Am I nuts for my truck gun idea?

[kd7nqb]

So long story short my Mosin M44 generally rides around in the back of my truck not really out of a need basis but more out of a it was in there for a while, didnt bug anything and it was out of sight so it didnt really add any "steal me" flags.

But this has gotten me thinking about using a different rifle as a dedicated truck gun. Here are my requirments for the gun.

1. Pretty inexpensive
2. My main use for this gun would be a yet unforseen emergency could be SHTF could be something less complex who knows.
3. A secondary use could be the "The guy in front of me hit a deer, on the road, the deer is not quite dead and I choose to put it out of its misery."

While the mosin would be somewhat useful in all of these situations I think I can do better. And here is what I came up with. My GF has one of those youth model Rossi break action kits with a .22lr and a .410 barrel. They make the same youth model in a variety of other caliber choices one being 20gauge and .223rem. I could get a full size set up too but I like the "youth" model due to a shorter barrel and lighter weight.

Am I totally off base here?

 

[plumberroy]

I bought one of the rossi sets you are talking about the other day for about the same thing you are talking plus to use as a light woods roaming gun I was interested in a 22 but at $119 with a $20 rebate (dicks sporting goods) and a 410 barrel too I couldn't resist After sighting it in and plinking in the back yard for a couple day. Today I took it when I walked down the creek tonight
First time I shot it at game

First black squirrel I ever got (I'm 47)
I think more sense as a truck gun than a centerfire rifle in 85% of this country
Roy

 

[saturno_v]

To me, truck gun screams lever action or at least pump...

However, because of the ridiculous low price, a Mosin M44 or M38 carbine may fit the bill....

 

[Cosmoline]

The great advantage of the Mosins as truck guns is that the bolts pop out instantly, rendering the weapon of little value to thieves and keeping you from getting shot with your own gun. Furthermore, you can grasp the bolt in your fist with the handle sticking out between your fingers. Hit someone with it, they're going lights out!

 

[win71]

Furthermore, you can grasp the bolt in your fist with the handle sticking out between your fingers. Hit someone with it, they're going lights out!

Now here's a guy that's been in a few dark alleys in the bad part of town.

To heck with the rolls of quarters and brass knuckles!

 

[DeepSouth]

SKS..........

 

[mgregg85]

I don't see how the multi-barrel setup would be any better in the scenarios you listed. Maybe for finishing off a deer(avoiding ricochets) but thats about it. In a SHTF scenario I'd much rather have a mosin nagant of any flavor.

 

[eldon519]

Check out the Springfield Armory M6. I don't believe they make it anymore, but it could do a lot of what you're talking about.

Other good ideas:
used lever action
SKS
another mil-surp bolt (Mauser, Schmidt-Rubin, Enfield) A Czech Mauser can go for $200 or less, and is a much more polished weapon than a Mosin

 

[plumberroy]

Check out the Springfield Armory M6. I don't believe they make it anymore, but it could do a lot of what you're talking about.

You haven't priced a M6 lately have you? they go for$400-$600 anymore when you can find one

 

[jbkebert]

My truck gun IMHO fits just about any bill that I could need it for. I have a Savage 24f .223/ 20 ga OU. There is a stock band that holds 10 .223 shells. I also carry a plastic case with a box of shotgun shells and a box of .223's.

 

[kmrcstintn]

seems there are 2 different thought patterns based upon the responses...

a 'self defense' truck stowed longarm should be pump action or semiautomatic; I see the logic but would advise a CCW permit and a concealable handgun that you pick, shoot, practice, and can carry with confidence;

an 'opportunistic' truck stowed longarm used for plinking game while enjoying the outdoors can be anything that you want/need based upon what yer seeking to stick in the freezer or stew pot...by this I mean 'legally' hunted with firearms that fall within your state's hunting ordinances with a legitimate hunting license and cooresponding permits

 

[AKElroy]

My perfect truck gun would be a model 94 .30-30, well used & battered, or a marlin 336 or even better, 30as with its lower quality non-checkered birch furniture. Both are rugged, high cap, fairly accurate & fast handling.

 

[Snake]

acutally thats a good gun for the truck! I have a 91/30 mosin but its about 48" long. The carbine model is shorter and the 7.62x54 proves to be a good russian .308 winchester copy. People call it a russina 30.06 but i think its closer to the good ol' .308 win. as far as ballistics.

JMHO.

 

[gunsandreligion]

The great advantage of the Mosins as truck guns is that the bolts pop out instantly

upon firing?

 

[Quoheleth]

I like the lever-action .30-30 for a truck gun. Classic Americanna.

Another choice is a used Ruger mini-30 or mini-14. Either the .223 or 7.62x39 is effective small-to-medium game round. Not as classic, but still popular - especially in the southwest.

An AK would be a good choice for its firepower and round power. Problem is it's seen as an evil gun. Riding around with one in the rear window is advertising "Please watch me! I might shoot your cat!"

Either the lever or Ruger would be my choices.

Q

 

[JHK94]

Quote:
The great advantage of the Mosins as truck guns is that the bolts pop out instantly
upon firing?

The mosin bolt is really quickly removable. You just hold the trigger down and pull the bolt back all the way out of the receiver. No takedown levers, buttons, etc. Takes all of 1/2 a second.

 

[Colton White]

lever action in .38/.357 but there not cheap. so i say cheap pump shotgun like maverick 88 or H&R pardoner both can be bought at academy for less than 200 bucks

 

[wrs840]

The kinda scratched-up Mossberg 590 12 ga 20" bbl 8+1 that I bought used from a pawnshop for $260 about ten years ago makes sense for me for a daily-driver truck in all the OP's scenarios. A 30-30 lever is my top choice for a pasture-truck rifle.

Les

 

[gazpacho]

Snake,

I don't mean to sound snobish or anything, but the 7.62x54R cartridge predates the 30-06 by 15 years and the 308 by 60 years, so i can't really be a copy of either.

That said, I think the M44 is an excellent truck gun. It's a battle tested carbine with a bayonet chambered in a major cartridge. It can shoot through most parts of any modern car. If you need to put something out of it's misery, crack it with the buttstock, or stab it with the bayonet.

 

[Cosmoline]

upon firing?

No, when the bolt is fully open you pop the bolt out by pulling the trigger. The bolt is then freed and you can put it in your pocket. Sounds dangerous, but isn't.

 

[AirborneNCO]

With regard to the OP, I'd say for me personally I'd go with a Henry U.S. Survival rifle in .22 LR. It is semi automatic, has an ammo capacity of 8 rounds, weighs in at 2.5 pounds, and has an overall length of 16.5 inches when in the "stowed" configuration (3 pieces, 2 stowed in stock). No tools required for assembly/disassembly. It's so small at that size you could stick it in a small back pack, or even put it under your seat and completely side step all the issues of having a gun displayed in your window. Of course a concealed carry permit would be highly recommended.

I know, killing a deer with a rimfire is illegal. Actually, would it be illegal in that situation - putting a deer out of its memory on the side of the road with a 22? If anything, it makes more sense if shooting it in the head because it is not as loud and is less likely to over penetrate.

It is advertised at Henry's website as being $245 spankin' new. Not bad at all. I'd call that "pretty inexpensive". And the ammo is small and light, meaning you carry more rounds. Granted it won't knock a man off his feet or give you much long range ability, but I really like the idea of going low profile on foot with that little rifle and plenty of small game and/or emergency self defense 22 ammo stowed in my back pack if necessary.

www.henryrepeating.com/h002_survival.cfm

 

[Averageman]

I dont think you are nuts, but here is why I dont like the Mosin idea.
In a SHTF scenerio everyone has a different idea of what is TS and how fast is that fan blowing? If I had a Mosin I would want to keep 100rds with it. Chances are I am not going to be able to scrounge or barter ammo easily.
If i get pulled over with a 30-30 as odd as it sounds it is a little different reception than a Mosin or any other mil surp rifle to explain.
If a truck gun is to hunt, defend and go more than 2 weeks in an event like Katrina lets say I might want a more easily available caliber.
I would say a Marlin 36 in 30-30 would be about ideal. I can go in any country store/WalMart etc. and find some 30-30 available.
Find a cheap one and a kryptonite bike lock and lock it to the truck, put the key on your truck key ring.
Go over to the Marlin Owners index and take a look at what some of those guys have done.

 

[ROCK6]

The M44 is pretty darn good for an urban "get-home" truck gun for real emergencies; it would work for rural areas as well, but for the price and simplicity, it would be quite adequate to help you get home if a serious situation occurred where you strongly felt your life was in danger. If you're in rural area, the smaller .22LR is more than enough. I do like the versatility of a 12 or 20 gauge (pump) shotgun...also quite inexpensive.

For me, the M44 is perfect...not that I want it stolen, but it wouldn't break my heart if it was. It's robust and simple...a few pouches of ammo is pretty good and the bayonet would probably be deter many that are looking for easy pray...not to mention the bayonet on the end of the rifle is much better if confronted from a knife-wielding assailant (assuming you're out of ammo). The only downside is that if the "situation" wasn't total chaos, you would have a hard time lugging that rifle around if forced to leave your truck unless you took to the wood line and stayed hidden as you traveled.

I'll continue to keep my M44 in the truck and plan to add a decent .22LR pistol (H&R or something inexpensive but functional).

ROCK6

 

[AirborneNCO]

Hey check out this pic of a guy shooting his M44, I got a kick out of it. Look at his foot going up in the air, he may as well be sitting in a rocking chair shooting the thing.

 

[hub]

For a versitile truck gun I would have to vote for a 12ga pump shotgun with a synthetic stock.

Something cheap like a used Maverick 88 or a Pardner. If you got more money to spend then maybe a marine coated model to help stand up to the elements.

That way you could just carry different ammo in the glove box for whatever purpose you think you may need, bird shot, buck shot, or slugs. If theft is an issue like avererageman said, use a bike lock through the receiver and put the key on your key ring.