That is the subsequent article in a sequence on Truck Weapons, or the firearms you would possibly need to hold close by in case of an emergency (or zombie invasion, whichever comes first). Earlier this yr, Tom R. posted an article concerning the new Springfield Kuna. In contrast to many articles and movies concerning the compact subgun (ehem, “large-format pistol”), he framed the weapon as a truck gun. That concept led me down a rabbit gap exploring what constitutes a truck gun, why somebody would possibly want one, and the totally different purposes out there. Somebody dwelling within the nation versus somebody in suburbia has totally different wants. The first article on this sequence coated a Ruger American in 300 BLK, maybe the right truck gun for rural environments or city sniping. The following article featured a completely geared up Mossberg 590, designed for people looking for flexibility in confined areas. For this text, I needed to deal with one thing you can construct out of one thing you might already personal and switch it into the final word truck gun machine.
First, what’s a truck gun? A truck gun—at the very least in my thoughts—refers to any weapon saved in your automobile for defensive, searching, or survival functions. These firearms possess key traits, together with versatility, compactness, and lethality. After all, this definition is considerably ambiguous, with many variables to debate.
**Authorized Warning** If you’re all for pursuing this idea, I’d be remiss if I didn’t warn you to test native legal guidelines in regards to the transport of weapons in automobiles, significantly lengthy weapons and NFA objects. States with hid carry or constitutional carry are likely to favor handguns. Issues can get spicy when lengthy weapons and different scary objects are loaded in automobiles.
A PDW For Your Truck
Too many, a PDW, or private protection weapon, checks lots of the containers for a truck gun. It’s helpful and maneuverable. It’s simpler to shoot precisely in comparison with a handgun. And it’s often chambered in a caliber like 9mm—one thing that’s cheap to shoot and many succesful inside 100 yards or so. For this reason the Springfield Kuna excels in that position. Nevertheless, you don’t have to purchase an “off-the-shelf” PDW. A number of of right this moment’s pistols make the most of impartial “hearth management models” which can be serialized and separate from the pistol’s body, offering customers with flexibility. The Sig Sauer P320 was the firearm that mainstreamed that concept. In consequence, a number of aftermarket corporations have developed ingenious concepts to remodel the P320 right into a PDW.
Flux Protection
I’m uncertain if Flux Protection was the primary firm to do that, however they had been the primary I noticed and thought, “I would like that.” Sure, I used to be influenced by a YouTube video. Sure, typically influencer advertising works. Do I hate that it labored on me? Perhaps. However this tricked-out PDW is superior. After firing many rounds, I discover that the Raider X is a well-thought-out chassis system that elevates the P320 to a better echelon (to not be confused with Springfield’s titular pistol, which additionally encompasses a detachable hearth management system).
However don’t simply take my phrase for it, take the phrase of the butcher himself (and in the event you bought the Tommy Boy reference, we might be mates):
The Raider X is a compact Private Protection Weapon chassis designed to push your SIG P320 past typical handgun limits. It combines the velocity and maneuverability of a pistol with enhanced management, stability, and prolonged capability—delivering elevated firepower in a duty-ready, concealable platform.
The Spec Sheet
Having already owned a inventory Sig Sauer P320, I frolicked researching and buying the mandatory elements and equipment to remodel it into the final word PDW. Earlier than I break all of it down, right here’s a listing of all the things (with hyperlinks in case you have an interest):
The Construct
The construct is as easy because it will get. Make sure the P320 is unloaded, drop the journal, rotate the takedown lever, take away the slide, after which take away the takedown lever from the body. From there, the FCU will come out (typically you might want a flathead to assist take away it, particularly if it’s the primary time). Then, plop it into the Raider, reinsert the takedown lever, and add the prevailing P320 slide. Voila. From that time, it’s all about accessorizing.
For optics, I chosen the Holosun SCRS, which is mounted to an American Protection 509T QD mount. The optic is rock-solid, and I discover it the most effective for individuals with an astigmatism. I then swapped the manufacturing facility P320 barrel with a threaded mannequin and connected a compensator from Herrington Arms to it. This helps mitigate recoil and promotes a linear impulse.
To enhance ergonomics, I added the Flux aspect pic rails, which additionally function a thumb relaxation. This additionally helps with recoil administration. As a result of the slide sits within the body because it does, it may be laborious to control. Fortunately, Flux designed the F10 charging deal with. It replaces the entrance sight and permits for simple manipulation of the slide.
The ultimate additions had been a sling and a light-weight. For mild, I had a Sig FOXTROT2R, which is paying homage to a TLR-7. For the sling, I added an Edgar Sherman Designs Sling. These are reasonably minimalistic and easy to make use of.
How Does It Perform?
In brief, flawless. It was simple to sight in and even simpler to shoot. The brace deploys with power by way of a lever on the aspect. The entrance magazine storage works simply as nicely. Apply half strain, and the spare journal releases. Apply full strain, and each the empty and spare mags are launched. This makes working the Raider X simple and intuitive to be taught. Even the pistol grip is ergonomic and encompasses a flared magwell. Actually, I don’t have something unhealthy to say about it.
It’s additionally a individuals pleaser. Each time I carry it out, everybody desires to shoot it. Whether or not they’re skilled shooters or novices, everybody enjoys it. However what about it as a truck gun? I believe it matches the mildew completely. Since it’s categorized as a pistol, it falls below the hid weapons legal guidelines of many states. So, in Ohio, I can hold it hidden and loaded in my automobile (so long as I observe the foundations of the place I can and may’t have it). Whereas it may not be the best choice for broad open areas, I can ship in a bunch of roles in city and suburban environments.
Ultimate Ideas
For those who already personal a Sig Sauer P320, you’re midway to proudly owning a succesful PDW—no further FFL visits are required. Simply order on-line and have it shipped to your house. You get a compact and maneuverable package deal that gives higher effectiveness than a handgun. Is it the very best truck gun for you? That relies upon. If it matches your setting, or in the event you don’t already personal a P320, it will not be an excellent match. However in the event you fall into that mildew, I like to recommend you test it out.
Within the following article on this sequence, it would cowl one other PDW-type firearm, however this time, I’ll focus on one of many many “chassis” techniques out there for Glock pistols. Will or not it’s good? Or, will or not it’s like lots of the gimmicky choices on the market? Keep tuned.
