Car Holsters Guide - What are the Best Car Holsters?

If you’re looking for the best car gun holsters, chances are you’re trying to solve one of two problems: either you want fast, safe access to your firearm while driving, or you need a secure holster setup that prevents printing, discomfort, or weapon shifting while seated. In either case, not all holsters are made equal when it comes to vehicle carry.

To make your decision easier, we’ve reviewed the top-performing holsters designed for inside-vehicle use, focusing on retention, accessibility, mounting options, and driver comfort. Whether you're law enforcement, a rideshare driver, or simply carry daily for personal protection, this list is tailored to your real-world needs.

Here are the best car gun holsters available right now:

  • ShapeShift Modular Holsters + Dock Mount System
  • Rapid Force Duty Holster + QDS Mount  
  • Cloak Mod OWB Paddle Holster  
  • GunMount Vehicle Holster Mount Kit  
  • Vorn Vehicle Holster System  

In this guide, we’ll walk through what makes a great car holster, and which models offer the best balance between security, draw speed, and comfort behind the wheel. Spoiler: Alien Gear Holsters earns top marks in multiple categories—and for good reason.

Holster Model Mounting System Retention Level Compatibility Notable Features
ShapeShift Modular Holster + Dock Mount Dock mount attaches to console, dash, seat base, etc. Adjustable retention Multiple firearm models via modular shell system Highly modular system with IWB, OWB, and car mount compatibility
Rapid Force Duty Holster + QDS Mount Quick Disconnect System (QDS) for professional-grade mounting Level II or III retention Designed for full-size pistols, with or without lights/optics Fast mounting/dismounting; favored by law enforcement for vehicle transitions
Cloak Mod OWB Paddle Holster Paddle or belt slide attachment; suitable for quick car use Adjustable retention Custom-molded for most handguns Easy on/off capability makes it ideal for drivers who prefer to remove when exiting
GunMount Vehicle Holster Mount Kit Under steering column using hooks and stabilizing straps Depends on user’s holster; universal mounting Compatible with most 3-hole-pattern holsters  Non-permanent installation; lets you keep your preferred holster system
Vorn Vehicle Holster System Strap or mount to car seat side or console Adjustable retention (depends on model) Fits a variety of full-size and compact pistols Minimalist footprint; good for stealth placement with tactical accessibility


1. ShapeShift Modular Holsters with Dock Mount System

Alien Gear Holsters' ShapeShift Modular Holster paired with the Dock Mount System offers a versatile solution for vehicle carry. This system allows you to securely mount your holster within the car, ensuring your firearm remains accessible yet discreet.

The modular design enables users to shift the holster between various carry positions, addressing the pain point of transitioning from vehicle to on-foot carry without the need for multiple holsters.

2. Rapid Force Duty Holster with Quick Disconnect System (QDS) Mount

Designed for law enforcement and security professionals, the Rapid Force Duty Holster combined with the QDS Mount provides a robust vehicle carry option.

This setup ensures that the firearm is securely retained, addressing concerns about weapon stability during sudden stops or turns. The QDS allows for quick attachment and detachment, catering to users who require swift transitions between vehicle and duty carry.

3. Cloak Mod OWB Paddle Holster

The Cloak Mod OWB Paddle Holster by Alien Gear Holsters is known for its adaptability and comfort. While primarily an outside-the-waistband holster, its design allows for easy placement and removal, making it suitable for drivers who prefer to holster their firearm upon entering the vehicle and remove it when exiting.

This addresses the discomfort some users feel when carrying inside the waistband during prolonged periods of sitting.

4. GunMount Vehicle Holster Mount Kit

The GunMount Vehicle Holster Mount Kit offers a straightforward installation process, allowing users to mount their existing holster within the vehicle. This system caters to those who have a preferred holster but seek a method to securely attach it inside the car, addressing the challenge of maintaining consistent carry equipment across different environments.

5. Vorn Vehicle Holster System

The Vorn Vehicle Holster System is designed for drivers seeking a minimalist yet secure method to store their firearm while driving. Its design ensures that the weapon remains concealed and accessible, mitigating concerns about visibility to passengers or potential theft during stops.

What are the Types of Car Holsters?

When searching for the best car gun holsters, understanding the types available is key. Different mounting styles serve different needs—some prioritize fast access, while others focus on comfort or concealment.

Most vehicle holster systems fall into two main categories: hard-mounted holsters and strap-mounted holsters.

1. Hard-Mounted Car Holsters

Hard-mounted car gun holsters are either:

  • A rigid mount platform that works with a compatible holster, or

  • A dedicated holster designed to be permanently or semi-permanently mounted inside your vehicle (e.g., on the center console, dash, or under the seat).

Why Hard-Mounts Work

This type of holster setup is ideal for drivers who want:

  • Quick access to their firearm while seated

  • Secure retention to prevent weapon shifting during sharp turns or sudden stops

  • A fixed draw angle to build muscle memory

These systems often pair with modular platforms—such as Alien Gear’s ShapeShift Dock—allowing you to remove your IWB or OWB holster from your body and dock it to the car mount when driving. This improves comfort and reduces printing, especially for people carrying appendix, strong-side IWB, or small-of-the-back.

For users carrying full-size pistols or duty firearms, a QDS (Quick Disconnect System) like Alien Gear's Rapid Force mount allows seamless transition from car to carry with no reholstering required.

2. Strap-Mounted Vehicle Holsters

Strap-mounted holsters offer a simpler, more universal method for carrying inside your car. These systems use adjustable nylon straps, clips, or hooks to secure a soft holster to a vehicle seat, steering column, or center console.

How They Work

You attach the straps above and below your chosen mounting point (usually the seat back or front), then tighten the system to create tension. The holster stays in place through friction and strap pressure—not hard hardware.

Pros and Cons

  • Advantages:

    • Universally compatible

    • Easy to install and remove

    • No need to modify your vehicle

  • Limitations:

    • Typically uses generic nylon pouches with limited retention

    • May not accommodate optics, lights, or larger frame pistols

    • May shift or sag without a strong anchor point

Most strap-mounted systems include a thumb-break retention strap, offering at least basic trigger protection and draw security. However, retention levels are usually lower than molded or hard-mounted holsters.

Which Car Holster Type Is Best?

The answer depends on your priorities:

  • Want fast, consistent access in a high-retention system? Choose a hard-mounted holster, especially one compatible with your EDC holster setup.

  • Need a low-cost, no-drill solution? Strap-mounted systems work well for part-time or backup carry inside a vehicle.

The best car gun holsters are those that balance safety, comfort, retention, and speed—all while adapting to your vehicle’s layout and your carry habits.

There Are Also Gun Safes For The Car

There are also a number of gun safes for use in cars, including gun vaults that are installed in the cabin or the trunk should one desire.

These also vary in design. Some portable gun safe designs are little more than a small lock box. A few of these designs also include a tether cable to secure the box to an interior component; under the driver or passenger seat is a common location for such gun safes to be deployed.

Gun vaults for the car can require installation, though it depends on the precise design. Some are designed to drop into the center console without issue. Others may require a bit of custom work to fit in the appropriate location.

Though these are certainly a good place to store a pistol or long gun (with the appropriate size of gun safe) or other valuables whilst outside of the vehicle, they can also be difficult to access quickly. In any situation where you may have to USE your gun, every instant counts, which such storage systems may cross purposes to in some instances.

How to Pick A Car Holster?

The number of Americans choosing to carry a firearm in their vehicle continues to climb alongside the expansion of concealed carry laws. According to Verified Market Research, the global gun holster market—which includes vehicle-mounted holsters—was worth $1.82 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $2.89 billion by 2031, with a 5.5% annual growth rate. As more drivers arm themselves for personal protection, the demand for car holsters that balance accessibility, comfort, and retention is growing fast.

Here’s how to evaluate the best car gun holster for your setup:

Mounting Access: You Shouldn’t Struggle to Reach It

Most complaints about in-vehicle carry stem from one issue: the draw angle. Trying to access a firearm from an IWB holster while belted into the driver’s seat creates a slow, awkward situation—especially for appendix and behind-the-hip carriers.

Mounting Solutions That Work:

  • Steering column mounts or under-dash holster docks

  • Center console or seat-base mounts

  • Paddle holsters worn OWB that allow quick removal and transition

The best car gun holsters offer placement that lets you draw efficiently from a seated position—without twisting, leaning, or interfering with the seat belt.

Retention and Trigger Coverage: No Compromises Here

Retention isn’t optional in a vehicle. Your holster must hold the gun firmly—over bumps, turns, or sudden stops. Just as important is full trigger guard protection, especially if you carry chambered.

Key retention details to look for:

  • Passive retention plus optional thumb release (Level II)

  • Adjustable retention screws or pressure plates

  • Holster shells molded specifically for your firearm make/model

Strap-mounted nylon holsters often fall short here, while hard-mount systems like Alien Gear’s ShapeShift and Rapid Force Duty holsters offer adjustable retention and secure mounting platforms with law enforcement-level build quality.

Holster Compatibility With EDC Setup

Switching between your carry rig and a completely different vehicle holster can cause delays and introduce risk. The best car holster will integrate with your existing carry setup, letting you dock and undock your EDC holster quickly.

Modular systems reduce gear changes and training inconsistencies.

  • Compatible with IWB and OWB holsters

  • Accepts firearms with optics, lights, or threaded barrels

  • Offers both left-hand and right-hand configurations

This is where Alien Gear’s modular ecosystem stands out—ShapeShift shells are designed to move fluidly between belt, bag, and vehicle dock, preserving muscle memory and draw consistency.

Fit for Your Vehicle Interior

Not all holsters fit all vehicle types. SUVs may offer more under-seat space, while compact cars may need steering-column mounting. Legal compliance also plays a role—some states prohibit open display of firearms in cars, even if holstered.

Match the holster to:

  • Available mounting space (under seat, dash, console)

  • Visibility restrictions in your state or county

  • Preferred draw hand and draw angle

Universal-fit holsters with strap systems are more forgiving in tight spaces, but they may lack retention and support for accessories. Hard-mounted holsters offer more secure placement, but may require minor installation or surface prep.

Built-in Comfort: The Holster Should Stay Put and Out of the Way

Comfort affects carry consistency. Drivers shouldn’t have to choose between keeping a firearm within reach and being able to sit naturally. Poor holster design often leads to printing against seat fabric, digging into your thigh, or snagging on the seatbelt.

Look for features that improve in-car comfort:

  • Slim profile to minimize bulk between seats

  • Low ride height or angled mounts for natural draw

  • Padding or spacers to keep the gun away from direct contact

A Growing Market Backed by Growing Need

According to Data Insights Market, demand for car-compatible gun holsters is rising thanks to the popularity of concealed carry laws and the increased focus on vehicle-based personal defense. Gun owners want holsters that provide fast access and secure retention, whether commuting or driving long distance.

The best car holster isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about how well the system supports:

  • Fast draw from a seated position

  • Safe firearm retention in motion

  • Seamless transition between car and on-foot carry

For users who care about long-term reliability, retention, and modularity, products like the Alien Gear ShapeShift with Dock Mount or the Rapid Force Duty Holster with QDS offer real-world solutions for everyday armed driving.

Ready to Choose Your Car Holster?

While choosing "the best car holster" is partially subjective, there are certain things that aren't subjective. A car holster has to be able to safely hold your firearm. A car holster should be able to be located in a location that conceals it from view; some jurisdictions legally require any loaded firearms be hidden from view.

The best car holster has the above attributes. If you're going to have a gun in the car, those are the functions to look for.
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