Best Magnetic Gun Mount for Car Without Screws

By Mark Foley

Retired Police Sergeant & Certified Firearms Instructor. During my 25 years in law enforcement, I learned that having a firearm accessible in a vehicle is a serious responsibility that requires a reliable, safe, and legal solution. Now, as a certified instructor, I teach responsible gun owners how to do just that. I’ve tested countless holsters and mounts, and I know what works—and what doesn’t—in the real world.

For responsible gun owners who carry a firearm for personal protection, having it safely accessible in a vehicle is a top priority. A quality magnetic gun mount offers a unique solution: it provides a stable, quickly accessible staging point without the need for a bulky holster. The challenge? Many of us are hesitant to drill permanent holes into our car’s interior. That’s where “no-screw” magnetic mounts, which rely on powerful adhesives, come into play.

But not all mounts are created equal. A weak magnet or a shoddy adhesive is not just an inconvenience; it’s a dangerous liability. This guide is a deep dive into the best no-screw magnetic mounts on the market. We’ll break down the critical features you must look for, review the top contenders, and cover the essential safety and legal considerations you cannot afford to ignore.

Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a GREAT No-Screw Gun Magnet?

Before you look at specific products, you need to know the criteria. I’ve seen mounts fail because they skimped on one of these key areas. Don’t make that mistake.

1. Raw Magnet Strength (Weight Rating)

This is the heart of the mount. The magnet needs to be powerful enough to hold your firearm securely through bumps, potholes, and sharp turns. Look for mounts that use **Neodymium magnets** (specifically N52 grade), which are the strongest commercially available. Pay close attention to the **pull force rating**, which should be at least 35 lbs, and preferably 45 lbs or more if you plan to mount a full-size pistol or a firearm with an accessory like a light.

2. Protective Coating

A bare magnet will scratch your firearm’s slide and finish. A quality mount will have a thick, soft, non-marring rubber or polymer coating. This not only protects your investment but also provides a slightly grippier surface to prevent the firearm from shifting under vibration.

3. Adhesive Quality (The “No-Screw” Secret)

This is where many mounts fail. The adhesive must create a bond as strong as a screw. The industry standard for this is **3M VHB (Very High Bond) tape**. Do not settle for anything less. However, even the best tape will fail if the surface is not properly prepared. A clean, flat, non-porous surface is essential for a secure mount. We’ll cover installation in detail later.

4. Design and Form Factor

A single, powerful magnet works, but many of the best designs use an array of smaller magnets. This can create a more stable platform that prevents the firearm from rotating or “peeling” off the magnet on a hard bump. The overall size should be compact enough to be discreetly mounted under the dash, in the center console, or on a side panel.

Top 3: Best Magnetic Gun Mounts (Adhesive Only)

Based on my experience and extensive research, these are the top contenders that meet the strict criteria for safety, reliability, and quality.

GMW Gun Magnet – Best for Heavy Pistols

• Weight Rating: 45 lbs
• Magnet Type: N52 Neodymium
• Coating: Thick Rubber
• Adhesive: 3M VHB Tape

My Take:

The GMW is a beast. With a 45-pound pull force, it instills immediate confidence. I’ve tested this with a fully loaded Glock 17 with a weapon light, and it holds firm without any wobble. The rubber coating is substantial and provides excellent protection. The design is simple but effective. For anyone wanting to mount a heavier, full-frame pistol or even a compact shotgun, this is the one I trust most. Its strength is its greatest asset.

PROS

• Exceptional magnetic strength
• Thick, high-quality protective coating
• Simple, no-fail design
• Holds a wide range of firearms securely

CONS

• Slightly bulkier than some competitors
• Requires a very flat surface for best adhesion

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RYMMES Gun Magnet Mount – Most Versatile Design

• Weight Rating: 43 lbs
• Magnet Type: N52 Neodymium Array
• Coating: Soft Rubber
• Adhesive: 3M VHB Tape

My Take:

The RYMMES mount takes a slightly different approach with its unique three-magnet array. This design does a fantastic job of preventing rotation. When you place a pistol on it, it “locks” into place more securely than on a single-point magnet. It’s perfect for compact and subcompact pistols like a Glock 43 or a Smith & Wesson Shield, where rotation can be an issue. The build quality is excellent, and it feels like a premium product. It’s a very clever and effective design.

PROS

• Unique design prevents firearm rotation
• Strong, reliable hold
• High-quality fit and finish
• Excellent for a variety of handgun sizes

CONS

• Specific placement is needed to engage all three magnets

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TACK-MAG Gun Magnet – Best Budget Option

• Weight Rating: 35 lbs
• Magnet Type: N52 Neodymium
• Coating: Rubber
• Adhesive: 3M VHB Tape

My Take:

For those on a budget who are mounting a lighter, subcompact firearm, the TACK-MAG is a solid choice. While its 35 lb rating is lower than the others, it’s more than sufficient for firearms like a Ruger LCP or a Sig P365. It includes all the essential features—N52 magnet, rubber coating, and genuine 3M tape—without any frills. It’s a testament that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a safe, basic solution for a lightweight carry gun. I wouldn’t trust it with a heavy 1911, but for its intended purpose, it works well.

PROS

• Very affordable price point
• Includes all necessary quality features
• Compact and easy to conceal
• Perfect for subcompact pistols

CONS

• Lower weight rating not ideal for heavier firearms
• Coating is thinner than premium models

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Installation Guide: How to Get a Rock-Solid Bond

A no-screw mount is only as good as its installation. Follow these steps precisely.

1. Select the Right Surface: Find a flat, smooth, non-porous surface. Hard plastics work best. Avoid textured, curved, or soft-touch dashboards, as the adhesive will not bond properly.
2. Clean, Clean, Clean: This is the most important step. Use the included alcohol prep pads to thoroughly clean the area. Then, clean it again. Any oils, dust, or residue from interior cleaners will defeat the adhesive. A clean car interior is a safe interior, which is why regular care using quality products like the **best car wash soaps for pollen** and other contaminants is so important for your vehicle’s overall condition.
3. Apply Adhesion Promoter: Most quality kits come with a small adhesion promoter wipe or pen. This is a chemical that preps the plastic to form a much stronger bond with the VHB tape. Do not skip this step.
4. Position and Press: Peel the backing from the 3M tape. Carefully position the mount and press it firmly into place. Hold it with strong, even pressure for at least 60 seconds.
5. LET IT CURE: Do not immediately mount your firearm. The adhesive needs time to cure and form its maximum bond. Wait at least 24 hours, and preferably 48-72 hours, before trusting it with any weight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will the magnet damage my firearm or my ammo?

No. The magnetic field is not strong enough to affect the function of modern ammunition or the metallurgy of your firearm.

Can I mount a rifle or shotgun?

Not with a single adhesive mount. Mounting a heavy long gun requires multiple mounts and a screw-in application for safety.

Is it safe in an accident?

This is a valid concern. In a severe collision, any loose object in a car can become a projectile. A properly installed, high-quality magnet should hold the firearm, but there are no guarantees in extreme circumstances. This is a risk you must accept versus other storage methods.

What if my interior is all curved surfaces?

If you cannot find a perfectly flat surface of at least 2×4 inches, a no-screw mount is not the right solution for your vehicle. You will need to consider a screw-in mount or a different type of holster system.

Ultimately, customizing your vehicle for your needs is part of ownership. Whether it’s adding a mount for safety, using the **best car fender covers** to protect the paint during maintenance, or installing one of the **best smart car air fresheners** for comfort, choosing quality products is key.