What is the definition of a “truck gun?” To me it’s just what the name implies; a gun you keep in your truck. Before the onslaught of reasons you should NOT keep a gun in your vehicle ensues, hear me out. Keeping firearms in your vehicle isn’t something everyone can or should do. There are a million things to consider before throwing your favorite AR behind the seat:
Can you lock your vehicle in a storage area such as a garage or shop at night? If not, can you lock your firearm in the vehicle securely? I’m sure there are a few other circumstances out there, but if you can’t do these things, permanent storage overnight in your vehicle may not be for you.
If you aren’t going to keep it in the vehicle all the time, you have to figure out how you are going to get it from point A to B safely, comfortably, and discreetly. If you are travelling, be sure you know the laws in the states you’ll be going to.
Usually, this is my favorite part of the process. For a truck gun, I’m looking for something my pistol can’t do. A friend once told me “I only have a pistol to keep them busy until I can get to my truck.” What does that even mean? With my truck gun, I want to be able to do a few basic things:
Now that we know what we’re looking to do, let’s look at 5 very suitable options to fill this job:
In a truck gun, size is everything and an AR pistol is my first choice. This model from PSA is in .300 Blackout giving your truck gun .30 caliber stopping power in a very compact package. Standard 5.56 chambered AR15/ M16 magazines are compatible making mag pouch changes on your vest or belt a non-issue no matter which caliber you choose.
The AK47 has been one of the world’s favorite weapons for decades for a reason; it’s simple and it works. The elements or a little dirt aren’t going to keep that piston from moving, making this choice for truck gun my most durable. It has a 7.75” barrel and weighs in at just under 6lbs and is chambered in 7.62x39 NATO. As far as ammunition availability, you should be able to find this all over the world!
Enter the Turks. Long touted for their reasonably priced shotguns, the folks over at SDS Arms in Knoxville, TN have worked together with Turkish manufacturers to bring a high quality, affordable MP5K clone to the market. The MAC9K does that to perfection.
One advantage of the MAC9K is the ammunition compatibility with my carry pistol, a Glock 43.
“But Nick, you just said your pistol is what you use until you get to your truck. That doesn’t make sense!!”
The MAC9K does things with 147gr 9mm hollow points that my Glock cannot. The ammo capacity is greatly increased, and effective range is well over 100 yards now. The bullets may be from the same box, but the carry pistol and MAC9K are not. If you are a fan of MP5s, then this option is right up your alley.
Shotguns can also be a very effective truck gun. It isn’t my first choice, but it deserves a spot on the list. While shotguns don’t give you the range an AR pistol would, they are a formidable opponent in a closer more personal situation. The KSG has been around for quite a while and has earned its stripes many times over. Advantages for the KSG include a 12+1 capacity (shotgun ammo has a huge range of options from size to fire breathing rounds. 00 buckshot is my personal fave), full rail on top for mounting a red dot, and the fact that it’s a pump instead of a semi auto make it much more reliable than a semi-auto.
For those of you who prefer a more traditional approach, I present the GForce Arms Huckleberry LTAC .357 Mag/ .38 Spl Tactical Lever Action Rifle. While it’s a mouthful to say, it’s perfect for those of you who don’t primarily use your truck gun in a defensive capacity. Farmers and ranchers across the world keep rifles in their trucks and machinery to help with keeping varmints away from their livestock. While self-defense may not be the primary purpose, this lever action can hold its own.
The LTAC provides a full rail on top for adding a scope or red dot and the gun holds 8+1 rounds of either .357 Magnum or .38 Special. The enlarged loop makes reloading a breeze and the MLOK forearm allows for the use of lights or lasers. Welcome to the new world where lever actions are just as tactical as M16’s!
Keep those truck guns lubed and batteries new, and if that ugly situation ever rears its head, you’ll be ready. ~ Nick
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