If you’re driving a truck and spending any real time outdoors, you ought to have the right tools riding with you. A good truck gun isn’t for looks—it’s for work. That means being ready to deal with a coyote in the pasture, a rattler under the trailer, or grabbing meat when the chance pops up.
This list covers the kind of guns that make sense to keep in the cab or behind the seat. They’re practical, proven, and built for the kind of life a truck actually sees.
.22 LR Rifle
A .22 should live in every truck, period. It’s cheap to shoot, light to carry, and can take care of everything from small game to snakes without overkill. Perfect for impromptu squirrel hunts or popping raccoons raiding feed bags.
It also doubles as a solid training gun if you’ve got a kid tagging along. Something like a Ruger 10/22 or a bolt-action Savage makes a great truck companion—simple, reliable, and always useful.
.410 Shotgun
Don’t underestimate the .410. It’s not a powerhouse, but it’s perfect for snakes, rats, and rabbits around the barn or field edges. It also doesn’t beat you up when you shoot it.
You can get them in break-action, pump, or even lever style. Easy to store, and quiet enough not to spook everything within a mile.
12-Gauge Shotgun
When it comes to versatility, the 12-gauge doesn’t play around. You can load it with birdshot for pests, buckshot for home (or truck) defense, or slugs for bigger critters. It’s the Swiss Army knife of truck guns.
A pump like the Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 is hard to beat. Toss it behind the seat and you’re ready for anything from coyotes to a trespasser that doesn’t listen to reason.
Lever-Action .30-30
There’s something about a lever gun that fits a truck like a glove. The .30-30 has been taking down deer and hogs for over a century, and it’s still a go-to for folks who want fast follow-up shots and solid knockdown power.
It’s also compact enough to stash without getting in the way. A Marlin 336 or Winchester 94 is perfect if you’re bouncing around property lines or running fence and spot something worth shooting.
AR-15
Say what you want, but a quality AR is one of the most practical rifles to have close by. It’s accurate, fast, and customizable. Great for predators, varmints, or even emergency defense.
Toss a red dot on it, keep a loaded mag handy, and you’ve got a lightweight setup that can handle just about anything with four legs—or two—you run into out there.
Glock 19 (or Similar Compact 9mm)
Not every situation calls for a rifle or shotgun. A truck pistol needs to be reliable, simple, and ready to grab. The Glock 19 hits that sweet spot for size, capacity, and shootability.
It’ll slide into the console or door pocket without drawing attention, and it’s accurate enough to trust when it counts. Plus, 9mm ammo is everywhere and easy to stock.
.357 Magnum Revolver
If you want a truck gun with a little grit and no frills, go with a .357 revolver. It’ll fire both .357 and .38 Special, giving you flexibility depending on what you’re dealing with.
These things are built like tanks and don’t rely on magazines or buttons to run. Stick it in a holster under the seat and forget about it until you need it—then it’ll remind you why you packed it in the first place.
Compact Survival Rifle (Like the Henry AR-7)
A takedown survival rifle makes a smart backup. The Henry AR-7 is a great example—lightweight, packs into its own stock, and floats if it ends up in the creek.
It’s not your main gun, but when space is tight and you want something that’ll still drop small game or varmints in a pinch, this one earns its keep.
Bolt-Action .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor
For long shots or larger game, a solid bolt gun in .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor belongs in the mix. Sometimes you need the reach and precision these calibers bring.
If your truck sees a lot of action during deer season or on big open land, this rifle makes sure you don’t miss an opportunity when it steps out across a field.
Truck-Specific Beater Gun
Every truck needs one gun you don’t baby—scratches don’t matter, and it still goes bang. This could be an old shotgun, a surplus rifle, or a secondhand pistol you trust.
The key is knowing it runs well but won’t break your heart if it gets a little rough in the bed or behind the seat. Because let’s face it—truck guns take abuse.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
