Thinking of a "trunk rifle," suggestions?
- Thread starter the naked prophet
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otcconan
Member
M-1 Carbine. It's short, will fit any trunk, easy to operate, enough stopping power for most assailants, low recoil.
the naked prophet
Member
I understand the tactical considerations of getting misidentified as the bad guy, and believe me, unless me or mine is in danger, I'm probably not going to do the hero thing. Also, I'd do my best to make sure that the responders knew who I was (call 911, tape a "good guy" sign on my back or something). A tactical discussion isn't what I was planning on.
Coronach, I did mention in the post that I was going to use a high-quality cable lock to secure the rifle in the trunk, and that is precisely for the reason that you stated.
Thanks for all the suggestions, but the wife has just nixed the idea of a bolt action rifle. Not fast enough for her. She is worried about a riot situation and doesn't think she could do the bolt fast enough to dissuade a crowd closing in. And since she's the more restrictive of the two of us, I have to abide by her choices.
I wouldn't feel comfortable making a 100 yard shot with a 12 gauge slug, and I know she won't shoot it anyway. An AR is just plain too expensive to leave in the car. I've personally never seen an M1 carbine for under $500, and for two cars, even that is too expensive, same for the Kel-Tec SU-16. A pistol-caliber carbine wouldn't get through soft body armor - I feel that if Mark Wilson had grabbed a rifle instead of his pistol, a good man would probably still be alive today (not judging his choices or his actions - but trying to learn from them).
An SKS is what I thought of, but I haven't seen one for under $200 in years. And most I see are around $250. For two rifles, 500 rounds of ammo plus enough ammo to "break in" both rifles and ensure proper function, I could more than save that $50 difference and just get a WASR-2 in the currently much cheaper 5.45x39 caliber. But then there's mags... I'll probably just get the SKSs, but was hoping for more suggestions, and then she got all down on the bolt actions. Oh well. Thanks for all the help!
Coronach, I did mention in the post that I was going to use a high-quality cable lock to secure the rifle in the trunk, and that is precisely for the reason that you stated.
Thanks for all the suggestions, but the wife has just nixed the idea of a bolt action rifle. Not fast enough for her. She is worried about a riot situation and doesn't think she could do the bolt fast enough to dissuade a crowd closing in. And since she's the more restrictive of the two of us, I have to abide by her choices.
I wouldn't feel comfortable making a 100 yard shot with a 12 gauge slug, and I know she won't shoot it anyway. An AR is just plain too expensive to leave in the car. I've personally never seen an M1 carbine for under $500, and for two cars, even that is too expensive, same for the Kel-Tec SU-16. A pistol-caliber carbine wouldn't get through soft body armor - I feel that if Mark Wilson had grabbed a rifle instead of his pistol, a good man would probably still be alive today (not judging his choices or his actions - but trying to learn from them).
An SKS is what I thought of, but I haven't seen one for under $200 in years. And most I see are around $250. For two rifles, 500 rounds of ammo plus enough ammo to "break in" both rifles and ensure proper function, I could more than save that $50 difference and just get a WASR-2 in the currently much cheaper 5.45x39 caliber. But then there's mags... I'll probably just get the SKSs, but was hoping for more suggestions, and then she got all down on the bolt actions. Oh well. Thanks for all the help!
Macpherson
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I second the SKS, and while they are going up in price there are still some good deals to be had. I picked up a good condition SKS a month ago at a gun show for $170. Stripper clips are cheaper and lighter than AK mags, the ammo is is fairly cheap, and the round should easily do what you need it to, plus it has a bayonet 
22_Shooter
Member
I'm with some of the others.........Saiga 7.62!!!!
Red Tornado
Member
I just checked S.O.G. and they've got good condition SKS's for $130. So, get your C&R - $30 and in a month (hopefully they won't go up much) that's 2 SKS's for $260 and ~$20 shipping.
Total $310.
Prices may fluctuate some, but they won't skyrocket on the SKS overnight...or by next month.
BTW, SKS is my suggestion, just in case that wasn't clear. It's still the perfect trunk/truck gun for people who don't like Mosins.
RT
***edit***
Where are you in Missouri?
Total $310.
Prices may fluctuate some, but they won't skyrocket on the SKS overnight...or by next month.
BTW, SKS is my suggestion, just in case that wasn't clear. It's still the perfect trunk/truck gun for people who don't like Mosins.
RT
***edit***
Where are you in Missouri?
A bit outside the box, but I'd suggest a 20 Gauge 870 and some choke tubes.
It'll work when it's dirty. It'll shoot sabots, heavy slugs, birdshot, and buckshot. It can be used to hunt all sizes of game, from birds to bears, and to defend against any attackers, human or animal. It's cheap. It's a "takedown" by design.
If you're picky about long-range slug accuracy, carry an extra rifled barrel and some quality high-velocity sabot slugs, and it will be a full-blown rifle for all intents and purposes.
http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/shotshell/slugs/core-Lokt_ultra_bonded_sabot.asp
It'll work when it's dirty. It'll shoot sabots, heavy slugs, birdshot, and buckshot. It can be used to hunt all sizes of game, from birds to bears, and to defend against any attackers, human or animal. It's cheap. It's a "takedown" by design.
If you're picky about long-range slug accuracy, carry an extra rifled barrel and some quality high-velocity sabot slugs, and it will be a full-blown rifle for all intents and purposes.
http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/shotshell/slugs/core-Lokt_ultra_bonded_sabot.asp
Anteater1717
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- Joined
- Jul 25, 2006
- Messages
- 586
Remington 7615
Pros
Legal in all states
Compact
Cheep ammo
Full rifle caliber
Common Ar-15 magazines
Accurate
6lb’s
No recoil
Reliable
Same price as an M-1 carbine I bought mine for $559.00 NEW!!! Not overpriced like some people think.
Cons
Only disadvantage is it’s a pump action. Which could be a disadvantage depending on how you look at it.
Pros
Legal in all states
Compact
Cheep ammo
Full rifle caliber
Common Ar-15 magazines
Accurate
6lb’s
No recoil
Reliable
Same price as an M-1 carbine I bought mine for $559.00 NEW!!! Not overpriced like some people think.
Cons
Only disadvantage is it’s a pump action. Which could be a disadvantage depending on how you look at it.
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dstorm1911
Member
Lou1187, there has been an underfolder AK with a loaded mag in it (with 10 more loaded mags in a pouch strapped to the bottom of same bar) padlocked to the vertical roll cage bar in my sandrail goin on 5 years now...... it gets left there 24/7 and has yet to kill anyone........... and it even gets left sitting with no ignition switch just a toggle switch and a start button....... never even had anyone look crossways at it but then I live in Arizona where we aren't afraid of guns much or people posessin em everyone here is so used to seein SKSs in pickup truck back windows or AR15s mounted vertical in locked police style riot gun racks folks just don't much care to mess with em....... might have somethin to do with the fact most would be theives also know that if the rifles in the truck then the .45s most likally on the truck owners hip........ never know when he or her might show up while your tryin to cut a lock........
everyone here is so used to seein SKSs in pickup truck back windows or AR15s mounted vertical in locked police style riot gun racks folks just don't much care to mess with em....... might have somethin to do with the fact most would be theives also know that if the rifles in the truck then the .45s most likally on the truck owners hip........ never know when he or her might show up while your tryin to cut a lock........
Fast Frank
Member
I'm a big fan of the .30-30 lever action, so naturally I'm going to vote for that rifle.
In regards to the question about the flat nosed bullet and penetration through car doors, I have to say that it's a non-issue.
First, it's a rifle. You don't have to shoot through the car door unless you want to. If your bad guy is crouched behind the car door plinking at you with his pistol you can head shoot him if you want to.
Second, it's a rifle. That flat nosed bullet will go through a car door with plenty enough authority to do the deal on who or whatever is on the other side. 150 grains at 2400 FPS is plenty serious enough, I promise!
In reality, having ANY rifle would be a big bonus in the situation you describe, so my recommendation is to try them all and pick the one that you feel fits your situation best.
I don't think it's possible to go wrong.
In regards to the question about the flat nosed bullet and penetration through car doors, I have to say that it's a non-issue.
First, it's a rifle. You don't have to shoot through the car door unless you want to. If your bad guy is crouched behind the car door plinking at you with his pistol you can head shoot him if you want to.
Second, it's a rifle. That flat nosed bullet will go through a car door with plenty enough authority to do the deal on who or whatever is on the other side. 150 grains at 2400 FPS is plenty serious enough, I promise!
In reality, having ANY rifle would be a big bonus in the situation you describe, so my recommendation is to try them all and pick the one that you feel fits your situation best.
I don't think it's possible to go wrong.
toivo
Member
Not quite--you forgot to say ".223".
TOU
Member
It's most likely pretty tough to beat the SKS for your application. Since it is about a life threatening situations though...I think I vote for the Saiga's (16") and feel the slight bit of extra cash spent is worth my life. As to caliber either .223 or x39 is fine and meets your criteria. For a tad more money the .308 is nice too, only problem is ammo has gotten a tad bit expensive though. FYI, I bought my .223 and x39 for around $250...100% Russian, cold hammer forged chrome lined barrels, synthetic stocks, proven durability, reliability and accuracy. (16" .308 was about $100 more.) Just a couple of thoughts.....
seeker_two
Member
Since you already have a .22lr (my first choice), I'd lean more toward the shotgun as well based on versatility alone. And you can get a good pump gun relatively cheap.
Second option would be the .30-30 lever action or .243/.308 bolt action. Ammo is plentiful & easy to find, and it will do just about anything you need a rifle to do.
If you store it partially disassembled (bolt out or barrel removed), you won't have to worry about a BG turning it on you during a break-in.
Second option would be the .30-30 lever action or .243/.308 bolt action. Ammo is plentiful & easy to find, and it will do just about anything you need a rifle to do.
If you store it partially disassembled (bolt out or barrel removed), you won't have to worry about a BG turning it on you during a break-in.
Picknlittle
Member
My Chinese T53 is grouping very well at about 2" @ 100 yds. Of course milsurp rifles are a crap shoot, but cheap enough to gamble on and my T53 was pre- beatup, so it would look right at home in a trunk.
As for recoil, I put a PACHMAYR DECELERATOR MAGNUM SLIP-ON PAD, SMALL from Midsouth Shooters Supply for $14.73. With 147 gr light ball Hungarian ammo it is a kitten. A very loud kitten, but a sweetheart to shoot non the less.
Keeping with simple and relatively inexpensive, NEA Handi rifles come to mind. For about $200 at Bass Pro Shops, you can pick your caliber from .204 to 45-70, including my fav,..35 Whelen. In this case I'd prolly stay in the .243 to .270 range.
As for recoil, I put a PACHMAYR DECELERATOR MAGNUM SLIP-ON PAD, SMALL from Midsouth Shooters Supply for $14.73. With 147 gr light ball Hungarian ammo it is a kitten. A very loud kitten, but a sweetheart to shoot non the less.
Keeping with simple and relatively inexpensive, NEA Handi rifles come to mind. For about $200 at Bass Pro Shops, you can pick your caliber from .204 to 45-70, including my fav,..35 Whelen. In this case I'd prolly stay in the .243 to .270 range.
Choctaw
Member
Yeppers!!
atblis
Member
Easy
Was the requirement that it be SEMI in there somewhere?
$79.99 is that cheap enough?
I think you'll get adequate performance from the cartridge
Was the requirement that it be SEMI in there somewhere?
$79.99 is that cheap enough?
I think you'll get adequate performance from the cartridge
Titan6
member
I am always surprised when I am the first to suggest this:
Cheap ammo that will go through body armor and take any game in the America's:
30-06. Still less than $.26 a bang from CMP delivered to your door in ammo cans of 240 rounds each. Rounds found everywhere guns are sold and even some places they are not. Available in some of the versatile loadings on the planet. Has twice the range and power of the 7.62X39 bullets cost less than half of the 7.62X51 while delivering greater KE at most ranges.
A semi-automatic inexpensive rifle that is proven, accurate, reliable, low maintenance and easily replaceable and repairable. Uses magazines that can be easily obtained. 50 state legal and also legal in Canada. Has double the range and power of the SKS and considerably better accuracy.
The Remington 742 in 30-06. Available on line and at pawn and gun shops darn near everywhere for less than $300 often times with a scope thrown in. Ten round mags available on line.
Best time to buy is now or a couple of months before big game season.
Cheap ammo that will go through body armor and take any game in the America's:
30-06. Still less than $.26 a bang from CMP delivered to your door in ammo cans of 240 rounds each. Rounds found everywhere guns are sold and even some places they are not. Available in some of the versatile loadings on the planet. Has twice the range and power of the 7.62X39 bullets cost less than half of the 7.62X51 while delivering greater KE at most ranges.
A semi-automatic inexpensive rifle that is proven, accurate, reliable, low maintenance and easily replaceable and repairable. Uses magazines that can be easily obtained. 50 state legal and also legal in Canada. Has double the range and power of the SKS and considerably better accuracy.
The Remington 742 in 30-06. Available on line and at pawn and gun shops darn near everywhere for less than $300 often times with a scope thrown in. Ten round mags available on line.
Best time to buy is now or a couple of months before big game season.
I bought my SKS para (16 inch barrel) specifically for a "trunk gun". I'm taking a few of the member's recommendation here and looking for a solid lockable case or something of that nature before I leave it in the car.
You can't go wrong with a SKS, light, handy, powerful and cheap. Plus you can leave it in your car for years and know it will still work when you pull it out.
You can't go wrong with a SKS, light, handy, powerful and cheap. Plus you can leave it in your car for years and know it will still work when you pull it out.
BADUNAME13
Member
When I lived in the country I left an SKS in the truck.
When I moved to the city I switched to a Folder AK and take it in at night...
The thing about the rifle is that it's just sitting there, so it can't be cheap enough.
But IF you need it it is the only rifle you have... and can't be to good.
Samco has $140 SKS's FYI...
When I moved to the city I switched to a Folder AK and take it in at night...
The thing about the rifle is that it's just sitting there, so it can't be cheap enough.
But IF you need it it is the only rifle you have... and can't be to good.
Samco has $140 SKS's FYI...
Cosmoline
Member
If you don't want Mosins, I'd suggest a Mauser. Or a Finnish Mosin, which are generally much more accurate and have better bores. Either way, they have the enormous advantage of a removeable bolt that can be pulled out, rendering the rifle useless to any thief and keeping it from being used against you. I would not suggest any semi or levergun be kept in the vehicle intact. There's simply too high a smash and grab theft risk.
azhunter12
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- Jan 22, 2007
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- 417
Go with a Saiga or a Mosin Nagant.
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