let's talk gun racks
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 833
Likes: 4
let's talk gun racks
That's right - old school. I want to hang my hunting rifle in the back window of my regular cab truck. Does anyone even use these anymore? I have a pricey gun with a pricey scope and don't want it getting tossed around (or taking a thump to the head from it bouncing out). Does anyone have experience with a nice rack that fits the Ford that won't bang up the gun on rough roads or am I pipe dreaming?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,753
Likes: 34
From: Los Angeles, Ca.
I have an easy solution to your gun rack problem, move to California where it's not allowed. Sorry, just a casual venting about my beloved state.
You could use one of the gun holders like they have in cop cars, it'll be secure against being bumped around and somewhat secure against theft. I don't know of any that are vehicle specific 'bolt on' style and assume that you'll have to do some amount of fab work, but don't know.
You could use one of the gun holders like they have in cop cars, it'll be secure against being bumped around and somewhat secure against theft. I don't know of any that are vehicle specific 'bolt on' style and assume that you'll have to do some amount of fab work, but don't know.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Is it the gun rack itself that is unlawful?
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,475
Likes: 2,800
Best I can tell with a quick search, it is lawful to carry an unloaded rifle or shotgun in a vehicle in a rack. Hand guns and "assault" weapons need to be locked in the trunck or a hard case.
IMO you risk a break in and theft, or unwelcome scrutiny up to and including the now popular LEO "Hands (magazine dump) up!" command.
YMMV. IMO it doesn't pay to advertise.
IMO you risk a break in and theft, or unwelcome scrutiny up to and including the now popular LEO "Hands (magazine dump) up!" command.
YMMV. IMO it doesn't pay to advertise.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Well sure, but I didn't ask that, is it unlawful to have a gun rack?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2017
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Haha I’m not planning on tooling around town with a gun in my back window like some kind of idiot!
This will be on hunting trips while driving between units or finding new areas to glass out in BFE. I just want it securely located instead of next to my leg with the barrel jammed between the transmission tunnel and 4x shifter, like it has been. Taking it out of a case in and putting it back in 12+ times a day isn’t an option.
I have sturdy scopes and sights, they can take some bumps and stay zeroed. Been doing it for years. I just don’t want them bouncing and slapping into my window/roof/making noise/ etc.
So... does a good rack exist?
This will be on hunting trips while driving between units or finding new areas to glass out in BFE. I just want it securely located instead of next to my leg with the barrel jammed between the transmission tunnel and 4x shifter, like it has been. Taking it out of a case in and putting it back in 12+ times a day isn’t an option.
I have sturdy scopes and sights, they can take some bumps and stay zeroed. Been doing it for years. I just don’t want them bouncing and slapping into my window/roof/making noise/ etc.
So... does a good rack exist?
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It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,802
Likes: 1,333
From: Elk Grove, CA
Gonna side with John here, hardcase if you expect the scope to stay zero'd. If it doesn't have to be great just ok then any old rack that keeps it from hitting the window is fine imo.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 4,667
Likes: 1,455
From: Muskogee, Ok
You might be over thinking this. It usually takes a decent thump to mess with the zero of a quality scope and mounts. Otherwise you'd never be able to maintain zero between shots of the harder kicking rounds like 300Win mag, 375H&H and the such.
Instead of a window rack, have you considered a foam lined atv scabbord angled from the passenger floorboard toward the drivers side?
Instead of a window rack, have you considered a foam lined atv scabbord angled from the passenger floorboard toward the drivers side?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,348
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From: Lake Hartwell, GA
Hard case on back seat if optics or sights are a concern.
If not, my brother has a "shelf" above the windshield that mounts to the ceiling/headliner somehow that has enough room for 2 long guns to fit comfortably.
He uses small straps to hold them in place. The straps have the quick connects like a backpack or whatever would.
This method keeps the long gusset safely stored, out of sight of LEO's or the public and they are easily accessible to the owner.
I certainly would not keep them there if they were not strapped in though.
If not, my brother has a "shelf" above the windshield that mounts to the ceiling/headliner somehow that has enough room for 2 long guns to fit comfortably.
He uses small straps to hold them in place. The straps have the quick connects like a backpack or whatever would.
This method keeps the long gusset safely stored, out of sight of LEO's or the public and they are easily accessible to the owner.
I certainly would not keep them there if they were not strapped in though.