So a gun that was either tucked under his legs, or maybe under the seat itself, is considered in plain view even though the officer didn't see it when he first looked in the car (or he certainly would have blown a fuse then, instead of later).
Hmmm...
And only the grip was visible.
Hmmm, again.
Understand the dichotomy of "hidden in plain view" - number one violation is holstered on one's hip.