Welcome back to the 28th installment of my blog, in which I don’t claim to be an expert, in fact the opposite. I’m a new user to the AR platform and want to share my findings and experiences as I go through and build rifles as well as being the Operations Manager at Tyrant Designs.
“Truck Guns” have been a thing for a long time. Back in the day. Remember I’m 30 so this wasn’t that long ago. Many of our fellow 2A enthusiasts might have used the family pump shotgun or possibly some type of glove box revolver as their vehicle weapon. While there is nothing wrong with either of those, I will make the argument that the AR-15 may be the perfect truck gun out there.
Why the AR-15 is the Best Truck Gun
The AR-15 stands out as the best truck gun because it combines power, reliability, and versatility, making it ideal for vehicle-based emergencies, property defense, or just a handy firearm to keep nearby. Don’t have a truck? Me neither. I’m a city slicker that owns a big car because parking a truck in the city is a pain in the ass. So when I say truck gun, I really mean vehicle gun.
I think it’s safe to say that if you were to engage in some type of defensive situation you would need something that would have short to medium range capabilities. A small pump or pistol might be concealable (which is definitely a criteria for a truck gun) but their range is embarrassingly short.
A standard 16 inch barreled AR-15 might do the trick due to its capability in range and stopping power, providing to be most effective for a defensive situation as well as hunting something off the side of the road. However it is not concealable at that length.
Solution: Short Barreled Rifles (SBR) and AR Pistols.
One of the reasons the AR-15 dominates as a truck gun is its ability to fit into tight spaces, especially in its AR pistol or short-barreled rifle (SBR) configurations. Pair your AR-15 with a compact truck gun rack for secure storage, and you’ve got a firearm that’s easy to access and deploy in any situation. These setups are especially valuable if you’re working in unpredictable environments where quick response time is critical.
As some of you may know, SBR’s can have a barrel as short at 9 inches. To be able to obtain a license to get one, you will need to fill out the necessary paper work through the ATF. Plus, you will have to buy tax stamp and wait longer than you care to. A quicker solution might be to build an AR pistol instead. They might look like an SBR, but if you switch out the stock to a stabilizing brace, technically it doesn’t count the same as an SBR. Do yourself a favor and research how to build an AR pistol and the legalities behind it first. Chamber it in .223/5.56, .300 Blk, or whatever you’re comfortable with and boom the perfect truck gun.
Lastly, make sure you are able to secure your truck gun in your vehicle. Don’t let anyone else be able to obtain access to your gun. Don’t get shot by your own gun, that’s embarrassing. You may be able to keep in under/behind your seat. Just make sure it’s secure and out of sight. Also, legal considerations are another important factor when choosing the AR-15 as your truck gun. Some states have restrictions on firearm transportation, while others may require your AR-15 to be secured in a truck-mounted gun safe.
Does anyone here use an AR-15 as your truck gun?
FAQs
What is a truck gun?
A truck gun is a firearm kept in a vehicle for defensive, hunting, or emergency purposes. It’s typically compact, reliable, and easy to access.
What states have laws against guns in trucks?
Gun laws vary by state, but places like California, New York, and Illinois have stricter regulations about firearms in vehicles. Always check your local laws.
Are gun racks in trucks legal?
Yes, gun racks are legal in many states, but their use depends on local laws and regulations about firearm storage and visibility in vehicles.
