Another truck gun debate

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D.B. Cooper

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This one is a little different. This might not even be the right subforum but here goes.

I bought a new side by side recently, and I'm thinking about a "truck gun" to just always have in an overhead rack. Something to augment my hunting/bear defense rifle that I would use for the random encounter with grouse and rabbits.

Of the guns I currently own, my scoped Marlin Model 60 and my vintage (1947) Winchester Model 24 20 ga double are the only "small game" guns I have. I don't relish abusing my Winchester. My other option, that I already own, is to continue to carry my 32 cal revolver, with which I have taken a few grouse last season. (Surprisingly little meat damage.)

Or I could just buy something new to me.

My first thought is a Savage Model 24 o/u in 22LR/410. I don't much like the 410. The 20 is much better. I've never seen/heard of a 22LR/20 Savage 24. (And it would be neigh unto impossible to find any Savage 24 used, and I don't really like the modern model 42-too flimsy.)

Another option is some version of a single barrel, break open 20 ga.

Another option is a Henry Survival 22, but, other than storing it under the seat (and being very slow to put into action) I don't see what that gives me over my Marlin Mod 60. (Plus I hate guns with detachable magazines.)

And that's about all the ideas I have. Did I miss something?
 
A single-shot shotgun is an agreeable travel companion. If you want something a bit out of the ordinary, look for a folding Beretta.

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Allow me to be the first to suggest something beyond the scope of what you're looking for and waaaaaay outside the budget constraints.

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Plus you could put it on a truck. Truck-gun, get it?

Kill the wabbit!
 
"...first thought is a Savage Model 24..." Long dollars these days. The .223 over 20, I had years ago, didn't shoot the .223 barrel worth beans either. The modern Model 42 isn't listed on Savage's site. Not really a good idea to have a lot of money invested in a truck gun.
What's your budget?
"...for the random encounter with grouse and rabbits..." A .22 single shot jumps out. So does a used 20 gauge pump gun. Mind you, Cabela's is listing an H&R Pardner "Tactical" 12 gauge at $199.99 BNIB. Comes in 20 gauge too with a 21" barrel and a synthetic stock. Only 13" LOP though. Easily fixed with a recoil pad. They'll ship it to your local Cabela's(assuming there is such a thing) in 5 to 8 days for free.
 
I have four of the Savages, a 22-20, a 222-20, and a pair of the original Tenite stock 22-410s, one of which will go to each son. I can't believe what they are bringing these days. Bought my first 24DL, 22-20, in '67, right out of college and being the only long gun I had served for birds, bunnies, squirrels and one deer.
Made a case for it that fit flat on the floor of my 67 VW trunk.
 
This one is a little different. This might not even be the right subforum but here goes.

I bought a new side by side recently, and I'm thinking about a "truck gun" to just always have in an overhead rack. Something to augment my hunting/bear defense rifle that I would use for the random encounter with grouse and rabbits.

Of the guns I currently own, my scoped Marlin Model 60 and my vintage (1947) Winchester Model 24 20 ga double are the only "small game" guns I have. I don't relish abusing my Winchester. My other option, that I already own, is to continue to carry my 32 cal revolver, with which I have taken a few grouse last season. (Surprisingly little meat damage.)

Or I could just buy something new to me.

My first thought is a Savage Model 24 o/u in 22LR/410. I don't much like the 410. The 20 is much better. I've never seen/heard of a 22LR/20 Savage 24. (And it would be neigh unto impossible to find any Savage 24 used, and I don't really like the modern model 42-too flimsy.)

Another option is some version of a single barrel, break open 20 ga.

Another option is a Henry Survival 22, but, other than storing it under the seat (and being very slow to put into action) I don't see what that gives me over my Marlin Mod 60. (Plus I hate guns with detachable magazines.)

And that's about all the ideas I have. Did I miss something?


FYI
Savage did make 22LR/20 ga, in both full size and a compact called Campers Companion.
 
I keep one of those H&R partner ($130)12 gauge pumps in my jeep with some buck and slugs in my possibles bag. I keep a beat up marlin 336 in my truck ($200) with a couple boxes of ammo in my possibles bag in my truck. With either of these I can take care of just about any problem or unexpected hunting opportunity that I could forsee, and if either gets stolen I will be more upset about the broke window.
 
My standard answer is "depends on what I expect to shoot - and how far away". Varmints, small game or big game make a difference.
 
My standard answer is "depends on what I expect to shoot - and how far away". Varmints, small game or big game make a difference.
I agree with Merle. We want to know what duties your truck gun needs to perform.
I primarily want to be able to keep varmints and coyotes in check on our property. My truck gun changes often but I am currently carrying a H&R Handi-Rifle in .204. I like the high velocity light weight soft point bullet that is less likely to ricochet.
 
Allow me to be the first to suggest something beyond the scope of what you're looking for and waaaaaay outside the budget constraints.

images


Plus you could put it on a truck. Truck-gun, get it?

Yeah. I get it. Been there. Done that.
 
I agree with Merle. We want to know what duties your truck gun needs to perform.
I primarily want to be able to keep varmints and coyotes in check on our property. My truck gun changes often but I am currently carrying a H&R Handi-Rifle in .204. I like the high velocity light weight soft point bullet that is less likely to ricochet.

It's just something to have if/when/in case I stumble across a covey of grouse or the odd hare (word is, they're population may be on the upswing in their cycle) while out trail riding. I've never seen predators while out riding, and I have bigger guns for bigger game, which would be intentional hunting anyway. (The OTHER "truck gun" in my Ranger is a Mod 94 in 44 Magnum for actual "defense" from say a bear.)

The right tool, for both hare and grouse, at least to my way of thinking is a 20 ga. w/ no 6 shot. 22LR is good for taking either at a distance if stationary. My little revolver does both, but it's not as precise, and I have to be really close (10 yrds or so).

I'm actually hesitant to buy another firearm in 22LR after the ammo shortages, which are still in full effect up here.
 
If you weren't anti detachable magazine I'd say hipoint carbine in 9 mm mine was rugged and served well for quite awhile as a trusty truck gun, never misfired or failed to feed, accurate enough for varmints and close range bunny head shots, got replaced by a Cva single shot .223, accurate, rugged, and versatile.
 
That sounds like a savage 24 or that chiappa folder.
I have a .22/.410 mod 24. They take down quickly with no tools. An ammo sleeve holds a variety of shotshells, even a slug. A couple of speed strips of .22lr tucked in the sleeve.

I have been wanting a good reason to buy a Taurus judge. I broke a few clays with my neighbor's.
...just a thought.
 
That sounds like a savage 24 or that chiappa folder.
I have a .22/.410 mod 24. They take down quickly with no tools. An ammo sleeve holds a variety of shotshells, even a slug. A couple of speed strips of .22lr tucked in the sleeve.

I have been wanting a good reason to buy a Taurus judge. I broke a few clays with my neighbor's.
...just a thought.
Be careful with those Judge 410 revolvers. They pattern like crap past about 10 yrds. (Like bad enough you could miss an entire turkey with it. HUGE gaps in the pattern.)
 
I was using a .357mag revolver as a truck gun, but everything changed a couple years ago when I got my CCP. Now I have a handgun on me or within reach almost all the time.

This is my old truck gun kit. It worked for me. My truck has a hidden compartment under the bench seat.View attachment 231554

See, there ya go...muddying the waters for me lol...Truly, this is my problem. I'm right at that ragged edge of just carrying a small caliber revolver for this purpose. We have open carry and no permit requirement for concealed carry, so it's very easy to just have a gun on my belt or pack when I'm out on the 4 wheelers.

The only drawback is it's not quite as effective (read that as "easy" or "certain") as a rifle or shot gun. I've missed a couple times with the revolver. I don't miss with a shotgun. Range is similar and the shotgun is more versatile. Just bigger/heavier.
 
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