My seat belt gets in my way!

[kennethhardy]

Forgive if this has been asked before but when im riding in my car I find that my seat belt will seriously stop me from drawing my weapon in time cause it gets in my way. I used to be a cop in the navy and some cops wouldnt wear their seatbelts for this very reason. So my question is, now that im a civillian god forbid I for some reason need to draw my weapon in my car, how do I over come the seatbelt in time. Do some of you use your center console or just have it on your hip and pray for the best. Im interested in suggestions.

[disturbed86]

In my vehicle, I generally do center console with it propped in such a way that the grip is the easiest part to grab.

However, sometimes I do have it IWB, in which case it's at about 4 o clock, and the seatbelt isn't really a problem. Granted, this is with my CZ; I haven't carried the 1911 in some time. I'd probably do the same, though (especially since the 1911 won't fit in my center console)

[thedub88]

I have the same problem. I thought about "the safe packer" but it looks dumb.
http://www.thewilderness.com/storepi...arent=171&pg=1

[Southlake]

I keep my 1911 on my hip. But I always have my 640 with huge Pachmayr grips in my center console. In the event, I've trained myself to grab the .357 first. But if time would permit, I figure I would have time to manipulate the 1911. But not wearing a seatbelt, when my first defense would be to use my truck, is not an option for me. Just my .02.

[M4finny]

Originally Posted by thedub88

I have the same problem. I thought about "the safe packer" but it looks dumb.
http://www.thewilderness.com/storepi...arent=171&pg=1

Don't let looks get in the way here. I personally own and use a SafePacker when I drive. It works as advertised providing immediate access to your sidearm without having to dig under a seatbelt.

It also doubles as a bedside holster by allowing you to slide the cover flap between the mattress and box spring. This way, even in a hotel room you have quick access to your sidearm.

It may look "dumb", but I highly recommend it for anyone who wants access to their pistol while driving.

YMMV,

Fin

[mark2734]

A number of custom holster makers do cross draw rigs set up for quick on and off just for this reason.

Mitch Rosen comes to mind, here's a link. A little pricey but if you really need it......

http://www.mitchrosen.com/product_li...duct_line.html

[kennethhardy]

Thanks all

[kennethhardy]

I'll check him out. Thanks gents

[Scotgolf2003]

My dad used to cut out the seat belts of every new vehicle he bought you could try that.

[devildog66]

Given that one is far more likely to dinged in a car crash rather than shot. I was shown and now use a technique to be able to get out the seat belt smoothly without getting fouled up in it - once you stop the car. Very simple and lets one stay in the safety belt. Assuming you are right handed, and I guess dominant hand doesn't make a difference, use your left hand to unsnap and pull the seat belt off. The belt tracks with your arm and thus stays clear without hooking you or the gun in it.

This technique would need to be reversed in England and Japan...

[Doug M again]

Doing anything that weakens the seat belt, or not wearing it all times, is just plain stupid. Being in a car is one of the most dangerous things any American does. Practice getting it off in a hurry. That's a useful skill. Make a practice of being aware of what is going on around you. Don't drive around with your windows down (in addition to safety, there is a hearing damage issue). Lock the car doors at all times.

[kennethhardy]

I was in the navy so my hearing is already gone. lol

[wlhawk]

Realizing there seems to be no proactical way to have an IWB pistol available quickly with a seat belt, I've keep a 442 or G27 in the console as a backup.

[LEOshorty]

I rarely wear my seatbelt for this exact reason. I am trying to get better about wearing it however, because as previously stated - I'm driving a 5,000 pound weapon if I'm in my pickup. If they still had hood ornaments you could use it as a front sight. Seriously, I trained myself years ago to wear it based on my speed. Around town where the likelihood of injury in a crash is less (and likelihood of getting shot at is higher) I didn't wear it and on the highway or interstate I did because the injury/risk ratio reversed. I am trying to get better about wearing it all the time though because realistically it's a one finger button push added to my draw stroke and **shouldn't** slow me down enough to matter, especially if I'm being as observant to my surroundings as I should be.

[kennethhardy]

Thats qhat my unit did. No one wore seatbelts

[Adrstout]

I like having an ankle gun for just that reason.

[bs1911]

I have made 2 adjustments that have helped in this area.

1 - took an inexpensive nylon holster and attached it to the console/right side of my bucket seat. I can easily transfer from my waist to the seat and vice versa.

2 - I have begun carrying my BUG in an ankle holster on my right leg as this give me quick and easy access when sitting in the car.

[Vern Humphrey]

Position the seat belt so the gun is behind it, easy to grab. In cold weather, be sure your coat doesn't interere with your draw.

[kennethhardy]

What is a bug.

[iGun]

Originally Posted by kennethhardy

What is a bug.

Back. Up. Gun.

[MPJMP]

IIRC, two of the lessons learned from the 1985 FBI shootout in Miami were

1) keep your seatbelt on, and

2) keep your gun in its holster unless you are actively firing.

[Vern Humphrey]

Amen. Rooting around the floor boards looking for the gun that slid off the seat as you touched the break makes your hindquarters an inviting target.