Today we’re diving into something every responsible gun owner needs to think seriously about: vehicle security. More specifically, how to secure your firearms inside your vehicle, how to avoid drawing unnecessary attention, and how simple choices can make you a harder target. This topic has been on my mind for a while, and recent events really pushed me to tighten up my own system. So let’s break down what happened, what I learned, and how you can apply it right now.
Back in May, I was at an event just south of Atlanta, Georgia. During that weekend, nine vehicles were broken into. Unfortunately, the criminals knew exactly which cars to target. They watched people walk into the hotel carrying rifle cases, gear bags, and equipment—easy indicators of who might have guns in their vehicles overnight. That incident triggered a lot of great discussion, and if you want deeper dives, I highly recommend checking out the videos by Jared from Guns & Gadgets and Chris from South Carolina Gun School. But for me personally, that experience was the wake-up call that pushed me to rethink how I secure my firearms inside my own vehicle.
Before we get into safes and actual equipment, let’s talk about the biggest giveaway most people don’t think twice about: stickers and decals. Firearm-related decals—NRA logos, brand stickers, catchy slogans—are basically giant neon signs to criminals. They tell the world, “Hey, this vehicle might have guns inside.” I know people love supporting brands and representing their community, but your vehicle is not the place for that. Take the stickers off. You’re handing criminals free intel. I personally keep zero identifying marks on my windows for this exact reason. If you want to show support, slap that sticker on your safe, toolbox, or fridge—but not your car. Being low-profile is the first layer of protection.
After the break-ins, I decided it was time to overhaul my own vehicle setup. I drive a 2015 Tahoe, and while I could have removed the third-row seats and dropped in a massive under-bed safe, I didn’t want something that large. I needed a secure space that could hold one or two rifles with accessories but still allow my vehicle to function normally. After a lot of research and measurements, I found an under-the-bed style drawer safe that slid perfectly into the factory cargo compartment. It fits two rifles or shotguns, plus handguns and gear, and once it’s installed, that thing is rock solid. This setup keeps everything out of sight, locked, and anchored—far more secure than cable-style clamshell safes or cheap lockboxes that can be cut or pried open with basic tools.
The truth is simple: criminals look for easy opportunities. Smash-and-grabs only succeed because people leave guns unsecure or use lockboxes that can be defeated in seconds. At that Atlanta event, several cable-style handgun safes were literally cut off. But Chris from South Carolina Gun School had an actual mounted safe in his truck, and that safe stopped the criminals from taking his rifle. That one decision saved him thousands of dollars and kept a firearm out of the hands of someone who would’ve used it for all the wrong reasons. Quality vehicle safes aren’t cheap, but neither is replacing stolen guns—or dealing with the consequences of those guns being used in crimes.
At the end of the day, this comes down to responsibility. Whether you’re heading home from the range, stopping at the store after a class, parking at work, or dropping your kids off at school, you must have a plan for securing your firearms. I run both a large under-bed safe and a center-console safe for my handgun. No one sees them, no one knows they’re there, and no one is getting into them without serious tools and a lot of time—two things criminals don’t have. Do your research, find a secure solution for your specific vehicle, and stop relying on hope as a security plan. The only person who should have access to your firearms is you.
Stay safe, stay smart, and as always—be your own first responder.