Trunk Gun: Smart Investment or Bad Idea?

[holdencm9]

I am just curious about how many here have a "trunk gun" or I guess we can also open it up to "glove box guns" "under the seat guns" etc. Basically anything that is there 24/7.

I know some people like to keep a gun in the vehicle at all times. I guess, if SHTF, they plan to use their pistol to fight their way back to their vehicle where their AK is, so that they can fight their way home. Or maybe some people don't have a CCW, but their state allows a weapon to be kept in a vehicle. Or else some people just find it comforting to have an AR or shotgun back there just in case. When people talk about trunk guns, are these city-dwellers or rural folks? I guess in the case of the latter, it makes more sense from a utility perspective, but I still don't understand it from a self-defense perspective.

As a city dweller, I do not subscribe to the idea of a trunk gun, because I feel that my odds of needing it and being able to employ it are miniscule, and are far outweighed by the odds it will get stolen. I have heard some people say a trunk gun shouldn't be an expensive gun in case it does get stolen, which is fine, except now a criminal has possession of your gun! As such, I only leave firearms in my vehicle if I am going straight to the range after work, which is rare, and I keep them in the trunk and lock the latch such that even if you gain access to the cabin of the vehicle, you won't have access to the trunk. Still, I get nervous, and try to park where I can see my car from the office window. I can't imagine just leaving a gun in my car 24/7.

So, what are your thoughts? (Keep in mind I am not talking about people who CCW and leave their gun in the car because they work at a school or something...I mean people who keep a gun in the vehicle 24/7)

 

[happygeek]

When people talk about trunk guns, are these city-dwellers or rural folks?

Don't know, but I'd bet they're not people like me that work in a "gun free zone". I could legally carry to and from work, but I'd have to pull over on the side of the road before I get to work, unload, lock the pistol in a box, then finish driving to work. Oh, and it'd have to be registered too.

I've also had my car broken into twice within the last 4 years, so I voted "no way, it'll get stolen". It would be illegal under Federal law wasn't a poll option.

 

[holdencm9]

I've also had my car broken into twice within the last 4 years, so I voted "no way, it'll get stolen". It would be illegal under Federal law wasn't a poll option.

Haha, good point, and thanks for you response. Well for the sake of argument let's say it is legal. I am just wondering if it is wise.

 

[Bubba613]

I keep a pistol in the car because I'm too darned fat to access my carry gun sitting in the driver's seat. Other than that I dont see any reason for a long gun. If you've fought your way back to your car it's time to exit the area, not go back for more.

 

[Sam1911]

Nope. I don't leave anything in the car (unless I have to, very short term) that I don't want a) to lose and/or b) to end up in some criminal's hands. Been there, done that, and didn't even get a t-shirt.

As far as the second question about having a long-gun stored in the trunk? I've never read of a realistic, reasonably likely emergency scenario where a long gun in the trunk of my car would be useful at all, or more optimal than my handgun which will be on me anyway.

(To clarify: I've heard LOTs of scenarios proposed to justify the decision to keep a rifle stashed in a car/truck. Just none that were realistic, reasonably likely to happen in my life, or where retreiving a long gun and engaging hostiles was the best answer to the problem.)

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I only keep guns in my car in a few short-term situations, e.g., needing to briefly go into a place that is "posted" or on my way to or from the range. Otherwise they are either on my person or left at home locked up in my safe.

Nope. I don't leave anything in the car (unless I have to, very short term) that I don't want a) to lose and/or b) to end up in some criminal's hands. Been there, done that, and didn't even get a t-shirt.

That's because they stole the T-shirt, too.

I've never read of a realistic, reasonably likely emergency scenario where a long gun in the trunk of my car would be useful at all, or more optimal than my handgun which will be on me anyway.

The idea of "fighting one's way back to the rifle in the car" is a load of hogwash, outside of a few scenarios unique to law enforcement. If you're able to get to the car, that time could be just as well spent driving away. A car is fairly difficult to stop with small arms fire.

 

[Sam1911]

That's because they stole the T-shirt, too.

You know what? I think they did! I know I lost more than the value of a firearm just in tools stolen -- just ONE time.

The idea of "fighting one's way back to the rifle in the car" is a load of hogwash, outside of a few scenarios unique to law enforcement. If you're able to get to the car, that time could be just as well spent driving away. A car is fairly difficult to stop with small arms fire.

And that's a more blunt way of saying what I've often said myself. I've debated it with folks who felt they might need to hunker down with their broken down car and defend it/themselves against drug gangs. I've debated it with folks who felt that they might flee the scene of a mall-shooting, get out to their car and get their rifle, then re-enter the mall to try and save their family who somehow could still be trapped inside. I've squinted and peered at these scenarios to try and picture myself in them, and just can't see it. I'll take my sidearm and "getting out of dodge" as being the far more reasonable and realistic response.

On the other hand, I've discussed with members who say they take a rifle along on long car trips (or short ones) just because they WANT to, or because they sometimes do impromptu plinking and like to keep something handy -- and have no disagreement with that at all.

 

[captain awesome]

the only reasons I would have one are 1) as back up if I for some reason was unable to deploy my ccw (or stupidly didn't have it on me), and it wouldn't be in my trunk, it'd be under my seat. 2)I always have my hunting license on me, so just in case I happen to be where I want to do some coyote (or quail or dove in season) hunting or a legal opportunity arises to take one. It has happened a few times before and I am always wishing I had a shotgun when it does.
3) If I am in a place where I can pop off some rounds, or feel like going and doing it, I wont NEED to go home first.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

There is a far greater risk of having the "car gun" or "trunk gun" stolen out of the car trunk than having to use it in some wildly improbable SD scenario. The risk/reward ratio just isn't there.

 

[splithoof]

It has been said that it is not wise to ever carry anything in your vehicle that you are not willing to donate to the state.

 

[firesky101]

I have a nice cavity next to my spare tire, under the floor of my wagon. I keep a breakdown single shot 20ga in there inside a locked case that is bolted to the car. Total cost was about $40, and you would never see it unless going for the spare. If someone wants my $80 gunshow buy then I guess they can go through the work of cutting it out. It sits with some other emergency stuff. Water tabs, flashlights, first aid, blanket. A friend took a spill into a ravine and had to survive 2 days in his truck, that is when I stocked my car. I make no fantasy that I will use this gun for defense.

 

[Kingofthehill]

I keep 2 guns in my car at all times. a Ruger P95 and good ol' ruger 10/22

 

[rcmodel]

More cars are stolen every day then you can count.

The last thing I want to do is arm some druggie crackhead gang-banger with a working firearm, AND a car to make a getaway.

Besides, a gun in the trunk is not going to do you any good if you do need it in a hurry.
And if not needed in a hurry, it isn't going to be needed at all.

You can't stop a car jacking while you get out and go back in the trunk to get your gun.

rc

 

[gearhead]

I keep a milsurp pistol locked in the car in a pocket holster. It's legal in my state and okay with my workplace but I do have to pass through a metal detector to enter the gun-free zone where I work. The car gun is for when I need to run an errand on my way to or from work, it slips into my pocket and becomes my CCW.

 

[Texan Scott]

If you CC, a pistol in the glove box seems a bit redundant (though that's not always bad). a rifle or shotgun may make a whole lot more sense... keeping one under wraps in the truck offers a range of firepower unreachable with anything you can CC.

 

[WardenWolf]

I keep my Ruger P90 in my door pouch. It's easier to access than my carry gun with my seatbelt on. The .45 round is also better-suited to threats that may be encountered in and around a vehicle. A trunk gun can be useful depending on circumstances. If you do a lot of offroad, backwoods stuff, having a rifle available may prove valuable.

 

[qwert65]

I keep a jframe in my console, I can't always carry and when I can it slips in my pocket. Most of the time it stays in the car. I work in some rough areas and it can easily be deduced I have drugs(vet). Also, occasionally it is more humane to euthanize this way.
I don't worry about someone stealing it, they could also run someone over with my car after they steal that, that's not on me either.

 

[montanaoffroader]

Once upon a time I used to leave a 'sporterized' .303 Enfield and a .22 rifle in a window rack in my old pickup. Didn't lock the doors, either.

Nowadays you can't even find a decent window rack, and I lock the doors and don't leave anything of value in any of my outfits.

 

[GCBurner]

I may keep one in the console when I'm traveling, and it would be difficult to reach the carry gun in my pocket holster with the seatbelt fastened, but I don't leave it in the car when I stop for the night.

 

[jmr40]

A handgun is in the center console of my truck 99.9% of the time. The door is locked and it is out of sight. By doing so I have met my legal and moral obligations. If anyone breaks into my truck and steals either the truck or gun they are the criminal.

I feel perfectly safe doing so with my truck parked in my driveway, but if traveling, it goes into the hotel/home where I spend the night.

 

[FROGO207]

I always have a couple older beater firearms (.22 rifle/357) and ammo in the vehicle, have for years. Never know when you might meet up with a friend and go target shooting so like a good Boy Scout I am always prepared. Never know when they might be handy otherwise either you know.

**Here's a tip. Take the cylinder out of your revolver and the bolt out of the rifle and store them separately in the vehicle. This will make them that much harder to do something with if stolen.

 

[treg]

My gun goes with me.

I like to leave my car unlocked, windows open when applicable.

 

[Deus Machina]

My CCW is on my belt or in the glove box when I'm in the car.
If I'm going into more rural areas and have the space, sometimes I'll toss the AK in the trunk, mostly in the case of a breakdown in gator or feral dog country. No use for me in the urban areas; two-legged pests wouldn't give me a chance to get to it.

 

[MrDig]

If I lived in a remote location I would consider having a lever gun or a pump shotgun in my vehicle. Mostly for varmint/predator control. In the city or a major suburb like where I live it is too great a risk to need to file a police report because the vehicle and the gun was stolen.
Since I have a carry permit I can legally carry a loaded firearm in my vehicle. leaving a firearm in your vehicle is a risk where ever you go but I would minimize the risk.

 

[doc2rn]

I will just put it like this "where I come from" a truck gun is just that, and everybody has one. I will remind everyone of a time I heard about in Texas where a man climbed up a monument/ building and it was the suppressive fire from civilians on the street shooting back that allowed him to be taken out without greater loss of life. Truck guns are just old dinged up tools that keep working. Mine is a Win 30-30.