You never know where you'll be when you need access to a gun, which is precisely why many rational gun owners choose to securely store a defensive firearm in their car, truck, or SUV. With that in mind, the Classic Firearms team has created the following criteria and selected our picks for the top 5 truck guns of 2023.

Best Truck Guns 2023

What Makes A Good Truck Gun?

A truck gun does not necessarily need to have the same attachments and features as your home defense rifle or your EDC handgun, but rather should balance secure storage with accessibility and firepower. Ideally, your firearm should be:

  • Chambered in an adequate caliber
  • Magazine fed (to aid more rapid deployment)
  • Set up for ease of use
  • Equipped with a fully collapsible or folding stock and / or...
  • Small enough to stow in the trunk / under a seat

It's also important to consider cost when selecting a truck gun because in the event it is stolen or you're forced to use it in a defensive encounter, you do not want to be out thousands of dollars for a high-end custom gun. Now that we've established the qualities a good truck gun should have, let's take a look at which firearms best satisfy the above criteria without breaking the bank. 

Best Truck Guns Of 2023

In today's market, there are many innovative firearms that can function as a servicable truck gun - from budget options to offerings from the most popular manufacturers of pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Here are our picks for the best truck guns you can buy in 2023.

Tokarev TBP-12M

The bullpup configuration of this 12-guage shotgun packs a lot of firepower into a compact, incredibly shootable package. It accepts most AR-12 magazines and comes with folding sights from the factory, plus the Tsunami Nickel finish can withstand even the harshest of environmental conditions. Simply put, the TBP-12M is a tremendous value that few semi-auto shotguns on the market can rival.

Freedom Ordnance FX-9 - FDE

Built upon the proven AR platform, the FX-9 from Freedom Ordnance is a lightweight semi-auto pistol that utilizes 9mm Glock mags and ships with an angled foregrip. The 10" barrel offers solid ballistic performance while reducing the overall length of the firearm, making it an ideal choice for a truck gun. The package featured below includes ten 31-round ETS magazines, so you can store your pistol with plenty of spare ammo on deck. 

Freedom Ordnance FX-9 9mm Promo Pistol Pkg, 10" Bbl, Billet Rec's, M-Lok Rail, FDE, W / Sling,10-32 Rd ETS Glock Type Mags, FX9 Foregrip - FX9P10T-FDE
Freedom Ordnance FX-9 9mm Promo Pistol Pkg, 10" Bbl, Billet Rec's, M-Lok Rail, FDE, W / Sling,10-32 Rd ETS Glock Type Mags, FX9 Foregrip - FX9P10T-FDE
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Pioneer Forged Series AK-47 Sporter Underfolder

Perhaps you prefer something that packs a bit more punch? No problem. The Pioneer Forged Series AK-47 Sporter is chamberd in 7.62x39 and features classic wood furniture with an under folder stock This platform offers all the best of a full-size rifle while still being small enough to stow conveniently under a seat, plus it deploys in mere seconds.

Springfield Hellcat Pro

Of course, sometimes a reliable pistol is all you need to get the job done. The Springfield Hellcat Pro packs 15 rounds of 9mm into a lightweight and concealable frame paired with an optics-ready slide. Plus, it can pull double duty as a truck gun and a backup / replacement for your EDC setup in an emergency situation. At this price point and with the accessories that ship with the pistol, the Springfield Hellcat Pro is tough to beat.

Springfield Hellcat Pro Semi-Automatic Optic Ready 9x19mm Pistol, 3" Barrel, (5) 15 Round Magazines, Range Bag - HCP9379BOSPGU22
Springfield Hellcat Pro Semi-Automatic Optic Ready 9x19mm Pistol, 3" Barrel, (5) 15 Round Magazines, Range Bag - HCP9379BOSPGU22
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Ruger PC Charger

Few subguns are as supremely adaptable and ergonomic as the Ruger PC Charger. This pistol accepts SR-series mags or Glock mags, and also features an incredible glass-filled chasis system that allows the user to mount any standard AR-15 grip of their choice. The rear-mounted QD attachment points allow for the rapid deployment of a sling and the handguard is compatible with most M-LOK accessories. The Ruger PC Charger might just be the most versatile truck gun available in 2023.

Shooting In And Around Your Vehicle

As most instructors will tell you, selecting the right tool is only part of the battle. You must also be prepared to deploy your defensive firearm near (and possibly inside of) your vehicle. For tips on how to shoot in and around a car, truck, or SUV, be sure to watch our video below.