Temperatures in Texas can get quite hot, and in an enclosed space like a car or truck, it’s common for interior temperatures to get as high as 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Since extreme temperatures can affect guns and ammo, many gun owners end up wondering whether it’s a good idea to leave these in a vehicle. Before you store your guns or ammo in a hot car, here are a few things you need to know, brought to you by the firearms safety education professionals from Online Texas LTC, a premier provider of Texas concealed carry online courses.
High Temperatures Don’t Directly Harm Guns
The first thing to clear up is the myth that high temperatures hurt guns. Guns themselves are remarkably sturdy. They’re meant to stand up to the heat and pressure of firing ammo, so they won’t be harmed by the level of heat generated in a car. You don’t have to worry about things like metal warping or trigger mechanisms locking up.
Ammunition Can Be Damaged in a Hot Car
Storing ammo in a car isn’t likely to set it off. Bullets have to get up to around 400 degrees before they start spontaneously discharging. However, even though your ammo isn’t likely to be set off, it can still be damaged by high heat. Once temperatures reach around 150 degrees, which is about the temperature in a car’s trunk during summer, although unlikely, the propellant in your ammo can be damaged. This could keep ammo from igniting properly when you fire the gun.
Extreme Humidity Is Another Issue to Look Out For
When the temperatures get high, heat itself isn’t the only thing you have to worry about. Generally, higher temperatures are accompanied by higher humidity, which can cause damage in a few different ways. Humidity can make a gun rust if it isn’t stainless steel.
Normal Laws about Gun Storage Still Apply
A final word of caution about leaving guns and ammo in your car: gun storage laws still apply. If you have a license to carry a gun, you can keep the gun on your person at any time. However, when you’re leaving it unattended in the vehicle, the gun must be secured and concealed from plain view. This means it’s a good idea to put your gun in a glove box, under the seat, or somewhere else a person walking by your car can’t see it. You’ll also want to make sure the firearm is secured to prevent possible theft. Placing the gun inside the glove box will make it hidden but won’t prevent it from being taken by someone who shouldn’t have access to it.
Everyone who owns or carries firearms should have thorough training in the proper procedures for handling and storing guns and ammunition safely. Online Texas LTC is committed to providing the best firearms training available. Whether you want to take a Texas LTC class or you simply want to learn how to shoot and handle a gun safely, Online Texas LTC has everything you need. Give us a call today at 512-675-2124.
