Shockwave as truck gun?

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Balrog

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I am wondering about using a Shockwave as a truck gun. I spend a good amount of time in woods that are fairly dense. Seems like it’s compact size would make storage in truck easy, as well as walking thru dense brush. Previously I have carried a Ruger Vaquero in 45 Colt, with the first two rounds in the cylinder being shot shells for use on snakes.

Should I just stick with the Ruger?
 
Seems like that was one of the weapon's intended purposes. As long as you take appropriate security precautions while the vehicle's parked, thumbs up from me.
 
Reviews of the Shockwave type guns by professional folks regard them as basically gimmicks and if you want a shotgun, carry the real thing. I'm sure folks will disagree but that's the hard reality. It always starts a Judge like debate. It's a wonder gun and professionals disagree.
 
GEM said:
Reviews of the Shockwave type guns by professional folks regard them as basically gimmicks and if you want a shotgun, carry the real thing. I'm sure folks will disagree but that's the hard reality. It always starts a Judge like debate. It's a wonder gun and professionals disagree.
Click to expand...

So I guess if you are talking about professionals being people who kick down doors and conduct SWAT raids, then I think they are right when it comes to using a shockwave in a scenario like that.

What I am looking for is not that. I am looking for something compact, easily stored, can be quickly put into service without assembly, and more effective than a handgun.
 
So long as you practice enough to get proficient, I think it’s a great idea. But why not keep the Ruger too?
 
I went with a Mossy (full size) pump gun. It sits in a $27 case that barely holds it, but it fits well behind the seat.

Part of the decision was the thinking: on the off chance my vehicle gets burglarized, how well am I arming some bad dude? After thinking through the options I decided that bolt-action rifles and pump shotguns are both hard to conceal, are hard for your average street thug to use properly, and will both do anything I need them to do. At the end of the day the Mossy was cheaper than a bolt gun + optic, so...
 
I have some experience with truck/tractor guns. In my humble opinion, the revolver in the console serves best as self defense/opportunistic plinker.
The AR pistol/sbr/shockwave serves best as varmint killer, when the range might exceed normal pistol range.
I would also vote for the shockwave, especially if your intention is to put a hurt on the predator population.
 
I won’t be getting rid of the Ruger. This would be in addition to it.

I might actually get it in 410 gauge... seems like it would make a nice snake killer.
 
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Balrog said:
I am wondering about using a Shockwave as a truck gun. I spend a good amount of time in woods that are fairly dense. Seems like it’s compact size would make storage in truck easy, as well as walking thru dense brush. Previously I have carried a Ruger Vaquero in 45 Colt, with the first two rounds in the cylinder being shot shells for use on snakes.

Should I just stick with the Ruger?
Click to expand...

I can not think of any reason I would choose a Shockwave over the 45 colt you already have. The revolver seems like it would be much more versatile to me. I can easily see walking through the woods with a revolver on my hip... and I actually often do. I can't see walking through the woods carrying a shockwave. To me it doesn't make any sense... but everyone has their needs so what doesn't work for me very well could work really well for you.
 
The nice thing about a pistol or revolver as a truck gun is it's super easy to grab it when you get out to do something, so you're more likely to have it with you more of the time. For a long gun I would prefer a rifle over a shotgun because I think it's more versatile and offers a lot longer range. An AR is the obvious and inexpensive suggestion although I also see a lot of appeal to a lever 30-30 or compact bolt gun chambered in 7.62x39 or 5.56.
 
I recently went into the gun shop to buy a Shockwave. I looked at it, picked it up, put it down....picked it up. Really wanted to buy it, but I just couldn't. I'm looking to semi-retire my old Ithaca 37 DSPS, but I wanted something a bit more compact with a sub 20" barrel. The Shockwave seems like it fits the bill, but it looks like it gives up a lot of utility and may at least SEEM as legally questionable to a police officer.

I didn't buy it. I'm thinking I might just get a Persuader with a telescoping stock like my mother in law has and call it a day. Then again, a plane ol' 870 with wood furniture and an 18" barrel is under $400 and would fit the bill.
 
Another issue that has tempered my interest in such a weapon is that the determination that they are a "firearm" limits legal carry options where the concealed weapons law covers only "handguns" (like CO).
 
I think my Tac-14 (Remington version of the shockwave) would be great for what your describing. One can get proficient at decent distances with it in a quick time frame. It would be a welcome addition to a vehicle, and would be highly appreciated if a situation were to occur where one might need the firepower. I put hockey grip tape around my birds head grip and attached a canvas strap like the mossy comes with and it is a really nice firearm in it's own right.

Only you can decide for yourself it's value, everyone else can dissuade or persuade you, if I'm walking through dense brush it would provide great comfort in dealing with what's around the corner, or if my truck broke down in the wrong neighborhood, or some road rage incident finds me, I guarantee looking down the business end of a shockwave will get someones attention. No body likes to get shot yes, but it is especially true when it would be by 8 - 30 cal projectiles.

I would look at @MikeInOr post and answer his question to you, do you feel you really need it walking around the woods when you already have a Ruger 45 Colt.
 
There’s an interesting InRange video where they test a pistol grip shotgun against one with a buttstock for close range shooting. It’s worth watching to help with a decision.

As far as carrying something through the woods all day I know I would rather have a revolver than a shotgun of any sort, even with a sling. Unless I was deliberately hunting game with the shotgun, of course.
 
I read OP and thought about a coach gun. I think there is an issue with some minimal barrel length stateside (18"?, is that in every single state, like a federal law?), but I know of some 14" coach gun that would fit the bill right on. Get the stock as short as it stays comfy with the added but pad and you're done. The simplest option would seem to be the 18" 870 already mentioned; I prefer a stock to be present on long guns. For a truck gun, I would prefer 12 or 20 to 410: if you have to step up from a handgun, well, step up!
 
For snakes, I would just stick with the handgun. I agree with the poster who stated that those things are a "gimmick". I have never seen a hunter, law enforcement officer, or mil service member carry a shotgun without a stock of some type, with the only exception being those dedicated shotguns used for ballistic breaching purposes (which are generally carried in addition to a long gun and sidearm).
 
I personally think the Shockwave is really cool. I understand that proficiency with a shotgun doesn’t transfer to this “firearm”. That’s why I suggested training.

I’ve looked at them but didn’t buy because I realize I’d never shoot it. But if I had a need of a handy shotgun for the truck, it’d be on my list.
 
I don't know why it wouldn't work very well for your intended purpose, especially if it can be sling-carried in the woods. For venomous reptiles a load of 7 1/2 will certainly be devastating from the 12 gauge. Same goes for a load of #1 buck the face of a felon who is trying to pull your door open to carjack you or worse...(If you have your Shockwave that handy). For woods walking two 12 ga birdshot followed by buckshot will make one pretty well armed indeed.

The Ruger will be more portable for sure, but there's nothing wrong with the pump gun for truck/woods carry. :thumbup:

Stay safe!
 
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