Lately, Tom R. posted an article concerning the new Springfield Kuna. Not like many articles and movies concerning 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 a lot of my ideas and concepts (nothing is ever easy). These questions are: Is there a “greatest” truck gun? What sorts of weapons could be categorized as truck weapons? What are the completely different functions? Somebody who lives within the nation versus suburbia has completely 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 a wide range of out there choices, methods to reinforce them, and for whom they’re supposed.
**Authorized Warning** In case you are enthusiastic about pursuing this idea, I’d be remiss if I didn’t let you know to examine native legal guidelines concerning the carrying of weapons in autos, notably lengthy weapons and NFA gadgets. States with hid carry or constitutional carry favor the carrying of handguns. Issues can get spicy when lengthy weapons and different scary gadgets are loaded in autos.
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 proper possibility for a truck gun: one thing that may eradicate pests whereas operating a fence line, has sufficient power to reap sport, and possesses precision throughout the confines of a suburban improvement. 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 a listing of every thing (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. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless categorized as a “funds” rifle, so it doesn’t have all of the options I need in a inventory. My purpose was to take heed to the funds and enhance ergonomics. There are a lot of aftermarket inventory and chassis choices for the Ruger American collection. Nevertheless, the MDT Subject Inventory shortly caught my eye. Not solely was it inexpensive, however it additionally provided the creature comforts I used to be on the lookout for. For one, it was AICS suitable. Moreover, the LOP and the peak of the comb had 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 obligatory. 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 focus on optics. The Vortex Venom 1-6 is my favourite LPVO (low-powered variable optic) when contemplating value. Does it have all of the performance and options of its rivals? Maybe not. Nevertheless, it gives 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 this kind of optic.
The optic sits in a set of Vortex Professional Sequence rings. Particularly, they’re 30mm, and Vortex’s equal to a low peak. I’m not a fan of the present super-tall optic mount pattern. I nonetheless prefer to preserve issues low and near the bore.
Lastly, essentially the most important piece of the puzzle is the suppressor. For this mission, 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 likely one of the largest names in suppressor manufacturing you’ve by no means heard of. Whereas KGM has its personal line of cans, it is usually one of many largest OEM producers, driving a lot of the expertise we see right this moment. I purchased this suppressor to be used with my 300 Blackout AR and 6.5 PRC bolt gun. It options low again stress capabilities and decreased weight on account of its titanium building. These had been the options I used to be on the lookout for. (In case you are on the lookout for an alternate that’s a bit simpler on the pockets, take a look at Otter Creek Labs Polonium 30, which is about half the worth of the SG-30 Titanium.)
A Accomplished Construct
The construct was a breeze. The one demanding 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 passed off 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 Subject Inventory was ergonomic, and all different equipment labored as supposed. Smiles throughout. Even my buddy’s dad, who hardly ever exhibits emotion, was overcome with pleasure from capturing the rifle.
However let’s return to the primary subject: how does this carry out as a truck gun? In my opinion, this gun is suited to any rural space or a spot with ample area. It’s not a close-quarters fight weapon. Nevertheless, this gun excels for these on the lookout for one thing helpful for taking sport or eliminating pests and predators. With a 16” barrel, the gun is compact sufficient to be saved behind (or underneath) the seats of most vehicles or may stay on the again of the rear seats in an SUV utilizing a system like that from Grey Man Tactical. For city dwellers, whereas this may not be ideally suited for cityscapes, it may work as an “city sniper rifle.” I discover the gun loads 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).
Ultimate Ideas
The Ruger American Ranch Gen II is a wonderful selection for the truck gun idea. Even when left inventory, the gun has large upside. My custom-made model could be a bit overboard, however it checks most bins I search for when specing out a rifle.
It’s straightforward to regulate, and I can adapt it to a tripod or bipod. The optic gives distinctive readability and eye aid for its value. And the suppressor is the icing on the cake. Moreover, I discover the 300 Blackout ideally suited for many conditions, particularly given the number of ammunition out there. What’s higher than that? I’ve loads of working weapons that I prepare with or shoot competitively. Nevertheless, now I’ve a rifle that may comfortably reside at the back of a truck or SUV and fulfill practically any activity I ask.
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