Going beyond the letter of the law

While a car gun box isn’t a legal requirement, it can pay dividends in the peace of mind it offers you when out and about

- Nathan Little

As responsible gun owners, the security of our guns should be a top priority — it’s both a legal obligation as part of the terms of our certificate and also a moral duty. When it comes to our guns’ storage and security at home, there are strict rules to govern this — from the type of cabinet needed, how it must be fixed into position and even how ammunition and cartridges should be stored. All of these are designed to prevent guns falling into the wrong hands.

When it comes to transporting guns in vehicles however, the rules on security are a little more subjective, with even more onus placed on the individual to ensure they take all reasonable precautions depending on the situation. This throws up its own hurdles to ensure the guns are safe in transit; perhaps more so than at home given the differing and developing circumstances that may present themselves on the road.

There are a number of options when it comes to transporting guns safely — from a gun slip in the boot of the car, a trigger lock or detachable trigger group, a leather travel case made to look less conspicuous or even the removal of the fore-end or bolt — but for the purposes of this article we will consider specifically the use of gun safes or boxes in cars as an option for additional security.

Luxurious 

Gun safes today come in a range of different styles with all manner of features, making them quite a cool — and luxurious — optional extra if you have the space. The first gun box I saw was a stunning handmade walnut drawer box. Made to look like a set of drawers, this particular example had secure storage for guns, a protective top for a dog box and a top drawer for all the luxuries one could possibly need on a shoot day.