define Truck Gun

[Precision]

I keep seeing people using that word and meaning completely different things.

I have a definition in mind, but want to hear your thoughts..

Also is it a different thing, or the same thing as a trunk gun?

[Cobar]

My understanding was always a rifle/shotgun you kept in the truck for when you needed something more than a pistol, or if you are not carrying a pistol. Trunk gun would be the same, just in a car's trunk.

[Termite]

I define "truck gun" as a firearm, rifle, handgun, or shotgun, that generally resides in your vehicle. Pickup or car doesn't matter. This would be somewhat different from your daily CCW piece, which stays on you.

A person living/traveling in the suburbs or city would tend towards a handgun. A farmer or rancher might tend more towards a rifle or shotgun.

[MiddleAgedKen]

Addendum: seems to carry an assumption that a truck/trunk gun wouldn't be a prized possession. Robust and easily maintained/serviced/replaced at need.

[Precision]

So if I hear you guys properly, a truck / car / trunk gun is:

a gun that tends to live in said vehicle
it is independent of your carry choice
It is often a long gun of some configuration, but does not NEED to be a long gun
also a firearm that is less than your favorite and could likely be a blemished / ugly gun, but one that you deem to be quite reliable despite possible inattention for months at a time
for many it is a horsepower upgrade from the carry piece
...as in if you carry an LCP, your truck gun might be a Glock 17
...if your carry piece is a Glock 17, the truck gun is more likely a shotgun, AR, AK, Marlin 336

[Termite]

Precision,

I would say that is a fairly accurate summary.

Back in the 1990s I had a Sig P226 with all the "bells and whistles". I would not leave it in my vehicles because of the possibility of theft.

I bought a used FEG PA-63 in .380, when Interarms was importing them as former east German police surplus. Bought it "for a song". It was my "truck gun" for many yrs. It is absolutely reliable with any type of factory ammunition, and if it gets stolen, I'm not out much money.

[blackeagle603]

See also "Commuter Bicycle"

Reliable, not too pretty to worry about usage/storage conditions and not too spendy to make you cry when (not if) it is stolen.

[scipioafricanus]

I thought for the longest time it was basically a SKS.

[randy]

I thought for the longest time it was basically a SKS.

When you could buy one and a case of ammo for it under $200, they were the basic definition.

[Precision]

The reason for this post:

I thought I was pretty in tune with this. I mean I did get paid to write 2 articles on the topic, but it NEVER occurred to me that a small pistol would be THE truck gun. I guess it is a bit of confirmation bias, in that I am never without a carry piece and a truck gun (in my mind) should be an upgrade from the carry piece. An upgrade in lethality, coverable distance, capacity and ease of making a hit.

When someone referred to their LCP or J-frame as a truck gun, I was very confused. But I guess if you don't carry, then that is an upgrade.

I went from a de-bayoneted carbine Mosin (paid $89), to a Marlin 336, to an 18" pump shotgun, to a Camp 9...

My final iteration is, the 5.56 16-20" barrel AR. I have a 30 round mag of 62 gr soft points in it and one each of 62 gr soft points, 62 gr penetrator, 75 gr otm, and a 20 rounder of 77 gr Berger OTM in a bandoleer. Mags are down loaded to 28 (18) rounds for spring protection and anti jamming tendencies. They have a LPVO optic set at 1.5 power but zoomable up to 6 (and 8) respectively.

The wife has similar in her vehicle.

As my truck is our bug out vehicle, it also has a 9mm AR pistol (Glock mag) as the kidlet can use that easier. 2x17 rounders plus 2x 31 rounders.