Posted: 2/10/2007 7:33:17 AM EDT
|
Hi there, I've been shooting for a few months now and am looking into a gun meant for center console carry. In FL, you can (without a CCW, and I'm working on getting mine), have a loaded gun in a center console. I currently have a Kimber 1911 Custom II, but I do not feel very comfortable with a pistol like that cocked/locked in my center console. The safety is very "snappy" and it does not take much effort to push down/disable, and the trigger is very light, so it doesn't take much to squeeze it, and I definitely do not want a negligent discharge in the center console of the car, plus I will be putting it in and taking it out fairly often. I do realize that it does have a grip safety, but I'm not positive if that can be "pushed" in a console like that. Are my concerns foolish? If not, what would be a decent car carry gun, perhaps something that has DA trigger, along with a safety, and a decocker (if necessary) mechanism? Should I put a pistol like that in a holster in the center console? thanks (and my sincere apologies for the dumb question)! |
|
Florida statute actually states that the handgun must be in a zippered or snapped case, and in a console or glove box or other container. My suggestions is that if you like the gun, get a zippered or snapped case for it. If you buy a cheapo holster with a snap, make sure it covers the triggerguard. Edit: From packing.org 
FL statute 790.25(l) |
|
BTW, I'm not trying to argue with you here, promise. Division of Licensing Website: licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/news/concealed_carry.html Excerpt: QUESTION 6. I am planning a trip to Florida shortly. I do not have a permit from my home state nor do I want to obtain a Florida permit. However, I would still like to have a weapon with me for self-protection. What are my options? Florida law does allow a citizen to transport a weapon in a private vehicle, even if that citizen DOES NOT HAVE a concealed weapon license. Note the following two key provisions in the law: Section 790.25(5), which deals specifically with possession in a private conveyance states that "it is lawful and is not a violation of s. 790.01 for a person 18 years of age or older to possess a concealed firearm or other weapon for self-defense or other lawful purpose within the interior of a private conveyance, without a license, if the firearm or other weapon is securely encased or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use. Nothing herein contained prohibits the carrying of a legal firearm other than a handgun anywhere in a private conveyance when such firearm is being carried for a lawful use. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to authorize the carrying of a concealed firearm or other weapon on the person. This subsection shall be liberally construed in favor of the lawful use, ownership, and possession of firearms and other weapons, including lawful self-defense as provided in s. 776.012." (Emphasis added.) Section 790.001(17) defines the term "securely encased" to mean "in a glove compartment, whether or not locked; snapped in a holster; in a gun case, whether or not locked; in a zippered gun case; or in a closed box or container which requires a lid or cover to be opened for access." So, while you cannot carry the weapon on your person, you can at least have it nearby in your vehicle while traveling. That makes me think that it's legal to have a loaded pistol inside a center console. (Well, as long as center console counts as a glove box? ) What do you think? (asking for your opinion, not being sarcastic, it's difficult to convey this sort of thing through text) Also: I'm applying for my CCW, and I my fingerprints are getting taken on 2/22, so hopefully the legal side of this becomes a non-issue (for sure!) |
|
I lived in FL before I moved here, and held the FL CCW. The law is: 7900.001- (17) "Securely encased" means in a glove compartment, whether or not locked; snapped in a holster; in a gun case, whether or not locked; in a zippered gun case; or in a closed box or container which requires a lid or cover to be opened for access. It is fine by itself in the center console. It does not have to be in a case when in the console. The center console is considered a closed box or container. packing.org did a poor job with puncuation on that one. You can easily misread it. The actual law is clearer in that you only need it in a container, or case, not both. To your original question: You have several alternatives. You could leave the chanber empty, figuring that if you have to open the console anyway you aren't going to be fast drawing it anyway. You could buy a cheapo holster at the gunshow and mount it wherever in the car, or in the console itself, to prevent it moving around at becoming a risk. It also keeps the gun always in one place and in one orientation so you aren't fumbling for it in the dark, or after someone has rammed you off the road. You could go with a dedicated "car gun". I've never been a fan of that, but a .357 mag revolver would be as safe as it can get, be pretty much usable by anyone you have with you even if they aren't trained, and a .357 would be good against a car. The biggest problem with dedicated car guns is the tend to get ripped off. The best solution is to carry it on you obviously. Until you can though, I'd say cocked and locked in a mounted holster, or chamber empty if it's going to be sliding around in the console. If you're willing to buy another gun, then the revovler is the way to go IMO. |
|
Why not just get a permit?? I don't like leaving my firearms in the car. I just won't do it unless I REALLY REALLY have to. And it's a lot more useful on your person than sitting in the car in a case. Oh -- and your 1911 will not spontaneously fire  . Don't worry. As you get more comfortable with it, you'll see. It is actually a very safe firearm. More than most. But no firearm is every truly 100% safe -- I wouldn't want one that was  .
|
With out a CCW this is the only way unless comming or going to shoot.
|