This is the next article in a series on Truck Guns, or the firearms you might want to keep nearby in case of an emergency (or zombie invasion, whichever comes first). Earlier, Tom R. posted an article about the new Springfield Kuna. Unlike many articles and videos about the compact sub gun (ehem, “large-format pistol”), he framed the weapon as a truck gun. That idea led me to explore what defines a truck gun, why someone might need one, and the different uses for them. Someone living in the country versus someone in the suburbs has different needs.
The first article in this series covered a Ruger American in .300 BLK, which is probably the perfect truck gun for rural areas or urban sniping. The following article discusses the Mossberg 590 shotgun and its potential as a truck gun. From there, we shifted gears to a more compact build with a Flux Defense Raider X, which transformed a stock Sig Sauer P320. And now we switch gears again to look at the most classic of all truck guns—the lever-action rifle. But first, let’s catch you up on what a truck gun is.
A truck gun—at least in my mind—refers to any weapon stored in your vehicle for defensive, hunting, or survival purposes. These firearms possess key characteristics, including versatility, compactness, and lethality. Of course, this definition is somewhat ambiguous, with many variables to discuss.
**Legal Warning** If you are interested in pursuing this concept, I would be remiss if I did not warn you to check local laws concerning the transport of weapons in vehicles, particularly long guns and NFA items. States with concealed carry or constitutional carry tend to favor handguns. Things can get spicy when long guns and other scary items are loaded in vehicles.
The Background
The lever rifle captures our imagination. This historic firearm once appeared on movie posters nationwide, featuring in countless spaghetti westerns and blockbuster films. It was the rifle used by Steve McQueen, John Wayne, and Clint Eastwood. More than that, it’s the rifle that settled the West. It’s the firearm that pioneers carried across the American plains to start a new life. It provided food and protection from threats. It became America’s rifle. As a result, the lever rifle has never been more popular.
Its comeback is mainly thanks to enhanced aftermarket support from companies like Ranger Point Precision and updated designs from Henry Repeating Arms, Marlin, and Rossi. Today’s lever gun deviates from the past to provide a modern—dare I say—tactical approach to the genre. But something is warming about leather, wood, and blued steel. It reminds us of our past. But enough romanticizing. The lever is still practical today, either as a hunting or even defensive arm—especially in states with strict firearms laws. Its position on a rifle rack in the back window of a truck is ingrained in my brain from stories of my grandfather’s youth. And it’s because of this that I’ve chosen to include a lever-action rifle in this series.
The Rifle
I’ve been a longtime collector of lever rifles—especially JM stamp Marlins and early Winchesters. But for a dedicated hunting and truck gun-style model, I chose the relatively new Rossi R95. In simple terms, the R95 is a reproduction of the widely used Marlin 1895. Based on the earlier 1893, the Marlin Model 1895 is a lever-action rifle introduced by Marlin Firearms in 1895, designed for big-game hunting with large-caliber cartridges. It’s known for its strength, reliability, and smooth action, especially when compared to competitors like the Winchester 1886. The rifle has been chambered in many calibers, but its most common offerings are .45-70 Govt and 30/30 Winchester.
For the R95, I chose the 30/30 because of its pedigree and capabilities. A 45-70 might have made more sense, since I live in Ohio and can’t hunt with a 30/30 (trust me, it doesn’t make sense to anyone). However, I love the 30/30 cartridge, so that’s what I opted for. Specifically, I selected a trapper variant with a 16.5” barrel. I wanted something a bit more handy and lighter to handle. From there, I focused on maximizing its potential while keeping its traditional lines.
The Build
First, I was impressed with the fit and finish of the Rossi—especially considering its price. For those unaware, Rossi is part of Taurus and is manufactured in Brazil. However, don’t let that deter you from taking a look. New Winchesters and Marlins are expensive—even the new Smith & Wesson 1854 (another Marlin clone) costs over a thousand dollars. So, there aren’t many affordable options on the market. But this is one I’d recommend.
As for the buildout, my goal was to add more functionality while maintaining a classic look. After browsing the internet and forums, this is what I came up with.
- Ranger Point Precision Extended Hammer: This design facilitates easier manipulation of the hammer, particularly when using a magnified optic. I like how the extension is shaped to fit your thumb, and the knurling provides a nice tactile feel.
- 1791 Gun Leather Simple Strap Sling: Simple and classic. Every rifle needs a sling. But a lever gun needs a leather sling.
- Vortex Sparc Solar: One of my go-to red dots for any scenario. I’ve never had one go bad or stop working. If you don’t like the mount that ships with it, the Sparc Solar is compatible with the Aimpoint Micro.
But is it a Truck Gun?
After some time and patience, the complete rifle turned out exactly as I envisioned — the perfect blend of old and new. It reminds me of classic westerns but with modern features — a resto-mod, if you will. It’s a mix of vintage and contemporary design. The rifle is well-balanced and easy to handle. With this setup, I’d be more than comfortable taking the game out to 150 yards or defending my property from any threat. But is it a viable truck gun?
The lever rifle is the classic truck gun from a bygone era. Today, we have more choices than ever. Is it the most practical in a world filled with AR-15s and compact PDWs? Maybe not. But for someone in a rural area where four-legged threats are more common, it’s hard to argue. So, perhaps it’s more of a tractor gun than a truck gun. Still, adding modern accessories makes it a truly impressive rifle. It’s a pleasure to shoot and performs well in its setup.
Final Thoughts
All that said, I like lever-action rifles. I’m partial to them and have centered much of my collection around them. I do think it makes sense in the category of a truck gun in specific scenarios, but for most people, there are better options. Not only does it have a low magazine capacity, but its manual of arms is unique and requires time to master. Some modern accessories, such as those from Ranger Point Precision and 1791 Gun Leather, enhance the rifle’s performance, but it remains a design that’s over a century old. That said, if you can, you should add one to your collection.
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