[Dorrin79]

Finally got my new truck (a 2003 Ranger Edge).

That, of course, means it's time to get a "truck gun" (yeah, I know, any excuse will do)

I want something cheap (and I mean cheap, like under $150), light, small, and hard-hitting.

I was thinking about a Mosin-Nagant M44 carbine.

Any thoughts?

[Soap]

If you're patient, you can find people who sell their old .30/30s cheap after deer season. I've seen good ones as low as $175. Whenever I get rid of my Mercedes (already boring...and not my style), I'm going to get an F-150 Supercrew and a Marlin 1894P in fo-tee-fo mag.

[Okiecruffler]

That M44 do look good in a gun rack, you could get a 91 or a 91/30, but they'd have to stick out the window a bit.

[bad_dad_brad]

A 20" lever action Winchester Ranger 94 in .30-30, is I think, the perfect truck (or trunk) gun. Robust, accurate, handy, hard hitting, politicaly correct, and surprisingly ergonomic for a design over 100 years old.

New ones are cheap ($300) but you can probably find a used one in your price range if you are patient. Used 94's are practically indestructable, even when abused. A little gun scrubber, and some CLP, and they work as brand new.

[Navy joe]

Nagant and a bag o' stripper clips, that's a truck gun. Love mine.

The upgrade for when you get a real truck is a M-1 Garand and 4 bandoliers of enbloc.

The truck gun du jour was a 870 police with a full tube and sidesaddle tossed on the backseat of my GMC 3500 dually.

[HIPOWER]

An SKS or a Mini-14 would make a fine truck gun.
I use an SKS. Good luck.

[firestar]

I think the M-44 was made to be a truck gun. I have an M-44 but no truck so it is just my beater gun for now. I hate to be a cliche but I want to get a truck for hauling stuff. It would be for use and not for looks.

[CZ 75 BD]

will be my truck gun. Looking for a "roof rack" or shelf for out-of-sight carry.:cool:

[Turk]

I'm not a big fan of AK/SKS types but I think the SKS is the perfect truck gun for the following reasons.

Rifle and Ammo is cheap.
If the truck is stolen you don't loose a lot of money

Semi-Auto firing

Stripper clip loading.

7.62x39mm is better than any pistol round. I believe if you know you're going to a gun fight take a rifle.

The SKS is pretty quick handling especially a para model.

My first choice is the Colt SP1 but I'd hate to lose it if stolen.

Forget the gun rack carry it behind the seat if legal.

Turk

[Forseti]

This looks like an interesting truck gun from Keltec...mostly because it folds in half legally.

http://www.kel-tec.com/pr04.htm

.223 caliber, the handguards become the bipod if you are firing from prone. Magazines can be stored in the stock. Uses standard AR15 mags.

Of course, it has not been released yet (I think) so I don't have any practical experience with the gun. I have no idea if it is a good shooter or not. But the design is interesting
.
http://www.kel-tec.com/images/SU-163viewsmergedsmaller.jpg

[Dorrin79]

interesting replies...

a lever thutty-thutty would be a good choice, but I don't know if I want to spend that kind of money (I know, I'm a cheapskake)

SKS is a good choice... but I've already got one (and half the point of this is getting a new gun! :evil: )

I definitely don't want a shotty for this purpose - too short-range

The SU-16 would be cool, but it'll probably be too pricey for what I'm wanting - and I don't particularly want to be a Kel-Tec guinea pig if the SU-16 turns out to be not-so-good

I think I'm still leaning towards the M44...

which means I need to open a new thread.

[Smoke]

If you opt out of the Win 94 30-30....

Then NEF 45-70

[Dr.Rob]

I'd vote for a Marlin 336 .30-30, but then I'm a traditionalist.

[john l]

I would get something that I could manipulate in a hurry, since truck gun implies needing a gun quickly-or semi quickly.
I would consider if you are a lever gun guy to get one of those or if all you shoot are autos then consider a cheapy thumbhole stock chinese AK 47,(used) they are as reliable as all the other AKs, and cheaper than the SAR 1's ( @ $360 ) and mags can be found in 5-10-20-30-40 round versions.
JohnL

[Art Eatman]

Everybody's got their own notions, but "truck gun" to me means in part that the incidental dings and scratches don't matter, and that what is really important is that the sights can't easily be knocked off sight-in. And, of course, relatively light and short for ease of handling...

:), Art

[RustyHammer]

I like the ole .357 revolver and lever gun combo .... but switch off with others from time to time. A box or two of JHP shared between the two is a handy thing. However,

Within your price range, I'd go with a used 30/30 lever gun ...

[blackrazor]

Nothing, but nothing screams truck gun more than a Winchester 30-30.

[Matthew_Q]

Why not an Enfield #5? Or maybe one of the Gibbs remakes in .308?

Handy little rifle, mucho power...

or heck, an M1 Carbine with a folding stock... light, compact, decent power for a small package...

[Dorrin79]

a lot of these are great ideas, but I'm trying to stick to a price of <150$

Is it possible to get a level 30-30 for that low? If so, that would be pretty much the ideal choice...

[pinetree64]

Why not a Yugo Mauser? Personally, I have a short 20g O/U riding in my truck as well as a Kimber 45 with me.

[yesterdaysyouth]

if you can find an old sears and roebuck 30-30 copy it would probally be in your price range...

[Shalako]

My future father-in-law has the perfect truck gun. (It may even satisfy Art's criteria above.) It is a sporterized Persian Mauser carbine in 8mm with peep sights. The controlled round feeding, Mauser durability, and shorter barrel would make one heck of a handy 'truck gun'.

But is it a big enough caliber to take a truck with?? Hmmm...

[dude]

I would use a sporter-ized shorty SKS like the Navy Arms 'Cowboy Companion'(like the one in my safe).


...........if I was not already using my IMI pump-action .357 Timberwolf rifle!

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

last month I took posession of my inheritance from my grandfather- a 1969 Frod F100 that has a mere 60k miles and is strictly business- AM radio (no pushbuttons- there was no 'delete option' radio) add-on air conditioning made in Foat Wuth, Texas, automatic, power steering and non-power brakes. He used to keep a Benjamin .177 pump behind the seatback. Now that it's mine, it'll have a M44. I doubt I want one that starts out as nice as the Polski M44 I bought my wife; instead I'll probably get a Russian, maybe a Romanian or Hungarian. It'll just come down to who throws in the most goodies with it when I get it.

Any which way, I'm way under a C note. Leaves more money for surplus ammo.

Regards,
Rabbit.

[Nightcrawler]

I would use a sporter-ized shorty SKS like the Navy Arms 'Cowboy Companion'(like the one in my safe).

Navy Arms doesn't list any SKS on their website. What's it like?

[dude]

Navy Arms has not sold them for many moons.

What they are is a standard chi-comm milled/threaded SKS (mine is actually a sino-soviet!!) that was shortened by 4 inches and they installed a 3/8s-ish scope rail vertically on the reciever LH side just below the dust cover. The way to notice them is the rail and small cut-out in the stock that goes around the rail. This cut out was for a custom scope rail that would slide on to the rail from the back. I have neve seen any of the scope mounts in over 10 years of looking (not very hard).

........I would like one though!!

[TallPine]

A truck gun is definitely a necessity. Any of the choices mentioned here will work, but I would lean toward a 30-30 Winchester 94 or Marlin 336.

But there are other items that you need to consider, before your truck is complete:

1) Truck dog: most any breed will do, as long as it is big, and has a good sense of balance so that it will not fall out of the bed. (In Montana, it is a misdemeanor to drive a pickup down Main Street without a dog in back, though not always enforced).

2) Truck rack: some kind of wood or metal rack to protect the cab and tie thiings onto.

3) Truck jack: you need a 4' long "hi-lift' style jack in case you have a flat or get stuck in the mud. Best way to carry is standing up in a front corner of the bed tied to the truck rack.

4) Truck twine: several hundred yards of used orange baling twine; use a piece to tie your truck jack to the truck rack.

5) Truck stuff: the floor of your pickup bed should not be visible. So you need some of the following items to cover it: log chains, spare tire (flat), tire chains, truck twine, scrap lumber, spare gas can (empty), hay bale, and several dozen empty aluminum cans. None of this stuff should be actually findable if you were to need it.

6) Truck dirt: Requires a number of consecutive weekends of NOT washing your truck. You are allowed to hose it off once a year or whenever the mud under the fenders starts rubbing on the tires.

7) Truck dents: Similar to showing off scars at hunting camp. You should obtain these honestly, but if you are the perfidious sort you can install some with a hammer.

8) Truck door: Should be a different color than the rest of the truck. Go to a junkyard and see if you can trade doors with them. Might even find one with pre-installed dents.


I've probably missed some, but these are a good start.

If you're not willing to obtain all these truck items, then you should sell your truck and get a Volvo. :D

[The Silver Bullet 1719]

MN M-44 since you can't really beat the $75 price tag. Only bad thing is many of the stripper clips are crap except for the actual military ones, and I still haven't found any of them yet.

[Ikari]

Another vote for the SKS.

-cheap gun ($150-$200)
-cheap ammo
-Quick reloads w/ stripper clips
-ballistically similar to 30-30 (good for anything you may need a truck gun for)
-semi-automatic
-rock-solid reliable (at least mine has been).

[Mannlicher]

I never understood the concept in buying 'cheap'. For me, a truck rifle is for defending myself. I won't skimp on quality when that is the goal.

Now that does not mean I am against a bargain, a quality rifle that you can find at a good price. I guess to me, 'cheap' means poor quality.

[greg531mi]

I have a Israeli Mauser in 308, a Enfield 308, a 30 Carbine, a Enfield #5, a single shot 12 gauge shotgun, and a couple of Marlin 22's, all would be great truck guns, but all I can have in Michigan, legally, is handguns. Figure that out????

[TABING]

I got me a Enfield Mk4 No.2, toughest rifle around, ten round mag, stripper clips, great iron sights, $110.00. can't beat it. Picking up my new Toyota Tacoma when I return from the Gulf in June.

[Sven]

M1 Carbine with soft-points.

[Redlg155]

If you get a M44, I'd suggest in getting some Non Corrosive ammo for it just for truck use. Wolff is pretty reasonable at about $4 a box.

It would be a pain to have to clean after sniping at some coyotes or whatnot. No worries with non corrosive.

Good Shooting
Red

[DFBonnett]

"I was thinking about a Mosin-Nagant M44 carbine."

Perfect ! But of course since I live in Nazi Jersey this response is pure speculation.

[natedog]

Mini 14 or M1 Carbine screem "truck gun" at the top of there lungs. Perhaps a used .44 Mag Ruger Deerfield Carbine?

[Sven]

Now, if you lived in areas where there are a lot of wide open spaces, then you may want to kick it up a notch and keep a Garand, or M14-style rifle - with a beat up wood stock and everything. THAT would be kickbutt.

[Dave Markowitz]

Model 1938 or 1891/59 Mosin.

The advantage they'd have over a Model 1944 is that the '44s often shoot to the side with the bayonet folded. The 1938s and 91/59s don't have the bayonet.

[tlnzz]

My vote goes for the SKS also. Been carrying one around for years. Not much value at risk and it sure can throw some lead. :what:

[Johnny Guest]

- - -And a new truck surely deserves a proper truck gun. ;)

Believe me, I can understand being on a rather tight budget. Please don't be too irritated with the members who keep on suggesting guns which are 'way out of your price range. It is your choice and your money. Besides, you can always upgrade as funds are available.

Most of the suggestions above are pretty viable. My choices - - -

A .30-30 lever gun. Be patient and not too picky as to exterior condition, and you'll probably find something.

The SKS is a GREAT TG, but the prices have really gone up in past few years. Look around.

The NEF Handi-Rifle, in .243, .223, .30-30, or the like. One which has seen some hard use might well fall under $150

Southern Ohio Guns is selling the No. 5 Enfield Jungle Carbines for $159 - -I know, a LITTLE high, esp with shiping, but a superlative TG.

Any of the full length SMLEs-- I like the No. 4 rifles, because of the aperture sights.

I'm not personally fond of the M44 Moisin Nagants, due to the incredibly clumsy safety, but there's no denying the power and compactness of the carbine.

Best of luck to you.
Johnny

[Bostonterrier97]

Lee Enfield Tanker

http://www.geocities.com/enfieldtrainers/Bulldog1.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/enfieldtrainers/Bulldog2.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/enfieldtrainers/Bulldog3.jpg

As you can see it is a rather short rifle..it fires a full powered cartridge and as a result is more powerful than the SKS

[Ky Larry]

Since I do most of my travel in the city, my truck gun is a Winchester 1300 pump shotgun. I have altenating loads of #00 buck shot and slugs. Not too many 4-legged coyotes in town but a lot of the two-leg variety. If I needed a rifle, I would probably choose a SKS. They seem very reliable and not too expensive. Remember, effective gun control means hitting what you shoot at.

[AZLibertarian]

I saw "Truck Gun", and thought this was what you guys were talking about...(I hope I can get this picture to post here).


http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/com.hp.HPAlbumPict?com=us&awp=albumshow.html&album_id=2741937&RefreshRandom=0.6811647268840265


This is the 30mm chin gun off an AH-64 mounted on a HUMVV. I don't think the Army bought it, but it's a cool idea anyway.

[AZLibertarian]

Oops, let me try again.

http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/com.hp.HPAlbumPict?com=us&awp=albumshow.html&album_id=2741937&RefreshRandom=0.6811647268840265

[AZLibertarian]

OK, still having trouble getting this to post to the public. I'll try...http://www.msnusers.com/AZLibertariansPics/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=1

[AZLibertarian]

You know what....learning how to get my picture uploaded is just too hard for me today. I've got to move on. Sorry about the multiple attempts.:(

[RustyHammer]

I switch up ... depending upon where I'm headed, my mood or whatever.

In the "rotation" is a 12 Ga. shotgun (got used) w/ various type shells, a Marlin 30/30 lever gun (got used), an SAR-1, and a .357 lever gun (got used). Hunting bags w/ ammo, blade, flash light, etc. --> matched to each long gun. (Sounds like I lot, but hey, I have two trucks and an SUV.)

I always have a .357 or .45 ACP along with me as well.

Rusty

[pinetree64]

Shouldn't it be truck gunS? I'd get the M44 or M38 & 91/59 if bayonets illegal. They are inexpensive guns that are cheap to shoot. If you prefer a semi-auto the Yugo SKS are a good bargin.

My current truck gun is Mauser M48 but I plan on buy a 91/30 and a 91/59.

tjg

[Futo Inu]

The Kel TEc SU16 is interesting. I hear from a guy who went to SHOT that his only complaint with it was that for the tool which is required to take the gun down in half, there is no built-in holder already on the gun to hold this tool. My truck gun is a pistol. It fits in the truck safe. 'Course, the purpose of the truck gun is all-important. For me it's just self-defense. For others, it may be an opportunistic hunting situation, or varmint control, for you country mices.

[hboy35]

do you want a truck gun for personal defense on the road or for plinking at ranch rodents? If it is a personal defense weapon, shotguns are cheap (you said no scatterguns). I picked up an M44 here in Austin at a shop for $50. Bore cleaned up good and stock has some dings. Kicks pretty good too. However, for a personal defense weapon in my vehicle, I opt for a NEF 12 guage breechloader shortened to a 18" barrel. Think about how fast you may need to pull it from behind the seat and load it. With practice, a stripper clip loading is good. For personal defense, I dont need accuracy to 50yds. I would have a hard time defending myself in court saying I shot someone at 50yds in self defense.
If you want a cheap m44 in Austin go to Austin Guns off Ginger street behind the porno place on I35. Cant beat it.