Fear & Loading: Preventing Vehicular Theft

by
posted on February 27, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
hornady_lede_hornady-vehicle-safe-small.jpg

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has produced a “Firearms Safety in Vehicles” [PDF] brochure with tips and precautions for shooters who sometimes have a gun in their car, SUV or truck. Whether you’re heading to the range for a day of trigger time or carrying concealed, the reminder’s applicable.

“We travel with our firearms all the time, taking them to the range, on hunting trips or carrying them on our person, as permitted by law,” it explains. “As a result, there will be times when you might have to leave your firearm in your vehicle.”

Whether it’s a fast stop at the bank, school or another prohibited place—for just a few minutes or hours—precautions need to be taken to minimize the chances of an opportunistic criminal breaking into your vehicle and stealing your firearm(s) in a quick smash and grab. “Your firearm must be under your control at all times; when it’s not, it should be placed in locked storage and out of sight,” NSSF explains. “Locking the doors on your vehicle does not constitute secure firearm storage.”

Tips include selecting a lockable storage system that’s securely anchored to the vehicle. Anchoring it solidly to the frame is the best approach, but a heavy steel cable also goes a long way in deterring criminals.

For those who carry, fast access is critical though, and manufacturers like Hornady have come up with some cutting-edge solutions. Its RAPiD Vehicle Safe mounts solidly, keeps the gun secure and out of sight, yet access is RFID or keypad fast. GunVault also has a wide selection, and owners of a compact or sub-compact will appreciate the low profile of its NanoVault line. The ABDO’s version is also lighting fast and secure.

Sooner or later, the law abiding citizen will find themselves subject to unexpected emergencies where one’s carry gun or favorite tack driver may wind up spending time alone in a vehicle. Today, more than ever, there’s no reason unauthorized access should be easy, or even possible without a tow truck and nearby chop shop.    

Latest

Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web
Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web

Gun Of The Week: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1

Join American Rifleman staff on the range in this video to get a closer look at Wilson Combat’s somewhat cryptically named “Division 77 Project 1.” 

The Armed Citizen® July 18, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: POF-USA LMR BASE Rifle

The Patriot Ordnance Factory LMR Base offers a .308 Win. chambering in a lightweight, AR-15-size package, which makes it a capable platform for today's new gun owner. And it comes at a fair price.

2025 Accessory Of The Year: Wyoming Sight Drifter

For each of the past 23 years, the editors of American Rifleman have convened to select our top picks for the past year’s best and most innovative products. Here are the most recent winners.

Henry Donates Rifles To Support Young Leukemia Victim

Henry Repeating Arms has donated a limited run of 50 “Team Keane” Golden Boy .22 lever-action rifles to support 13-year-old Keane Rhodes of Universal City, Texas, who is currently undergoing aggressive treatment for ALL T-cell leukemia.

Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Echelon

Springfield Armory introduced its Echelon in 2023, bringing a modernized, chassis-style, striker-fired handgun to the market that has since seen several notable line extensions.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.