Let’s get into the sometimes controversial topic of truck guns. In particular, we are going to be discussing what a truck gun is at the most basic level.
A truck gun is a firearm kept in a secured, hidden, and accessible location in a vehicle with the sole purpose of being available in the event of an emergency. Truck guns are commonly used by law enforcement and security professionals; however, the concept is becoming more popular with civilians.
Truck guns are usually long guns such as rifles or shotguns, but handguns can also be used.
Let’s dig into this idea a bit more.
What is the Best Choice for a Truck Gun?
As we mentioned, a truck gun is a firearm that is kept in a vehicle for self-defense purposes in emergency situations.
With that in mind, and when looking at what is “best”, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best truck gun for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
However, some of the most popular truck guns include handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
If you are looking for a general-purpose truck gun, a handgun is a good option, as it is portable and easy to conceal.
However, most folks looking into this idea probably carry a handgun as part of their EDC.
If that’s the case, scratch a handgun off your list.
Shotguns are an interesting choice due to their specific capabilities, which are unique to themselves.
Some folks may prefer a shotgun for specific scenarios, but they have never been a favorite choice for me.
Personally speaking, I prefer a rifle for the particular benefits it can offer.
When set up properly, a rifle can be a great compliment to the handgun you are already carrying.
We will get into this a bit more below. Just keep in mind, no matter what type of gun you choose, it is important to make sure that you are familiar with how to use it safely and effectively.
Characteristics
The most important characteristics of a truck gun vary depending on the type of firearm and who you are talking to and choices are all over the place.
In my opinion, the best truck guns are designed for rapid deployment and easy handling.
Best Truck Gun Calibers
With the above characteristics in mind, let’s talk about calibers.
I prefer a short-barrel rifle (SBR) typically chambered in 5.56/223, 7.62, or 5.45.
These are a few calibers that are effective at defeating targets at longer distances when compared to the effective range of most handguns and offer great ballistics for my particular purposes.
Out of these calibers, I find myself grabbing something chambered in 5.56 most often.
I feel like an SBR in this caliber checks the boxes in regards to being able to be deployed rapidly, easy to handle, and easy to store.
Accessories
In addition to the gun itself, I try to equip all my rifles with a light, optic, and sling.
Light
Pick your poison when it comes to lights. However, I would recommend sticking with a brand that can take a beating.
This weapon is likely to take a beating depending on where you live.
If you are regularly driving down dirt roads, or any unimproved surface, quality will be key.
There are a lot of good brands, but I typically stick with Surefire or Streamlight.
Optic
Iron sights would probably be more than sufficient for most folks and would probably be ideal in this scenario.
However, irons typically aren’t “sexy” enough for most.
If I’m adding an optic, my preference is a simple red dot from a reputable brand. Again, make sure it can take a beating.
Battery life is another consideration and is something that will take additional maintenance.
Other options to consider would be a LPVO (low-powered variable optic) or low-powered prism scope.
These can be great additions depending on your purpose and where you live (rural vs. urban).
Sling
Slings are often overlooked and under-valued accessories.
Buy whatever you like, just make sure you know how to use it and definitely make sure it is secured properly.
Pay attention to how you manage your sling as well.
It needs to work with you and not against you when you are trying to deploy your truck gun in an emergency.
When it comes to options, I have a lot of slings and here are a few of my favorites.
I’m sure you have a favorite already, so just go with it. If not, check out the options above.
The Criteria
A truck gun is a firearm that is specifically designed to be carried in or on a vehicle.
There are a few criteria that a truck gun must meet in order to qualify as such.
First and foremost, a truck gun must be designed for easy transport.
It should be lightweight and easily manageable, so that it can be quickly and easily moved in and out of the vehicle.
Secondly, a truck gun must be versatile and adaptable.
It should be able to handle a wide range of situations, both defensive and offensive.
Finally, a truck gun should be reliable. It should be able to perform under stress and in difficult conditions.
A good example of a truck gun is the AR-15. It is lightweight, versatile, and reliable, making it an ideal choice for this application.
How to Store a Truck Gun
A truck gun is a firearm that is kept in a vehicle for the purpose of self-defense…losing one because it is not stored properly completely defeats this purpose.
Truck guns are often kept in the cab of the vehicle, in a locked container, lockboxes, or safes for easy access in the event of a confrontation.
For those with pickups or SUVs, they can often be stored in vaults or via slide-out options as well.
Truck guns can be kept in good condition, with regular cleaning and maintenance, as with all firearms.
Do to the potential for more environmental exposure and extremes, they may need more frequent cleaning, inspections, and maintenance.
This will help ensure that they are ready for use when needed.
Conclusion
As we mentioned, a truck gun is a firearm that is specifically designed to be carried in a vehicle for emergency purposes.
Truck guns can be anything from a small handguns to a full-sized rifles, but rifles are typically favored due to their increased capabilities.
It’s important to reiterate the importance of a truck gun being kept in a secure location in the vehicle, such as a lock box, gun vault, or other secured location that can be accessed quickly in the event of an emergency.
Truck guns are a great option for anyone who wants to be prepared for extended emergencies while on the go.