Car Guns

by
posted on July 9, 2013
wiley-clapp.jpg (1)

I travel a great deal on the open highways of the western states. As a retired Peace Officer, I have the required permits to make it perfectly legal to carry a gun while I do this. You will never get me to condone carrying guns when it is in any way illegal. There are many laws that are nonsensical, but I have a citizen’s duty to obey them—and exercise the citizen’s right to vote to change them. At the outset of this discussion, please understand that when the laws of your state do not allow carrying as a motorist, the rest of what I have to say is moot.

So what is an ideal list of characteristics for a gun that stays in the car (or, in my case, truck)? Usually, the threat to a motorist is carjacking, which is probably most common in our major cities. Latter-day highwaymen sometimes stop cars in order to rob the occupants of money, jewelry or other valuables or steal the car. Guns are their favorite tools to accomplish this and, in my book, that means they qualify for armed response.

Like most criminal attacks, a carjacking is likely to be very sudden and unexpected. To defense such an onslaught, you have to respond with instantaneous, overwhelming force. If you are interested in making preparations for this eventuality, I would suggest you consider Clint Smith’s Vehicle Defense course at Thunder Ranch. In a week, he will make you aware of the tactics and techniques of fighting from behind the steering wheel of your own car. The question is with what?

Almost any decent handgun in a properly powerful caliber will do, but my experience at Thunder Ranch caused me to re-think my position on armament. Even inside the spacious cab of a big GMC, your movements are somewhat restricted. For that reason, I would not choose a really big handgun. A longer firearm might get all tangled up in seat belts, etc. Short and powerful is a good way to go. And because you might be forced to shoot with the gun all cockeyed in your hand, it seems to me that a revolver, which is not sensitive to limp wristing, is a better way to go. That’s an opinion.

Latest

New Guns Gear Nraam 2025 F (1)
New Guns Gear Nraam 2025 F (1)

New Guns & Gear At The 2025 NRA Show

The 154th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, held at the Georgia World Congress Center, April 24-27, was teeming with new guns and gear. Here's a taste of what you can see on the show floor.

Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Stealth Hunter

Welcome to American Rifleman’s Gun Of The Week. For this episode, we have a version of Smith & Wesson’s Model 1854 lever-action that’s specifically made for field use. Meet the Model 1854 Stealth Hunter.

The Armed Citizen® April 25, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Great FN Gun Giveaway At NRAAM 2025

Here’s a chance to win a custom, one-of-a-kind FN 545 Tactical pistol at the 154th NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits, April 24-27, in Atlanta, Ga. No purchase necessary.

Training With Moving Targets

Most target shooters understand static or bullseye-type stationary targets quite well, but did you know that adding motion into your training routine will improve practical marksmanship and the skills necessary to conquer defensive situations?

USA Shooting Celebrates 30th Anniversary

USA Shooting marks a historic milestone in April as it celebrates 30 years as the national governing body for international shooting sports within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.