Ideas for a Utility/Trunk gun.

[CoyoteSix]

FIRSTLY this is (Hopefully) not a gun I would use to fight through a rioting city or other SHTF scenario. It is more or less a gun that is on hand and that performs adequate at most uses, but doesn't excel at any ONE either (Except for game getting) and will reside in the back of my jeep along with a pack containing basic medical kit, some food, good amount of water, fire making supplies etc. A multi tool, paracord, large fixed blade knife, and a folder I carry daily will also be part of my kit.

I don't want to call this a bug-out kit (BOB) because the word is usually associated wiht ridiculous SHTF discussions that aren't encouraged here.

The idea behind this is the better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

So I need ideas for a rifle to complete this kit. Again a fighting/battle rifle is not what I'm really looking for.

What I'm looking for is a rifle that is light weight, cheapish ammo so I can practice with the rifle,( Ex. .30-.30 is out of the question being a dollar a pop.) preferably a manual action (Pump, bolt, lever, etc.), and something that does not need a magazine. I'd really like to be able to manually reload being as this is not meant to be involved in any firefights and so I'm not worrying about a bunch of magazines. it'd also be great if it were under $300, I'm a full time student and work full time at a truck stop so cost is a big factor!

I'm not opposed to a .22lr or a 12 gauge. I'm actually looking at a Marlin Model 60 or a Mossberg/Remington pump.

Help a Young-gun out! Use that infinite wisdom THR!

 

[h0use]

I would look into the hipoint carbine. I own the 995ts and its been a great truck gun. Inexpensive and extremely reliable and very accurate.

 

[Spammy_H]

Kel-Tec Sub 2000:

http://www.keltecweapons.com/our-guns/rifles/sub-2000/

About $400 if you can find one. Chambered in 9mm or .40 S&W, 16" bbl, uses Glock magazines, folds up and fits in your back pocket (not quite, but you can definitely stow it much easier than any "straight" long gun.

My son just picked one up, haven't shot it yet, but it sure looks fun!

 

[CoyoteSix]

I like the two recommendations given, however a big problem for me is that they are chambered in a pistol caliber. Myself being under 21 makes it really hard to get my hands on it unless I buy it in bulk. So I prefer a rifle around to make things simpler.

Darn libs making it harder for me to get things I want!

 

[tyeo098]

I like the two recommendations given, however a big problem for me is that they are chambered in a pistol caliber. Myself being under 21 makes it really hard to get my hands on it unless I buy it in bulk. So I prefer a rifle around to make things simpler.

Darn libs making it harder for me to get things I want!

Walmart.
Tell them its for a rifle (not lying)
buy ammo.
???
profit!

I was always carded for ammo, pistol and rifle, but even when I was 19 they sold me 9mm and 45. No questions asked. Walmart people just dont care.

It helps that if youre using it in a rifle, the law says its illegal to buy it from a dealer and that its intended use is for in a handgun.

From a dealer? Check.
For a handgun? Nope. No law violated.

Git'r done!

 

[Inebriated]

^ He's right, they can't sell ammo for pistols. .45, 9mm, .357, .38... they're not inherently pistol calibers just because the majority of guns chambered for them are. I always got ammo when I just said it was for a rifle.

But anyway, I don't suggest 9mm or .45 or anything for a truck gun, with so many other options out there.

You could get an 870, an SKS, one of the many Mosin Nagant carbines (M38, M39, M44), a Savage Axis in your favorite caliber, or a Rossi .357/.38 lever action all seem like excellent choices. The Rossi would be a little over $300, more like $400, but would serve you well.

Personally, I would put an SKS back there and call it a day. Reliable, cheap ammo, a fighter if you need it, a hunter if you need it, and can be picked up for $350 at the gun shows around here. In fact I plan on getting an SKS specifically for my Jeep once I finish this last semester, so I don't have to bother taking it out/putting it back every couple days (high five for being in nearly the same position... I turned 21 this year).

 

[theautobahn]

You could get an 870, an SKS, one of the many Mosin Nagant carbines (M38, M39, M44), a Savage Axis in your favorite caliber

Personally, I would put an SKS back there and call it a day. Reliable, cheap ammo, a fighter if you need it, a hunter if you need it, and can be picked up for $350 at the gun shows around here.

I agree completely. The aforementioned choices are all good, but my recommendation, by far, would be the SKS.

 

[theautobahn]

I turned 21 this year

Hence the screen name?

 

[JEB]

my first thought was the ruger 10/22 takedown. yes it is magazine fed, but i takes up half the space a non-takedown would, ammo is very cheap (and as you are under 21, you will have no problem buying it), and it even comes with its own case!

if not that, i think the hi-point carbine would be an excellent choice. you may have a little trouble getting ammo (for now) but it would be a very handy rifle none the less.

 

[Chevelle SS]

I vote SKS. I love my norinco and ammo is pretty cheap.

 

[mdauben]

I like the two recommendations given, however a big problem for me is that they are chambered in a pistol caliber. Myself being under 21 makes it really hard to get my hands on it unless I buy it in bulk. So I prefer a rifle around to make things simpler.

My first thought might be a pistol caliber lever gun like the Henry R92 in .357 magnum, but I see that may be a problem for you.

As someone else suggested, an SKS might be one idea. Its not my first choice but its a decent enough rifle for many emergency uses. Depending on exactly what circumstances you envision needing this gun for the new Savage 42 (.22 rifle/.410 shotgun singleshot), a NEF switch-barrel (various rifle & shotgun barrels, singleshot), or a take down rimfire like the Ruger 10/22 Take Down, the Marlin Papoose, or the Henry U.S. Survival AR-7 Rifle are other choices. THe latter three are all magazine fed semiautos, but the magazines are small and inexpensive, and the actions are relativly reliable.

 

[montangard]

a
A good set up would consist of" Kel-tec PLR-16/Kel-tec sub2000 & either a Glock 17 or glock-22

 

[MistWolf]

I think a used bolt action 223 with peep sights and a 20 inch barrel would suit this purpose fine. If 223 isn't a big enough caliber, then go 308.

Rifle is light & handy, easy to carry and slender which make carrying it unobtrusively easier. It will do about anything you ask it to, from impromptu plinking sessions, hunting and if needed, persuading badguys to leave you alone. It should be easy to find a good bolt action within your budget. It will be a little more to have peep sights mounted but not much. Add a sling and a couple boxes of ammo and your truck gun is ready to be your constant companion

 

[scaatylobo]

Mosin Nagant carbines M44

The M.N model 44 is one of the cheapest [ at 250.00 ] and most powerful and CHEAP rounds you will find.

Of the above I am sure,if you shoot it well it can take any NorthAmerican game.

Bit much for a rabbit I know,but for all other game both 2 legged and 4.

 

[HoosierQ]

It's hard to beat the easter bloc surplus guns for a trunk beater that packs a punch. SKS or a Mosin Nagant variant. Nice thing about those two, you run outa ammo, you got a heck of a club and some of 'em come with integral bayonets. That's functionality brother!

 

[Inebriated]

Hence the screen name?

Hah, not specifically, but it is accurate pretty often lol

 

[tyeo098]

Chinese Mosin model T53 (Chinese M44) is the cheapest and goes for 150.
I picked one up for 100 because I am quick with the mouse on a local forum

 

[M-Cameron]

i know its not a rifle, but how about a 12 gage shotgun?

• the guns can be had cheaply, a solid pump action can be had for just a few hundred dollars.
  
• ammo is cheap
  
• incredibly versatile, you have a wide variety of ammo to choose from
  
• slugs can be shot with good accuracy out to 200+ yards.

the only real downside is the ammo is a little heavy and bulky, but since its a truck gun that shouldnt really be an issue.

something to think about

 

[Inebriated]

The only thing about 12 gauge is birdshot is cheap... But the rest comes in around $0.80+/round. And if he doesn't want an expensive gun to shoot, then practicing with buck or slugs wouldn't be ideal.

 

[squarepants33889]

Another vote for the sks. I often get a hard time about at the range, but the truth is that it easily smacks 8 inch plates at 200 yards without much shooter skill. I regularly take it out when Im introducing new shooters. Light recoil, .30 cal punch, reliable semi auto, short compact carbine with shortish stock. And best yet, up here in Saskatchewan they sell for 150 bucks and a 1200 rounds of surplus ammo goes for 200. Tough to beat

 

[MistWolf]

Most Russian caliber ammo is FMJ and isn't appropriate for hunting

 

[GlockFan]

I think I'd go with one of those Chinese type 53s. Swap the wood stock for plastic to save some weight. Buy a spam can with 440 rounds and still have extra cash left.

 

[Inebriated]

Most Russian caliber ammo is FMJ and isn't appropriate for hunting

Federal, Winchester, Hornady, and Remington make hunting loads with SP's and BT's for the same price as any .30-06, .308, .243, etc. Practice with Wolf/Tula/Surplus, sight-in, load, and hunt with the SP's.

 

[VA27]

Look for a clean, used Marlin bolt-action 22 magnum. They make a tube magazine version, so no mags. 4 boxes of ammo weigh less than a loaded 30rd AK magazine. Cheap, reliable and powerful enough to do what needs doin' and not scary lookin' at all.

 

[txgunsuscg]

Savage hog rifle maybe? Available in both .223 and .308, has iron sights, and a synthetic stock for banging around in the back of your jeep. Perhaps a bit out of your price range, but still relatively cheap for a bolt gun, and ready to shoot out of the box...

Or there is always one of the many Mausers available for sale currently....