The Role of the Truck Gun

Euclidean · January 2nd, 2006, 12:16 PM

Yeah I know we've been over this before, but it's been on my mind lately.

I'm traveling often now through some rural spots... luckily I'm not out in far West Texas or other places where the towns get to be literally a couple hundred miles apart, but the fact is I'm often about 30-40 miles from anywhere that even has a gas station, and a lot of the places I go through have nothing in the way of cellular phone coverage. You can make all the calls you want to, but you won't connect anywhere.

I pack accordingly with emergency food water etc. Realistically, the worst that could likely happen is I get stuck at some weird hour and have to wait 8-9 hours at most before people start driving through and I can flag someone down for help. However, I also plan on the possibility I may simply have to hoof it to the next wide spot in the road 40 miles away. Most realistic worst case scenario, more or less.

So it's not like you'd pack up for a really isolated place like far West Texas or Montana or Alaska, etc., but it's worthy of consideration to be prepared.

Part of my preparations includes the Truck Gun. Luckily the parts of Texas I am worried about don't really have a lot of aggressive animals, but rabid ones are always a concern and I don't know anyone who has lived here all their life and not seen one atypical example of an aggressive coyote. By nature most of these animals are cowards who will flee humans, but it'd be just my luck I'd meet the one that won't.

There's nothing that terribly large however. A 9mm pistol would actually take care of anything, but I prefer something that makes me feel better. An ideal cartridge would be either a powerful pistol cartridge fired from a carbine, or a light rifle round like a .30-30.

Animals ain't my only concern either. I drove the route yesterday, and counted three drifters. Duffel bag on the back, ragged clothes, haven't showered since who knows when... you know the type. One was near a town but the others were in the middle of nowhere trying to hitch hike. They looked harmless enough I suppose (they looked like potheads), but looks mean nothing.

I guess it's just the cold heartless ******* in me, but if I ever do break down out there and meet one of these guys on my trek, I want to be holding an obvious and reasonably powerful weapon. I don't want to hurt anyone, but I want to make it obvious I don't wish to speak to them.

I've used an SKS, my 1894, and will probably try my GP WASR out in this role as well since it's so easy to carry. I don't want to use a terribly expensive gun in this role.

There is the issue a sheriff's patrol car might see some guy in his early 20s trekking around with a gun along the side of the road, but here's what can happen there:

1. They stop and I explain the situation and I get help. Hooray. They might take the gun but that's just fine if they do. It got me to safety its job is done, and I'd most likely get it back at some point anyway because I'd have a good attitude about it and the last time I check it's not illegal to simply carry a rifle. Most likely outcome considering I'd be trying to flag them down.

2. They see me flagging them down and just think I'm a ranch hand looking for varmints and that I am being friendly, and keep on driving.

I have considered being a little more low key, which is my I currently use the Marlin. Its presence in a West Texas or Central Texas pickup truck is not noted. The AK47 clone may be a bit much though.

Too much preparation, not enough, just right, what say you?

Wish I had OnStar. Would make this situation much better.

rocky · January 2nd, 2006, 12:22 PM

A PC friendly gun may be the way to go. Low key, less unwanted attention for others passing by. If they see you with a AK they may be less prone to stop and offer assistance. The biggest problem I see is walking ointo town with a long gun. Here in MI folks would be fearfull I imagine , If I walked into a business with a long gun. Best way I figure is near town break down the gun and pack it in a non descript bag.

Euclidean · January 2nd, 2006, 01:21 PM

I do have a bag for that very purpose that would hide any of these. Two of these small towns have gunstores in them however, and people hunt various things there year round. I could likely stuff it in a case and not get so much as a glance.

The good news is that the further west I go, the more gun tolerant these people are. A couple of the small towns I go through survive almost entirely off of deer hunting.

You are probably right about keeping the rifle "normal" looking though.

P95Carry · January 2nd, 2006, 01:38 PM

AK, SKS etc are the more ideal with regard to versatility but regarding the appearance deal - then lever is pretty much the only platform which will not risk getting a hostile approach from folks.

The whole profile of a '94 says, hunting, low-key self protection etc ......... the others sadly have the ''assault'' label and so are perceived by so many as nothing less than that - bada$$ guns.

I know which I'd prefer in a crisis tho!

RSSZ · January 2nd, 2006, 02:48 PM

Howz 'bout something similar to my wifes hog gun. A NEF(H&R) single shot .45-70(or one of their other cals). Used probably under $150.Have the bbl chopped to 16" and the Ryanite(or wood) stock cut down to 13" LOP. When broken down(one screw) it fits into a very narrow 17" package. When assembled and with the proper load it will kill anything in N. America,includeing gate locks, and vech radiators/engines.-----

Euclidean · January 2nd, 2006, 03:18 PM

RSSZ I'm always on the lookout for a used Handirifle in .45-70 and a couple of other calibers just in case one ever pops up. They represent tremendous values when you get them at used gun prices.

I have a NEF Pardner single shot 12 gauge that is a hoot. It was $40 with considerable rust on the muzzle. I cut it down to 18.5" and filed it off smooth and uniform. If I actually used it for much I'd have it recrowned and threaded for a choke.

RSSZ · January 2nd, 2006, 04:58 PM

10-4, same here. Used 12ga. for(IIRC) $60. No rust but not taken care of either. I cut the bbl to 18.25" and recrowned (turned in my neighbor's lathe).Only time it's carried is just before hog season, while scouting in the deep river swamp. I carry 3rds of trip "O" buck(3") and 5-6 rds of my #8 shot handloads(for snakes). We have both Cottonmouths and Diamondbacks here in NW Fla. and they absolutely love our hot,steamy, river swamps. For these purposes the little NEF's are great. I'll tell ya,the .45-70 version will handle an extremely hot charge of powder and being a single shot you can seat them big ol' bullets waaaay out. ---------

rfurtkamp · January 3rd, 2006, 03:00 AM

I keep a scoped FAL in the trunk and a bandolier of eight loaded magazines. Call me paranoid, but I realized after my last "need a firearm" moment that I didn't want to compromise on something I didn't want to have. That's an argument I'd rather not have with myself if I don't have to.

If I go seriously out of town or am out for long spells at night, the AR with night vision comes with. I'm not a 223 fan by any stretch of the imagination, but I'd rather see at night and it gets mighty dark out this way.

Euclidean · January 3rd, 2006, 03:08 AM

The ironic thing is, rfurtkamp, that when I complete my AR build project, I'll have an evil black gun whose presence won't be completely unheard of as long as I had some kind of scope on it. The caliber/platform is nigh useless for any sort of recreational hunting out here, but an awful lot of people use .223, .243, 7mm08 etc. for varmint control. Most ranchers just keep an old bolt gun stashed in a vehicle where it's not in the way, but I've met three who use an AR15 platform.

rfurtkamp · January 3rd, 2006, 04:53 AM

Yep, 223 is a regular varmint control round out here. It's cheap, efficient enough, and well, you shoot again if needed.

January 2nd, 2006, 12:16 PM	#1
Euclidean VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 3,213	The Role of the Truck Gun Yeah I know we've been over this before, but it's been on my mind lately. I'm traveling often now through some rural spots... luckily I'm not out in far West Texas or other places where the towns get to be literally a couple hundred miles apart, but the fact is I'm often about 30-40 miles from anywhere that even has a gas station, and a lot of the places I go through have nothing in the way of cellular phone coverage. You can make all the calls you want to, but you won't connect anywhere. I pack accordingly with emergency food water etc. Realistically, the worst that could likely happen is I get stuck at some weird hour and have to wait 8-9 hours at most before people start driving through and I can flag someone down for help. However, I also plan on the possibility I may simply have to hoof it to the next wide spot in the road 40 miles away. Most realistic worst case scenario, more or less. So it's not like you'd pack up for a really isolated place like far West Texas or Montana or Alaska, etc., but it's worthy of consideration to be prepared. Part of my preparations includes the Truck Gun. Luckily the parts of Texas I am worried about don't really have a lot of aggressive animals, but rabid ones are always a concern and I don't know anyone who has lived here all their life and not seen one atypical example of an aggressive coyote. By nature most of these animals are cowards who will flee humans, but it'd be just my luck I'd meet the one that won't. There's nothing that terribly large however. A 9mm pistol would actually take care of anything, but I prefer something that makes me feel better. An ideal cartridge would be either a powerful pistol cartridge fired from a carbine, or a light rifle round like a .30-30. Animals ain't my only concern either. I drove the route yesterday, and counted three drifters. Duffel bag on the back, ragged clothes, haven't showered since who knows when... you know the type. One was near a town but the others were in the middle of nowhere trying to hitch hike. They looked harmless enough I suppose (they looked like potheads), but looks mean nothing. I guess it's just the cold heartless ******* in me, but if I ever do break down out there and meet one of these guys on my trek, I want to be holding an obvious and reasonably powerful weapon. I don't want to hurt anyone, but I want to make it obvious I don't wish to speak to them. I've used an SKS, my 1894, and will probably try my GP WASR out in this role as well since it's so easy to carry. I don't want to use a terribly expensive gun in this role. There is the issue a sheriff's patrol car might see some guy in his early 20s trekking around with a gun along the side of the road, but here's what can happen there: 1. They stop and I explain the situation and I get help. Hooray. They might take the gun but that's just fine if they do. It got me to safety its job is done, and I'd most likely get it back at some point anyway because I'd have a good attitude about it and the last time I check it's not illegal to simply carry a rifle. Most likely outcome considering I'd be trying to flag them down. 2. They see me flagging them down and just think I'm a ranch hand looking for varmints and that I am being friendly, and keep on driving. I have considered being a little more low key, which is my I currently use the Marlin. Its presence in a West Texas or Central Texas pickup truck is not noted. The AK47 clone may be a bit much though. Too much preparation, not enough, just right, what say you? Wish I had OnStar. Would make this situation much better. __________________ I am The Armed Educator.

January 2nd, 2006, 01:21 PM	#3
Euclidean VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 3,213	I do have a bag for that very purpose that would hide any of these. Two of these small towns have gunstores in them however, and people hunt various things there year round. I could likely stuff it in a case and not get so much as a glance. The good news is that the further west I go, the more gun tolerant these people are. A couple of the small towns I go through survive almost entirely off of deer hunting. You are probably right about keeping the rifle "normal" looking though. __________________ I am The Armed Educator.

January 2nd, 2006, 01:38 PM	#4
P95Carry Assistant Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: South West PA Posts: 25,366	AK, SKS etc are the more ideal with regard to versatility but regarding the appearance deal - then lever is pretty much the only platform which will not risk getting a hostile approach from folks. The whole profile of a '94 says, hunting, low-key self protection etc ......... the others sadly have the ''assault'' label and so are perceived by so many as nothing less than that - bada$$ guns. I know which I'd prefer in a crisis tho! __________________ Chris - P95 NRA Certified Instructor & NRA Life Member. "To own a gun and assume that you are armed is like owning a piano and assuming that you are a musician!." If a BG dies as the result of pointing a gun at me, then he has merely succumbed to an occupational hazard of being a thug

January 2nd, 2006, 03:18 PM	#6
Euclidean VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 3,213	RSSZ I'm always on the lookout for a used Handirifle in .45-70 and a couple of other calibers just in case one ever pops up. They represent tremendous values when you get them at used gun prices. I have a NEF Pardner single shot 12 gauge that is a hoot. It was $40 with considerable rust on the muzzle. I cut it down to 18.5" and filed it off smooth and uniform. If I actually used it for much I'd have it recrowned and threaded for a choke. __________________ I am The Armed Educator.

January 3rd, 2006, 03:08 AM	#9
Euclidean VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 3,213	The ironic thing is, rfurtkamp, that when I complete my AR build project, I'll have an evil black gun whose presence won't be completely unheard of as long as I had some kind of scope on it. The caliber/platform is nigh useless for any sort of recreational hunting out here, but an awful lot of people use .223, .243, 7mm08 etc. for varmint control. Most ranchers just keep an old bolt gun stashed in a vehicle where it's not in the way, but I've met three who use an AR15 platform. __________________ I am The Armed Educator.

January 2nd, 2006, 12:22 PM	#2
rocky Senior Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MI Posts: 11,767	A PC friendly gun may be the way to go. Low key, less unwanted attention for others passing by. If they see you with a AK they may be less prone to stop and offer assistance. The biggest problem I see is walking ointo town with a long gun. Here in MI folks would be fearfull I imagine , If I walked into a business with a long gun. Best way I figure is near town break down the gun and pack it in a non descript bag.

January 2nd, 2006, 02:48 PM	#5
RSSZ Distinguished Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Posts: 1,847	Howz 'bout something similar to my wifes hog gun. A NEF(H&R) single shot .45-70(or one of their other cals). Used probably under $150.Have the bbl chopped to 16" and the Ryanite(or wood) stock cut down to 13" LOP. When broken down(one screw) it fits into a very narrow 17" package. When assembled and with the proper load it will kill anything in N. America,includeing gate locks, and vech radiators/engines.-----

January 2nd, 2006, 04:58 PM	#7
RSSZ Distinguished Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Posts: 1,847	10-4, same here. Used 12ga. for(IIRC) $60. No rust but not taken care of either. I cut the bbl to 18.25" and recrowned (turned in my neighbor's lathe).Only time it's carried is just before hog season, while scouting in the deep river swamp. I carry 3rds of trip "O" buck(3") and 5-6 rds of my #8 shot handloads(for snakes). We have both Cottonmouths and Diamondbacks here in NW Fla. and they absolutely love our hot,steamy, river swamps. For these purposes the little NEF's are great. I'll tell ya,the .45-70 version will handle an extremely hot charge of powder and being a single shot you can seat them big ol' bullets waaaay out. ---------

January 3rd, 2006, 03:00 AM	#8
rfurtkamp Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pocatello, Idaho Posts: 940	I keep a scoped FAL in the trunk and a bandolier of eight loaded magazines. Call me paranoid, but I realized after my last "need a firearm" moment that I didn't want to compromise on something I didn't want to have. That's an argument I'd rather not have with myself if I don't have to. If I go seriously out of town or am out for long spells at night, the AR with night vision comes with. I'm not a 223 fan by any stretch of the imagination, but I'd rather see at night and it gets mighty dark out this way. __________________ Driver carries less than $45 worth of remorse.

January 3rd, 2006, 04:53 AM	#10
rfurtkamp Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pocatello, Idaho Posts: 940	Yep, 223 is a regular varmint control round out here. It's cheap, efficient enough, and well, you shoot again if needed. __________________ Driver carries less than $45 worth of remorse.

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