Vehicle Carry with the G-Code OSH RTI

Recently, I was approached by a new CHL holder and asked how I carried in the car.  She mentioned that she wanted to have a way to access her gun faster if she needed it in an emergency.  When I asked the details of her typical in-car trip, she carried in her purse, which was typically either on the passenger side seat or floor.  My first thought was that I carry in the car the same as in any other situation…. either IWB or OWB, depending on what I am wearing that particular day.  I know several trainers and industry folks (cough cough Brandon) that swear by AIWB and it’s merits for in-car quick access by tucking the lap belt behind your pistol. 

Problem is, no matter how much I want to love AIWB, I just can’t get with it.  I have no problem with the muzzle pointing at my nether region, it’s the fact that said muzzle digs into my inner thigh the moment I sit down and become insanely uncomfortable for me.   So her random question more or less had me questioning my own method of carry and how I would run a setup in car for fast access.

After a little thought, I responded to her asking if she wanted something that clamps on or if she would mind drilling a few small retention holes in the dash.  When she responded the latter, I pretty much instantly recommended G-Code.  If you aren’t familiar with what Scott, Jesse, and the guys there are doing, do yourself a favor and check out their product line.  The first word that comes to mind when I think of their gear is versatility.  If they didn’t invent kydex modular holster design, they surely perfected it.  It truly is an à la carte system for their rigs.  You can essentially pick the type of holster (of many), how you want to carry (paddle, belt slide, etc) and literally have TONS of configurations that you can come up with.  That said, their gear is extremely well built and also affordable.

G-Code OSH RTI

We here at Monderno are big fans of G-Code.  I was fortunate enough to spend some time with them on a few occasions at SHOT this year.  Having worked in the kydex industry, we had a lot to talk about and I was excited to hear what they had brewing for 2013.  When I shot Jesse a text to ask his opinion on my friend’s car carry dilemma, he confirmed what I had already told her.  Left hand OSH (Operational Series Holster) mounted via RTI (Rapid Transition Interface) wheel.  Simple.  Effective.  Brilliant minds think alike apparently.   A week later she sent me a text showing me the setup for her XD mounted in her car.  Needless to say, she was thrilled with the setup, how easy it was to install, and how well it works.  I have to admit, I was a little jealous.  Another text to Jesse and a few days later a box of awesome arrived at my doorstep from Jacksonville, NC.

For my setup, I also chose a couple of lefty OSH rigs as well, one for my Glock 19 and one for my Glock 19 with INFORCE APL, which I often carry.  Being right handed, the lefty OSH will mount on the left side of my vehicle’s center console and offer perfect placement for rapid access just low and right of my hand placement on the wheel.  The OSH holster is built in a taco-style one-piece design with 2 rivets.  It is made from beefy .125 kydex and offers end-user retention adjustability.  G-Code doesn’t believe on dictating what your retention is when you get your holster as some companies like to.  Unless you have a heat gun and a rudimentary knowledge of how to manipulate kydex, you are stuck with the retention how you received it.  No such problem with G-Code holsters.

Glock 19, G-Code OSH RTI

My GMC Yukon install (pictured) was pretty straightforward and literally took about 10 minutes.  It consisted of finding the best placement (flat surface) of the RTI wheel, marking the holes, and drilling them out.  To mount the wheel I used 12 x 5/8 screws.  Eventually I will pull apart the dash panels and mount some screws and Loctite a lock nut down.  As of right now, the screws are holding tight after six weeks of daily use.  I did the same setup in my wife’s Honda Odyssey but it was not quite as easy with the curves of the center console on the dash.  I ended up mounting it horizontally between the steering column and the center console.  Accessibility is the same as the vertical placement in my Yukon and just as easy to draw.

The beauty of mounting the RTI wheels in multiple vehicles is that the OSH locks into the wheel, yet a simple release of the lock on the side of the wheel lets you slide out the holster for quick removal.  Whatever vehicle I am driving that day (yes, I do occasionally take the minivan, give me a break I have 3 kids…. so ManCard intact), I can quickly snap the OSH holster in place, lock it down and I am good to go.

By that same rationale, you can easily pop the holster out and throw it in the glove box and all you would see is a round disk mounted under the console, which doesn’t scream “gun in car”.  Obviously, you want to check with your state’s in car carry laws as they vary from state to state about firearm transport specifications.  I can tell you that this system works extremely well and provides very fast access in case you need it to your pistol.  At the time of writing, the OSH/RTI runs $48.95 and the RTI wheel is $26.95.  G-Code offers an extensive gun availability list as well.  If you are interested in a fast access, easy to install system for carry carry, definitely give this G-Code setup a look.