I carry my Sig 229 DAK in a Comp-Tac CTAC IWB holster which I absolutely love and it's great for pretty much every purpose or situation - except riding in cars.  I wear my CTAC at the 4:00 position which conceals the gun perfectly and is very comfortable, but I own a Subaru Impreza WRX STI and when i'm sitting down it is impossible to draw my weapon, especially with my seat belt on.  

For a few weeks i've been trying to find a solution for riding in the car and have looked at every car holster setup imaginable, I ultimately decided on the DeSantis Kingston Car Holster (http://www.desantisholster.com/n92.html).  

The DeSantis Kingston Car Holster does not come with a thumb break, and I believe that a thumb break is absolutely essential because if god forbid I were ever involved in a car accident the last thing I want is a gun with a round in the chamber flying about the cabin of the car and have the trigger snag on something.  Therefore, I ordered the optional thumb break for the Kingston Car Holster here: http://www.desantisholster.com/n99.html

I placed my order and received it within 3 days and immediately put it in my car.  Installation was very easy, the holster will work in pretty much any car that has a seat which has a seperate bottom cushion and seatback, allowing you to wrap the strap around the entire bottom seat cushion.  I found that unless you cranked the strap down HARD, the holster would slide and you could not draw or holster your weapon without the holster moving or sliding, so you have to crank it down hard.  When I cranked it down hard, the little strap would keep loosening up on it's own which was annoying, so I took some hockey tape (you can use any type of tape, doesn't really matter) and just wrapped it around the strap so it wouldn't come loose, and it held really well.  

Once you install the tape so the strap is held down hard, the entire holster system is rock solid and you can draw and reholster without anything moving or slipping.  

When I first installed it, I thought the steering wheel would be in the way when drawing, but it wasn't.  You'll see what I mean in the pictures below.  The Kingston Car Holster also has a magazine pounch on the front of it for a spare magazine, so you can have a lot of firepower strapped to your drivers seat.  The holster can also be removed from the main strap and used as a regular IWB holster, however the process of removing the holster and putting it back on the strap is a little bit time consuming, it's not like you can just quickly snap it on and off when you want, it takes a few minutes.  

I keep my Sig 229 in the Kingston Car Seat holster and then before getting out of the car I simply lean forward and put my 229 into my Comp-Tac CTAC before exiting the vehicle, it works really well.  If I have to go somewhere like my recruiters officer or somewhere else where firearms are prohibited, I just take the gun from the Kingston Car Holster and lock it in my glovebox.

From the pictures, you'll see the buckle is exposed right on top of the seat where you sit and you think it may look uncomfortable, but when you sit down you don't even notice that it's there.  My car is manual transmission so I am constantly operating the clutch pedal and my feet are always in constant motion, and I find that the holster and gun doesn't get in the way of my legs at all, and if it's not an issue in a sports car like the STI where you're low down and legs hug the seat, then it should work perfectly in all vehicles.

In conclusion, I believe the Kingston Car Holster is the best system for carrying a firearm in a car, overall I give it a 8.5 out of 10.  The only thing I would like to see improved is the strap having velcro to "lock it" down in place so it doesn't come loose, but this is easily fixed with some good quality tape, so it's not a big issue.

Feel free to comment!

Here are the pictures of it installed in my car:





































Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed my review of the DeSantis Kingston Car Holster.

Awesome review and great pics!!

And I'm jealous as hell for that stereo!! Is that the Z1?

Quoted: Awesome review and great pics!! And I'm jealous as hell for that stereo!! Is that the Z1?

Thanks.  It's the D2.

Nice STI. I hate you. .

Thanks for the ideas; I too have a P229 DAK. Only difference its a 357sig with the "R", with the rail on it. I keep my Sig in the open side console of my car at all times. We have open carry in both vehicle and body in VA; which kicks ass for doing this.

Quoted: Nice STI. I hate you. . Thanks for the ideas; I too have a P229 DAK. Only difference its a 357sig with the "R", with the rail on it. I keep my Sig in the open side console of my car at all times. We have open carry in both vehicle and body in VA; which kicks ass for doing this.

I was planning to keep my Sig in the side door pocket, but it's too narrow.

Thank you for the excellent review. It's an interesting product.

Nice car.  I like that stereo, mine is a pop out clarion.  Are you on NASOIC?  Im in the MAIC region forums, same name.  Us blue STis have to stick together!

Quoted: Nice car.  I like that stereo, mine is a pop out clarion.  Are you on NASOIC?  Im in the MAIC region forums, same name.  Us blue STis have to stick together!

I'm on NASIOC but I very rarely post there, don't really like it.  I prefer www.iwsti.com for my STI forum needs .

Nice rig.

Thanks for the review.

My only concerns are...

I have seat covers on my seats...so I'd have to punck a hole to mount it...minor issue.

and the thing is obvious when no one is sitting in the car.  Anyone glancing in the car window(when no one is in it) is going to see the obvious strap and likely the holster as well. I would prefer something more discrete.

No Expert

Quoted: and the thing is obvious when no one is sitting in the car.  Anyone glancing in the car window(when no one is in it) is going to see the obvious strap and likely the holster as well. I would prefer something more discrete. No Expert

This is true, but on a car with just regular black seats it doesn't really stick out that much and you would have to really be looking closely to notice it.  On my car however with the blue interior, it is pretty noticeable though.

You could've least vacuumed the interior before the photoshoot. . Nice way to CCW on your "Scooby" (tuner lingo for a Subaru Imprezza)

Nice pictures.

Does the strap have enough adjustment to get the buckle out from under your butt?
Something like that would be good in my truck, I get uncomfortable after a short time with a gun on my hip and drawing from under the seat belt would be slow at best.

Nice review and interesting setup.  I was looking for something to use in my truck and found this setup from Fobus.  It works great and places the gun right next to my knee.  If I get out of my truck and don't want the gun seen, I put it into the center console.  The empty holster is not easily noticeable through the window since they are tinted.  It also holds my Para 14.45, Warthog is in pic.

Quoted: Nice review and interesting setup.  I was looking for something to use in my truck and found this setup from Fobus.  It works great and places the gun right next to my knee.  If I get out of my truck and don't want the gun seen, I put it into the center console.  The empty holster is not easily noticeable through the window since they are tinted.  It also holds my Para 14.45, Warthog is in pic. i95.photobucket.com/albums/l133/mjpjr45/fobus1.jpg

where'd you get that setup? That might be a good option for my vehicle.

No Expert

Quoted: Quoted: Nice review and interesting setup.  I was looking for something to use in my truck and found this setup from Fobus.  It works great and places the gun right next to my knee.  If I get out of my truck and don't want the gun seen, I put it into the center console.  The empty holster is not easily noticeable through the window since they are tinted.  It also holds my Para 14.45, Warthog is in pic. i95.photobucket.com/albums/l133/mjpjr45/fobus1.jpg where'd you get that setup? That might be a good option for my vehicle. No Expert

Go to www.fobusholster.com/catalog/
then click on Roto Holster Systems
then click on Univeral home & vehicle mount

you will also need to get the roto holster that fits your gun. Doesn;t matter if it is the belt or paddle type because you will take that part off and attatch it to this system.   The system actually comes with 2 mounts.  1 is a vertical mount like the one I have in my truck and the other is a horizontal mount.  They also give you a long piece(pic) and a short piece.  Give you lots of different choices for mounting.  The mount runs $39.99 and the holster range from $29-$40.

Nice mounts/holsters, though they might make a traffic stop or other LEO encounter a little "interesting".

Quoted: For a few weeks i've been trying to find a solution for riding in the car... I ultimately decided on the DeSantis Kingston Car Holster (http://www.desantisholster.com/n92.html). i103.photobucket.com/albums/m134/kingstonholster/DSC02723.jpg

I appreciate the excellent review of the Kingston Holster.  Glad it works for you so well.  I thought I was the only person checking this holster out.  I just wish the strap and buckle weren't so obvious.  Just an minor eyesore I guess.  Can the strap and buckle be pulled tight from just under the mounting position for the holster?         I'm not worried about the holster being seen, cause you can't see daylight through my tint.


This is pretty neat too...

Quoted:  ...found this setup from Fobus.  It works great and places the gun right next to my knee. i95.photobucket.com/albums/l133/mjpjr45/fobus1.jpg

 

Thanks to both of you for the great posts.  I was set on the Kingston at first, but the Fobus made me think a bit.  I still have some time to think on it.  

All great posts! I did a home made bracket solution that used an Uncle Mike's holster for my    
Smith 990L. My CCW cannot be seen when the doors are closed or if someone it peering in the window.

http://www.sunriseeagles.com/concealed/100_1563.jpg


http://www.sunriseeagles.com/concealed/100_1573.jpg

Im assuming you have to drill holes to install that roto holster rig? That may be the route I go.

height=8

GoingUnderground

So stupid question lol, but where is the holster?  I see it in the second picture, but like where is it?  is it between the door and your seat?  I feel like i'm playing Where's Waldo in that first picture

Sorry about hiding Waldo - but isn't that the idea? hock.gif

I mounted it the right  side of front driver seat. When seated in the Expedition the butt is within hands reach just under my right knee. I have it mounted very close to the center console.

This photo should help a bit.

http://www.sunriseeagles.com/concealed/100_1934.jpg

va_gunz,

I used an Uncle Mike's paddle holster. The holster is mounted to the paddle from the factory  using chicago-type screws. That allows the hoster to be canted to your need. I just removed the paddle and reused the chicago screws and existing holes in the holster to mout it to my home made bracket.

I searched long and hard for the "right" holster mount for my Expedition and I just could not find anything that would fit nicely, not require holes drilled into the furniture, and still remain out of sight. For the large size of the Expedition, it has a tight drivers compartment. I looked at my paddle hoster and had a piece of angle iron lying around and the brain kicked into gear...hacksaw, drillbit and a hand file and a touch of paint. Not professional, but effective!

Note the arch in the bracket. Since I was bending by hand, I could not get tighter bend to clear the power seat torsion bar, but it works.

The bracket mounts to the seat track bolts on the right side of the seat next to center console - no need to drill additional holes into anything! For front of the bracket, I used a U-Bolt that hugs a bar on the front of the power seat. The holstered gun now rides with the power seat and is solid and OUT OF SIGHT.

Here are a few more detailed pics that may help you generate ideas for you specific application.


http://www.sunriseeagles.com/concealed/100_1568.jpg

http://www.sunriseeagles.com/concealed/100_1569.jpg

http://www.sunriseeagles.com/concealed/100_1570.jpg

http://www.sunriseeagles.com/concealed/100_1571.jpg

http://www.sunriseeagles.com/concealed/100_1572.jpg

http://www.sunriseeagles.com/concealed/100_1573.jpg

http://www.sunriseeagles.com/concealed/100B1940.jpg

http://www.sunriseeagles.com/concealed/100B1960.jpg

Thank's guys for sharing !!! I have always thought "there must be a better way" of carrying your weapon while in the car (other than in a belt holster). You just gave me an idea! THANKS!

You are welcome! Be sure to post your idea as it pans out. I would be interested in seeing what you are about ready execute upon!

I assume everyone has a plan for the eventual traffic stop/license check?  

just out of curiosity, wondering what you do with it when you are parked?  I'm assuming lock it up or carry it with you.  Have you ever thought about carjackings?

These are all really cool setups, I'm just wondering about other carry issues that might present themselves.

Quoted: I assume everyone has a plan for the eventual traffic stop/license check?

Of course! We are all law abiding citizens and have all our papers in order - ready to be presented when requested by proper authorities.

Quoted: just out of curiosity, wondering what you do with it when you are parked?  I'm assuming lock it up or carry it with you.  Have you ever thought about carjackings? These are all really cool setups, I'm just wondering about other carry issues that might present themselves.

I for one bring it with me when I leave the vehicle. The whole idea of the set-ups that were posted here is to have easier access to your weapon when you need it the most. It is by no means a set-up designed to leave your wrapon in when you leave your vehicle. You are asking for trouble when you do so. It is in plain view of every Tom, Dick or Harry.

Anyone who has carried their firearm (CCW - waist / fanny / sob holster) will tell you how there is a "difficulty" in drawing your weapon when seated inside a car - especially with seatbelts on.

height=8

Quoted: height=8 Quoted: I assume everyone has a plan for the eventual traffic stop/license check?   Of course! We are all law abiding citizens and have all our papers in order - ready to be presented when requested by proper authorities. he While I am on the topic, the same applies to glove box or console carry.  Don't keep your wallet, insurance paperwork, etc in the same place you keep your handgun.... So, I ask again...what is the plan?????

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I assume everyone has a plan for the eventual traffic stop/license check?   Of course! We are all law abiding citizens and have all our papers in order - ready to be presented when requested by proper authorities. I was being serious.  Like it or not, papers or not, the carry position in these photos is going to increase the stress already present in a rather "routine" enforcement action.  I don't know a cop who sees that rig positioned between your legs who isn't going to at least draw his own service weapon and withdraw to a positon of safety.   The next move is to call for back up...while you give the driver commands to keep his or her hands where he can see them.  And we haven't even gotten to discussing your papers being in order...I am going to get that gun before anything else happens, and so is every other cop I know.   The only way I know to do it is to get you outta the car at gunpoint while you keep your hands where I can see them.  Your wife and kids in the car???  People you know driving by???  Honest John Q Law Abiding Permit Carrying Citizen????  Thats fine, but I get the gun first.   While I am on the topic, the same applies to glove box or console carry.  Don't keep your wallet, insurance paperwork, etc in the same place you keep your handgun.... So, I ask again...what is the plan?????

I was actually being serious with my answer too. The way you phrased your original query, to me at least, came accross more of a statement (challenge)  than a question.

You "asked" if we had a plan, I answered in the affirmative.

Now that you have elucidated your concern and ask "what is the plan" in case of a traffic stop - I am afraid that the answer I may give you may not be applicable to you as LEOs may react differently here where I am at.

I work in government. I have a nationwide permit to carry. When stopped, I do not wait to be asked. I present my ID and papers.

In relation to your observation. I think that the places where the rigs were set-up is not that visible to the casual observer when a person is seated on the seat. Hence will not raise eyebrows.

Hope that helps clarify things ... on my end at least.

I came here looking for info on how to better be able to present a gun in case of a carjacking attempt.

Just so you know, Memphis has had a spike in 'reported' carjackings lately (I'm sure it's always been high but we didn't hear about it).

Do you "jack up" other cops just  because you see them with guns?  Can you even WATCH television?  What about going to the range?

I can understand somebody pointing a gun AT you, or even perhaps a bit of heightened anxiety over somebody HANDLING a gun especially at a traffic stop.

But Geez, really?  You get that agitated over just a gun in a holster?  I'm afraid I don't think you're cut out to be a cop, there buddy.

Then again, given the cops here who insist we "give the criminals what they want" even in the face of numerous deaths, you might fit right in, believing that only you can prevent crime.

Sorry buddy, you ain't my mommy.  Get puffed over crime, not Constitutionally protected rights being exercised. (hint- they ain't the same thing)