Just lately, Tom R. posted an article in regards to the new Springfield Kuna. In contrast to many articles and movies in regards to the compact sub gun (ehem, “large-format pistol”), he framed the weapon as a truck gun. This made me suppose: What’s the greatest truck gun? However that query leads me down a rabbit gap, like lots of my ideas and concepts (nothing is ever easy). These questions are: Is there a “greatest” truck gun? What forms of weapons may be labeled as truck weapons? What are the totally different functions? Somebody who lives within the nation versus suburbia has totally different wants. However wait, what defines a truck gun? All appear important, proper?
The apparent start line is to outline a truck gun. In my thoughts, this refers to any weapon saved in your car for defensive, searching, or survival functions. These firearms have key traits corresponding to versatility, compactness, and lethality. After all, this definition is considerably ambiguous, with many variables to debate. All through a number of articles, I’ll delve into the idea of truck weapons. I’ll cowl quite a lot of accessible choices, methods to boost them, and for whom they’re supposed.
**Authorized Warning** In case you are thinking about pursuing this idea, I’d be remiss if I didn’t inform you to verify native legal guidelines concerning the carrying of weapons in automobiles, significantly lengthy weapons and NFA objects. States with hid carry or constitutional carry favor the carrying of handguns. Issues can get spicy when lengthy weapons and different scary objects are loaded in automobiles.
The Gun
To me, nothing is healthier than an uber-quiet rifle. The one sounds heard are the ping of the hammer hitting the firing pin, adopted by the boring thump of a heavy slug smacking a goal downrange—pure pleasure. A quiet, helpful rifle additionally appears to be the right possibility for a truck gun: one thing that may get rid of pests whereas operating a fence line, has sufficient power to reap recreation, and possesses precision throughout the confines of a suburban growth. With this concept in thoughts, I chosen the comparatively new Ruger American Gen II in 300 BLK (the Ranch mannequin particularly) as the idea for a chosen suppressed truck gun.
However I wasn’t going to go away the gun in its fundamental configuration. No, sir. I can’t depart something as it’s. I have to put my twist on it, proper? The place’s the enjoyable in a fundamental mannequin rifle?
The Spec Sheet
As soon as bought from my native FFL, I spent a little bit of time researching and buying the elements and equipment for the rifle. Earlier than I break all of it down, right here’s an inventory of every part (with hyperlinks in case you have an interest):
I’ll admit that the inventory shipped with the American GEN II is an improve from its predecessor. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless labeled as a “funds” rifle, so it doesn’t have all of the options I need in a inventory. My objective was to take heed to the funds and enhance ergonomics. There are lots of aftermarket inventory and chassis choices for the Ruger American sequence. Nonetheless, the MDT Area Inventory shortly caught my eye. Not solely was it inexpensive, but it surely additionally provided the creature comforts I used to be searching for. For one, it was AICS suitable. Moreover, the LOP and the peak of the comb have been simply adjustable. It included a vertical pistol grip, and the inventory featured M-Lok alongside the underside of the forend.
Subsequent got here the accoutrements. I deliberate to run ARCA to connect a bipod or tripod simply. Thus, a 7” strip of ARCA to M-Lok was vital. Moreover, as a result of I couldn’t resist, I added the MDT GRND-POD to the order. The GRND-POD is the little brother to the CKYE-POD, and whereas it lacks some options of its sibling, it gives sufficient performance for many shooters. Weighing 15.3oz in comparison with 21oz for the lightest CKYE-POD, the GRND-POD is ideal for many searching and capturing conditions for individuals who aren’t devoted rivals.
Now, let’s talk about optics. The Vortex Venom 1-6 is my favourite LPVO (low-powered variable optic) when contemplating price. Does it have all of the performance and options of its rivals? Maybe not. Nonetheless, it offers good readability and a easy, easy-to-use reticle, and it weighs solely 19.5 oz. As a pleasant bonus, the optic ships with a throw lever and Vortex Defender Flip caps. These are all qualities I worth in such a optic.
The optic sits in a set of Vortex Professional Sequence rings. Particularly, they’re 30mm, and Vortex’s equal to a low top. I’m not a fan of the present super-tall optic mount pattern. I nonetheless wish to maintain issues low and near the bore.
Lastly, essentially the most essential piece of the puzzle is the suppressor. For this undertaking, I made a decision to make use of my Daniel Protection SG-30 Titanium. This suppressor line was designed and inbuilt partnership with KGM. For these unaware, KGM is among the greatest names in suppressor manufacturing you’ve by no means heard of. Whereas KGM has its personal line of cans, additionally it is one of many largest OEM producers, driving a lot of the know-how we see immediately. I purchased this suppressor to be used with my 300 Blackout AR and 6.5 PRC bolt gun. It options low again strain capabilities and lowered weight on account of its titanium building. These have been the options I used to be searching for. (In case you are searching for another that’s a bit simpler on the pockets, take a look at Otter Creek Labs Polonium 30, which is about half the value of the SG-30 Titanium.)
A Accomplished Construct
The construct was a breeze. The one worrying half was attaching the journal latch to the chassis after putting in the barreled motion. The meeting, together with mounting the optic, took simply over half-hour. The ultimate product? A badass and extremely quiet bolt gun.
Preliminary testing occurred at my buddy’s vary simply earlier than Christmas. Capturing from a tripod at 50 yards was comical. There was no recoil, no noise, simply the boring thud of a 208-grain slug hitting the backstop. It was euphoric. Every thing functioned flawlessly. The MDT Area Inventory was ergonomic, and all different equipment labored as supposed. Smiles throughout. Even my pal’s dad, who not often exhibits emotion, was overcome with pleasure from capturing the rifle.
However let’s return to the principle matter: how does this carry out as a truck gun? For my part, this gun is suited to any rural space or a spot with ample house. It’s not a close-quarters fight weapon. Nonetheless, this gun excels for these searching for one thing helpful for taking recreation or eliminating pests and predators. With a 16” barrel, the gun is compact sufficient to be saved behind (or below) the seats of most vans or may stay on the again of the rear seats in an SUV utilizing a system like that from Gray Man Tactical. For city dwellers, whereas this may not be superb for cityscapes, it may work as an “city sniper rifle.” I discover the gun a lot correct and succesful inside 200 yards when utilizing subsonic ammo (and I’d say that’s so far as I’d push the rifle except you turn to supersonic ammo).
Last Ideas
The Ruger American Ranch Gen II is a wonderful alternative for the truck gun idea. Even when left inventory, the gun has great upside. My personalized model may be a bit overboard, but it surely checks most containers I search for when specing out a rifle.
It’s simple to regulate, and I can adapt it to a tripod or bipod. The optic gives distinctive readability and eye aid for its price. And the suppressor is the icing on the cake. Moreover, I discover the 300 Blackout superb for many conditions, particularly given the number of ammunition accessible. What’s higher than that? I’ve loads of working weapons that I prepare with or shoot competitively. Nonetheless, now I’ve a rifle that may comfortably reside behind a truck or SUV and fulfill almost any process I ask.
