Cheap-o, sort of, I have no idea!

[karl]

So I'm now attending the University of Houston and I'm thinking of acquiring a new piece to keep in my car (no way I'm leaving my $1k baby under my seat, even in a bolted lockbox). I've always wanted a nice, small S&W revolver for CC but now I'm really just looking for something small and cheap that I can jerry-rig under my steering column. I figure no one will look there if they break in (or at least it'll be the last place, especially with patrolled lots they'll be quick).

I don't want anything smaller than a 9mm and revolvers tend to be smaller in physical size without inheriting the ugly factor you can encounter with some semi-autos. It should be a quality firearm and double as a pocket carry if my wardrobe choice deems it necessary.

Thanks for the help, I only know things about one pistol and it's the one I carry.

[USA1]

I think for a good balance between affordability and quality
in the world of revolvers , you should look into Taurus and Ruger.

38 special is an acceptable self defense caliber , but you could step up
to a .357 to have the option of using both calibers.

[03Lightningrocks]

So I'm now attending the University of Houston and I'm thinking of acquiring a new piece to keep in my car (no way I'm leaving my $1k baby under my seat, even in a bolted lockbox). I've always wanted a nice, small S&W revolver for CC but now I'm really just looking for something small and cheap that I can jerry-rig under my steering column. I figure no one will look there if they break in (or at least it'll be the last place, especially with patrolled lots they'll be quick).

I don't want anything smaller than a 9mm and revolvers tend to be smaller in physical size without inheriting the ugly factor you can encounter with some semi-autos. It should be a quality firearm and double as a pocket carry if my wardrobe choice deems it necessary.

Thanks for the help, I only know things about one pistol and it's the one I carry.

My son goes to U of H School of Law. He was telling me that most of the students who get mugged on campus are wondering around at the wrong time of night drunk. He lives off campus and drives to campus every day. Again...I have to resort to hearsay...LOL...but he told me the campus security is pretty good about patrolling the parking lots. Point is... I don't think you have a lot to worry about when it comes to someone busting into your car on campus. If your really concerned about it...get an alarm system in the car that beeps you if anyone jacks with your car. Then you can come running out about the same time they find the gun under the seat and get shot...LOL... Just kidding about that last part...but I have thought about what I would do if someone were already in my car and I had my gun in it. It would be real bad getting shot by my own darned gun. Getting a cheap gun with the thought that you won't lose much if it is stolen is not real smart money. That same cheap gun may malfunction when you need it most.


PS...check into some lock boxes that can be mounted under the seat for your gun. This will slow them down enough to make things interesting. Here is one... there are others. http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=408030" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[prossound]

this what I use to secure my firearm.

http://www.center-of-mass.com/Store_InCarGunSafe.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[paadams]

I was going to UofH back in 2000 or so. Walking through the parking lot on the way into the building one day, I saw a car sitting on blocks. This was 10am. No one saw much from what I heard, but a van pulled up, jacked the car up and took the rims and tires and left it on cinder blocks. I would not rely on the school security to protect anything of value that belonged to me. Just my $.02

[shootthesheet]

I think a Kel Tec http://www.keltecpistols.com/category/3 ... stols.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; might be an answer. They are not expensive and are small and reliable. I have a P3AT but would not hesitate to get the PF9 as a pocket carry for BUG or even something to leave in the vehicle. You can also get a Hi Point http://www.hi-pointfirearms.com/handgun ... t_9mm.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; , not a small gun, that are inexpensive enough to lose without a real problem and reliable to spite what the "Gun Snobs" (me at one time) like to sing about. When I am able to afford my mother a new carry gun I am going to take her Hi Point C9 as a car gun. For the record I let her use my XD9 if she needs it.

I agree you should get an easy open car safe too. That is why I suggested the Hi Point. You can get a good safe and a less expensive gun both now and then get a good pocket gun later so you are covered for your immediate needs. Besides, we all need at least one inexpensive gun we can trust for working in the yard or whatever when we know we are going to get dirty and sweaty and such. Generic OWB or IWB holsters are cheap and good enough for a Hi Point. That is my opinion and just something to think about

[03Lightningrocks]

I was going to UofH back in 2000 or so. Walking through the parking lot on the way into the building one day, I saw a car sitting on blocks. This was 10am. No one saw much from what I heard, but a van pulled up, jacked the car up and took the rims and tires and left it on cinder blocks. I would not rely on the school security to protect anything of value that belonged to me. Just my $.02

LOL...and then there are always stories like that. Truth is, there is no place 100% secure....IMHO. At least they didn't get his gun out of the car.

[karder]

I agree with you about not leaving a high-end pistol in my car. If you want something that is cheap enough that you can live with the possible of it falling victim to a smash and grab, you might think about Rossi. I personally have never owned one, but I have friends that have them and they seem to be ok. If it were me, I would get a Ruger sp101 or an LCR and try to hide it well, as you described in your OP. I like Ruger a lot, and while they are cheaper than S&W, they still are more expensive by a bit than some others. Another option might be Charter Arms. They have a pretty good selection and seem ok, but once again, I have never owned one personally.

[mrvmax]

As an NRA member I get $1000 in coverage anyway so I do not care what I leave in my vehicle. Any handgun I own is under 1000 so I could get it replaced if it si stolen.

[KC5AV]

I was going to UofH back in 2000 or so. Walking through the parking lot on the way into the building one day, I saw a car sitting on blocks. This was 10am. No one saw much from what I heard, but a van pulled up, jacked the car up and took the rims and tires and left it on cinder blocks. I would not rely on the school security to protect anything of value that belonged to me. Just my $.02

That sounds like someone got their rims repossessed.

[surprise_i'm_armed]

KC5AV:
An interesting note on "rims repossessed" is that some
of the places that sell "dubs" (fancy aftermarket wheels)
secretly put some kind of GPS or RFID (Radio Frequency
Identification) devices on the inside of these wheels.

If the owner stops making payment on the wheels, the wheel
repo guys know where the wheels are so they can go repo them.

SIA

[Keith B]

I was going to UofH back in 2000 or so. Walking through the parking lot on the way into the building one day, I saw a car sitting on blocks. This was 10am. No one saw much from what I heard, but a van pulled up, jacked the car up and took the rims and tires and left it on cinder blocks. I would not rely on the school security to protect anything of value that belonged to me. Just my $.02

That sounds like someone got their rims repossessed.

Moral of the story: Don't hide your gun in your rims.

[03Lightningrocks]

[wgoforth]

That sounds like someone got their rims repossessed.[/quote]

Same thing happens when you don't pay your exorcist!

BTW, kelly says "Howdy"

[wgoforth]

Btw, agree with the High Points. Ugly guns, feel like bricks (very top heavy) but seem to shoot well. Most pawn shops carry them. One in Abilene had signs at Xmas advertising 2 of them for $200.