Carrying an AR "pistol" in a vehicle

[Dist. Expert 26]

Lately I've been debating building a "pistol" to keep as a truck gun. The only issue is where to store it in the vehicle. I drive a single cab truck so space is tight and I don't want it out in the open.

Ideally I'd like some sort of rig to hold the gun plus a couple mags on the back of my seat, so that in the event I needed it access would be quick.

Does anyone know of such an item? Or have other suggestions?

[Diamondback]

Well, simplest way to handle spare mags is to have them right ON the gun. SB Tactical has the SB-MAG20 pouch designed toslot into the middle of their braces, and while CAA's MPS mag-carrier is designed for their stocks with accessory rails it just as happily mounts on any forearm rail too.

If it's over 26" OAL, then FAB Defense's foregrip mag-carrier becomes an option, but no way would I pay full price for it when CAA sells their carrier for around four bucks each direct, and because the CAA's aren't a "Vertical Foregrip" they can be used on anything without NFA concern other than having enough room for the mag between it and the back end of a folded buffer/brace assembly--when @IdahoCorsair's LAW folder I've bought hits my bench I'll see about getting some pics on the Developmental Mockup for my briefcase-monster.

[uffdaphil]

School me that over 26” OAL allowing a VFG. Is that not then defined as an “any other weapon?”
I am not aware of any state where a pistol carry permit covers non-pistols.

[Diamondback]

School me that over 26” OAL allowing a VFG. Is that not then defined as an “any other weapon?”
I am not aware of any state where a pistol carry permit covers non-pistols.

Phil, by Federal over 26" and no stock is "Other Firearm" like the Mossberg 590 Shockwave and Remington 870 TAC-14. Federal and State laws are not always in sync... This is also why VFG-equipped Thompson 1927A-5s had to have the longer barrel... the original 10.5" was okay with no stock and a horizontal WWII forearm, but my understanding is the finger grooves in the foregrip DQ'ed it for the exemption Magpul AFG and FAB PTK currently enjoy, and most Thompson fans I've encountered really prefer the Chicago Typewriter look, so West Hurley took the easy way out rather than do a 10.5" WWII and a 13" Roaring '20s as two separate pistol models.

Washington state, for example, legally defines "pistol" as "under 16" barrel, or designed to be fired with one hand." Which means assuming (operative word) I'm reading things right, around my AO if you can conceal it or as a Truck/Saddlebag Gun, in theory you can carry a full 14.5" M4 upper as long as it's on a pistol lower and the FH/brake only adds less than 1.5" ahead of the muzzle crown. I *personally* wouldn't go any longer than a Mk 18 URG, but that's just me...

Of course, in theory if my aunt had balls she'd be my uncle, but...

[uffdaphil]

Dback, yes MN is similar: “"Pistol" includes a weapon designed to be fired by the use of a single hand and with an overall length less than 26 inches, or having a barrel or barrels of a length less than 18 inches in the case of a shotgun or having a barrel of a length less than 16 inches in the case of a rifle (1) from which may be fired or ...
624.712 - 2017 Minnesota Statutes - Revisor of Statutes

However both our states include designed to be fired with one hand language. The VFG changes that to a two hand design in the eyes of the law AFAIK. Moot point for me as the Arisaka finger stop is my preference over any other forward hand device.

[Diamondback]

Phil, ours is IIRC an "Or", not an "And."

RCW 9.41.020 (20): "(20) "Pistol" means any firearm with a barrel less than sixteen inches in length, or is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand."
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41.010
That's literally all the definition in WA State law.

Re vehicle carry we have 9.41.050 on vehicle-carry of pistols requiring CPL: (2)(a) A person shall not carry or place a loaded pistol in any vehicle unless the person has a license to carry a concealed pistol and: (i) The pistol is on the licensee's person, (ii) the licensee is within the vehicle at all times that the pistol is there, or (iii) the licensee is away from the vehicle and the pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41.050

And vehicle carry of rifles is 77.15.460:

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful possession of a loaded rifle or shotgun in a motor vehicle, as defined in RCW 46.04.320, or upon an off-road vehicle, as defined in RCW 46.04.365, if:
(a) The person carries, transports, conveys, possesses, or controls a rifle or shotgun in a motor vehicle, or upon an off-road vehicle, except as allowed by department rule; and
(b) The rifle or shotgun contains shells or cartridges in the magazine or chamber, or is a muzzle-loading firearm that is loaded and capped or primed.
(2) A person is guilty of unlawful use of a loaded firearm if:
(a) The person negligently discharges a firearm from, across, or along the maintained portion of a public highway; or
(b) The person discharges a firearm from within a moving motor vehicle or from upon a moving off-road vehicle.
(3) Unlawful possession of a loaded rifle or shotgun in a motor vehicle or upon an off-road vehicle, and unlawful use of a loaded firearm are misdemeanors.
(4) This section does not apply if the person:
(a) Is a law enforcement officer who is authorized to carry a firearm and is on duty within the officer's respective jurisdiction;
(b) Possesses a disabled hunter's permit as provided by RCW 77.32.237 and complies with all rules of the department concerning hunting by persons with disabilities; or
(c) Discharges the rifle or shotgun from upon a nonmoving motor vehicle, as long as the engine is turned off and the motor vehicle is not parked on or beside the maintained portion of a public road, except as authorized by the commission by rule. This subsection (4)(c) does not apply to off-road vehicles, which are unlawful to use for hunting under RCW 46.09.480, unless the person has a department permit issued under RCW 77.32.237.
(5) For purposes of subsection (1) of this section, a rifle or shotgun shall not be considered loaded if the detachable clip or magazine is not inserted in or attached to the rifle or shotgun.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.15.460

Main point is not to argue but just to highlight the complicated labyrinth we all have to navigate... If *I* were doing a true rifle (SBR or otherwise) as a truck-gun, I'd want it with the bolt locked open and one of those things the Israelis stick up their magwells that makes it technically unloaded but has a ready magazine attached to its side. Technically not "loaded rifle" in the eyes of WA law, but just a quick drop mag, insert mag, drop bolt away from Ready To Rumble... I might even consider leaving such a weapon Safety Off with a block behind the trigger to prevent unintentional hammer decocking.

[uffdaphil]

I hear ya, it’s a mess of ambiguous legalese. In MN, other than a legally carried pistol, all weapons must be transported unloaded, out of reach inside a case. SBRs not excepted.

[Dist. Expert 26]

The above points are why I'm building a pistol rather than an SBR. I don't need legal issues.

As far as magazines go, I'm not a fan of having them on the gun. My thought was to run a paddle style mag holster so I'd have at least one reload.

For the gun, some sort of sheath would be ideal. I don't want to fumble with clips, locks etc. in a dynamic situation.

[WickedWillis]

The above points are why I'm building a pistol rather than an SBR. I don't need legal issues.

As far as magazines go, I'm not a fan of having them on the gun. My thought was to run a paddle style mag holster so I'd have at least one reload.

For the gun, some sort of sheath would be ideal. I don't want to fumble with clips, locks etc. in a dynamic situation.

I'm a fan of the drive-by kit by RE Factor. Fits on the headrest, can be mounted to Molle webbing as well. 2AR mags, handguns mags, medical kit, etc. It's very versatile.

I also carry my Tavor, and sometimes my AR pistol in a Wilson tennis racket bag, where there are pouches you can put extra mags in. It's discreet. Although mine is a tad wider than this one;

http://www.wilson.com/en-us/tennis/bags/recreational/advantage-ii-bag-black-white-3-pack


https://www.refactortactical.com/collections/tactical-accessories/products/drive-by-kit?variant=37069643082

[Diamondback]

DE26, right with you on pistol-vs-SBR--I'd consider a pistolized M4 or GL/SSC for Home D (more likely the latter), but the Mk 18 is the practical upper limit for CCW. (Even that's a push; with no brake or folder and CAR tube my 10.3" is less than 1/10" below 26.) And to do that, I actually had to switch to a range-bag as my laptop bag... the Red Rock Operations Duffel is laid out just right that I can use its front pockets as an organizer for my external-drive array so all I have to do is plug the power and data cables into the USB hub.

The way I roll... well, for most folks who know me seeing me *not* loaded heavy is as worrying as seeing someone else packing my kind of gear.

[bad aim]

I'm a fan of the drive-by kit by RE Factor. Fits on the headrest, can be mounted to Molle webbing as well. 2AR mags, handguns mags, medical kit, etc. It's very versatile.

I also carry my Tavor, and sometimes my AR pistol in a Wilson tennis racket bag, where there are pouches you can put extra mags in. It's discreet. Although mine is a tad wider than this one;

http://www.wilson.com/en-us/tennis/bags/recreational/advantage-ii-bag-black-white-3-pack


https://www.refactortactical.com/collections/tactical-accessories/products/drive-by-kit?variant=37069643082

While I love the Drive By's concept, I think it's a terrible idea if you live in a non-rural area...that's just asking for a smash-and-grab. A headrest is just about the highest-profile spot to mount something. And leaving the AR mags exposed like that just screams "I have a gun".

[WickedWillis]

While I love the Drive By's concept, I think it's a terrible idea if you live in a non-rural area...that's just asking for a smash-and-grab. A headrest is just about the highest-profile spot to mount something. And leaving the AR mags exposed like that just screams "I have a gun".

Of course. You have to be smart about it. Window tint, drive a truck that doesn't sit like a car, etc. It sits low enough on most headrests that you can't see mags from the front generally, and you don't always have to have rifle mags sitting in the pouches either.

[Dist. Expert 26]

Of course. You have to be smart about it. Window tint, drive a truck that doesn't sit like a car, etc. It sits low enough on most headrests that you can't see mags from the front generally, and you don't always have to have rifle mags sitting in the pouches either.

I live 25 minutes from town on top of a mountain, so break ins aren't really a concern. That piece of kit looks great for my mag needs, now I just have to solve the gun storage issue. I can envision exactly what I want but I'm not sure it exists.

[HMM]

I just picked up a pro guard rack on eBay for $50 that I'm going to install in my trunk. Got it in yesterday, my scope is too wide and the rail is too long so I'm going to have to make some new brackets where the rifle rests in the rack. The lock part works just fine and the mounting bracket looks good to go as well. Figure it'll cost me another $20-30 to make it what it needs to be for my rifle. I'm guessing it's made for a front sight post rifle with a very short rail and not a full length rail. No huge issue, for the price I'm okay with having to make 2 brackets for it.

[26 Inf]

Lately I've been debating building a "pistol" to keep as a truck gun. The only issue is where to store it in the vehicle. I drive a single cab truck so space is tight and I don't want it out in the open.

Ideally I'd like some sort of rig to hold the gun plus a couple mags on the back of my seat, so that in the event I needed it access would be quick.

Does anyone know of such an item? Or have other suggestions?

Maybe something like this - either mounted vertical as pictured, or horizontal.

https://www.dillonprecision.com/sig-sauer-vehicle-rifle-go-bag_8_19_26435.html

or this:

https://www.amazon.com/VISM-NcStar-Tactical-Rifle-Scabbard/dp/B005OAA9VG

or this:

https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/3140267145/voodoo-tactical-assault-rifle-scabbard-31-nylon

I ass-u-me since it is a single cab that the seat back folds forward, or will you have to slide the seat forward to get to the pistol?

[Dist. Expert 26]

Maybe something like this - either mounted vertical as pictured, or horizontal.

https://www.dillonprecision.com/sig-sauer-vehicle-rifle-go-bag_8_19_26435.html

or this:

https://www.amazon.com/VISM-NcStar-Tactical-Rifle-Scabbard/dp/B005OAA9VG

or this:

https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/3140267145/voodoo-tactical-assault-rifle-scabbard-31-nylon

I ass-u-me since it is a single cab that the seat back folds forward, or will you have to slide the seat forward to get to the pistol?

The Dillon product might be the ticket. My seat folds forward so access would be relatively fast.

[HeruMew]

I hear ya, it’s a mess of ambiguous legalese. In MN, other than a legally carried pistol, all weapons must be transported unloaded, out of reach inside a case. SBRs not excepted.

It's something that we've been forced to accept, sadly.

Have heard of people Off-Body carry concealed AR pistols and such.

In all honesty, I keep extra loaded mags for my glock. I also keep a set of amplified HP, a small ditch bag with a pieced together trauma kit. Our snow kit has food, warmth kit, and snow melting kit. Keep a couple frozen water bottles (left overs from the summer).

In normal, day to day, I can deploy my CCW way faster than I could a stored ARpistol. I have traveled with my AR pistol in a case, as discussed in other forums, but it was never my "go-to", I always travel with the glock too. But, I always know, traveling or not, if I have to fight to my rifle Sh** has Gone Sideways in ways beyond control.

Statistically, as a work at home person who lives in the relative rural environment that very rarely goes into the concentrated epicenter of Duluth (which is a pretty safe place to live), is very unlikely. So, I devote most of my training to the Glock.

Although, I did go into Canal Park for our Bentleyville Christmas Tour of Lights. Good crowds, but damn does it make it a fun experience playing the awareness game.

Nonetheless, and back to the real point, Minnesota has hoops to jump through for this, for sure; but I know a couple friends who have for their own entertainment.

[botas.45]

Lately I've been debating building a "pistol" to keep as a truck gun. The only issue is where to store it in the vehicle. I drive a single cab truck so space is tight and I don't want it out in the open.

Ideally I'd like some sort of rig to hold the gun plus a couple mags on the back of my seat, so that in the event I needed it access would be quick.

Does anyone know of such an item? Or have other suggestions?If you are really asking this ? then maybe you need to re-consider what you carry. Smh


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[Outlander Systems]

In lieu of leaving an AR in a vic, why not carry a handgun, and keep a spare mag, or hi-cap in the vic?

[WickedWillis]

If you are really asking this ? then maybe you need to re-consider what you carry. Smh


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Want to add something valid to the conversation?

[Dist. Expert 26]

If you are really asking this ? then maybe you need to re-consider what you carry. Smh


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Go away.

Outlander, I already carry a pistol and at least one extra magazine every day. I want an AR as A) an excuse to build it and B) if I'm ever caught up in a riot type situation I want a long-ish gun. Although if we're being honest it's about 90% option A.

[0uTkAsT]

I only read the first post and not all of the subsequent stuff so apologies if it's already been covered, but I stowed an AR for 3+ years in my regular cab Tacoma with a bench seat using a Coverking seat cover that was backed by MOLLE and two Velcro straps to secure it. It was completely out of sight yet easily accessible. The seat cover was all black and looked just like any other seat cover as far as anyone looking for a reason to break in would be concerned. Your mileage may vary depending on what you drive, the type of seats and aftermarket support for them, but I would start looking there.

If you can't find a custom-fit solution from Coverking, Smittybilt, etc. then maybe try Greyman Tactical. They make rigid MOLLE panels that can attach to your seat via the headrest. That is perhaps a slightly more visible solution but most people wouldn't notice or think there was a gun strapped to it if they did.

Also, tinted windows would help with concealment regardless of what you have and where it is inside the vehicle.

ETA - Not mine, but a pic from the interwebs for a general idea of how I had my old rig set up. I believe this happens to be one of the Greyman panels I was talking about too:

https://hoplitetactical.com/images/greyman-panel-behind-seat.jpg

[Dist. Expert 26]

I only read the first post and not all of the subsequent stuff so apologies if it's already been covered, but I stowed an AR for 3+ years in my regular cab Tacoma with a bench seat using a Coverking seat cover that was backed by MOLLE and two Velcro straps to secure it. It was completely out of sight yet easily accessible. The seat cover was all black and looked just like any other seat cover as far as anyone looking for a reason to break in would be concerned. Your mileage may vary depending on what you drive, the type of seats and aftermarket support for them, but I would start looking there.

If you can't find a custom-fit solution from Coverking, Smittybilt, etc. then maybe try Greyman Tactical. They make rigid MOLLE panels that can attach to your seat via the headrest. That is perhaps a slightly more visible solution but most people wouldn't notice or think there was a gun strapped to it if they did.

Also, tinted windows would help with concealment regardless of what you have and where it is inside the vehicle.

ETA - Not mine, but a pic from the interwebs for a general idea of how I had my old rig set up. I believe this happens to be one of the Greyman panels I was talking about too:

https://hoplitetactical.com/images/greyman-panel-behind-seat.jpg

That is EXACTLY what I'm looking for. Thank you sir.

[botas.45]

Go away.

Outlander, I already carry a pistol and at least one extra magazine every day. I want an AR as A) an excuse to build it and B) if I'm ever caught up in a riot type situation I want a long-ish gun. Although if we're being honest it's about 90% option A.Maybe I did come across a bit sarcastic, build the darn thing and carry it! [emoji106], outkast has a sweet set up.

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[Outlander Systems]

If you're caught up in a riot, you need solid defensive driving skills, and an egress plan.

More than that, intelligence on the situation can provide you a means to simply not be there in the first place.


Go away.

Outlander, I already carry a pistol and at least one extra magazine every day. I want an AR as A) an excuse to build it and B) if I'm ever caught up in a riot type situation I want a long-ish gun. Although if we're being honest it's about 90% option A.

[Dist. Expert 26]

If you're caught up in a riot, you need solid defensive driving skills, and an egress plan.

More than that, intelligence on the situation can provide you a means to simply not be there in the first place.

I thought it was obvious, but I'm really just playing mental gymnastics so I can justify another $1500-2k gun. Let me have my justification damnit.

As far as defensive driving, I drive a ram 3500 4x4 dually. It has enough torque that I can put it in 5th at 10mph and not stall. No amount of bodies in front of me is going to make a difference.

[skydivr]

That is EXACTLY what I'm looking for. Thank you sir.

This with that scabbard attached and a couple of mag holders would be perfect

[botas.45]

I thought it was obvious, but I'm really just playing mental gymnastics so I can justify another $1500-2k gun. Let me have my justification damnit.

As far as defensive driving, I drive a ram 3500 4x4 dually. It has enough torque that I can put it in 5th at 10mph and not stall. No amount of bodies in front of me is going to make a difference.After reading this comment I stand by my first reply. You have a dually? You initially stated you had a single cab, I think you are just looking for attention and not really looking for advice on the actual weapon build. Smh

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[WickedWillis]

After reading this comment I stand by my first reply. You have a dually? You initially stated you had a single cab, I think you are just looking for attention and not really looking for advice on the actual weapon build. Smh

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There are single cab duallys out there my friend.

[Dist. Expert 26]

After reading this comment I stand by my first reply. You have a dually? You initially stated you had a single cab, I think you are just looking for attention and not really looking for advice on the actual weapon build. Smh

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I have a single cab, long bed, dually with a 6 speed manual transmission and 24 valve Cummins.

This is in the gear section because I had a specific question that has already been answered. Why you continue to comment is beyond me.

[HeruMew]

Maybe I did come across a bit sarcastic, build the darn thing and carry it! [emoji106], outkast has a sweet set up.

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After reading this comment I stand by my first reply. You have a dually? You initially stated you had a single cab, I think you are just looking for attention and not really looking for advice on the actual weapon build. Smh

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Dang, dude. Bipolar, much?

Back and forth way to much homie.

Trying way to hard to troll act like a know-it-all. Sadly, I have enjoyed a couple of your posts outside of this thread. Not sure what's changed, but a weird 30-31-32 number posts.

[26 Inf]

I have a single cab, long bed, dually with a 6 speed manual transmission and 24 valve Cummins.

This is in the gear section because I had a specific question that has already been answered. Why you continue to comment is beyond me.

See, damnit, I'm not the only one who demands precise details! (JK) I think you'll be well served building the rig outkast posted, plus you get to build it also. Don't forget to make the Tim Allen toolman noises.

BTW, if the bodies are stacked up deep enough they are higher then your hub, the tire may not mount them no matter what gear you are in. In that case you'll need to angle in and rub the tire up using sidewall friction to get it started.

[Dist. Expert 26]

See, damnit, I'm not the only one who demands precise details! (JK) I think you'll be well served building the rig outkast posted, plus you get to build it also. Don't forget to make the Tim Allen toolman noises.

BTW, if the bodies are stacked up deep enough they are higher then your hub, the tire may not mount them no matter what gear you are in. In that case you'll need to angle in and rub the tire up using sidewall friction to get it started.

Naturally. I always throw out the manual too, it's just the manufacturer's opinion of how to put it together.

That's a good consideration. I really need to get myself a TIG welder and fab up a Mad Max bumper to mitigate such issues.

[26 Inf]

Naturally. I always throw out the manual too, it's just the manufacturer's opinion of how to put it together.

I also believe that is true, my wife however, insists on putting everything in a file folder and then placing said file folder in some top secret depository with some type of time lock. At least that is what I think she does, because every time I ask her 'Hey, would you get the manual for the garage door opener so I can fix it?' I end up looking on the internet.

[omegajb]

delete