Time for a long gun as well as hand gun?

[Warp]

I much prefer a fire extinguisher, jumper cables and basic tools to anything more than my own personal 9mm CCW.

What is it like to drive a car so small you literally cannot fit all of those things at once?

No. I am not that paranoid. You would be far better off carrying a portable defibrillator.

You carry a handgun?

You are a paranoid gun nut looking for trouble. You would be far better off carrying pepper spray and a cell phone.

How helpful was that?^

 

[Deaf Smith]

What is it like to drive a car so small you literally cannot fit all of those things at once?

I bet cramped. I've seen those two seat jobs. Glorified motorcycles.

I'd think about a very small but efficient first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.. very small and stick it in where the emergency tire is or under the seat.

Deaf

 

[Ken41]

My thoughts on what to have in your car or truck, would be a non-military looking rifle or carbine, such as a K31, SMLE, Win94, maybe an M1, something that if it had to be taken out of the vehicle does not say "AR or AK". Most likely, it will not be needed, however, you just never know. I can think of a few scenarios, where the advantage of a rifle or carbine could make a difference. Best to be prepared.

 

[RustyShackelford]

.22lr ar7.....

I'm looking into building a small get-home kit or emergency/major event plan for my SUV. I might get a new Henry Rifles AR7 .22LR rifle with about 500rd of .22LR & a decent scope but that's more for survival/foraging than defense.

 

[hso]

I can think of a few scenarios, where the advantage of a rifle or carbine could make a difference.

What are they?

 

[P5 Guy]

I'm just asking; do you folks leave the trunk guns, long or hand, in your vehicle constantly? As in never bring them in your house/apartment/mobilehome?

 

[theotherwaldo]

Things that I carry in the SUV:
Drinking water, radiator water, oil, jumper cables, highway flares, fire extinguisher, tire pump, tool set, tow strap, hat, towel, two horse blankets, tarp, shirt, shorts, socks, 4 tie-downs, 2 flashlights, snack food, 3 working knives, a machete, a hand axe, pistol, three magazines, a half-box of loose rounds, and a cellular phone.

If I'm taking a long trip I'll add a CB radio, road food, more clothing, bedding, appropriate shoes, a long gun and ammo,

Everything that I carry has been needed at least once over the years..

 

[phil dirt]

Living in Seattle, I never leave anything of value in my trunk. Our ex-Chief of Police, Obama's drug czar, Gil Kerlikowsky, left his Glock in his car while he and his wife had dinner at a downtown restaurant. When he returned to his car, his Glock had been stolen, Something like ten years or so has past and it still hasn't been recovered.

 

[bhk]

I often keep a .223 bolt or auto rifle in the truck, especially during the cooler months when the crops are out and the leaves are off the trees (in other words, when I can see more than a few feet). This is mostly for coyote control. My long gun has taken quite a few coyotes off of friendly farmers' fields over the years. This is done legally and with me getting off the road before shooting or using my electronic call to bring the coyote in closer for a shot. In our area, a farmer would probably be pissed if I DIDN'T try to shoot a 'yote I initially spotted when on my travels.

This rifle usually sits on the passenger seat, uncased and sometimes magazine (not chamber) loaded, next to me. Totally legal, even if chamber loaded here. This is relatively common practice around in my neck of the woods. I do remove the rifle from the front seat and case the rifle (unloaded) when going to a city larger than our local farming communities or when others are riding with me. I also keep a 10/22 with a folded stock in a compartment behind the back seat of my double cab truck, usually just for receational purposes.

This may all sound strange to some of our more urban/suburban members, I know. Heck, when I get in my buddy's pickup, he sometimes has two long guns (shotgun and rifle) on the passenger seat (muzzle on the floor matt, receivers on the edge of the seat. Hard to find room to sit.

 

[Rex B]

In all our cars I keep a loaded hi-cap 9mm, ready to use, with extra mags. Glocks and KT P11s, in lockboxes in the spare tire/jack area.
I also have a get-home backpack in each, with all the usual - change of clothes, small first aid kit, knife, flashlight, blanket etc. Also car emergency stuff - fixaflat etc
When packing for an overnight trip, I also add an SU16 in .223. Just because it give me a warm fuzzy feeling.

 

[PistolPete45]

Not as of now A few hand guns and ammo yes If I did think something was going to happen around here where I would need to do the fire fight thing I would also have body armor in the truck as well .

 

[Rex B]

Who was it - Jeff Cooper? - who said "A handgun is for fighting your way back to where your rifle is"

 

[X-Rap]

Right now I have a couple rifles locked up in a separate section of my truck toolbox along with 10 magazines a spare 9mm and what some might think an excessive amount of ammo.
I'm clear across the country from home so given the most extreme circumstance I'll be prepared to defend what's mine at least temporarily. That toolbox also holds many additional items to help me get by.
When at home I keep a long gun for the same reason as many have stated, mostly pest control.
While not a popular view here, the world is getting smaller by the day and while I don't believe we are where the OP is just yet, I think things now days can turn on a dime so I won't reject his question as being totally off the mark.

 

[Ken41]

Quote:
I can think of a few scenarios, where the advantage of a rifle or carbine could make a difference.
What are they?

You are on your morning way to work in the city, Pittsburgh. The approach to the Fort Pitt Tunnel is about a mile or so downhill, curving to the left and into the tunnel. Traffic is slow, bumper to bumper. The bad guys that want to be martyrs, stop their van short of the runaway truck ramp. Exit the van and start to shoot the people behind them. They also shoot the outbound cars, and in effect, shut those lanes down. They are armed with semi-auto AK's, as well as an assortment of handguns. There are four of them. They start to walk up the hill between the stopped vehicles, killing as they go. You are in your car, trapped with everyone else. You are about 300 yards back from where the shooting is going on.

What do you do? If you have a pistol, your options are limited. If you have a rifle, it gives you more options.

 

[Reloadron]

I will make this as simple as possible to my way of thinking. I have seen comments commenting as to vehicle size? How stupid can we really get? The below is my vehicles as they sit in the driveway today, a damn cold driveway but none the less my driveway.



Left to right, my wife's truck, my truck and my other old truck (for sale by the way). Now to better define my location. We reside in the greater Cleveland, Ohio suburbs as I mention in my screen name. No qualms about location here. The suburbs of a major American city. Unlike those who choose to keep their location some sort of secret. Moving right along...

I retired a few years ago but prior to my retirement I drove North daily along I-271 to Euclid, Ohio where I worked. On average 27 miles up and 27 miles down daily. All of this was driven through suburbs of a city. There were no dark and scarey roads patrolled by mountain lions or terrorist. There was never a need for the comfort of a rifle. Let alone a discussion of caliber. The only people who would want a rifle for this commute are those paranoid idiots I fear the most. Sorry if I tripped some triggers but I am not into the preppie thing.

I am sorry but threads like this are just plain foolish built on some dream scenario. This is much like "What is the best Rifle for home defense"? Hell. I don't know, where do you live?

Just My Take
Ron

 

[Rex B]

We can all come up with scenarios, but the sheer likelihood of any one of us ever being in that position is a percentage approaching zero.
I recognize that, but I still like to be prepared for whatever. I don't ever want to be a helpless victim - or my loved ones - because I guessed wrong on that particular day.

 

[Reloadron]

Quote:
I can think of a few scenarios, where the advantage of a rifle or carbine could make a difference.
What are they?

You are on your morning way to work in the city, Pittsburgh. The approach to the Fort Pitt Tunnel is about a mile or so downhill, curving to the left and into the tunnel. Traffic is slow, bumper to bumper. The bad guys that want to be martyrs, stop their van short of the runaway truck ramp. Exit the van and start to shoot the people behind them. They also shoot the outbound cars, and in effect, shut those lanes down. They are armed with semi-auto AK's, as well as an assortment of handguns. There are four of them. They start to walk up the hill between the stopped vehicles, killing as they go. You are in your car, trapped with everyone else. You are about 300 yards back from where the shooting is going on.

What do you do? If you have a pistol, your options are limited. If you have a rifle, it gives you more options.

What would I do? I know that tunnel. If I want to get that tactical warm feeling? I exit my truck with my handgun and seek cover. Now what the hell are the odds and why do I need a rifle?

Ron

 

[X-Rap]

Given the times I think only a fool would say something like the scenario in post 39 couldn't happen.
I think bridges, tunnels and other choke points that would become free fire zones with plenty of time before police could react are plenty plausible areas of attack from those who don't intend to live out the day.
In gun populated zones that type of thing might be met with strong resistance but what about a stoppage on the Golden Gate Bridge. How many friendly guns are on that span at any given time?

 

[Reloadron]

Given the times I think only a fool would say something like the scenario in post 39 couldn't happen.
I think bridges, tunnels and other choke points that would become free fire zones with plenty of time before police could react are plenty plausible areas of attack from those who don't intend to live out the day.
In gun populated zones that type of thing might be met with strong resistance but what about a stoppage on the Golden Gate Bridge. How many friendly guns are on that span at any given time?

My money is on the Holland Tunnel, Queens Midtown Tunnel or GWB, and that is very unlikely. This nonsense just gets plain foolish.

Ron

 

[Potatohead]

The only people who would want a rifle for this commute are those paranoid idiots I fear the most. Sorry if I tripped some triggers but I am not into the preppie thing.

Stop holding back Ron, tell us how you really feel

 

[Warp]

Quote:
I can think of a few scenarios, where the advantage of a rifle or carbine could make a difference.
What are they?

You are on your morning way to work in the city, Pittsburgh. The approach to the Fort Pitt Tunnel is about a mile or so downhill, curving to the left and into the tunnel. Traffic is slow, bumper to bumper. The bad guys that want to be martyrs, stop their van short of the runaway truck ramp. Exit the van and start to shoot the people behind them. They also shoot the outbound cars, and in effect, shut those lanes down. They are armed with semi-auto AK's, as well as an assortment of handguns. There are four of them. They start to walk up the hill between the stopped vehicles, killing as they go. You are in your car, trapped with everyone else. You are about 300 yards back from where the shooting is going on.

What do you do? If you have a pistol, your options are limited. If you have a rifle, it gives you more options.

Get out and run away, especially if I have anybody with me.

I suppose there is a slim chance that, if I am by myself and I have a rifle with multiple mags and a way to readily and immediately carry those mags, I might, maybe, consdier retreating to cover that I can fire from and, hopefully, then retreat from, either entirely or to more cover.

Who was it - Jeff Cooper? - who said "A handgun is for fighting your way back to where your rifle is"

Can you name one...just one...incident where a private citizen did that? BTW, you didn't get the quote right. It's “The only purpose for a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you should have never laid down.”

Do you carry your rifle everywhere you go all day every day? Then the quote doesn't really apply to you, the way I read it. I mean, are you in a position where you never should have laid down your rifle? Ever?

Some things sound catchy but just don't play in the real world.

 

[leadcounsel]

Urban - no. Too little need. Odds of it being stolen or other problems far exceed the reality of ever needing it, and even less likelihood of being able to get to it if you needed it.
In a car theft, carjacking, or burglary, you're just surrendering a rifle and ammo to a bad guy. In any type of public shooting, mall shooting, office building, school, etc. you're simply not going to be able to retrieve your truck gun and safely return/engage - and you could be mistaken as a bad guy...

I can think of very few reported situations in the perhaps billions of situations people with truck guns are faced with.... notably the Texas belltower shooter a half century ago when times were different. Civilians helped police put suppressive fire on the sniper to keep his head down and he stopped shooting. That's one incident in decades of a truck gun being useful.

You're much better served with positive control of a handgun and extra ammo on your person.

Road trips, extended journeys, and rural, and driving out of state - yes.

These are situations where needs can arise where you have a breakdown and need to be able to have more effective defense, or you're in an area where police response is a long time, or phone reception is poor, or out of state you cannot buy a second gun...

Even here, factor in what you will do with it if you have to abandon the vehicle... how will you discretely transport it?

 

[Warp]

Urban - no. Too little need. Odds of it being stolen or other problems far exceed the reality of ever needing it, and even less likelihood of being able to get to it if you needed it.
In a car theft, carjacking, or burglary, you're just surrendering a rifle and ammo to a bad guy. In any type of public shooting, mall shooting, office building, school, etc. you're simply not going to be able to retrieve your truck gun and safely return/engage - and you could be mistaken as a bad guy...

I can think of very few reported situations in the perhaps billions of situations people with truck guns are faced with.... notably the Texas belltower shooter a half century ago when times were different. Civilians helped police put suppressive fire on the sniper to keep his head down and he stopped shooting. That's one incident in decades of a truck gun being useful.

You're much better served with positive control of a handgun and extra ammo on your person.

Road trips, extended journeys, and rural, and driving out of state - yes.

These are situations where needs can arise where you have a breakdown and need to be able to have more effective defense, or you're in an area where police response is a long time, or phone reception is poor, or out of state you cannot buy a second gun...

Even here, factor in what you will do with it if you have to abandon the vehicle... how will you discretely transport it?

That is a very good example.

One of the reasons that example is old is that times ARE different and many people frown upon having a rifle in the car. It is entirely possible that if more people actually had rifles in their car these days we would have other examples like that. Maybe the mall in Utah, maybe a staff/faculty member at a school, maybe a staff/faculty/student at Virginia Tech.

Still very rare circumstances. But out there.

 

[hso]

But out there.

Yes, but differently than you mean.

These Ramboesque fantasies of standing against some vague group threat are unrealistic in the extreme. If you want to survive a violent encounter you be somewhere else other than where it is taking place or get there. You don't need to tote an AK and a mag bra around to accomplish that.

 

[leadcounsel]

My thoughts on what to have in your car or truck, would be a non-military looking rifle or carbine, such as a K31, SMLE, Win94, maybe an M1, something that if it had to be taken out of the vehicle does not say "AR or AK". Most likely, it will not be needed, however, you just never know. I can think of a few scenarios, where the advantage of a rifle or carbine could make a difference. Best to be prepared.

Why would the appearance matter. To anyone - gun and nongun folks - a gun is a gun. Antigunners are still scared of any gun, and LEO isn't going to simply ignore you because it's "only a bolt rifle."