Pick me a gun for this role.

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When I think of truck guns I'm thinking inexpensive, reliable and with enough power: ie most medium to large game. For me that is the SKS. Mine has always been reliable, it's more accurate than my AK, and I don't mind beating it up. It also gets surface rust from being in the truck all the time: again, not really a problem. As for compact a choate folding stock will take care of that.
 
Jeff56

Obviously you had a different experience with them then I have had, first I've shot alot of them and never owned one. Thats because every one I've shot except for a couple of russians were jamomatics or had a self discharge problem of some sort.

I am not an SKS hater I just don't like blowing holes in the roof, in fact I am trying to find a nice russian SKS right now.

Oh and I don't even use WD40 on my guns, it's not a gun oil or lubricant, it's a degreaser and it will ruin guns. Use balistol or rem oil.
 
I have gone through this selection process myself, and used to think that a folding stock was the cat's meow for a truck gun. After trying one out, I ended up realizing that isn't really the case. Tirod is right that folding stocks are overrated. If a folding-stock rifle would fit, a standard stock probably would too. Plus, most folding stocks are not very comfortable and do not allow for very good, if any, cheek weld. As was mentioned, they take extra time to deploy, which wouldn't be ideal if you needed to quickly reach behind the seat and put it into action.

I would just go with whatever standard rifle you prefer. Cheap is good, because of the theft issue, and reliable is good as well. Personally I have a field grade M1 that rides in the trunk sometimes, and a WASR 10/63 that does as well.

Personally I don't like short-barreled .308s. If you want something for that close of range, just go with a carbine caliber. It will be lighter weight, less recoil, and just as ballistically effective at that kind of range. 5.56 and 7.62x39 are both fine at 200m, even out of carbine length barrels. .30 carbine is just weak, period. Handgun rounds are even weaker. I'd say either an AR or AK with an aimpoint (so you can leave it always on) would be great.
 
I'd go with an AK, 7.62x39. My regular truck gun was an SKS for years, but I switched to a WASR 10/63. The AK is short and compact and packs plenty of punch. Plus they're still cheap, mags are cheap, ammo is cheap, and they aren't pretty so it's no big deal if they get beat around some in the truck.
 
Sam1911 Sometimes I wonder if a question on a gun forum will -- given enough time -- see at least one response advocating every gun ever made.

This ought to about cover it......

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Many are over thinking this subject. Yes, a "truck gun" needs preventive maintenance, but so does your CCW. It's a little slow to deploy. So what? Isn't that better than "Gee I wish I had my rifle"? Pick a rifle, put it in your truck, practice with it and make changes and find solutions to suit your needs. That also includes your choice of stock- fixed, folder or adjustable.

Cost? How much is your life worth? My life is worth far more than the rock solid and proven to be reliable synthetic stocked M14 I used for a truck gun for a long time. I'd use it again of I could get it back from my brother.

All that's left to do is pick a rifle, toss it in the truck and see what works. Don't forget to shoot it. Often
 
mini-30 with ati stock, collapsable and foldable. best bet. I have my mini set up this way, very short and handy. The stocks are very tight. Even with the 18 and a half inch barrel it is only about 32 inches long folded. With a 16 inch barrel even shorter. It can also fire folded.
 
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into a Para FAL. One with an 18" barrel and a Belgian muzzle brake is just what you're looking for.
If you want big bullets in a short package, you might consider looking at the Kel-tec RFB. It's a forward ejecting .308 bullpup that's actually shorter than the folded Para FAL.

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The reviews seem to be generally positive, although its not been around long enough to evaluate long-term reliability.
 
I like the idea of the kel-tec rfb but triggers on bullpups are notoriously bad. The trigger on the rfb didn't seem bad to me but I'm ok with the trigger on my ruger sr-556. I have heard other people complain about the trigger on both rifles mentioned though.
 
Many are over thinking this subject. Yes, a "truck gun" needs preventive maintenance, but so does your CCW. It's a little slow to deploy. So what? Isn't that better than "Gee I wish I had my rifle"? Pick a rifle, put it in your truck, practice with it and make changes and find solutions to suit your needs. That also includes your choice of stock- fixed, folder or adjustable.

Cost? How much is your life worth? My life is worth far more than the rock solid and proven to be reliable synthetic stocked M14 I used for a truck gun for a long time. I'd use it again of I could get it back from my brother.

I agree. If my four year old could stuff a french fry in the muzzle of my AK, that would be bad parenting on my part. I dont worry about the rust so much, as I found my #3 AK magazine UNDER the carpet in the cargo area, and it only had light rust which was cleaned off with a little break-free. I lost that magazine a year ago.

I never understood the concept of a cheap truck gun. Yeah, its going to be harder to replace an M1A than it would be a Hi-Point carbine, but IMO its akin to driving a beat to crap Honda Civic while a new BMW sits in the garage since you're worried about getting in a accident.
 
A side folding AK is without a doubt the best option here. If cost is not a concern get any Arsenal side folder. If it is get a cheapo Romanian.

If money weren't a concern and you could get over the 5.56 aversion i'd say an MSAR.
 
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