Mounted Vehicle Holsters: Choosing the Right Truck or Car Holster System

Mounted Holsters for your Truck Guns!

Have a truck gun, or thinking about getting one to keep in your vehicle? A Dara Mounted Vehicle Holster provides a dedicated, firearm-specific holster that can be positioned inside a truck, car, SUV, work vehicle or other compatible mounting location.

Unlike universal vehicle holsters, magnetic mounts or generic storage systems, Dara's Mounted Holsters use a thermoformed Kydex or Boltaron holster made for the selected firearm. The system provides trigger guard coverage, adjustable retention and a consistent position for the firearm while mounted.

Dara's patented Mounted Holster System combines our firearm-specific holsters with RAM Mounts mounting components. Depending on where and how you want to install the system, you can choose between three primary mounting options:

• Flat Surface Mount – a permanent mounting option for a solid flat surface.
• Tough-Claw Mount – a removable clamp-style mounting system for compatible rails.
• Tough-Wedge Mount – a non-invasive mounting option designed to fit between a seat and center console.

Mounted Holsters are also available in light-bearing configurations and Level 2 retention configurations for supported firearm setups.

What Is a Mounted Vehicle Holster?

A mounted vehicle holster is a holster system designed to attach the holster to a fixed or semi-fixed mounting location rather than being worn directly on the body.

Dara's system starts with an actual firearm-specific holster. Instead of holding the firearm with a magnet or relying on a generic pouch to accommodate multiple handgun shapes, the holster body is formed for the firearm model selected when ordering.

The holster is then securely attached to a RAM Mount diamond plate and 1-inch poly-coated ball using stainless steel mounting hardware. The RAM ball-and-socket system allows the mounted holster to be positioned and angled for the installation location.

The result is a modular system that combines firearm-specific fit and retention with an established adjustable mounting platform.

Why Firearm-Specific Fit Matters in a Vehicle Holster

Firearms that appear similar can have important differences in trigger guard shape, frame dimensions, slide length, weapon-light configuration and other external geometry.

That's why Dara doesn't rely on one generic holster body to accommodate every handgun.

A properly selected Dara Mounted Holster is made for the firearm configuration chosen during checkout. Depending on the model, options are also available for firearms equipped with supported weapon-mounted lights and optics.

Firearm-specific construction provides several important characteristics:

• Full trigger guard coverage
• Adjustable passive retention
• A consistent location for the firearm inside the holster
• Proper clearance for the selected firearm
• Support for many optic-equipped configurations
• Light-bearing options for supported firearm and weapon-light combinations

Before ordering, always verify your exact firearm model and any accessories that affect holster fit.

Three Ways to Mount a Dara Vehicle Holster

The mounting system you choose depends primarily on where the holster will be installed and whether you want a permanent or removable installation.

1. Tough-Wedge Mounted Vehicle Holster

The Tough-Wedge Mounted Holster provides an option for drivers who don't want to drill into their vehicle and don't have a convenient exposed rail for a clamp-style mount.

The RAM Tough-Wedge is designed to fit into the space between a vehicle seat and center console. An expandable air bladder helps fill the available space and stabilize the mount.

This makes the Tough-Wedge particularly useful when permanent modification isn't desirable, including certain newer vehicles, work vehicles and leased vehicles.

Because vehicle interiors vary considerably, available space and fit should be evaluated before selecting this mounting method.

Who Should Consider the Tough-Wedge?

• Drivers who don't want to drill into the vehicle
• Vehicles without an appropriate exposed rail for a Tough-Claw
• Leased or work vehicles where permanent modification isn't desirable
• Drivers who may want to remove the mounting system later

2. Tough-Claw Mounted Vehicle Holster

The Tough-Claw Mounted Holster provides another non-permanent mounting option.

The RAM Tough-Claw clamps onto compatible rails with an outside diameter ranging from approximately 0.625 inches to 1.5 inches. This makes it useful for vehicles with an appropriate exposed rail or mounting point.

Because the Tough-Claw can be removed without permanently drilling into the mounting surface, it also provides more flexibility for users who need to reposition or transfer their mounted holster system.

Although commonly used in trucks, cars and other vehicles, the Tough-Claw system can also be attached to other compatible rail structures where appropriate.

Who Should Consider the Tough-Claw?

• Vehicles with an appropriate exposed rail
• Users who don't want to drill into a dashboard or console
• People who want a removable mounting system
• Users who may want to reposition the mount

3. Flat Surface RAM Mounted Holster

For users who want a more permanent installation, the RAM Flat Surface Mount provides a solid mounting point on a suitable flat surface.

Unlike the Tough-Wedge and Tough-Claw, this option requires drilling. The mount includes a backing plate and mounting hardware to secure the system to the selected surface.

Once installed, the RAM ball-and-socket design provides considerable flexibility for positioning the holster. The angle can be adjusted around the mounting point to accommodate the vehicle interior and user preference.

This is Dara's traditional mounted vehicle holster configuration and remains a popular option for users who want a dedicated installation.

Which Vehicle Holster Mount Should I Choose?

The simplest way to choose between the three mounting systems is to consider whether you can permanently modify the mounting location.

Mount	Installation	Best Used When
Flat Surface Mount	Permanent / drilling required	You want a dedicated mounting location on a suitable flat surface
Tough-Claw	Removable clamp	You have a compatible rail measuring approximately .625"–1.5"
Tough-Wedge	Non-invasive	You want to mount between the seat and center console without drilling

Adjustable Retention Instead of a Universal Vehicle Mount

One of the major differences between a Dara Mounted Holster and many generic vehicle firearm mounting products is the holster itself.

The Standard Mounted Vehicle Holster uses an adjustable rubber retention system. Retention can be increased or decreased using the retention hardware so the user can adjust the amount of resistance required to remove the firearm from the holster.

When the firearm is fully seated, the firearm-specific holster provides a consistent retention point rather than relying solely on magnetic attraction or friction against a universal surface.

Mounted Holsters for Firearms with Weapon Lights

A weapon-mounted light changes the dimensions of the firearm and therefore changes the holster required to accommodate it.

Dara offers a dedicated Light-Bearing Mounted Holster category for supported firearm and weapon-light combinations.

Do not order a standard non-light-bearing vehicle holster if you intend to insert the firearm with a weapon light attached. Select the exact firearm and light combination listed on the appropriate light-bearing product page.

Level 2 Retention Mounted Vehicle Holsters

For users who require an additional active retention mechanism, Dara also offers Level 2 Mounted Holsters.

These systems combine the mounted RAM platform with Dara's Level 2 retention system, which adds an active retention mechanism in addition to the adjustable passive retention of the holster.

Both standard and light-bearing Level 2 Mounted Holster configurations are available for supported firearm setups.

What Do Dara Mounted Holster Owners Say?

The Dara Mounted Vehicle Holster has accumulated dozens of customer reviews over years of use in trucks, Jeeps, cars and other mounting locations.

Mounted Vehicle Holster – Cory, April 25, 2025

"Better than expected, you would rip the dash out of my truck before this holster moved or loosened up at the mount."

Mounted Vehicle Holster – Average Joe, February 22, 2025

"Great holster, and with the vast assortment of adapters available can be installed in just about any car (or other place)!"

Truck Mounted Holster – Tom Millenkamp, July 31, 2024

"Took 5 minutes to mount and fit perfectly."

Mounted Vehicle Holster – Breck Smith, May 11, 2024

"Received holster as advertised. Easy installation."

Carbon Fiber Vehicle Mount Holster – Kevin, March 21, 2024

"Top notch perfect fit for my 1911. Very well made and looks awesome. Nice smooth retaining click."

These reviews are particularly useful because they represent different vehicles, firearms and installation experiences rather than laboratory claims made by Dara.

You can read additional owner feedback on the Mounted Vehicle Holster product page.

Where Else Can a Mounted Holster Be Installed?

Although the system is commonly referred to as a vehicle or truck holster, the RAM mounting platform allows compatible Dara Mounted Holsters to be installed in other appropriate locations.

Depending on the mounting system and installation surface, customers have used mounted holsters in locations including:

• Trucks
• Cars
• SUVs
• Jeeps
• Work vehicles
• Desks
• Nightstands and end tables
• Cabinets
• Drawers
• Closets

Always evaluate the security, accessibility and applicable laws for the location where a firearm is stored or mounted.

A Vehicle Holster Does Not Replace Safe Firearm Storage

A mounted holster provides a dedicated location for a firearm while the system is being used, but a vehicle holster should not be confused with a firearm safe or secure long-term storage system.

When leaving a firearm unattended in a vehicle, follow all applicable laws and use an appropriate secure storage method. Vehicle carry and storage laws vary by jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mounted Vehicle Holsters

What is the best way to mount a holster in a truck?

The appropriate mounting method depends on the truck and whether permanent modification is acceptable. Dara offers a Flat Surface Mount for permanent installations, a Tough-Claw for compatible rails and a Tough-Wedge for certain seat-to-console mounting locations where drilling is not desired.

Does a Dara vehicle holster fit every handgun?

No. Dara Mounted Holsters are firearm-specific rather than universal. Select the exact firearm model listed on the product page when ordering. Light-bearing firearms require a compatible light-bearing holster configuration.

Can I mount a holster in my vehicle without drilling?

Yes. Dara offers two mounting options that do not require drilling: the RAM Tough-Claw and Tough-Wedge. The Tough-Claw requires a compatible rail, while the Tough-Wedge is designed for suitable spaces between a vehicle seat and center console.

Can I get a vehicle holster for a pistol with a weapon light?

Yes. Dara offers Light-Bearing Mounted Holsters for supported firearm and weapon-light combinations. The exact firearm and light combination should be selected when ordering.

Can I get a Level 2 retention vehicle holster?

Yes. Dara offers Level 2 Mounted Holsters as well as Light-Bearing Level 2 Mounted Holsters for supported firearm configurations.

Does the Dara Mounted Vehicle Holster cover the trigger?

Yes. Dara's Mounted Vehicle Holsters use firearm-specific thermoformed holster bodies designed to provide trigger guard coverage when the correct firearm is fully seated in the holster.

Can the retention on a Dara Mounted Holster be adjusted?

Yes. The Standard Mounted Vehicle Holster uses an adjustable passive retention system that allows retention to be increased or decreased using the retention hardware.

What is the difference between the Tough-Claw and Tough-Wedge?

The Tough-Claw is a clamp-style RAM mounting system designed to attach to a compatible rail. The Tough-Wedge is designed to fit into an appropriate space between a vehicle seat and center console and uses an expandable bladder to help stabilize the mount.

Can a Dara Mounted Holster be used outside of a vehicle?

Yes. Depending on the selected RAM mounting hardware and installation location, Dara Mounted Holsters can be installed on other suitable surfaces and structures, including desks, cabinets, drawers and other compatible mounting locations.

Is a vehicle holster the same thing as a gun safe?

No. A mounted holster retains and positions the firearm but should not be considered a substitute for a locked firearm safe or other appropriate secure-storage device when a firearm is left unattended.

Choosing the Right Dara Mounted Holster

Start with your firearm rather than the mounting system.

First, determine whether you need a standard or light-bearing holster. Then determine whether you require standard adjustable retention or a Level 2 active-retention system. Finally, choose the RAM mounting option that works with your intended installation location.

Dara currently offers:

• Standard Mounted Vehicle Holsters
• Light-Bearing Mounted Holsters
• Level 2 Mounted Holsters
• Light-Bearing Level 2 Mounted Holsters

For all available systems and mounting options, visit the Dara Mounted Holster System page.

Dara Mounted Holsters are made in the USA and backed by the Dara Lifetime Warranty.