Modified Glove Box for Secure Pistol Storage

[Roguescholar]

I live in Colorado, and my work as a photographer sometimes takes me to some of the more remote parts of the state, such as deep wilderness areas, ghost towns on the plains, and other sparsely populated regions. Because of that, I like to keep a pistol in my truck during those trips for protection in case of emergencies. Of course, I want to do so in a safe, secure, accessible, and legally compliant manner, so I modified the locking lower glove box of my Ranger to hold my Glock 19 by mounting a Blackhawk holster inside of it. It's a particularly useful place to do it if you have a Lariat or Raptor since you can keep your registration and other documents in the separate upper glove box.

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[superj]

That's a good idea

 

[Satex]

Nice idea. I think I'll copy that!

 

[White willy]

Console vaults work even better.

 

[OxygenMask]

Nice!

 

[Roguescholar]

Console vaults work even better.

They certainly do work pretty well for that. I previously had a center console vault in my Ranger Raptor, and based on my experience with it, it’s definitely better for outright security, but not as ideal if you want quick access to your firearm in an emergency.

Putting it in the lower glove box still allows you to have it in a locking compartment with less loss to accessibility. Ultimately, I think it really just comes down what your priorities are.

 

[John E Davies]

I live in Colorado, and my work as a photographer sometimes takes me to some of the more remote parts of the state, such as deep wilderness areas, ghost towns on the plains, and other sparsely populated regions. Because of that, I like to keep a pistol in my truck during those trips for protection in case of emergencies. Of course, I want to do so in a safe, secure, accessible, and legally compliant manner, so I modified the locking lower glove box of my Ranger to hold my Glock 19 by mounting a Blackhawk holster inside of it.

That pistol is fine for most situations, except for your “deep wilderness” scenario, a long barreled 10 mm pistol or a magnum revolver with hot hard cast “bear defense” ammo would be a much more prudent choice than your 9mm. Especially up towards Yellowstone….. Do you also carry bear spray? What is your preferred carry method, having a lot of bulky camera gear and a back pack must complicate things…?

I decided to NOT lock mine in the glovebox for one reason, that is the very first spot a thief will go for in a break-in. I very rarely store mine in a steel handgun vault secured and out of sight inside my truck topper, usually it is on my person.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[Roguescholar]

That pistol is fine for most situations, except for your “deep wilderness” scenario, a long barreled 10 mm pistol or a magnum revolver with hot hard cast “bear defense” ammo would be a much more prudent choice than your 9mm. Especially up towards Yellowstone….. Do you also carry bear spray? What is your preferred carry method, having a lot of bulky camera gear and a back pack must complicate things…?

I decided to NOT lock mine in the glovebox for one reason, that is the very first spot a thief will go for in a break-in. I very rarely store mine in a steel handgun vault secured and out of sight inside my truck topper, usually it is on my person.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

All very good points John. I do carry quickly accessible bear spray on me and that would be my primary go to when encountering a large predator like a bear or moose, especially since It's usually more effective and I don’t want to kill an animal unless I absolutely have to protect myself or someone else.

The pistol would be more for dealing with something like a pack of smaller predators, such as coyotes or wolfs, or heaven forbid, the very unlikely circumstance where another person becomes hostile or threatening.

The camera gear doesn’t make things too difficult. I’m prior service U.S. Army Airborne infantry, so I’m not unfamiliar with having to manage carrying both firearms and gear while moving through the woods. In situations where it’s appropriate to carry, my method is usually a drop holster on my right thigh. That gives me unobstructed access while keeping it out of the way of my other gear.

Generally, I don’t expect to ever have to use it and I hope I’m never in a situation where I have to, but like any other tool, I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

 

[alrashid2]

Now THIS is the content I signed up for!!!

Only con I can see with it there for me is, I store my registration and insurance in the glove box. Not the best idea to have it in the same spot as a firearm...

 

[Roguescholar]

Now THIS is the content I signed up for!!!

Only con I can see with it there for me is, I store my registration and insurance in the glove box. Not the best idea to have it in the same spot as a firearm...

Yeah, though it might just be the excuse you need to buy a Lariat top storage box and install it in your XLT so you can keep your documents in a separate place.

 

[CACTUSGREYFX4]

Now THIS is the content I signed up for!!!

Only con I can see with it there for me is, I store my registration and insurance in the glove box. Not the best idea to have it in the same spot as a firearm...

Get one of these and store it in there. That's where mine is.

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