Vehicle
8. The Role of Retention and Materials
9. Why Placement Impacts Response Time
10. Preparing for Law Enforcement Encounters
11. Beyond the Handgun: Complementary Gear
12. Security When Leaving the Vehicle
13. Final Thoughts on Vehicle Placement
14. FAQ

Introduction

Sitting in the driver’s seat with a holster pressing into your hip or ribs is more than just a nuisance. For many outdoorsmen and commuters, the traditional way we carry on our person doesn’t translate well to the ergonomics of a vehicle. When you are strapped into a seatbelt, accessing your firearm in an emergency becomes nearly impossible. At BattlBox, we focus on practical solutions for real-world scenarios, and vehicle firearm placement is a critical part of everyday carry (EDC) and emergency preparedness, especially if you want to get gear delivered monthly. This guide explores the safest and most effective locations for mounting a firearm in your vehicle for open carry. We will cover technical mounting options, safety considerations, and how to ensure your setup remains legal and accessible.

Quick Answer: For open carry in a vehicle, the most effective locations are a holster mounted to the side of the center console or a mount placed under the steering column. These positions keep the firearm in plain view to satisfy legal requirements while ensuring it is within reach for a seated driver.

Understanding Open Carry in a Vehicle

Open carry inside a vehicle is often defined differently than open carry on the street. In many US jurisdictions, a firearm must be "in plain view" to be considered open carry. This means a law enforcement officer approaching your window should be able to see the weapon without you having to point it out or move objects. If you place a handgun in a glove box or under a seat, it is generally classified as concealed carry, which usually requires a permit.

When deciding where to put a gun in your car for open carry, you are balancing three factors: legal visibility, physical access, and mechanical safety. A firearm that is visible but impossible to reach is a liability. Conversely, a firearm that is easy to reach but hidden from view could lead to legal complications during a routine traffic stop. We advocate for a setup that prioritizes a clear line of sight for an officer and a clear path of movement for the driver.

Top Locations for Vehicle Gun Mounts

Choosing the right spot depends heavily on your vehicle’s layout. Not every truck or SUV has the same clearance near the knees or the same console height. You need to evaluate the space around you while sitting in your normal driving position.

Under the Steering Column

This is one of the most popular locations for a dedicated vehicle mount. It places the firearm directly in front of the driver, usually between the knees.

• Pros: It is incredibly fast to access with either hand. It remains visible to anyone standing at the driver-side window.
• Cons: It can interfere with the knee bolster or the driver’s legs in smaller vehicles. If not mounted securely, it can become a projectile in a collision.

The Side of the Center Console

Mounting a holster to the driver-side exterior of the center console is a classic choice. It mimics the position of a hip holster but removes the physical discomfort of the seatbelt and seat bolsters.

• Pros: It is very natural to draw from, as your hand naturally rests near the console. It is clearly visible from the side windows.
• Cons: Depending on the height of the console, it may rub against your leg while driving. It can also be more visible to people in adjacent cars at stoplights.

The Passenger Seat Side

Some mounts attach to the front or side of the passenger seat. This keeps the firearm in the "void" between the two front seats.

• Pros: It clears up space in the driver’s immediate footwell. It is easy to see for an officer approaching from either side.
• Cons: It requires a longer reach, especially in full-size trucks. If you frequently have passengers, this location can be awkward or unsafe.

Magnetic Dashboard Mounts

Magnetic mounts can be placed on the flat surfaces of the dashboard. While these offer the highest visibility, they come with significant trade-offs.

• Pros: Maximum visibility for legal compliance.
• Cons: Placing a heavy metal object on the dashboard is dangerous in an accident. It also puts the firearm in the direct line of sun exposure, which can heat the metal to dangerous temperatures.

Comparing Mounting Methods

Key Takeaway: Prioritize a mount that uses mechanical fasteners (screws or bolts) over adhesives or magnets alone. A vehicle is a high-vibration environment, and a falling firearm is a major safety risk.

Essential Safety Considerations

Safety in a vehicle is different than safety on the range. You have to account for the physics of a car crash and the presence of passengers. A loose firearm in a cabin during a 40-mph impact becomes a lethal projectile.

Trigger Guard Protection Regardless of where you mount the gun, the trigger must be fully covered. We never recommend using a "naked" magnetic mount where the trigger is exposed. An accidental snag on a piece of clothing or a seatbelt could cause a discharge. Use a holster that is specifically designed to bolt onto a mounting plate.

Airbag Deployment Modern vehicles are packed with airbags. There are steering wheel bags, knee bags, and side-curtain bags. Before you drill any holes, you must identify where your airbags deploy. Never mount a firearm directly over an airbag cover. If the bag deploys, it will launch the firearm into your body at several hundred miles per hour.

Retention Levels In a car, you want at least Level 1 retention (friction fit) or Level 2 (a thumb break or button). Vibration from the road can cause a gun to "walk" out of a loose holster over time. A solid retention system ensures the gun stays put until you intentionally draw it.

Note: Always check your local and state laws before installing a vehicle mount. Some states have very specific definitions of what constitutes "plain view," and these can change based on whether you are on a public road or on private property.

How to Install a Vehicle Gun Mount

If you have decided on a location, the installation must be done correctly to ensure it doesn't fail when you need it most. We recommend a permanent or semi-permanent mount for the best results.

Step 1: Clear the Firearm

Before doing any work in the vehicle, ensure the firearm is unloaded. Remove the magazine and check the chamber. Set the ammunition in a separate room or a locked container.

Step 2: Identify the Mounting Surface

Find a flat, sturdy area. If you are mounting to plastic trim, check what is behind it. You don't want to drill into wire harnesses, air ducts, or structural metal that you can't penetrate.

Step 3: Test for Clearance

Sit in the driver’s seat. Go through the motions of driving. Move your legs, adjust the seat, and engage the parking brake. Ensure the holster and the firearm do not interfere with your movement or the vehicle’s controls.

Step 4: Secure the Mount

If using a drill-in mount, use self-tapping screws or bolts with backing nuts if you can reach the other side. If using a strap-on mount for a seat or steering column, tighten it until there is zero play in the bracket.

Step 5: Practice the Draw

With an unloaded firearm, practice drawing from the mount while seated and buckled. Your seatbelt will change your range of motion. Practice until the movement is fluid and you can clear the holster without flagging your own legs or the steering wheel.

Transitioning from Body to Vehicle

One of the most dangerous moments is the transition. This is when you take the gun off your belt and put it into the vehicle mount. This often happens in a parking lot or a driveway where you are visible to the public.

Avoid Flagging When moving the gun from your hip to the console mount, be mindful of the muzzle direction. It is easy to accidentally point the gun at your hip, thigh, or the floorboard where your feet are. Keep the muzzle pointed toward the dashboard or the floor in a safe direction.

Discretion Even if you are in an open-carry state, drawing a firearm in a crowded parking lot can cause a panic. Try to perform the transition while sitting inside the car with the doors closed. This keeps the movement contained and reduces the chances of someone misinterpreting your actions.

Our Basic and Advanced subscription tiers often include EDC organizers and specialized gear that can help manage your carry setup. While a vehicle mount is a specific piece of hardware, the rest of your kit—like flashlights and multi-tools—needs a home in the car too. Keeping your cabin organized makes it easier to focus on safe firearm handling.

The Role of Retention and Materials

A vehicle mount is subjected to extreme temperature swings. In the summer, a car interior can reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, it can drop well below zero. These cycles can cause materials like cheap plastics or adhesives to fail.

• Kydex and Bolt-on Holsters: These are the gold standard. Kydex maintains its shape in high heat and provides excellent retention.
• Metal Brackets: Steel or heavy-duty aluminum brackets are preferred for the actual mounting point. They won't crack or warp.
• Leather: While comfortable for body carry, leather can soften and lose its retention properties in the humid, hot environment of a parked car.

Myth: A strong magnet is enough to hold a gun during a car accident. Fact: In a high-impact collision, the G-forces exerted on a heavy object like a loaded handgun will easily overcome the pull of most commercial magnets. A physical holster with a mechanical mount is much safer.

Why Placement Impacts Response Time

In a self-defense situation inside a vehicle, time is measured in fractions of a second. If your firearm is on your 4 o’clock position (behind your hip), you have to lean forward, reach around the seat bolster, clear the seatbelt, and then draw. This is slow and awkward.

A mount near the steering column or console cuts that movement in half. Your hand only has to move a few inches from the steering wheel to the grip of the gun. We prioritize these "high-ready" positions because they allow you to keep your eyes on the threat while your hand finds the firearm.

Preparing for Law Enforcement Encounters

If you are open carrying in a vehicle, you must be prepared for how to handle a traffic stop. The sight of a firearm can understandably put an officer on high alert.

1. Keep your hands visible. Place them on the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 positions.
2. Turn on the interior light. If it is dark, illuminate the cabin so the officer can see inside clearly.
3. Announce the firearm. Before reaching for your registration or insurance, calmly state: "Officer, for your safety and mine, I want to inform you that I am open carrying a firearm. It is located on a mount [under the steering column/on the console]."
4. Follow instructions. Do not reach for the gun or try to move it unless specifically told to do so. Usually, the officer will tell you to leave it where it is.

Beyond the Handgun: Complementary Gear

Your vehicle carry setup is just one part of a larger preparedness plan. If you are forced to use your firearm or are involved in an accident, you will need other tools.

We often feature premium knives from brands like Kershaw, Spyderco, and CRKT in our Pro Plus tier. A high-quality blade or a dedicated seatbelt cutter should be within reach of the driver’s seat. Additionally, a well-stocked medical kit (IFAK) is essential. If you carry a tool for defense, you must also carry a tool to stop bleeding. Our medical and safety gear frequently include these items because we believe in a balanced approach to safety.

Bottom line: A vehicle gun mount is an extension of your EDC. It should be treated with the same respect and attention to detail as the holster you wear on your belt.

Security When Leaving the Vehicle

One of the biggest downsides to open carry in a car is what happens when you aren't in the car. A firearm in plain view is an invitation for a smash-and-grab.

Never leave a firearm in an open-carry mount in an unattended vehicle.

If you are going into a store or your home, you have two choices:

1. Transition the firearm back to your person.
2. Lock the firearm in a vehicle safe.

Many companies make steel lockboxes that cable-tether to the seat frame or bolt directly into the console. This allows you to move the gun from the visible mount to a secure, hidden location in seconds. This prevents your firearm from ending up in the hands of a criminal.

Final Thoughts on Vehicle Placement

Where you put a gun in your car for open carry is a personal decision that requires careful thought about your vehicle's layout and your local laws. The goal is a setup that is visible enough to be legal, secure enough to be safe in a crash, and accessible enough to be useful in an emergency.

At BattlBox, we are committed to helping you navigate these choices by providing the gear and knowledge you need to stay prepared. Whether it's through our expert-curated monthly missions or our community of outdoor enthusiasts, we believe that the right equipment is only half the battle—knowing how to use it is what makes the difference.

Build your kit, practice your transitions, and always prioritize safety over convenience. If you want the next box to help you round out your vehicle-ready EDC, subscribe to BattlBox.

FAQ

Is it legal to open carry a gun in a car without a permit?

In many states, it is legal to open carry a firearm in a vehicle as long as it is in "plain view," but laws vary significantly by jurisdiction. Some states require the firearm to be unloaded, while others allow it to be ready for use. Always check your specific state and local regulations to ensure you are compliant.

What is the best mount for a gun in a truck?

The best mount for most trucks is a holster attached to the side of the center console or a bracket mounted under the steering column. Trucks generally have more legroom, making these positions comfortable and easy to access without interfering with the vehicle's controls.

Can I use a magnetic mount for open carry?

You can use a magnetic mount, but it must be placed in a location where the firearm remains visible to satisfy open carry laws. However, we strongly recommend using a mount that includes a trigger guard protector for safety and a physical holster for better retention during a collision.

Where should I put my gun if I have a passenger?

If you have a passenger, the center console mount (on the driver's side) or the steering column mount are the best options. These locations keep the firearm away from the passenger’s space while remaining accessible to the driver. Avoid mounting the gun on the passenger side of the console or the glove box if you frequently have company.