Metal Detectors Are Expanding Everywhere: Here’s What CCW Holders Should Know About Vehicle Firearm Storage

Carrying a concealed weapon today has evolved, as there are more regulations being put into place in public settings throughout the country. CCW holders must adjust to these new standards and safely stow their weapons before entering such spaces.

However, this creates questions on how and where you can store firearms when visiting public settings that ban them. Thankfully, Console Vault provides a complete solution, allowing you to leave your gun when needed and know that it’s in a safe, secure spot.

Screenings Are Happening Throughout the U.S.

Many public venues are now adopting regulations to mandate “gun-free” environments and using metal detection systems to meet these regulations. For example:

• Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center recently installed metal detectors at its entrances. Any visitor who is carrying a weapon, including a firearm, must secure it outside of the property, or they can leave it in an amnesty box.
• California also passed the Assembly Bill 2975, which requires hospitals to install weapon detection systems, will all hospitals in the state needing to comply with the regulation by March 2027.

Hospitals aren’t the only facilities implementing these regulations, though. Many stadiums are adopting this practice such as CityPark, Empower Field, SoFi Stadiums and more. Some stadiums may require individuals to unload their items before being scanned, while others let guests walk through and will have staff interject if the detection system is triggered.

This nationwide trend is being rolled out to many other settings beyond hospitals and stadiums, such as court houses, theme parks, and more. It’s important to be prepared for these regulations, and to have a plan on how you can safely store your gun while attending these public settings.

The Dangers of Leaving Your Firearm in Your Vehicle Unsecured

When visiting places such as hospitals or stadiums, many people run into the issue of determining where to store their firearm in a safe and concealed way. Leaving a gun in an amnesty box is undesirable to many because CCW holders no longer have control over it.

This leaves the option of simply keeping your gun in your car, but this can expose you to possible car theft situations. In fact, in the United States, firearms stolen from vehicles are the leading method of all firearm thefts.

One study conducted in San Antonio found that, on average, 6.7 firearms were stolen from a vehicle per day, with 2024 recording 2,465 firearms being reported taken from vehicles. The study found that weekends tended to bring higher numbers of firearm thefts, and that the months of April, July, and October had the highest number of thefts for the year. Additionally, pickup trucks had the most firearm thefts, with Ford F Series trucks experiencing the most of any make and model.

This type of data reveals a serious security gap that many CCW holders are faced with: Adhering to new regulations in public settings can create additional risks of firearms being stolen while inside vehicles.

Bridge the Gap Between Compliance and Firearm Protection with Console Vault

So how can CCW holders follow the law, but also ensure that their guns remain safe? Console Vault offers the complete solution to bridge the gap between following regulations and keeping your firearms safe and secure.

We offer a wide range of center console safes that are completely tamper proof. Even if your car is targeted for auto theft, your firearm will stay firmly secured, protecting your personal property as well as your community.

We provide in-vehicle safes for a wide variety of cars and pick-up trucks that require zero modifications to your center console. This means that our safes are designed to fit perfectly in your console and remain completely undetected by people looking into your car. Should your vehicle be broken into, our effective locks will keep the thief from entering your safe, ensuring your valuables remain undisturbed.

Additional key features of our safes include:

• Easy installation that does not require external assistance
• 12-gauge steel construction
• Designs that meet stringent automotive quality standards
• Drill-resistant locks of multiple varieties
• Free shipping anywhere in the contiguous United States
• Lifetime warranty

Keep Your Firearm Safe in Your Vehicle

Leave your firearm with peace of mind by using a trusted center console safe designed specifically for your vehicle. Contact our team with any questions on our products and we’ll be happy to help!