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Vehicle carry - will this pass 'plain view' criteria

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:09 am
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.

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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!

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

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:23 am
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.

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

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:24 am
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?

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

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:26 am
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.

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

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:29 am
by TxRVer
I have to agree with the others.

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

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:30 am
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.

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

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:30 am
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.

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

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:32 am
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...

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

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:34 am
by doc540
quick fix

"Subway" cap

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

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:38 am
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.

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

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:39 am
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.

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

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:45 am
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.

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

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:48 am
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

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

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 9:01 am
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).

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

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 9:51 pm
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: