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

1925 Cover
1925 Cover

Studying Ammunition Developments Of The Early 20th Century

In the mid-1920s, the U.S. Ordnance Dept. faced a problem: How do you measure improvements in ammunition design if everyone is shooting at different distances and recording different results?

Preview: Firefield Hexcore HD

With a sub-$250 MSRP, Firefield’s Hexcore HD is proof that night-vision devices do not need to be exorbitantly expensive.

Henry Updates Mini Bolt Youth Rifle

Henry Repeating Arms introduced its Mini Bolt Youth rifle nearly 25 years ago as an ideal training rifle for young firearm enthusiasts. In 2025, the platform received a number of design updates.

Preview: Avian-X AXP Lessers Fusion Pack

The AXP Lessers Fusion Pack from Avian-X offers a bundle of six durable life-like decoys in a variety of postures to attract even the wariest of Canadian geese.

Gun Of The Week: Armscor TM22-S-18

We're on the range in this video to get a closer look at an affordable plinker imported by Armscor. Whether you’re training on a budget or just want a rimfire for plinking, the TM22 is a proven platform worth investigating.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 22, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.