I had a similar issue a while back so I started practicing drawing while still seated. I got to be somewhat proficient but not enough to be comfortable with it. Then I did my research and found multiple holsters for mounting in cars. I ended up getting a magnetic holder from First On Point Gun Magnets. It’s basically a 3" diameter x 7/16" thick disk with a hole in the middle for a screw. It comes with the screws and bolts along with a soft, rubber-like cover to prevent scratching your gun. It did require me to drill a small hole into the side of my center console. Once in place it works like a charm.
The magnet is strong enough that the gun doesn’t flop around but it isn’t so strong that it takes a body builder to get it off. I slide it off.
Just a thought, when I am worried about getting to my firearm in the car and really need a seatbelt in case I have to take off in a hurry, I put my G21 in the cup holder next to me. If it needs to be covered you can place a napkin over it, I use a shop rag. Hopefully you called the police or notified security about his presence. Thanks
Since I also ride a motorcycle, I have found that I prefer to carry either my 1911 or my 19 in a shoulder rig. No moving the gun from car mounted to body upon exit, correctly fitted the seat belt is not a deterent, gun and spares are on you, not flying around in case of sudden decel, you have complete control even with children or spouse in vehicle.
Like i said , my holster with my gun sitting in my truck with my seat belt and coat works perfectly for me . I check the position and draw ability every time I sit . I also practice drawing in the truck with an empty gun .
I also went to our desert range and set up a folding chair and used cardboard boxes / sheets to mimic the doors / dash / steering wheel . Rotated the mockup as needed to place it into a safe position to draw and shoot through the driver’s window / door , windshield , and passenger door . Learned a lot about one handed , crunched up two handed , including bringing the support hand up and under the gun when shooting out the driver’s window ( palm bottom of mag , fingers over knuckles , thumb under / on top of thumb ) as well as field of view and clearing steering wheel and such .
Chris
I mount my M&P Shield under the dash between the steering column and the center console using a magnet designed for just this purpose. It stays secure and I have been on some VERY bumpy dirt roads without it ever dislodging. I can access it in a split second seat belt on our not.
When I preach against “car carry” I think I tend to forget that a lot of folks still consider holsters on or behind the hip “the standard”. Not sure whether those folks still conceal under suit coats, but they may have a real need to figure out something else for the car.
Cross body carry, on or above the belt, is helpful with the access and entanglement challenges but will still challenge concealment in some wardrobes.
When I came back to the pistol after a few decades away, I saw what developments had come along during the intervening years. I no longer seriously consider 5 o’clock, leather, or thumb breaks part of my CCW options*. Besides, I carry my knife there — wouldn’t want to get caught in a gunfight with my letter opener in hand.
*Buscadero and thigh strings I had given up earlier, but fashion trends being what they are… Darn, they got mine again!.
I bought a custom cross draw holster for my
XD-e. It wasn’t that much more expensive than an off the shelf model though it took a little longer.
It’s made out of quality leather, it’s very secure, and concealable but also very fast and comfortable for someone who is in and out of vehicles often.
I like my XD-e in 45acp because I have trained extensively with sa/da pistols and I like the extra feeling of safety I get from them. Just my personal preference. The one subject I disagree with Jeff Cooper about. Seat belts are not an issue with this particular cross draw design.
I keep a holstered 1911 next to my car seat with an exposed grip for instant access. I carry a Glock 26 on my belt when outside the vehicle. Spare mags for both. Your point was proven last week with a convince store shooting in LV. The victim was just sitting in the parking lot while his girlfriend was inside. Murdered while sitting in his car.
As for me I carry my 45 in a shoulder holster,and all I have to do is open my shirt with left hand and draw with right hand,and dont wear a seat belt at all,never have .Dont wear any weapon on my belt,very uncomfortable to me the shoulder holster is very comfortable to me
Glad you are safe. When I am traveling alone in my car I use the Gozenta clip attached to my Hawg holster. It clips into the passenger seat belt and makes for a quick and simple draw stroke. I cover the gun with a hat or scarf so it remains concealed. When I arrive at my destination I unclip the holster from the seatbelt clip and attach it to my belt.
I use a gun magnet that’s mounted a little off center towards the center console under my dash. It allows for quick access in the event you are strapped in with your seatbelt and have limited waistline mobility or access.
Your incident reminded me of a holster I was interested, made primarily for this kind of encounter. I know “to each his own” but you might be interested. I’ve included the link. It’s called the Andrews Carjacker Crossdraw Holster. Andrews Carjacker Crossdraw. In my jeep I mounted a G-code holster; easily accessible.
You need the Sticky Travel holster with a retention strap that velcros to the side of your console. It holds your gun inside ITS OWN Sticky holster. When your done driving you simply pull the gun (inside its own Sticky) and pocket/IWB or how ever you may EDC with it. Problem solved!
I bought a couple of “seat protectors” with two web pockets in front between your legs that I stash my firearm in. This way it’s right there and no wriggling trying to draw and I can keep my seatbelt on.
I always unbundled when of street. That said, I carry appendix, so I always have access. I unbundled in case I need to duck, or exit the vehicle quickly.
Practice. Find your comfort zone. I practice shooting from the drivers seat, the front passenger seat, and transitioning from both to cover outside the car. Give it a try.
Darn, they got mine again!.