[Marcus]

I know several people who have a specific gun just for car or truck use (kept there all the time) ranging from cheap single shot shotguns to surplus bolt guns to loaded Bushmaster ARs. Seems logical enough to me,some situations call for more than a handgun. I`ve kicked the idea around but never singled one gun out for that purpose. I`m curious what you folks use,why you chose it? Right now I`m leaning toward a cheap but reliable surplus bolt gun like an Enfield or Nagant,if I ever get around to doing it at all... :) Marcus

[Mannlicher]

For me, the rifle that rides behind the pick up seat, or in the car trunk, is a Russian SKS. 10 rounds in the magazine, a box next to it with 140 more. I shoot the rifle monthly, clean it, and put it back in the car or truck when ever I leave the house.

[MarineTech]

I either carry my Marlin 1895G Guide Gun or M1 Carbine in the trunk. They're usually carried for situations in which my carry handgun (Kimber Compact) may be inadquate. Since my EAS from the Marines in 94, I have stopped for 5 animal/vehicle accidents here in Maine, and in 3 of them, the animal needed to be put down (2 deer, 1 bear). Also, either gun could be a valuable force modifier in a defense situation. 10 rounds of 45-70 or 30 rounds (2 15rnd mags. 1 mag FMJ & 1 mag JSP) of 30 carbine will definately deal with most situations. The 45-70 generally gets carried during hunting season "just in case" while the M1 Carbine is carried most other times.

[COHIBA]

i have been alternating between a HK91 and an M1 scout. i own my own biz and remove the rifle when i get to the shop and set it by my desk. i am considering buying a romanian AK and just leaving it in the trunk. cheap ammo cheap mags, ect.
being a former Marine myself i am torn betwwen that idea and just getting a cheap AR for the same role.

[Schuey2002]

I've toted my HK Sl8/G36 clone around in my truck a few times..

I put an end to that after someone tried to pry open my back window (of my Toy) one day while I was watching a Car show,fortunately they didn't make their way in.. [ It was probably a punk juvenile since he left greasy fingerprints all over my back window ]:fire:

After that, it's been retired to my house on a permanent basis..;)

[Marko Kloos]

My trunk rifle is a Steyr Mannlicher M95/34 straight-pull carbine. I use it for that purpose for several reasons:

--It's utterly expendable, at $80 rifle cost.

--It reloads very quickly from the Mannlicher en-bloc clips.

--It packs a good wallop...the 8x56R Hungarian is in the same class as the .303 British.

--It's very light and handy, albeit blessed with hefty recoil.

--The action is a straight-pull, fast to cycle and operate.

[Still Learning]

The Enfield, Nagant, AR variant, SKS, Guide Gun, M1 carbine, etc. are all excellent choices, IMO. Over the years my truck/trunk guns have ranged from pump shotguns to AR 15s. It's kind of one of those "whatever I feel like carrying at the moment" deals. I have the same habit as Marine Tech as far as modifying my everyday carry long gun during hunting season.

It is important to me to have a long gun handy at all times. Right now I'm carrying a Busmaster AR shorty. It's no better or worse than previously mentioned options as far as I'm concerned.

[Bacchus]

My vote is for a nice 870. Alternating buckshot and slugs.

[sm]

Have used when spending a lot of time in rural and farm settings:
Model 94 in 30-30
Model 70 in '06
Model 12

Just what you did, besides, never knew when one might be "going hunting." :D

Now, with having returned to college late in life, I currently don't keep a long gun...but yes there is something (s) quite handy ;)

I'm awaiting a possible purchase for something though, just have to re-think the CCW and campus laws...with things being what they are and all...

[Rusher]

I will have to go with a SKS!!
You just cant beat the price and the reliablity. I've had mine for over ten years now and I have used and abused it and even ahave neglected it for years and have just recently brought it out of the moth ball part of my closet and has not given me a problem.

Rusher

[nathan]

I go with a M44 loaded with Seller/Belliot 54R but not on the chamber. A great rifle if you see some action with Cayotes and other critters. A raccoon will explode to bits at 25 yds.

[Ed]

I'm in the process of getting a new car gun, mainly because I don't have a CCL and don't lik eleaving a pistol in my car. I might use my guide gun or 30-30 ...but I wanna buy a new one. What I need is a scabbard like on a horse but in my trunk. that would be cool.

[COHIBA]

is I keep banging around
i keep something good (AR, M1A1, HK91A2) w/ me in the trunk and it gets stolen or...
i put something expendable in the trunk (SKS, Romanian AK, 336, marlin camp) and something big goes down that keeps me from going home and getting a better rifle before i bug-out.
i know that you are gojing to say "weigh the odds" but given the current mood i feel better w/ a really good long arm handy.

[ojibweindian]

My truck gun is a Yugo M48A with 40 rounds of Romanian surplus.

Why have a truck gun? You never know when you may need a little more oomph than a handgun can give.

[Mr Jody Hudson]

I think the 12 ga. is best for me as it allows me a small selection of several kinds of ammo for most any reason from solid copper sabots, to heavy lead slugs to buckshot to trap loads... I used to carry the cruiser by Mossberg but now, I feel better with the regular stock and a little longer barrel with 9 shots.

[zxc]

somebody broke into my sled early this month--trashed the weeks worth of laundry in the trunk! Never leave guns in the vehicle; this has been my third break-in. Anybody know how to remove fingerprint powder? FL-take your car guns with you>

[triggertime]

Marlin 336 in .30-30

Why? Because its a low-key non-threatening looking urban defense rifle that's capable of doing whatever I need a trunk gun to do.

Plus, If I'm ever stopped and its discovered, its just a deer rifle. Throw in some hunting gear along with it and it would be very hard to insinuate that I was out looking for trouble.

[Betty]

I keep my crusty Mosin M44 in my pickup. It's cheap, reliable, accurate, and will definitely get the job done.

A raccoon will explode to bits at 25 yds.

See? :D

It's also got a sharp, pointy thing built in. :D

I keep 45 rounds of various soft points/ball/AP on stripper clips.

added:
I also chose the short carbine over a longer version because it's more wieldy/balanced for me. I'm only a runt and longer long guns can get wobbly when I'm shooting offhand.

[stellarpod]

My "trunk/truck" gun is a stainless synthetic-stocked Ruger Mini 14. This is NOT a ranch rifle, but the regular mini with the better, more rugged sight.

A 30-round mag and about 6 boxes of PMC brown-box rides along. I do, of course, pull the rifle into the house every night.

I couldn't ask for a better knockaround rifle.

(I do, however like the idea of a shotgun with slugs/00buck)

stellarpod

[Jack19]

I carry a rifle that doubles as a "Get Home Rifle" most of the time, alternating between an AR and an HK91; with six spare mags.

The rifle lives in a covert bag, most people think it's a keyboard of some sort....and I don't correct them....and it gets locked in a lateral file drawer when I'm in the office. At night, it comes in the house.

[Smoke]

I always carry a truck gun. You never know when one of those hybrid communist pigs is going to cross your path.

I'm not too worried about rioting hordes. SHTF is not a big concern to me. Fighting my way home is highly unlikely.

But rioting hordes of feral hogs might make me fight my way off the ranch. Crazy buggers might try to root over my pickup!

I swap guns out from WIn 94 30-30; to a N.E.F 45-70, to a Model 99 .300 Savage. With others thrown in from time to time. Most always have some shotgun varient as well.

The 45-70 is almost a constant companion. Cheap, dependable, accurate, big powder - big hole. Will knock a hog down very well, thank you.

Life in the sticks denotes a lifestyle like the Boy Scout motto "Be prepared."

[.45&TKD]

Having a rifle in the trunk of the car sounds great, but what do you tell a cop if you get pulled over?

If a cop asks you if you have a weapon in the car and you say yes, does that give them reasonable cause to search your car/trunk?

I have a AZ CCW and would of course tell the cop about the gun on my hip, but do I need to disclose what is in the trunk as well, if asked?

[Smoke]

.45&TKD,

I can't speak for AZ. In Texas a long gun is perfectly legal. Whether you have CHL or not.

I would always disclose the presence of a firearm to LEO. BUt again; there is nothing wrong with it here. I might not carry one if it was illegal in this stae.

[jacks308]

Haven't given the LEO much thought in the matter . If I was just gonna have a rifle in the truck just because , I think it'd be an M1 garand . I like the clips , I have soft points loaded for it and I'm familiar with the system .

Jack

[Bostonterrier97]

I think a Tankerized No. 4 Mk.1 Lee Enfield or an SKS would be idea.
My reasoning is that such rifles are very cheap to come by so if for some reason they are lost, you are not out of much money.
Another reason is that these two rifles are very reliable.

Why have a trunk gun? Sometimes your car breaks down in odd places or you get stuck in an area with some bad people.

Certain parts of Arizona near the Mexican Border, you really need a trunk gun.
Sometimes (seems to happen about once every 15-20 years) you end up having a major riot that the police are unable to control.

So a trunk gun is a good thing...sort of like having a spare tire..except that you are more likely to need the spare tire before needing the trunk gun.

[lilbiggun]

The M44 nagant is about perfect. A nice little rifle that is cheap. I usually dont carry a rifle with me in town, just my G23 that stays on my body. If I leave town though I throw my co-pilot (45/70) behind the seat. I figure if 30 rounds of 40S&W and 8 rounds of 45/70 doesnt do the trick, I'm screwed. On my gravestone would be 2 words "he tried" :D

[Akurat]

By Arizona Law you are NOT required to inform an officer about your weapon(s), however some common sense dictates that you should just out of courtesy....and to avoid alarming him/her.

[Art Eatman]

A once-in-history event, showing some of the "why" of a trunk gun:

A couple of deer-hunters passed the scene of a traffic stop on I-20 in West Texas. The driver, via his rear-view mirror, saw the Bad Guy jump the Highway Patrolman. The BG wrestled the officer's handgun away and shot and killed him.

The driver stopped, got his deer rifle, and proved that a .243 is effective at some 200 yards. He was feted by state law enforcement, and given a public service award.

An unlikely event, but there is more to insurance than a piece of paper for which you pay some premium...

Art

[MarineTech]

Having a rifle in the trunk of the car sounds great, but what do you tell a cop if you get pulled over?

.45&TKD, I hate to use the phrase, but I think it may be appropriate. "You ain't from around here are ya boy." Firearms are still very prevalent in all areas of Maine. It is not an uncommon occurance to find a longarm on a gunrack or in the trunk of a vehicle here in Maine. Especially during hunting season.

Most officers in the area will not bat an eye if you tell them you've got a rifle in the trunk (yes, even after that crap in Maryland), and quite a few of them will chat with you about the gun itself or about how the hunting season has been treating you.

[Viking6]

I have a few long guns and I'm considering keeping my Yugo 24-47 as a truck gun, now all I need is a truck. It's potent and relatively cheap. Also, I can remove the bolt if I feel the need in case of theft.

[Dr.Rob]

Too true, until recently gunracks were a given during hunting season, and you still see them in rural Colorado (as opposed to inside Denver City Limits).

Best reason I ever had for a "truck gun" was in case you decided to do a little hunting while you were driving the back 40, or mending fence or whatever. Could mean you saw a nice deer or could mean you saw a coyote or a badger in your grazing land. Most often seen "truck gun" here is still a lever action 30-30. Just a thought.

Personally I don't feel the need for a "truck gun" unless you count the spare "rifle (870 with deerbarrel) that I take to elk camp. It stays in the truck, "just in case" (as in just in case I break the scope on my rifle). Other thing is I'm driving a jeep... there isn't really anyplace hide a "truck gun", whereas a a disassembled 870 in a factory hardcase looks like a campstove.

[s&w 24]

O.K. heres the million dollar question--- how do you keep your pet longun from rusting to bits? I live in MN and I have seen lots of guns (including a SST taurus revolver ) rust into inoperable shape in 1 to 2 month's time, mostly in the winter because of condesation from temp changes (warm garage cold out on the street) . How do you do it?

[cratz2]

Only gun I keep in the trunk is an older Springfield 1911 'Lightly Loaded' that is very well hidden. It's more to make sure I always always have a gun available. Not too convinient, it probably would take me 90 seconds to get out of the car, into the trunk, get the gun and put a magazine in.

I think if I were to have a dedicated trunk gun, I would want it to be a quick handling gun that hits considerably harder than a handgun and capable of longer distance shots but I wouldn't worry about 400 yard shots too much. Probably something like a Marlin 30-30. Scope optional but it should definately have quickly usable iron sights.

[MarineTech]

O.K. heres the million dollar question--- how do you keep your pet longun from rusting to bits? I live in MN and I have seen lots of guns (including a SST taurus revolver ) rust into inoperable shape in 1 to 2 month's time, mostly in the winter because of condesation from temp changes (warm garage cold out on the street) . How do you do it?

It's called CLP. Apply liberally to firearm. LSA may be substituted during cold weather months. I've had my M1 Carbine in my trunk now since it replaced my Guide Gun around the beginning of December. It's kept in a repro canvas carbine case. I generally check it about every 4 weeks for rust and functioning, but I haven't had a problem with either yet.

If you carry it in your trunk, leave it in the trunk. Temperature changes are generally gradual, and you don't have quite so many problems with condensation. Moving it from trunk to house regularly WILL cause problems with condensation. Of course, this may not be recommended for all areas where crime may be a problem, but for now in Maine, it's not an issue.

[cratz2]

On the rust issue, here is a gun I have had as my trunk gun for quite a while. I'd probably had it in my trunk for 4 months or so when I took this picture. (It has black micarta double diamond grips now.) I keep this one in a little ziplock bag. I know this isn't too practicle for long guns but works for me. A little FP10 or CLP works wonders in keeping a gun rust free.

http://photos.imageevent.com/cratz2/guns//ParkSpringfield3.jpg

[Benjamin]

I keep this one in a little ziplock bag. I know this isn't too practicle for long guns but works for me.

Plastic dry-cleaner's garment bag.
A friend who worked beach patrol described how he carried a shotgun in that manner - stays protected from elements, easy to remove for a reload.

Apart from that, preventative maintenance. If you're really lazy you could just use a vapor corrosion inhibitor sponge.

Regards all

-Ben

[pinetree64]

I did keep a SAR-1. Neat gun, but not very accurate and did have any place to blast away at. Currantly, I have my cheap 20g OU and my Kimber 45. I have my 20g in because it is super light, short and inexpensive. I also think a short Marlin 44mag with my 629 would be a good pairing.

tjg

[Schmit]

In this day and age I've been seriously considering carrying my Pre-Ban Suppressed Colt M4, but that is just a little to much money to have laying around in my car (not to mention the hassle involved if pulled over (even though the Class III paperwork resides with the rifle)

At SHOT I found IMO the perfect trunk gun - the Kal-Tec SU-16. Affordable, Foldable for storage, .223 cal., self contained extra mags, lots of non-rusting plastic. Throw a cheap Red Dot on the rail,... Yeap, this is going to be my trunk gun!

[benEzra]

I was wondering--is there any "tactical rationale" for having something like an M44 carbine or other longarm in the trunk if you don't live in a rural area, short of the most far-out "SHTF" scenarios? My neck of the woods isn't woods--it's more like built-up suburbs. I usually have my CCW on my person, and I'm wondering what additional advantages a longarm in the trunk would offer (besides the ability to zip up to the range on the spur of the moment).

bE

[12.7x99mm]

Trunk rifle for me is a cheap but extremly reliable chinese sks. Acurate out to 200 and 140 bucks.

[Marcus]

"tactical rationale" ? Maybe none. On the other hand with guys sniping folks at random from their car,bank robbers in body armor with full auto weapons walking around blasting cops and terrorists blowing up buildings and such it`s becoming a little harder to define"farout SHTF scenario". There are also those who still believe that a handgun is only what you use to fight your way to a rifle or shotgun. ;) Marcus

[Cosmoline]

M-38 or 91/30 Mosin Nagant. They're extremely rugged and will function in spite of being dirty, frozen, wet, and whatever else Alaska and I can do to them. I suspect either would function with part of an old sausage biscuit down the bore, though I'm not going to try it.

I ususally keep the bolt with me, at least in areas where a break-in is potential. What's a thief going to do with a Mosin-nagant and no bolt? Order a new one from Tapco and headspace it, then rob the bank with it?

I see several problems with handguns kept in the truck, at least in these parts. First and foremost, they aren't powerful or accurate enough to deal with wildlife "issues" that may arise. The exception would be a nice hunting handgun with a scope, but there's no way I'd leave anything that $$ in the car. Second, they can be swiped too easily. IMHO a handgun is best when kept on the person. Third, since most bad guys are going to have short guns, a long gun gives you an enormous advantage should your life be in peril. If deadly force isn't quite called for, an old battle rifle makes an excellent hand-to-hand weapon. The biggest problem is making sure you don't hit too hard. Those steel butplates were designed to smash heads like melons.

[scotjute]

benEzra,
One reason for a "truck" or "trunk" rifle is the fact that there is far less regulations on carrying a rifle than a handgun (depending on your individual state's laws of course). One reason I bought a .357 lever gun is that should I feel the need to carry one in vehicle, there's basically no restrictions against it here in Texas, whereas with handguns, you have a set of rules that have to be abided by unless you have a concealed carry permit. A levergun with 20" barrell is lightweight and very handy to swing around in a vehicle, whereas longer barrelled guns would not be.

[SquirrelNuts]

This might be obvious to some, but I have not seen anyone say whether they keep said gun loaded and to what degree. One in the chamber, empty chamber with full mag, empty chamber and no mag.

I have never kept a truck gun, but I am considering it. I did take my Moss. 500 loaded when I had to pick up my grandmother from a bus station in the middle of Atlanta at 2 AM. That is the only time I have carried a loaded long gun in my truck.

Every other time, I have three loaded hand guns with 51 rounds on my.

-SquirrelNuts