What do you consider to be the perfect "truck gun"?

truck gun

Mine was a SKS forever,but some looked down on it for some reason.Now I keep 1 Remington 770 caliber 308 in a roof rack case along with 2 spare mags,and 60 rounds of FMJ cheapo ammo just in case.That combined with my ccw weapon of a springer 1911 and a SMITH&WESSON Model 908 9mm.as a back-up,and of course several mags each.Like I say I'm disabled,and my fleeing days have long abandoned me!!!!

To me the ideal truck gun for me (today) would probably be an AR-15. Here's why:

1) It's an extremely capable gun for self defense. If things go wrong in a big way it's a great choice to have in your hands.

2) It's a fun gun to shoot, so it's a good one to have along for camping trips, impromptu range adventures with friends, etc.

3) It's a gun that's capable of hunting everything we have around here: legal for small game, but would work for big game in a survival situation (granted, an unlikely scenario).

4) It's a versatile setup that's easy to pack: packs small with a telescoping stock, all the ammo you need can be brought in a couple of magazines, the design is durable and weather resistance, I already have mine setup with a flashlight and a sling, etc.


Honestly though, I don't feel good about leaving any guns in my vehicles these days. In the past I've used a variety of "truck guns": a .22lr bolt gun (cheap and fun), a 12 gauge shotgun (cheap and versatile), and an 8mm Mauser (cheap and powerful).

orionengnr said:

My criteria-must be something I won't cry over if its lost or stolen

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Your criteria (and your thought process) is fundamentally flawed.

Leaving a firearm accessible to one and all, and stating that you don't care if someone else steals and uses it for whatever means...displays a serious lack of understanding of the tenets of responsibility on your part.

Yeah, I get that if someone breaks into your car/truck and steals your gun, then he bears that responsibility (and should be imprisoned accordingly).

But your "I don't give a fork" attitude is a seriously contributing factor.

Think about that, long and hard. Because a jury will. Especially since you have been so good as to memorialize it on the web, where everyone can see it.

And in the future, think before you post.

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Interesting…You and I read the same sentence and we got two very different impressions on the OP's meaning.

I thought of the difference between losing a firearm with sentimental or high dollar value versus a firearm that is little more than a tool and can be easily replaced.

I used to truck carry a Chinese SKS with an aftermarket stock that reduced its military signature. If it would've been stolen, I'd have been cursing all the way to the police station. The crying I'd save for something irreplaceable.

One day, I just quit leaving it in the truck. My reason? The same as at my home; The world around us changes and the last thing I'd ever want is to walk in on someone else holding my firearm on me, let alone anyone else.

My truck gun is a Colt Detective Special (38spl). Sometimes it is a Ruger SR-22P in 22LR. Years ago, it would have been a rifle or shotgun (long gun), but loaded long guns are illegal most places and I don't want a gun on display inside my vehicle.

Generally speaking, a truck gun is a gun that you don't mind having it get beat up and of course it is dependable.

As far as responsibility goes, I think if you keep it concealed inside your vehicle, you're pretty responsible. I consider my vehicle and extention of my home. A firearm can be stolen from any location, protected or not.

Went back and read the OP's orignial criteria and examples. I'm thinking a well-used Remington 760 with the barrel cut to 18" would fit the bill (could just buy a Carbine, but they tend to have higher prices than the rifles). .30-06 is a common cartridge that can be loaded down easily, detachable magazine for those who can't have a loaded firearm in the vehicle, etc. Pretty easy to come by, so no great loss if it went missing ...

Another option would be any well-used pump action 20 gauge with a butt cuff or side saddle to hold a few easy-to-hand shells. I might cut the stock down just a bit, to "youth" length, to make it more handy. A Mossberg 500 Bantam would be the right size, if you could find a cheap one that a kid had outgrown.

I've had many truck guns over the years.
Choosing 'the best' depends what you want the gun to do for you.
I always wanted varmit control/unplanned hunt/informal plinking/self defense. Il also wanted it to be something I could afford to lose.
Currently I have a H&R Handi-Rifle in .204 with a decent 3x9x40. It suits my needs well. My AR with a couple 20rd mags and nite lite would be better, but I can't make myself leave it in the truck.

Some people scorn us for having truck-guns......the fact is that the truck goes where I go. Home or away, the truck is usually only a few steps away from me.

improperlyaged said:

I have carried a firearm in every vehicle I have owned. Just wondering what you all think is the perfect truck gun and what criteria you use for that decision.

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I might add that like any firearm, the purpose of the firearm defines it's characteristics or attributes as more appropriate.

Yes, a Remington 760 or 7600 would be a good choice as mentioned above by Legionnaire.

Your criteria (and your thought process) is fundamentally flawed.

Leaving a firearm accessible to one and all, and stating that you don't care if someone else steals and uses it for whatever means...displays a serious lack of understanding of the tenets of responsibility on your part.

Yeah, I get that if someone breaks into your car/truck and steals your gun, then he bears that responsibility (and should be imprisoned accordingly).

But your "I don't give a fork" attitude is a seriously contributing factor.

Think about that, long and hard. Because a jury will. Especially since you have been so good as to memorialize it on the web, where everyone can see it.

And in the future, think before you post.

Click to expand...

Would you expand on your comment that "Think about that, long and hard. Because a jury will. Especially since you have been so good as to memorialize it on the web, where everyone can see it."


There is thread running about if statements made on social media such as facebook and discussion forums can be used against you in Court.

I also know the States like N.J. have extremely strict laws about when, how and why about transporting a firearm.

But somehow I want to say "lighten up Francis."

A common comment on discussion forums such as THR when choosing a gun for self-defense is to buy a less expensive one so if you are involved in a self-defense shooting you won't be upset when the gun is taken evidence by the police and possibly not returned to you for years if at all.

For example I brought a SIG P239 which I plan on using as my EDC when I receive my pending conceal carry permit. A buddy agreed the SIG is a excellent weapon for this task but then said it would be sad to lose a expensive gun to the Police if I have to use it in self-defense.

From a realist point of view one more stolen gun on the streets is not going to have any impact on the crime rate. In the free parts of America keeping a firearm in vehicles is not uncommon.

Another common topic is keeping a gun in the vehicle while at work for use in a event such as urban unrest such as a riot to be able to get home. Since most mass disturbance occur in large cities which usually have the strictest gun laws does keeping a gun in a unattended vehicle in the parking lot while at work "displays a serious lack of understanding of the tenets of responsibility on your part"?

Finally what do you mean by "Think about that, long and hard. Because a jury will."

I take his comment mean that "truck gun" see more neglect than guns that are stored in a building or carried. They get dirtier, bounce around a lot and are exposed to heat, cold, humidity.

I think Orion has gone just a bit over the top.

What Orion said is exactly like claiming that if a female were to post, "I am not in a relationship right now but I am going to stay on birth control because I can't afford to have a child," she would share responsibility if she were subsequently raped.

He appears to be more than a little misguided, in other words.

There is risk in having a firearm stored in your vehicle. There is the risk of theft as well as the risk of rust, damage and wear from dirt, moisture and vibration. Some of us remove the firearm at night. Others leave it in the vehicle all the time, but have it stored in an inaccessible place where it is locked and unloaded. Some store it behind the seat of the pick up. Some have it in a gun rack in the back window. The amount of risk you are willing to live with depends on actual security threat to your vehicle. While ranchers can leave their vehicle unlocked over night because they live at the end of a 10 mile dirt road with no neighbors for 20 miles, city dwellers have to lock their cars and worry about break-ins on a nightly basis. You have to gauge the risk, choose the platform and maintenance schedule to support that platform and the laws that pertain in your state, and take appropriate precautions.

Long guns make sense out in the country. Short(er) firearms make sense in urban areas. Everybody seems o.k. with a beater long or short as a dedicated truck gun. Many are less sanguine when considering an AR as a dedicated truck gun.

Put and keep the tools in your truck based on your needs and risk assessment.

Lever Action Pistol

I consider either a Peg Laig or a Hog Laig to be the best truck gun - or car gun, or cycle gun. 'Course, I might be a little biased since I make these.

These lever action pistols are short enough (under 16" length as opposed to the 24 inch length of a Mares Leg or a longer shotgun or rifle) to be easily placed in a vehicle, and are quite maneuverable inside a vehicle, and should easily fit into a saddlebag. Oh, and no assembly required.

I love the one I made for myself. I occasionally wear it for open carry.

Woody

40 posts and Red Wind for the win. Ding ding ding.

Whatever will take care of the realistic needs you may have for your neighborhood.

I'm surprised at how many don't have a rifle (or often any other firearm) in their vehicle, but feel they are "prepared" for all sorts of mayhem, real or imagined.

I don't go for cheapest possible, I go for most likely to be useful. A pre-64 94 Winchester can do it most of the time, in the high country it gets replaced with a model 71 or an 86 carbine. Sometimes a scoped bolt gun. Often what many would consider way in the heck in the middle of nowhere, but seems like "the neighborhood" to me. Life happens. Could end up being a couple hours from home on any given day you get in a vehicle for a simple drive to town. Whats sitting at home does me no good. Real life grizzly country, not internet grizzly country. I always have a rifle and a 44 Smith in the vehicle. Always.

PLR-16. Easily handled with one hand, compact, 30 round magazines.

orionengnr said:

Your criteria (and your thought process) is fundamentally flawed.

Leaving a firearm accessible to one and all, and stating that you don't care if someone else steals and uses it for whatever means...displays a serious lack of understanding of the tenets of responsibility on your part.

Yeah, I get that if someone breaks into your car/truck and steals your gun, then he bears that responsibility (and should be imprisoned accordingly).

But your "I don't give a fork" attitude is a seriously contributing factor.

Think about that, long and hard. Because a jury will. Especially since you have been so good as to memorialize it on the web, where everyone can see it.

And in the future, think before you post.

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In posting # 100, please translate .

From what I read, it seemed to me to be somewhat delusional, or maybe you just had a bad day ?

Ed Ames said:

I think Orion has gone just a bit over the top.

What Orion said is exactly like claiming that if a female were to post, "I am not in a relationship right now but I am going to stay on birth control because I can't afford to have a child," she would share responsibility if she were subsequently raped.

He appears to be more than a little misguided, in other words.

Click to expand...

Yep !

BSA1 said:

Would you expand on your comment that "Think about that, long and hard. Because a jury will. Especially since you have been so good as to memorialize it on the web, where everyone can see it."


There is thread running about if statements made on social media such as facebook and discussion forums can be used against you in Court.

I also know the States like N.J. have extremely strict laws about when, how and why about transporting a firearm.

But somehow I want to say "lighten up Francis."

A common comment on discussion forums such as THR when choosing a gun for self-defense is to buy a less expensive one so if you are involved in a self-defense shooting you won't be upset when the gun is taken evidence by the police and possibly not returned to you for years if at all.

For example I brought a SIG P239 which I plan on using as my EDC when I receive my pending conceal carry permit. A buddy agreed the SIG is a excellent weapon for this task but then said it would be sad to lose a expensive gun to the Police if I have to use it in self-defense.

From a realist point of view one more stolen gun on the streets is not going to have any impact on the crime rate. In the free parts of America keeping a firearm in vehicles is not uncommon.

Another common topic is keeping a gun in the vehicle while at work for use in a event such as urban unrest such as a riot to be able to get home. Since most mass disturbance occur in large cities which usually have the strictest gun laws does keeping a gun in a unattended vehicle in the parking lot while at work "displays a serious lack of understanding of the tenets of responsibility on your part"?

Finally what do you mean by "Think about that, long and hard. Because a jury will."

I take his comment mean that "truck gun" see more neglect than guns that are stored in a building or carried. They get dirtier, bounce around a lot and are exposed to heat, cold, humidity.

Click to expand...

BSA1, I think he may have just been having a bad moment, don't you ?

Yep.

I been known to have one from time to time so I'm letting him off the hook.

A Glock 20 upfront and a 5.56 Rat Rifle in the trunk.

I never leave them alone.

Addressing the OP parameters.

Given:
My criteria
-must be something I won't cry over if its lost or stolen
-must be a common caliber so I can pick up ammo at Wal-Mart
-more than a single shot
-powerful enough to handle most common threats (around here that's snakes and wild dogs, maybe a 2 legged critter)
-something I didn't pay much money on
-must be dead reliable

I gotta go SKS or non collectible slide action shotgun in "riot gun" configuration.
Ticks all the boxes and won't leave you hangin' if bought and prepared well. Either can be left to their own devices for weeks or months at a time and be ready when ready's here.

Either and sometimes both are in fact my "throw it in the back" reliables.
No mags
Shoot anything
Inherently snag-free (get rid of the bayonet and mounting on the SKS)

I agree with the next to the last paragraph re: SKS or "Riot Gun" (probably 12 gauge pump).

Since "truck gun" was not originally defined, it would depend on each individual's enterpretation. Some might think a reliabliable, inexpensive, but powerful HG, such as the HiPoint .45ACP to be their truck gun.

Originally posted by ApacheCoTodd
...Seems lots of posts disregard the original parameters or attempt to chew those parameters up....

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Uh, not really. You left out part of the original post,

Just wondering what you all think is the perfect truck gun and what criteria you use for that decision.

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Malamute said:

Uh, not really. You left out part of the original post,

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You are correct, sir ! Give that man a cigar !

Malamute said:

Uh, not really. You left out part of the original post,

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True enough. Couldn't be much more clear. Pooh on me for missing that!

We all have our moments.