The idea of a “truck gun” usually refers to a firearm kept handy for hunting, ranch work, or other lawful outdoor activities. However, keeping any firearm permanently inside a vehicle creates important theft, storage, and legal concerns. ATF guidance specifically recommends unloaded firearms, secure lock boxes or safes, concealment, and removing the firearm from the vehicle when you return home. The models below are therefore best viewed as practical firearms to transport in a truck when needed, rather than weapons to leave unattended behind the seat all year.
1. Ruger American Ranch
The Ruger American Ranch fits the practical side of the truck-gun idea without becoming overly large. Its compact 16.1-inch barrel and chamberings such as .223 Remington and 7.62×39 mm make it easy to carry during lawful hunting trips. The detachable magazine also makes unloading straightforward before transport. A useful truck rifle should be simple to inspect, maintain, and secure, and this model follows that theme. It should not be left behind the seat unattended year-round. Use a locked vehicle safe and follow local storage laws whenever the rifle is transported.
2. Henry Lever Action
A Henry lever-action rifle brings a classic hunting format to a modern pickup without becoming bulky. Depending on the model, chamberings include .30-30 Winchester and .357 Magnum, giving owners different options for lawful hunting and field use. Its traditional controls and compact profile suit brushy country and short walks from a vehicle. Barrel length, unloaded weight, and magazine capacity vary by model. For transport, unload it, secure it in a locked container, and remove it from the truck when the trip ends rather than treating the cab as permanent storage.
3. Marlin 1895
The Marlin 1895 is a substantial lever-action option, commonly chambered in .45-70 Government. Its reputation comes from a design built around a powerful cartridge and a straightforward manual action, but that does not make it suitable for every hunting task. Barrel lengths and capacities vary, so the exact model matters. The .45-70 also produces considerably more recoil than many lighter hunting rounds. Keep the rifle unloaded during storage or transport, use a purpose-built lock box, and check the laws governing loaded firearms and vehicle storage before carrying it.
4. Mossberg 500
The Mossberg 500 is an adaptable pump-action shotgun, with 12-gauge and 20-gauge versions and barrel configurations for different lawful uses. A field model with a longer barrel can work for hunting, while other configurations serve different roles. Its simple pump mechanism is familiar to generations of shooters, but familiarity should never replace a safety check. Capacity depends on the exact configuration, often ranging from 5 to 8 shells. For transport, transport it unloaded in a locked case, because a locked glove box or console is not secure storage.
5. Remington 870
The Remington 870 has been produced in numerous configurations, making it more a platform family than one specification. Twelve-gauge and 20-gauge versions are common, with barrel lengths and magazine capacities changing by model. That flexibility helps explain its popularity in hunting camps. For a vehicle, the practical question is whether your particular 870 is legal and appropriate for the intended activity. Keep it unloaded, protected from moisture, and secured in a dedicated lock box during transport. Do not mistake a familiar shotgun for permission to leave it unattended.
6. Winchester Model 70
The Winchester Model 70 is a bolt-action hunting rifle associated with cartridges ranging from .243 Winchester to larger big-game rounds. Its deliberate action and broad chambering selection make it familiar to hunters traveling between field locations. A typical sporter can be roughly 8 pounds before optics, although exact weight varies. That matters in a truck because unnecessary bulk becomes inconvenient quickly. Transport the rifle unloaded, keep ammunition secured as required, and use a locked container that is concealed from view rather than relying on the vehicle itself.
7. Tikka T3x
The Tikka T3x is a lightweight bolt-action rifle built around a smooth operating system and a wide range of hunting chamberings. Many configurations weigh around 6 to 7 pounds before optics, making the rifle easier to carry from a parked truck into the field. Chamberings can include .308 Winchester, .270 Winchester, and 6.5 Creedmoor, depending on the model and market. The exact configuration matters because barrel length, magazine capacity, and weight change. For vehicle transport, unload it and secure it in a locked case or vehicle safe, then remove it when the trip is over.
8. Ruger 10/22
The Ruger 10/22 is a lightweight .22 LR semiautomatic rifle that has become a familiar small-game and recreational platform. Standard models often use a 10-round rotary magazine, while other configurations differ. Its low ammunition cost and mild recoil make it useful for lawful target shooting and small-game hunting where permitted. Because it is compact, owners may be tempted to treat it casually, which good storage practices should prevent. Keep it unloaded when stored, lock it inside a proper container during transport, and never leave it accessible in an unattended truck.
9. Savage Axis 2
The Savage Axis 2 offers a straightforward bolt-action format in popular hunting cartridges, including .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester, and 6.5 Creedmoor depending on configuration. Its practical design and manageable weight make it suitable for hunters who want a no-frills rifle for regular field use. Magazine capacity varies by chambering and model, so check the exact specification rather than assuming one number. In a vehicle, the rifle belongs in a locked case or safe, not under a seat or loose behind the bench. Local transport rules should always be checked first.
10. Mossberg Patriot
The Mossberg Patriot is a bolt-action hunting rifle available in a broad selection of chamberings and configurations. Many models use detachable magazines, commonly holding 3 or 4 rounds depending on caliber, while barrel lengths and weights vary. That makes the exact version more important than the name alone when planning a hunting trip. Its usefulness comes from being a conventional field rifle rather than a specialized vehicle weapon. Keep it unloaded during storage, secure it out of sight in a locked container, and take it out of the truck when you return home.
