Understanding the Purpose of a Truck Gun
If you watch the Guerrilla Tactical Youtube channel, you’d have seen that we did a video on truck guns. A truck gun is a firearm kept in a vehicle for emergencies, self-defense, or specific tasks that may require more than just a standard pistol. Unlike a concealed carry pistol, which is designed for on-person carry and close-range defense, a truck gun is typically larger, offering more power, accuracy, and versatility. These firearms can range from compact rifles to large-caliber handguns, depending on the user’s needs and the environment they operate in.
Truck guns are valuable tools for ranchers, farmers, law enforcement, outdoor enthusiasts, and responsible civilians who may need access to a firearm while traveling or working in remote areas. The ideal truck gun balances portability, effectiveness, and quick accessibility without compromising safety or legality, and our team at Guerrilla Tactical is going to break it down.
Advantages of Having a Truck Gun
1. Increased Firepower
While a concealed carry pistol is excellent for personal protection, it has limitations in terms of range and stopping power. A truck gun—whether a rifle, pistol caliber carbine, or large-caliber pistol—offers significantly more power, better accuracy, as well as higher magazine capacity, making it more effective in defensive situations against multiple threats or when greater penetration is required.
2. Versatility for Different Scenarios
Truck guns can be used for various purposes beyond self-defense. If you’re a rancher or farmer, a rifle or shotgun can be crucial for dealing with predators, protecting livestock, or even dispatching dangerous animals like feral hogs. In rural or survival situations, a truck gun can also serve as a hunting tool, providing a reliable means to harvest game in an emergency.
3. Better Control and Accuracy
A rifle or pistol-caliber carbine provides better control and stability than a handgun, making it more effective in high-pressure situations where precision is crucial. Whether dealing with a threat at a distance, engaging multiple targets, or navigating around barriers, a truck gun provides a clear advantage over a sidearm.
4. Preparedness for Emergencies
Natural disasters, civil unrest, breakdowns in remote locations, or violent encounters can create situations where having a reliable firearm could mean the difference between life and death. A truck gun ensures you are prepared for worst-case scenarios, providing you with an effective tool to protect yourself, your passengers, and others if needed.
5. Enhanced Capacity and Reloadability
Most truck guns, especially rifles and PCCs, have larger magazine capacities or the ability to carry extra ammunition more effectively than a handgun. This is crucial in extended engagements where reloading speed and capacity can determine the outcome.
Why a Short-Barreled Rifle or a Folding Stock Firearm is Ideal
Not all firearms are practical for truck storage. Full-length rifles and shotguns can be cumbersome, while traditional long-barreled firearms may not always offer the rapid deployment needed in an emergency. This is where short-barreled rifles (SBRs) or firearms with folding stocks/brace systems come into play.
1. Compact and Easy to Store
A rifle with a short barrel (typically 10-12 inches) or a folding brace/stock can be easily stowed inside a vehicle without taking up much space. It can often fit in a dedicated gun case under the seat, in a storage compartment, or behind the back seat of a truck, ensuring it remains concealed yet readily accessible.
2. Quick Deployment
Time is critical in emergencies. A truck gun should be easy to access and deploy rapidly. Firearms with folding stocks or braces can be stored in a more compact manner but deployed in seconds when needed. The ability to have a firearm that transitions quickly from a stored position to a ready position can make a significant difference in a defensive situation.
3. Maintains Rifle-Level Effectiveness
A properly configured truck gun retains the power and accuracy of a rifle while being much easier to handle in confined spaces, such as inside a vehicle. A short-barreled rifle chambered in 5.56, .300 Blackout, or even pistol-caliber carbines (PCCs) can provide a significant advantage over a standard handgun in an engagement that requires precision or greater stopping power.
It is worth noting that when you are using a pistol-caliber carbine, you gain stability and extra magazine capacity but lack stopping power compared to 300blk or a 5.56 gun.
4. Increased Maneuverability in Close Quarters
If you ever need to use your truck gun from within a vehicle or in a confined area, a shorter firearm is much easier to maneuver than a full-length rifle or shotgun. This is especially important for defensive situations where movement is limited.
5. Legal Considerations
Before choosing a truck gun, be sure to check your state’s firearm laws. Some states have restrictions on SBRs or require a tax stamp under the National Firearms Act (NFA). If legal hurdles are an issue, consider a braced pistol that offers similar benefits without the need for additional paperwork. Additionally, always ensure your firearm is stored securely to prevent unauthorized access.
Some Common Truck Gun Configurations
1. AR-15 Pistol with a Folding Brace
- Chambered in: 5.56 NATO or .300 Blackout
- Why? Offers great firepower, ammo availability, and modularity.
- Recommended Accessories: Red dot sight, weapon light, sling, suppressor (if legal), and backup iron sights.
2. AK Pistol with Folding Brace
- Chambered in: 7.62×39
- Why? Superior penetration, ruggedness, and reliability.
- Recommended Accessories: Compact optic, weapon light, sling, and extra magazines.
3. 9mm PCC (Pistol-Caliber Carbine)
- Chambered in: 9mm
- Why? Pairs well with a carry pistol, minimal recoil, easy handling, and great for urban environments.
- Recommended Accessories: Red dot sight, weapon light, suppressor (where legal), and extra magazine storage.
Check Out the Truck Gun Video!
Final Thoughts
A truck gun is an excellent addition for those who spend significant time on the road, in rural areas, or in unpredictable environments where threats could arise. While a concealed carry pistol is useful for personal defense, a truck gun provides better range, firepower, and versatility. The best choice for a truck gun is a short-barreled rifle or firearm with a folding stock or brace, ensuring easy storage and rapid deployment. However, always be mindful of firearm storage laws and safety considerations to ensure responsible ownership and prevent theft or misuse.
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