Vehicle carry - will this pass 'plain view' criteria

Gun, shooting and equipment discussions unrelated to CHL issues

Moderator: carlson1

User avatar

Topic author
BiCMRC_O1
Junior Member
Posts in topic: 5
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2011 11:38 am
Location: Round Rock

Vehicle carry - will this pass 'plain view' criteria

#1

Post by BiCMRC_O1 »

Morning folks -- quick question on an in-vehicle holster for MPA carry (CHL is coming as soon as I can find 10 hours). I picked up an Ohai from Crossbreed when I ordered my SuperTuck (and that is an amazing holster) for use in my car/safe. I ordered some extra velcro to give me some options. Here's where I would like to keep my handgun when I'm in the car, but I want to get some feedback on the 'plain view' clause of the MPA as I don't want to get sideways with the law.

Image
IMG_0132 by BiCMRC_01, on Flickr

When I'm in the vehicle, it is generally well concealed behind my legs. I'll be storing in a nano vault in the console when I exit. My question is this, if I get pulled over, is this likely to be a violation? I don't want to have to keep it in my console, as access would be a challenge if the need to use it arises, however, if that's my only choice until I get my CHL, then it's better than nothing.

Thanks!
--
BiCMRC_O1
Primary: Sig P220 Elite Dark
User avatar

USA1
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 1
Posts: 7412
Joined: Wed Apr 08, 2009 5:37 pm
Location: Tomball ,Texas
Contact:

Re: Vehicle carry - will this pass 'plain view' criteria

#2

Post by USA1 »

IMO, that's not concealed enough.
I would at least drape a rag over it. Ideally one the same color as the interior.

Again, just my opinion.
Glock Armorer - S&W M&P Armorer

Rex B
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 1
Posts: 3616
Joined: Thu Jul 06, 2006 3:30 pm
Location: DFW

Re: Vehicle carry - will this pass 'plain view' criteria

#3

Post by Rex B »

I vote no. It's in plain view.
What happens if the officer asks you to exit your vehicle?

Can you fasten it to the underside of the dash?
-----------
“Sometimes there is no alternative to uncertainty except to await the arrival of more and better data.” C. Wunsch

fishman
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 1
Posts: 470
Joined: Mon Aug 31, 2009 4:05 pm
Location: Tomball area

Re: Vehicle carry - will this pass 'plain view' criteria

#4

Post by fishman »

If the officer ask you to step out of the car to show you your tail light is out. :eek6 Could be a problem.
IANAL
User avatar

TxRVer
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 1
Posts: 925
Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2006 7:21 pm
Location: Red Oak

Re: Vehicle carry - will this pass 'plain view' criteria

#5

Post by TxRVer »

I have to agree with the others.
Charlie
User avatar

i8godzilla
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 1
Posts: 1184
Joined: Mon Jun 21, 2010 10:13 am
Location: Central TX
Contact:

Re: Vehicle carry - will this pass 'plain view' criteria

#6

Post by i8godzilla »

+1 on the towel. I drive a pickup and it sits high enough that it is virtually impossible for others to see my center console. I keep it in a "standing position" in a pocket holster while driving. I also have a towel to throw over it should my exceptional driving skills warrant being lit-up by the ever-present LEOs.

Just a note on your mounting. Personally, I would use a left-handed holster, if that is how I was going to mount it in my car.
No State shall convert a liberty into a privilege, license it, and charge a fee therefor. -- Murdock v. Pennsylvania
If the State converts a right into a privilege, the citizen can ignore the license and fee and engage in the right with impunity. -- Shuttleworth v. City of Birmingham

esxmarkc
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 1
Posts: 369
Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2009 7:01 pm

Re: Vehicle carry - will this pass 'plain view' criteria

#7

Post by esxmarkc »

Not too sure on whether it meets the concealment requirement but it looks as if you really want to go fast you reach down and pull the trigger. Make sure your foot is out of the way first or you could earn a DEA T-Shirt.

In all honesty, that particular installation would be pretty open to interpretation for whoever stops you. If the LEO that decides to bust you for it snaps a cell phone shot like you just did you could be in trouble.

Be careful on drive through service joints since some have a pretty good look down into your vehicle you could end up on the wrong end of a 911 call.

Good looking installation though. I kinda like it.

Mark C.
Keeping the king of England out of your face since 12/05/2009

speedsix
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 2
Posts: 5608
Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:39 am

Re: Vehicle carry - will this pass 'plain view' criteria

#8

Post by speedsix »

...location's handy for a right-hander...but it's not concealed at all...get a hand towel and put velcro on top and rear edges..velcro it to the edges...noone can see the gun...you can rip it off if needed...a color close to the console color will blend it in against prowlers looking to steal seeing it...

doc540
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 3
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:37 am

Re: Vehicle carry - will this pass 'plain view' criteria

#9

Post by doc540 »

quick fix

"Subway" cap

Image

Image
http://www.train2shoot.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
NRA Lifetime Member
NRA Instructor
"Shooting more, typing less"
User avatar

Topic author
BiCMRC_O1
Junior Member
Posts in topic: 5
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2011 11:38 am
Location: Round Rock

Re: Vehicle carry - will this pass 'plain view' criteria

#10

Post by BiCMRC_O1 »

Thanks for the quick replies! Towel idea sounds like a winner.

Regarding the left-hand vs. right-hand mount, this way is much easier to draw for me, and since the kydex covers the trigger, I should be able to pull it out without punching a hole in my foot.
--
BiCMRC_O1
Primary: Sig P220 Elite Dark

DONT TREAD ON ME

Re: Vehicle carry - will this pass 'plain view' criteria

#11

Post by DONT TREAD ON ME »

I have to agree with the others. It's not really concealed. You are just blocking it. As USA1 stated a rag/towel over it would conceal it.

I don't know if you could do this or how easy it would be but maybe attaching it under the seat? It would be out of plain view and concealed.
User avatar

Topic author
BiCMRC_O1
Junior Member
Posts in topic: 5
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2011 11:38 am
Location: Round Rock

Re: Vehicle carry - will this pass 'plain view' criteria

#12

Post by BiCMRC_O1 »

I like the cap-cover, doc -- I might be able to move the placement in between the seat and console, but it's a tight fit. Unfortunately under the seat is a no go -- not much room and no surface to affix the holster to properly. Likewise for under the dash -- it's just open underneath.

I think I could get a slate towel and some velcro and fix it up. I'll give it a shot and post new pics.
--
BiCMRC_O1
Primary: Sig P220 Elite Dark

doc540
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 3
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:37 am

Re: Vehicle carry - will this pass 'plain view' criteria

#13

Post by doc540 »

make sure you have clearance for a "full-forward" seat adjustment

The cap works well when you slip the adjustment band behind the grip

the cap and bill will cover the entire gun and holster
http://www.train2shoot.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
NRA Lifetime Member
NRA Instructor
"Shooting more, typing less"
User avatar

Purplehood
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 2
Posts: 4638
Joined: Thu May 29, 2008 3:35 pm
Location: Houston, TX

Re: Vehicle carry - will this pass 'plain view' criteria

#14

Post by Purplehood »

Have you done road-trips with that rig yet? I agree with covering it with a towel, but I would guess that it may interfere with your leg on any long trips where you have the cruise-control on and your right leg starts drifting around (I am probably Hyperactive and normally keep my right leg pinned up against the center console).
Life NRA
USMC 76-93
USAR 99-07 (Retired)
OEF 06-07

doc540
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 3
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:37 am

Re: Vehicle carry - will this pass 'plain view' criteria

#15

Post by doc540 »

mount them low enough and they ride right under the crook of your knee

It's comfortable and comforting at the same time. :cheers2:
http://www.train2shoot.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
NRA Lifetime Member
NRA Instructor
"Shooting more, typing less"
Post Reply

Return to “General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion”