@jonm61:
Mounted to the "wall" of the center console, where it goes underneath the dashboard. It is near my right knee as I drive (actually, the upper part of the lower leg). I will post pics as soon as my daughter comes home (she wanted to use the H2 today). It is a Blackhawk holster (just my preference) for right-side carry, mounted upside down (magazine up). To the casual observer, it would be covered by my right leg until I need to use it.
I prefer it this way because I simply like the trigger-finger-on-release-tab-is-also-on-frame-and-above-trigger when I draw. I do not sweep myself, and if the gun did go off as I draw and present to target (not bloody likely!
) the round will go into the dash or instrument panel. As I unholster and withdraw the pistol, I lean somewhat to the right (and away from the window, creating additional distance from the threat), my left hand is free. As I bring the pistol up and towards me, the natural layout of the bones and muscles in my arm will automatically twist the pistol up and around 180* so it is slide-up and magazine-down. I then withdraw my left hand from wherever it is, bring it in closer to my chest and open palm with fingers pointing towards target, in a position ready to receive my right hand with gun, into a classic two-handed grip. Upper arm muscles still tense from the arm rotation to unholster, my strong side is ready to manage recoil.
If needed, I can shoot thru the door or the window (but I'd need a pretty damn compelling reason to do so!). On the H2, all exterior panels (door panels, fenders, hood, etc) are all plastic (yehey! no dents and dings!), and I know where the impact beams are inside the door (BTW, window guide rails are reinforced so the window can roll down even if the door frame was somewhat deformed, like in a collision). Upholstery is plastic paneling and leather. Mechanism for the door latch would not be in my line of fire, unless the bad guy is roughly near the rear passenger door, in which case I can always jam it into gear (or reverse) and bull my way out of the scene (if the car is not blocked in, that is), or shoot above the door thru the window. The H2 also has a "panic button" on the drivers' door that opens all windows in about 1 second (useful for emergency escapes) that would remove one barrier between me and the bad guy (while unfortunately exposing the other occupants of the car to any of the bad guys' buddies, if any, but with the tactical engagement method it is possible to get at least round off on each BG). AND, I do not bang my knee into it as I get in and out of the car!
I almost always use only Serpa by Blackhawk, because I am a big fan of the positive retention method they use. Unfortunately, they are model-specific, so my XD won't fit in it, nor will my Sigma or Beretta or any other handgun. I accept it's design limitations because I prefer to accept the positive retention system it uses. But that's just me.
If I need to carry any other handgun, I use a ballistic nylon holster strapped to the backrest of the seat, in cross-draw configuration, with a thumb retention strap. In this setup, it becomes easier to shoot thru the door by simply pressing the muzzle into it, but I need to remain aware of the internal location of the door latch mechanism. Unfortunately, as I unholster and present to target, if he is right outside the door he will see my movement and my gun, and possibly try to reach for it before I can get a good point-shooting aim. Large muscle groups working in an awkward position make it clumsy to try to struggle, and if (natural impulse) you try to pull the gun down and away from the window, you are sweeping your left leg. Pull it up, and if it goes off the bad angle and recoil can push the gun into your face. I wear prescription glasses, so this is a definite no-no for me.
@PettyOfficer:
On possible downside: bang your right knee into it whenever you enter and exit the vehicle. I first learned of holsters like these from the NRA online store. After analyzing it, I decided it may not be right for me, but it may be for others. I prefer a rigid holster mounting. If you look closely at the photo, the connection between the mounting strap and the holster does not seem to immobilize the holster, so the nylon holster unit can shift around without the mounting strap moving. I do not like "loose" things, but that's just me. Notice also that there is no retention strap...wonder how the pistol is retained in the holster...friction? Interesting....
It is in any case better than trapping your handgun under the seatbelt when you buckle up.
A number of thoughts come to mind in favor of left-leg ankle holster: from outside the car, it actually looks like you may be engaging the parking brake (remember the old lever-type pbrakes under the dash?), one less thing to alert the BG to your intentions. It can also look like you dropped your keys on the floor. It is also the absolute fastest draw from driver's seat that I have ever seen.
All that being said, I must declare that the methods I mention are methods I use, purely out of personal preference and out of practical performance that I achieved out of my methods and choices, reinforced with lots of practice. What I like, others may not, for their own reasons. What I dislike (or do not prefer), others may adore. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to concealed carry (and drawing from CC) while in a car. A lot depends on the car, the gun, the shape and size of the shooter, his/her level of training and competence in the areas of drawing from holster, grip control and weapon retention as well as recoil management and other factors. Climate also plays a role: do you drive with the windows up or down? Also, I have been told that it is not desireable to handle my gun as I enter and exit the vehicle (unholster from waist, holster into "car's" holster; withdraw from car and holster on waist, everytime I get in or out of the car) but I choose to do it this way.
These comments are my own, these methods are what work for me, and my opinions are mine and mine alone. I am simply sharing ideas that you can now use to decide how you wish to carry in a car.
As long as you do not simply drop a pistol in Condition One (all Glocks when chambered are Condition One) into the door pocket, console box, or (God forbid!) the glove compartment. Use a holster, any holster, one that covers the trigger guard. Then consider how you can obtain the weapon and present to threat, based on your holster choice and/or choice of carry.
Stay safe, and have a nice day y'all!
