Secure bed storage for long guns

When I go shooting sometimes we'll get beers afterwards and I throw my gun case in the back seat. I don't feel great about that security wise already, add in that my wife isn't loving me potentially getting lead from the gun cases onto our kids car seat (which I wipe down afterwards but still).

As an alternative I was thinking of either getting a lockable metal saddle toolbox for the truck bed, or getting a tonneau and a pelican cargo box to attach to the bed rails.

Anyone have a good lockable bed storage setup? My hunting rifle is 42"

 

My neighbor down the road is struggling with a similar security dilemma using his Tacoma as his gun range vehicle and is just about ready to sell the truck and get a 4 Runner.

 

if storing in the bed, I would absolutely want some form of cover. While no cover is water tight, it will drastically reduce water, dust, sun and obviously hide what's in there from passing eyes. The tri folds I have experienced sit in the box opening, and our Tacoma's box is already shallow (think hard to fit a 40-60 quart cooler in, on top of a mat and close the cover).
You could get a cover and lock the hard case to the bed hoop with a cable lock.
While I rarely stop anywhere from a range trip, IF I do have to, I make sure there is nothing in the cab to alert thieves there's more goodies in the bed. Of course choosing a better (while none are truly safe) neighborhood and park where I can see my truck,, but I would be in and out, not eating/drinking.

In the end: I think a cover is a must, if you are storing in the bed. I would not rely on a lock alone, and I don't want dust and rain on my gear. I hunt and take range trips often, and opted to get a fiberglass topper.

oh, also a tailgate lock is a must too,, unless you want to fiddle with that key, at which point you are alerting those looking out.

GL

 

A friend of mine uses a Decked drawer setup for this purpose and has sold me on the idea of drawers. Depending on the size of your case, you may be able to load it in directly.