2A: How do you transport or carry or store firearms in a Tacoma

First off, ground rules for the thread. This thread is not intended to stir a debate on whether the Second Amendment should exist; if all forms of arms that are not attached to the shoulders should be legal or any political leaning. I am interested in sharing ways to transport, carry or store specific items (firearms) in a Tacoma.

I acknowledge each state has different laws and would rather stay away from discussing the legalities of each municipality, especially all of our Tacoma friends in California. I will keep the photos California Compliant for the benefit of the West Coast and some New England areas.

1) Several areas of challenge to me have been where to lock a pistol in the truck if I need to go inside a location that a conceal or open carry is restricted (sometimes a problem in the USA). Toyota doesn't install a lock on the glove box to meet local laws. Placing a lockbox under the seat restricts airflow to the rear passengers.

2) The use of the Tacoma in more hostile areas is somewhat cramped and most of the internal plastic is often removed to open up room. When placing a long weapon or larger than a pistol for quick access can be awkward especially with Manual transmission models.

3) Where to place pistol for long haul drives when on the hip is not preferred and multiple people (Short or tall) need to be able to adjust the seat.

Where, how and why do you place your defense items in your Tacoma? Does it work well or would you recommend something else?

 

Here is the way I have used to keep a small piece near and ready while driving. I disassembled the lower panel and installed a Safariland MLS adapter to the underside with an aluminum backing plate. The plate adds extra rigidity although I am not convinced it is needed. The holster can be removed easily (seconds) and the holster for each nerf gun or whatever you use can be changed. For example, if you have three different guns you carry or configurations three separate holsters can be swapped within seconds to accommodate your daily choice.

 

When the holster was not needed under the dash it could be used on a paddle on the user and the inside of the truck would only have the mount still visible. I think this might also be a solution if someone wants to have a trailer brake module installed only part time and easily removeable. The mounts cost about $30 for a male and female pair. In our last vehicle, a ford the tan matched the interior so closely it was essentially camo'd for the dash.

 

I would figure out how to hide it in the console lid. A creative fabricator with a little help from a drug smuggler should be able to come up with a false bottom on the console lid. You wouldn’t have to worry about heavy duty locks or anything theft proof because they won’t know it’s there anyway.

 

The Locker Down or Console Vault are very secure. Although I don't use my Locker Down for firearms, I do use it for wallet, keys, etc. I have the 4 digit combo lock and for everyday use, I just roll 1 wheel.

 

You can make a nice false floor in the center console easily. Just pull up the bottom cardboard panel, cut foam to match and cut out the shape of whatever you want to store in the middle of the foam, reinsert it all. No one will recognize the difference in console depth without a lot of familiarity with Tacomas and there’s no indication anything was changed.

 

I am just going to say that my SIG is immediately accessible when ever I might need it.

 

In my search for storing guns in my tacoma, a lot of options have turned up, but I only keep em in my truck going to/from the range.
1. Like crazysccrmd said, you can lift the cardboard bottom to the console and put a lockbox down there.
2. Like others have shown there are a lot of open holsters for the steering wheel area.
3. Some seat covers like wet okole can have pockets put in the front.
4. Molle panels are also great in conjunction with quickfists or holsters. Docloco makes a great MOLLE panel behind that goes behind the back seat as n replaces the useless plastic bins. OG Fab makes molle panels that screw into the console area on both driver and passenger side. Mesodjm and OG Fab make overhead molle panels that get sandwiched between the roof and handles. I forget the brand, but there are also molle panels available that strap to the back of the front seats.
5. Theres also a company that makes a replacement underseat bin out of metal with a lock.
6. Some guys mount gun cases to their roof racks, but that would personally be my last option. I wouldn't want to risk the case somehow blowing open and having ARs go bouncing down the highway.

All of these options have their pros and cons of accessibility, security, and space. Personally, I went with docloco's behind the rear seat molle panel.

 

I put one those napkin/condiment organizers in my center console, pretty sure I stole it from somewhere here just can’t remember who it was.

Then I separated an old Blackhawk holster from the paddle. Drilled some holes. Used zip ties to fasten everything, space was limited and getting the damn thing back out was a pain so that’s how it’s been.

Lid closes, weapon secured with index finger release, easily drawn.

 

Have concealed carry permit, ...I just stick it between the passenger seat and console.......I never leave it in the vehicle

 

I have been thinking about several types of holster concepts. In my car, I was considering trying to mount something to the underside of the seat or the sliders of the seat or even the seat belt mount. That way the holster would move with the seat position but I am not a welder and the material I was considering using did not prove to be rigid enough. If you find the name of the underseat box I am definitely interested in that option. I found one for a jeep but nothing for the Tacoma.

 

I really like the organizer, it seems to fit well in the console. I found that a G43 fits pretty good in the small section under the lid hinge too. I might see if any of my friends have napkin holders like yours that need liberation.

 

With regards to #1, I don’t go into places that ban the carrying of firearms.

 

I try to vote with my wallet, but when I need to pick up the kids from school or go into the local sherrif office they frown on packing.

 

School is my only exception. Court houses here, normally where the sheriffs offices are, are required to have lockers for safe storage.

 

Found it on esp truck accessories :
https://www.esptruck.com/product-page/toyota-tacoma-rear-under-seat-storage-unit

 

I have a lock box in both my Wrangler and my Tacoma. The Wrangler also has an armored glove box insert.

 

When it’s not on me

 

i have found its best to keep the pistol on my person...as far as long guns go...well, im still working on that one.