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.
The 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!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Single Shot
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Best Takedown Rifle
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Best Pump-Action Shotgun
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Best Folding PCC
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AK/AR Hybrid
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AR-15 Folder
Table of Contents
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Best Folding Guns Comparison Chart
| Model | Action | Caliber | Capacity | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight | Price |
| Kel-Tec Sub2000 | Semi-auto | 9mm, 10mm, 5.7x28mm | Varies by magazine | 16″ | 29.2″ | 4.2 lbs. | $429 |
| Chiappa Little Badger | Single shot | .22 LR, .17 HMR, .22 Magnum | 1 | 16.5″ | 31″ | 2.9 lbs. | $216 |
| Ruger 10/22 | Semi-auto | .22 LR | Varies by magazine | 18.5″ | 37″ | 4.6 lbs. | $410 |
| Mossberg Maverick 88 | Pump action | 12 gauge | 5+1 | 24″ | 43.5″ | 7 lbs. | $234 |
| Smith & Wesson FPC | Semi-auto | 9mm | 17+1, 23+1 | 16.25″ | 30.4″ | 5.02 lbs. | $599 |
| Palmetto State Armory Jakl | Semi-auto | 5.56mm | 30+1 | 10.5″ | 29.5″ | 6.6 lbs. | $999 |
| Fold AR | Semi-auto | .223 Wylde | 30+1 | 16″ | 32.9″ | 6.8 lbs. | $1699 |
How We Tested the Best Folding Truck Guns
For this article, we gathered a bunch of truck guns we’ve personally used in reviews, at the range, or own here at Pew Pew Tactical. The entire Pew Pew Tactical team, as well as freelance writers, contributed to this review to offer different opinions based on ergonomics, size, and experience.
For guns we have reviews on, we’ve linked those so you can read more. Every review gun undergoes 500 rounds of ammo at a variety of distances to assess performance, accuracy, and reliability. We also use a Lyman Digital Trigger Guage to measure the average trigger pull weight.
Best Truck Guns
1. Kel-Tec SUB2000 – Best PCC
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Affordable
- Glock and Beretta magazine versions available
- Thin and compact
Cons
- Gen 2 versions require workarounds to fold with an optic
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm, 10mm, 5.7x28mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, direct blow-back
- Capacity: Varies by magazine
- Barrel Length: 16″
- Overall Length: 29.2″
- Weight: 4.2 lbs.
Kel-Tec is a company that seems to produce some of the most interesting designs in the firearms industry.
The Kel-Tec 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 Kel-Tec 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.
2. Chiappa Little Badger – Best Single Shot
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Ultralight
- Tiny profile
Cons
- Only available in rimfire
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR, .17 HMR, .22 Magnum
- Action: Single shot, break open
- Capacity: 1
- Barrel Length: 16.5″
- Overall Length: 31″
- Weight: 2.9 lbs.
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 only costs around $200.
3. Ruger 10/22 Takedown – Best Takedown Rifle
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Reliable
- Easy to take down
- Tons of aftermarket support
Cons
- Not a true folder
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Semi-auto
- Capacity: Varies by magazine
- Barrel Length: 18.5″
- Overall Length: 37″
- Weight: 4.6 lbs.
The Ruger 10/22 Takedown is just as reliable, fun to shoot, and easy to handle as the original 10/22. As a takedown rifle, it doesn’t fold, but it 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.
4. Mossberg Maverick 88 -Best Pump-Action Shotgun
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Very durable
- 12ga is suitable for lots of tasks
- Affordable
- Good aftermarket support
Cons
- Requires an aftermarket folding stock
Specs
- Caliber: 12 gauge
- Action: Pump
- Capacity: 5+1
- Barrel Length: 24″
- Overall Length: 43.5″
- Weight: 7 lbs.
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.
What’s your take on the 88? Rate it below!
5. Smith & Wesson FPC – Best Folding PCC
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Folds with an optic mounted
- Better charging handle than the Sub2000
- M-LOK rail and threaded barrel
Cons
- Only uses M&P magazines
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-auto, blowback
- Capacity: 17+1, 23+1
- Barrel Length: 16.25″
- Overall Length: 30.4″
- Weight: 5.02 lbs.
The Smith & Wesson FPC 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 faster to deploy than the SUB2000. The gun can spring into action quickly but also safely. It should be noted that 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.
6. Palmetto State Armory JAKL – AK/AR Hybrid
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- AR-style controls and ergonomics
- 5.56 NATO and .300 BLK versions
- Good suppressor host
- Excellent capacity
Cons
- Subpar accuracy
- Relatively large
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56mm
- Action: Semi-auto, long-stroke gas piston
- Capacity: 30+1
- Barrel Length: 10.5″
- Overall Length: 29.5″
- Weight: 6.6 lbs.
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.
Want to learn more? Check out the video review below or head over to the written article.
7. FoldAR – AR-15 Folder
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Folds smaller than a separated upper and lower
- Easier to conceal
- Sub-MOA accuracy
Cons
- Most expensive on the list
Specs
- Caliber: .223 Wylde
- Action: Semi-auto
- Capacity: 30+1
- Barrel Length: 16″
- Overall Length: 32.9″
- Weight: 6.8 lbs.
AR-15s are inherently packable because you can separate the upper from the lower. However, with a 16″ barrel version, the upper can still be just over two feet long.
FoldAR attacked the problem by putting a hinge at the front of the receiver. This means the barrel and rail fold back along the receiver from the middle of the gun.
The end result is receiver and collapsed butt stock measuring just over 15″ and the barrel and rail section coming in at 18″. This makes it a little easier to stick inside a normal sized backpack.
The rifle design utilizes a lever to lock the barrel and rail into place and it’s a little faster to assemble than connecting an upper and lower with take-down pins. Plus, the lockup is extremely solid.
The full review revealed sub-MOA accuracy even after multiple take-downs and reassemblies. In addition, reliability was outstanding.
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 ruled that AR pistols constitute a short-barreled rifle that falls under the National Firearms Act.
Pro 2A groups filed suit and secured an injunction, meaning that the ban on braces is on hold.
To stay up to date on the latest happenings, check out Pistol Braces & The ATF.
What Is 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 or too heavy. There are a few guns that fold 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 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’d-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 will 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’ll likely be banged around, 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.
Meet the Experts
Travis has spent a lifetime shooting that started in a family that hunted every season they legally could. From there, he joined the United States Marine Corps and spent five years as an infantryman. In the middle of his Marine Corps career, he began writing about firearms and never stopped. He holds an NRA instructor certification and has authored articles across several publications, including Pew Pew Tactical.
Pew Pew Tactical Content Producer Sean Curtis edited and added to the original article. Sean spent over two decades in law enforcement, where he became a POST-certified handgun instructor and NLEFIA Red Dot Instructor and received CLEFIA Advanced Firearms Instructor Training and AR-15 armorer training. He has since attended a variety of training, including Tactical Performance Center Handgun Mastery & Carbine Mastery, and earned USCCA rifle instructor certification.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
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 a First Aid Kit for your trunk too!
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.
91 Leave a Reply
I us a a couple options depending where I am going on what I carry as a truck gun. My ccw most of the time is a glock 27 with g23 mags with xgrip and my back up mag is a g22 with xgrip, my truck gun is either a 5.56 or 300bo pistol with 7.5 in barrel, or a gen 2 mck in 9mm or .40 cal, I like the mck due to folding, and weight, and it stores a spare mag, that gives me 2 mags of 27 or 33 rounds, plenty of ammo. The mck is pistol caliber but gives you 3 points of contact making same more accurate 50+yards out, with little to no recoil, it's light, small and folds. There's a lot to choose from including the truck guns you highlighted, this is just my thoughts, agree or disagree and carry what your comfortable with.
Frankly, for a compact truck gun, I would prefer a takedown lever action in 30-30 or 35 Rem. IMO, it would be adequate to extricate myself from a zombie attack while not looking scary to innocent bystanders. But since they are difficult to find, my current inventory is a cloned 50.63 parts gun. It is very scary looking.
I like your style. I bet .30-30 Win would be pretty easy to get your hands on in zombie times. Scaring up.35 Rem would be tough, but at least you wouldn't have competition when you found some!
I agree with you whole-heartedly.
I don’t carry my EDC pistol and these truck-guns because of threats I anticipate, but more for those threats I don’t anticipate. I’ve found myself confronted by javelinas, a mountain lion, deer, and a black bear — and several meth heads who wanted my vehicle.
Your article orients itself to the best… of 2025, then you mention what was picked in 2023. Huh?
There’s a lot that has happened since 2023… join us here in the future!
I do like your pick of the Ruger 10/22 Takedown version of a classic rifle. Nothing wrong with that, but you go into also sorts of reasons for selecting so-called truck guns — and a I think that this is where things get confusing. The AR-7 is also a good choice — and can be suppressed.
Why have a truck gun? What is its purpose? What is it about the truck that drives your selections?
I’d think that the first thing you need to clarify is why have it? That a rifle-pistol has a folding stock, does that qualify it as a truck rifle? Or is it that in a truck, you might be faced with risks that require immediate action, negating any firearm that you can’t pick up in a hurry and employ it? After all, you may be endangered by one threat or several, short-range and/or beyond 50 yards, day or night.
In this case, I’d say that the Mossberg 590S Shockwave is perfect as a weapon to be stored in a truck.
You make a good point about what to store a rifle in: same would apply to a shotgun. I had a seamstress make a pouch with bits of Velcro that not only allows me to hide the firearm, but attach it to the back of my seat. No hardshell containers or anything that even looks like it would contain a firearm.
Let’s get back to 2025. The Genesis 12 short-barreled shotgun has a 7” barrel which is suppressed… even comes with a 10-round magazine and a drum magazine as well: mine has a night vision sight, IR laser, and IR flood lamp. Dandy truck gun.
I have several others that are comparably equipped which I carry in my truck — in a safe hidden below the rear seats.
I have a CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1, 9 mm: added a folding stock to it, a suppressor, and have the NV sight and IR laser and light units attached. The 35-round magazines are perfect.
There’s also a NV/IR comparably-equipped LWRCI SMG-45 (.45 auto), complete with 25-round magazines and folding stock - also suppressed.
Rounding out my favorite truck guns is my SIG Sauer MCX Spear LT 556 pistol-rifle: folding stock; suppressed,:NV sight, IR laser/illuminator; and 30-round 5.56 magazines.
In addition to my EDC pistol. I always carry my Ruger 10/22, Mossberg 590S shotgun, and at least one other of the CZ, LWRCI, or SIG rifles — or the Genesis 12 SBS. Why? My girlfriend is every bit as good with firearms as I am (or better) — and why should I have all the fun?
The 2023 was a typo and has been corrected. Thanks for catching that.
One thing that should be also shown is a secure holder for that fire arm that is unlocked by a switch like the police use .
The bad guys guns 95% of the time are stolen !! ask any cop that recovers a gun involved in a crime ! plus 8 out of 10 times the thug arrested has a record and is charged also with possession of a fire arm by a convicted felon ! bad guys do not follow the law and too many soft on crime judges let them off !!!
You’re justified in wanting to lock up your truck gun, and having a police-type of rig to lock it in is certainly a good idea, but one that means you’re going to have to unlock it in an emergency: just a bit of human-factors wisdom, we lose our ability of fine motor control when faced with sudden duress. Try unlocking your door in darkness when you urgently have to pee — and you’ll understand. Same applies to getting a tourniquet out of a plastic wrapper when someone is spraying you with their blood when a major artery is severed.
Trucks have an amazing number of places where a folding-stock rifle can be stored, in ways that someone looking into your vehicle would likely never discern to be a hiding place — although keeping the firearm overnight would be a bad idea for all but locking containers. I have a dandy safe under the rear seats of my 4-door Dodge truck with the full-size backseat passenger compartment: you’d never know it was there, yet it holds a folding-stock suppressed rifle, a Mossberg 590S shotgun, a suppressed AR-7, magazines, and still has room enough for pistols, ear/eye protection, and FAKs. I have a vinyl sheath storage bag attached to the left rear side of the passenger seat which will safely hold the Shockwave 590S, but it’s very difficult to see — even sitting on one of the backseats (I remove it when parking for the night). An idea I haven’t tried is an overhead weapon rig that will lock a rifle in place, but which allows the driver to remove it with one hand.
Requiring training is per se infringement on 2A. Far more people are killed in automobiles than are killed by guns and yet nobody talks about legally requiring driver education on those 18 and older. Current background checks are very strict. If you've ever filled out Form ATF4473 to legally transfer a firearm you would know that. "Stricter background checks" is a propaganda fantasy that has been floated by the lefty tyrants for decades in the name of public safety (aka infringement). It hasn't stopped mass shootings or the violent cesspools of death that are blue-state pestholes like Chicago. That's because criminals don't obey laws. Just because someone exercises the protection of their rights under 2A doesn't make them terrorists. And nobody is fantasizing about popping anyone. You buy health insurance. Does that make you a person who is fantasizing about getting sick? Making access to firearms less infringing for law-abiding citizens and reducing overregulation of a protected right is neither hypocrisy nor stupid. Obviously, you've never been on I-8 between Gila Bend and Yuma in AZ after dark. The same people who opened the borders and flooded our country with the cartels' criminal enterprise minions are the same ones that want to make sure you can't protect yourself from them.
It’s crazy so many people feel the US is so unsafe (even in a super rural area, like the author stated) that they want to carry these rifles, but at the same time want it easier for people to get firearms and not legally require training or stricter background checks. How are they not seeing the connection? I grew up shooting trap, skeet, long range precision rifles, and popping steel with pistols, but I still get creeped out by all these grown men fantasizing about popping a baddy with their new instagram’d 7” ARs they want keep in their backpacks. To me, I don’t get creeped out by these guys talking about guns for home defense, but the guys who want guns to hide in backpacks they tote around with them. They are the ones who sound like terrorists. The hypocrisy of feeling unsafe by making guns easier for everyone to get is so stupid, seems like mutually assured destruction.
What Dave said is true, The Kel-Tec gen3 solves the problems of the previous versions. There is one that "OWNS" it's own back pack behind the seat of my truck. Red dot optic on top rail, small fore grip and flashlight on bottom rail, folds great, and a fun shooting carbine.
Great article. Only thing I disagree with is "stay away from the 590 shockwave and the Tac 14" these are designed for one thing only. Easy access , handling and damage. They are not for target shooting. In most real world situations in the U.S. where this would be used, your target is going to be less than 10 feet away from you.
What about a Palmetto State folding stock AK?
I have a Kel-tec sub2000 gen 3. Solves the optics issue very neatly. Great back pack or truck gun and fun to shoot.
Nice low-key plug for M*Carbo on the Kel-Tec Sub2000 Folded (second picture)! Those guys are great!
The Maverick 88 is not made in Mexico. It is made in Eagle Pass Texas which is in Maverick County thus the Maverick name.
What about the CZ Scorpion. Folds, easy to shoot and accurate.
I recently purchased a Kel-Tec Sub 2000 gen 3 chambered in 9mm. This generation with the rotating barrel addresses the optic problem and folds to fit in a Walmart over the shoulder backpack with plenty of room for multiple magazines ( I prefer the Glock 33 round).
Shooting is fun and I don't have to carry different ammo.
Any CMMG SBR or folding stock beats everything on your lit.........
What about the FOLD AR?
I haven't seen any mention of the Tokerov Bull Pup 12 ga. It's a compact package at 18.5 inches, inexpensive on sale with either a 5 round or 10 round magazine. It fits easily in the spare tire compartment of my Hyundai Suv. Needless to say 12ga. offers a lot of load options.
Years ago, I put a folding stock on my Mini-30. I think that it is a great solution for a truck gun. I carried it in my truck when I had a truck. Now I drive an Outback.
I'd like to know what you think of the Extar EP9. It is not a folding gun but looks to be a very affordable truck gun option. Thanks!
Safety and storage of your truck gun is more important than the selection of the truck gun itself IMO.
You have to be able to bring the gun in/out of the truck, and/or have it stowed securely - or you risk it being stolen, or worse.
Author mentions this at the end of the article.
I'd put it at the beginning of the article too!
A good truck gun is any gun you can fit in your truck!
Truck guns bring to mind rifles and shotguns for hunting or pest control, but handguns can also be a great choice?
How fast do you need to deploy the truck gun and at what range might be a good thing to ask yourself for a "truck" gun?
As some have said previously, a good old regular vanilla AR platform can be taken apart and put back together fairly quickly if a rifle is needed and space is a concern?
Why is Fold AR not on this list?
I’m surprised you left off the Trailblazer Firearms Pivot Ultracompact Folding Rifle. It takes Glock magazines and seems a natural entry for this category.
Hey there! We're constantly updating articles as we test out new products. So, if something isn't listed check back later to see if we have had a chance to test it. Thanks for reading!
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
M-Carbo mount solves the gen1 issue of how the sub2000 folds where does a great job keeping zero
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 :-)
With your criteria, is there a better trunk gun than the AR-7 explorer?
In a car a police style locking rack under the package shelf in the trunk can't be beat. You can't see the shotgun under the rear window unless you bend down and look up into the trunk. It is in a locked rack so it is secure. In the pickup it is easy to put a shotgun behind the rear seat with a locking cable through the open action secured to the vehicle. Under no circumstances should a firearm ever be left in a vehicle unless it is secured to the vehicle. A vehicle is not a gun safe.
AK with a folding stock. 'nuff said
Take a look at Dead Foot Arms.They have a folding stock system that allows an AR to fire with the stock folded. If you have the time you can just quickly swing out the stock and fire conventionally. Trick. I want one.
Rick hit it on the head. Dead Foot Arms or build one. I'd do .300 AAC out of 8-10" suppressed. Red dot as a primary but definitely BUIS as well.
Well said n food for thought....Thx
Well said n good for thought....shotgun with a heat shield would my choice
ruger mine30 syn stock 20 round mag
I looked at the Kel-Tec but nah, I think I'll just keep my Vz.58 in my truck, thank you very much.
The KelTec website has magazine conversions for the sub 2000. A glock version is
glock only but the others can be Beretta, S&W 59, S&W M&P, sig226, CZ75 (Mine converted from Beretta) and the Canik TP9. Conversions are under $20 with shipping.
Old lever action 30-30 Winchester carbine. Light, powerful, handy.
Keeping with your folding gun trend, you should be trying out the new FD Defense folding AR *upper*. Takes your short thing to a whole 'nother level.
AR7 is handy as well.
Personally, I think a set of back-up sights should be on all truck/trunk guns. For the role the weapon would fulfill, its very likely a red dot optic would be rendered unusable. The optic activation button could be inadvertently bumped if you hit a pothole while driving and cause the battery to go dead. Those bumps could also cause you to lose zero without knowing it.
Agreed, but pick up a sight with an etched reticle to offset this risk.
BUS's or a optic with a etched reticle are both great ides. Also agree, as the heat and cold from being in a vehicle can also kill the batteries in your optics. fairly fast.