Location, location, location. Repeat that word before you think what a “truck gun” has to be. Where you live, work and travel dictates what is a useful firearm and what is a less than useful firearm. We should examine some locations and what would be a good “truck gun” in those locales and situations.
In the city. Well your “truck gun” might need to be a pistol caliber rifle or a smaller intermediate caliber rifle sighted in for close in self defense distances. You certainly will not want to launch a large caliber projectile through an attacker and down a crowded city block.
Think frangible cartridges like the classic Glaser Safety Slug for your first rounds or rapid opening varmint projectiles. Out of a small and quick firing autoloading carbine or braced pistol you will be able to hold on a target in a stressful situation but able to retain your weapon easier. Remember, if an adversary gets close enough they might try to grab that weapon!
How about the Alaskan highway? Well the problems are often the size of a small car with teeth and claws to boot! A 12 gauge shotgun with a variety of slugs, buckshot and birdshot is always a winner. Need more distance and accuracy? A lever action .45/70 caliber rifle is a solid choice for big problems in the great white North!
Midwest suburban U.S.A. is another scenario. You could be in town or out in a more rural area within minutes. You could be facing off with human aggressors or if on a farm, dispatching a problem varmint. For dispatching critters, the ole’ .22 is a proven provider on critter elimination.
Add a small gauge shotgun and you are ready for most rural problems. A combination rifle and shotgun like the now discontinued Savage Model 24 is a great option for those issues. With a .22 long rifle barrel and also a 20 gauge barrel it’s two guns in one. Brilliant!
In town, better at least have a handgun at the ready if not a more accurate short carbine if applicable. Road rage dangers are usually up close and personal. Be ready.
How about way out west. With long distances and open spaces firepower and high accuracy are #1. A self loading rifle with a serious distance caliber will serve you well. With no worries of rounds passing through dangers and ending up in city pedestrians break out the big gun!
As you have noticed there is no perfect “truck gun”. Examine closely where you will be traveling and what dangers you might encounter. Train with your chosen weapon and be sure to have it close at hand when needed and not buried under other gear. Remember, you can also have two or more “truck guns”. They are quite addictive and fun to own too!
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I beg to differ as here is what I consider a real truck gun. Grumpy
