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Americans love their pickup trucks. That’s no surprise. As you might imagine, some truck owners like keeping firearms in their vehicles. So, just what makes a “truck gun” a “truck gun?”

A truck gun is a firearm that an owner keeps in their vehicle or owns specifically to carry in their car or truck

A “truck gun” is, as it sounds, a firearm that owners keep in their vehicles. Of course, it doesn’t have to be a pickup truck. In fact, many drivers who subscribe to the practice use the term interchangeably with “trunk gun.” Still, more often than not, a truck gun is a weapon a driver keeps in their truck to defend themselves and their property.

When it comes to weapon types, there is no one “perfect” truck gun. Instead, it could be anything from a shotgun to a carbine rifle or handgun. That said, some owners will prioritize a more affordable weapon in the chance that a thief breaks into their vehicle and steals it. However, some owners will opt for a weapon based on its merit as a maneuverable platform. Think folding stock, six-position buttstock, or telescopic rear end for easy access and deployability.

Unfortunately, many opportunists steal truck guns out of parked vehicles and use them in crimes. According to Everytown Research & Policy, a criminal steals a firearm out of a truck every nine minutes in the United States. Of course, it should be said that Everytown is a gun safety group with an agenda. Whether or not it’s actually that many, it’s a common issue that police and other first responders contend with. 

A man with a revolver and his truck.
A man with a revolver and a truck | CIA-Photo via iStock

As such, I can’t recommend leaving a weapon in your parked vehicle. Instead, you can transport your firearm between your living space and your truck in a bag, holster, sheath, or locking safe. As a result, criminals won’t be one smashed window or popped lock away from stealing your valuable and potentially deadly weapon. 

Moreover, putting firearm manufacturer decals on your vehicle can make you a target for criminals. Thieves recognize the logos and conclude that there could be a firearm or multiple guns in the car. Considering how expensive guns can be, some opportunists are willing to risk breaking into a truck or car to get one.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).