I carry a concealed carry handgun, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate a spare firearm. I mean, I have four tires on my car, but I keep an extra in the trunk, too.
Same goes for my guns…which is why I always have a truck gun.
What’s that, you ask? A truck gun is one name applied to a simple concept. You may also hear it as trunk (with an n) gun, but the terms mean the same thing.
It’s a gun kept in the car to provide you with a little extra firepower.
With tons of guns on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the right one.
But you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to talk about the purpose of a truck gun, some things to look for, and also our top recommendations.
Keep reading!
Summary of Our Top Picks
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Best PCCPistol caliber carbine with models for Sig, Beretta, and Glock. Super light and compact.
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Best Single ShotSingle shot, rimfire design. Very lightweight, easy to store.
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Best Takedown RifleBuilt on the durable Ruger 10/22 design, this one breaks down to stow in a bag or backpack.
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Best Pump-Action ShotgunPump-action shotgun, lots of custom options/aftermarket accessories
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Best Folding ShotgunPump-action, folding shotgu that offers a compact shottie that's easy to store.
Table of Contents
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The Purpose of a Truck Gun
Why would someone want to keep an extra gun in their car? In general, it’s to pack something a little better than a handgun for whatever the world throws at you.
A truck or trunk gun can be used in a survival scenario where you have to leave your vehicle behind and huff it back on foot. They could be carried and kept just in case you face a serious threat.
I keep a truck gun because I live in an extremely rural area. It’s a 30-minute commute from home to work and 24 of those miles is a highway in the middle of nowhere.
There is no cell service, very few homes in between, and lots of potential for trouble.
I want something a little easier to shoot, with a lot more capacity and range for dispatching animals like coyotes, hogs, and feral dogs. A rifle can deal with most threats because of how much easier they are to shoot.
Want to see more survival guns? Check out our recommended Survival Rifles.
What Makes a Good Truck Gun?
A good truck gun needs to be a few things.
First, it needs to be compact and lightweight. Nothing too big and too heavy. There are a few guns that even fold basically in half to reduce the overall size.
This makes it easier to store the gun and reserves a little extra room in the trunk.
Also, if the rifle can fold or be taken down, it can be easily stored in a discreet case.
If you have to ditch your vehicle, you can grab the gun in your bag and still be carrying concealed. There are several options by popular manufacturers for a takedown and even folding rifles.
Preferably it needs to be a long gun.
Having a handgun for a truck gun doesn’t make sense to me. I can already carry a handgun; if I have an entire vehicle to store a gun, why wouldn’t I choose a long gun?
Also, long guns are harder to snatch and grab.
Further, the gun doesn’t need to be a tac’ed-out rifle with a dozen different gadgets. It doesn’t have to be designed for traditional defensive use. A bolt-action rifle, or even a single-shot rifle, could solve plenty of problems.
Because the gun is going to be riding around in the back of a truck or car, it’s also better to spend less than more…to a degree.
Still, get a dependable weapon, but we aren’t shopping for a Benelli M4 here. It’s going to be banged around, likely exposed to moisture, dirt, and a kick or two.
Simple is better.
I would also stay away from guns like the Mossberg 590 Shockwave and Remington Tac 14. Yes, they are small, powerful, and light, but they’re a bit too powerful for their small size, and they lack a stock.
They are difficult to shoot well and take some real practice to master. A standard shotgun with a folding stock is a much better option.
Before we dive into our suggestions for truck guns, I want to say one last thing…
Do not leave your gun in your vehicle overnight or for extended periods of time. The easiest way to steal a gun is to break into a car and take it.
It’s common, and if you allow it to happen, you are responsible for it.
Best Truck Guns
1. KelTec SUB2000
KelTec is a company that seems to produce some of the most interesting designs in the firearms industry.
The KelTec SUB2000 is a pistol caliber carbine that comes in 9mm and 40 S&W and with multiple magazine options.
I own one of these and love it.
Mine is the Glock model and chambered in 9mm. The rifle folds directly in half, with the barrel locking in over the receiver and reducing the size to 16.25 inches overall.
This makes the KelTec SUB2000 very compact, and it squeezes into the smallest packs. I keep mine in a Vertx Commuter bag, and it’s a perfect companion, especially with some 31-round ETS magazines.
It’s compact, lightweight, and cheap, and it’s the perfect folding gun for your trunk.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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2. Chiappa Little Badger
Let’s stick with folding guns, shall we? So, the first will be the Chiappa Little Badger. It’s pretty adorable.
The Chiappa Little Badger is a folding .22 LR, .17 HMR, or .22 Magnum rifle that is probably the simplest design I’ve ever seen.
It’s a single-shot rifle that utilizes a hammer. This gun sports a wire stock, four Picatinny rails, and some robust sights.
The Little Badger folds in half and weighs only 2.9 pounds. Its barrel is threaded for a muzzle device of your choosing. Not only is it a cool trunk gun, a cool folding gun, but it’s excellent for teaching kids to shoot because of its small size.
It also costs less than $200.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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3. Ruger 10/22 Takedown
The Ruger Takedown 10/22 is just as reliable, fun to shoot, and easy to handle as the OG 10/22. As a Takedown rifle, it doesn’t fold but breaks into two pieces.
This allows you to carry the rifle in a small bag with ease. Ruger even includes a cool bag with the 10/22 Takedown. The 10/22, in general, is an amazing rifle.
It’s accurate, affordable, chambered in .22 LR, and highly customizable. The Ruger 10/22 is one of the most popular .22 LR rifles for a good reason. It’s basically the AR-15 of rimfire rifles.
The Ruger 10/22, when paired with some quality ammo, a few BX-25 magazines, and stored in the included bag, is an excellent platform for a truck gun.
Its small rimfire rounds aren’t the best for defensive use or for large game, but it’s a solid working rifle.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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4. Mossberg Maverick 88
Shotguns are by far the most versatile weapon you can purchase for under $300.
The Mossberg Maverick 88 is like the store brand Mossberg 500, but it’s slightly different, made in Mexico, and costs less than $200 on average.
This model can take almost any accessory the Mossberg 500 can, so your ability to customize this gun is wide open.
You can easily toss on a variety of different stocks to change the configuration of the gun.
As a pump shotgun, it’s quite reliable. Mossberg makes good guns, and they back them with a lifetime warranty.
Toss a folding stock on this bad boy, and you have a serious piece of compact firepower.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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What’s your take on the 88? Rate it below!
5. Axor Arms PAF12
I have a love/hate relationship with Turkish shotguns. Some offer an awesome bargain and a solid shotgun, others…not so much.
I purchased the Axor Arms PAF12 because it could fold in half, and I’ve always wanted a burgess folding shotgun. For $350 or so, this was the best I was going to get.
The PAF12 is a pump-action, 12-gauge shotgun that folds at the receiver. The gun essentially divides into two separate receivers and hinges closed. It’s not locked, but a bit of friction keeps it folded…mostly.
Admittedly it needs to be tossed in a bag to keep it folded because it will wiggle open. The PAF12 holds four rounds of 2.75-inch shells, an 18.5-inch barrel, and a fixed stock. Its pump has one of those silyl spring returns that I hate and will remove.
A lever that also acts as a rear sight allows you to rapidly fold the gun to tuck it away.
The design makes your normal pump-action shotgun quite small and compact. As a truck gun, shotguns are tough to beat.
They offer a lot of power and a versatile selection of loads. Buckshot, birdshot, and slugs give you the ability to engage anything in North America. Shotguns, especially pump guns, are rarely targeted by any form of gun control as well.
The low price of the PAF12 makes it an easy investment to get into for truck or trunk use.
You don’t need to worry about a Wingmaster finish with this gun. Use it, abuse it, and get the most out of your money.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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6. Smith & Wesson FPC
The Smith & Wesson FPC was 2023’s surprise. This carbine dropped to rave reviews and immediate KelTec comparisons.
The FPC is similar to the SUB2000 in the fact they are both 9mm folding carbines that use direct blowback operating systems.
Comparisons are easy to make. Both guns use pistol mags, and the FPC uses M&P mags and just similar designs all around.
What Smith & Wesson does differently is that their gun folds to the side instead of over the top. This design makes the gun much more optic’s friendly. Mounting a red dot, or whatever, isn’t tough to do and doesn’t require a special optics mount to make it possible.
The FPC has a few interesting and innovative features.
This includes an M-LOK rail, friction fit, quick deploy folding system, and a stock that holds two extra mags. Oddly enough KelTec used a stock that held extra mags in one of their older designs as well.
It’s quite compact and admittedly quick to deploy when necessary. It’s fast to deploy than the SUB2000. The gun can spring into action quickly but also safely. It can’t chamber a round when folded.
The FPC acts as a rapid response tool that gives you a greater effective range, greater control, and more velocity than your pistol.
If you carry an M&P pistol, this is a great way to match your handgun to your rifle platform.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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7. Palmetto State Armory JAKL
A mix between an AK-47 and an AR-15, PSA’s JAKL brings a lot of firepower to the table for those looking for some oomph in their truck gun.
The JAKL sports the feel of an AR-15 pistol via the abbreviated receiver and piston operation. Its grip is an A2 style, and some people are okay with this, but it’s one of the first things I tend to replace.
PSA added a rail that is a good size and brings a 1913 rail on top. It also offers QD wells as well as M-LOK slots.
The only downside we found was accuracy. Shooting this, it came in around 3 MOA, which isn’t the best. But up close, it would probably do fine.
PSA’s JAKL is a pretty cool firearm that has a lot of features you’d want in a truck gun and it’s small enough to be suppressed without weighing it down.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Want to learn more? Check out the video review below or head over to the written article.
A Note About AR Pistols/Pistol Builds
An AR-15 pistol is basically a short AR without a stock. Most sport a pistol brace and offer rifle-like performance but in a smaller, shorter package.
The law is rapidly changing regarding these builds.
As of 2023, the ATF has ruled that AR pistols constitute a short-barreled rifle that falls under the National Firearms Act.
Pro 2A groups have filed suit, and we hope this rule gets overturned, but in the meantime, if you want an AR pistol, you have to go about it in the same way you would an SBR…that means ATF paperwork, waiting periods, and that $200 stamp.
To stay up to date on the latest happenings, check out Pistol Braces & The ATF.
Final Thoughts
A trunk gun isn’t going to be for everyone, but for many of us, they are essential. Hopefully, I’ve given you the tools to choose the one that is right for you!
While we’re on the topic of things to stage in your car, don’t forget an First Aid Kit.
Do you have a truck gun? Let us know all about it in the comments below. Looking for more defensive-style firearms? Check out the Best Home Defense Gun or the Best Home Defense Tactical Shotguns.
61 Leave a Reply
Since this article was written, S&W has introduced their 9 mm FPC (Folding Pistol Carbine) on the market. Similar to the KelTec SUB2000, it's advantage over the KelTec, is that the stock folds to the side rather than folding over the top, making mounting an optic much easier. At this time it only supports S&W magazines, but that may change in the future.
As noted by another reader, the American Resistance rifle.
Where's the section on the Sylvan and Law Folding Adaptors for the AR-15?
Just a suggestion that the article may need brought up to date, Travis.
Ummm, it's #6
I know this choice will be criticized roundly. My gun is my Ruger Mini 14 with the Samson folding stock and Nikon 1/7 scope. It has been accurized so that it shoots 1 and 1/2 inch at 100 yds. Hard hitter goes hunting too. I would like to send photos of rifle and target but I don’t know how.
And ONCE AGAIN, You forgot American Resistance !! It's not that hard to find.!!!
Good Grief this is like the third time I have asked you guys to give them a look.... They make Great stuff. I bought one of there breakdown 9MM a few years back. It's still shooting great, and it fits in a backpack, or the center console of my truck. If I got all the other crap out of it anyway. LOL
Personally I use a Henry AR-7. When it's stowed in its butt-stock, it's a little slow to get ready for action. But I suppose a "truck gun" doesn't necessarily have to be quick as that's what a handgun is for. Yes, it's a .22, but for shooting vermin, it works. Compared to your list, it's not a folder. But when stored, it doesn't take up much room at all.
I have been dealing with the Californistan AR-15 B.S. restrictions for years now.. grip fin , magazine locks , prior bullet button.. just picked up a Keltec SU-16 CA.. magazines drop free.. < 5lbs. 16 inch barrel and Parkerized internals. YOYO out here.
Mine is a Century Arms AK-47 bullpup in 7.62 x 39. Compact platform, but with a 16" barrel. It avoids the ATF and pistol confusion while still giving rifle caliber performance. Not for shooting left handed, though.
I have a KelTec Sub 2000 Gen. 2 rifle that takes 9mm Glock mags. I have gradually made several MCarbo upgrades to it & love shooting this rifle! I’ve reduced the recoil to where it feels like my .22lr
cal. S&W M&P 15 rifle! I’m thinking of making it my truck rifle. I even bought some 33 rd. Glock mags.
I just purchased one through Palmetto SA. 9mm. What changes have you made? I have added a recoil pad, added a ring to end of bolt, added a Romeo5 red dot. I have not been able to shoot it since adding recoil pad and bolt thingamajig.
I carry a CMMG Banshee in .45 ACP. With the 5” barrel and the brace collapsed it measures just under 21”. I keep it in a scabbard behind the passenger seat (where that’s legal), along with a spare 30-round magazine. It will have a DefCan 45 suppressor as soon as the ATF gets around to approving my Form 4 (six months and counting). As for optics, I use a Sig Romeo 5. The only other attachments are a Streamlight TLR-1 and a sling. The Banshee is small, reliable, and has 3x the capacity of my HK 45 pistol. I went for a pistol caliber because the “shock and awe” of an unsuppressed 5.56 coming out of a short barrel is just too much for me, and I am not looking to reach out more than 100 yards MAX (I have it zeroed at 25). Not saying it’s the right truck gun for everyone, but it is the right truck gun for me.
8 mos. and counting. And 8” barrel.
Surprise this and a couple other lists have not included CZ Scorpions—EVO 3 carbine, EVO S1/S2, or 3+s.
Mosberg 88 security pump with a fold away stock fits in a sea bag with some extra rounds a modular sleep system and a bit of food. I worked 3 towns away from my home (1 hour drive) and I always had a bug out bag in the trunk for if I had to ditch the car and hoof it home. Also kept a pair of boots, socks pants shirt jacket and hat.
Don't have a truck, I've a station wagon. Either gun (but not both at once) fit in the tool tray atop the spare tire. Out of sight, trigger locked in a squash bag. A little badger in 22 mag, up graded with a pistol grip and red dot. Heavier duty: a Stevens 530 takedown with a 20" barrel. With practice the Stevens goes operational in about 12 seconds.
I currently run with a Mossberg 308 Scout and a custom built AR-15 one of either my pistol or mid carbine length. Also I have my 45 LC revolver as a backup to the backup in the center console and my 40 H&K
Great article, I enjoyed it. My chosen truck gun is an 18.5” Midland Backpack 12ga. It has quite a bit of recoil, but is manageable, and versatile. With the “shorty” shells it shoots like a good patterning .410.
My question is what is the first shotgun in the article? The one on the tricycle?
It’s a lot like the Midland, which is unobtainable right now.
You should take a look at the old M6 Scout platform. Folding .22 hornet over .410 with extra ammo in the stock and paracord wrapped around the barrels as a handguard. Based on an air force pilot survival gun. I have one of the old springfield models and I absolutely love it, but there are some more modern ones now like the TPS. Avoid the chiappa one though, it strays too far from the original design
Suarez makes a folding pistol brace for the Tac 14
My trunk gun set-up:
Ruger PC Carbine & Glock 19 with 4 extra mags
Savior Equipment Urban Takedown case
Tough, reliable, and accurate guns. Being able to switch magazines between the pistol and carbine is a big plus in a survival/siege situation, or if you're sharing one of your guns with a companion.
Both guns fit easily into the bag, which locks, and has storage space for mags, ammo, eye & ear protection, etc. The Savior bag is a well-designed, padded low-key backpack-style case that doesn't immediately say "gun inside." Or even "gun outside" since it features a concealed carry pocket on the outside.
I have a Mossberg 500 20 gauge shotgun with a Choate side-folding stock, and a Ellzeta light mount, with a Streamlight 285 lumen flashlight on it. I found with the 20 gauge I can get off shots faster, and it's overall size is slightly smaller making it easier to handle. Plus, I can fit more 20 gauge shells in my bag than 12 gauge. It's a great setup for a truck/trunk gun, H.D., or to carry around inside b the woods.
Disregard "inside b". Not sure where that came from?
I feel like an ak pistol with a folding brace would make a good edition to this list. Especially in 9mm if you wanna be practical. I've got a draco nak9 with a cnc warrior brace. Total of about $600 into it and it's a great little gun that's a ton of fun to shoot.
Usually have a double barrel shotgun. The barrels fit into a pool cue bag and the stock and forend fit in my backpack with the "please please stop bleeding" kit and ammo belt. Doesn't look like a full size gun and can be deployed in seconds. Plus I get a kick out of handing my buddies the bag when they want to ride shotgun...
Can you guys do a segment on covert bags? Especially for folding/takedown weapons.
I carry a 30-30 in a sling case with plenty of ammo. Easy to throw on my back and pack out--light, short, and powerful.
Good article, though not sure why some sort of lever gun wasn’t included. Florida is our Australia? That’s a stretch... A salt croc would snack on a shy little gator.
I carry .300 Blackout ar pistol. OAL on that bad boy is less than 24". Manueverability like you explained above is key. I use a 9.11 tactical backpack it fits nicely in. Goes with me daily and never left overnight. It is my back up gun to my ccw Glock 43.
The Sub 2K Gen 2 for the win. I converted mine to accept Sig P226 mags, added a M*Carbo trigger spring kit and flat trigger, stainless polished feed ramp, Magpul AFG-2 grip, Surefire GPX Pro light up front, Talon Grip and a UTG red/green dot. 500 rounds of mixed ammo through it with no issues whatsoever. A really fun gun to shoot and a no-brainer to fold and tuck behind the truck seat where it can be deployed in seconds.
Hey Travis, prepare to be overjoyed. Get a Sub2000 in the non-Glock version and install the Sig mag release. CZ mags baby! The CZ 75 series of magazines work B-A-utiful. I have shot several thousand rounds through my gen 2 with this setup and it runs flawlessly.
My thoughts are anything worth leaving in the trunk shouldn't be toi expensive either due to the higher likelihood of theft. That's why i just keep a 1916 Spanish mauser with a few loaded stripper clips.
I still use the shockwave but in 20 gauge
My pick for a truck gun would have to be the Chiappa M6. You get a folding .22 rifle and a shotgun in one. You can get it in different calibers/gauges too. .22LR or .22WMR and 20 Gauge or 12 Gauge. Of course, this is all speculation on my part, as living in Canada, I can't exactly take a gun with me whenever I want.
Hard to believe CZ EVO Scorpions didn't make the cut.
Cost would be the reason....
How about the folding stock AK-47. I have one from Century Arms that is reliable as hell and only about 400 bucks. Besides that, it NEVER fails to go bang when I pull the trigger
For the Sub2000, use the Sig magazine catch and it works great for CZ 75 magazines.
Great article you've written I personally have the AR7 and love it. It;s accurate, quick to assemble, lightweight and waterproof. U.S. Survival AR-7
Henry U.S. Survival AR-7 Rifles
The Henry AR-7 is an ideal rifle for backcountry sportsmen and women, whether bush pilots, backpackers, or boaters.
The Henry AR-7 is chambered in .22 LR, weighs just 3.5 lbs, and has a full length of 35”. It also shrinks down to just 16.5” in length when all components are stowed in the impact and water resistant stock. This makes the rifle virtually unparalleled as a compact and durable option.
Stowed Henry U.S. Survival AR-7
The Henry AR-& is available in matte black ($230) and camouflage ($290).
Wait, what gun was that , I didn't catch the name
The AR-7 has my vote too. I don't want to risk an expensive firearm being lifted our of my vehicle. Except for the AR-15 Pistol, most on Shaun's list aren't. Neither is the Henery.
Love the Badger, great little rifle, liked it so much I bought a second in 22 Mag....Have had both for over two years and no issues...
I live in Australia, in the far north where we have actual tropical jungle, can't say I ever needed a gun while in a vehicle or heard of anyone who did either.. Once a snake got into the vehicle but that's one o those infinite things a belt knife is for. Any problem that needs a gun that's folded and in the back some place is over before you get your gun and likely your dead for heading for a gun instead of for a quicker and safer solution to the problem using your noggin. Seems pretty senseless unless this article is written on purpose to encourage people to encourage car break ins and provide free weapons to thieves and criminals with your prints on them in which case .. carry on !
Why not be honest with us and yourself and admit to the fact that you as an Australian have already lost any and all rights to use a firearm for self defense anyway?
What, no love for the AR7? Hard to beat a semi-auto 22lr that stores in it's own stock.
Hey author here, I've never actually handled one and didn't want to suggest something I have no experience with.
So much love for the AR7...I gotta get one...for testing purposes :-)