I would like to pick up a "Truck gun" that would stay in the truck 24/7. Something with enough power but not an expensive piece as I realize that it getting ripped off is a very real possibility. I found two good candidates at the local gun shop today. Sorry guys neither is an S&W but your input would be appreciated. The first is a Charter Arms Bulldog, 3" in 44 Special. It is in good (or better) condition and is going for $240. The second is a Ruger Blackhawk in 357 also in good condition going for $230. So what do you think?

The Ruger, hands down.

you can't go wrong with either of those choices. both priced right as well!

Guns belong on one's person...and certainly not in any place where "it getting ripped off is a real possibility."

Be safe.

Thanks for the input, I was leaning towards the Ruger. Anything left in the truck can be taken absent a dedicated, bolted down safe. The truck gun will be more accessible than my concealed carry piece particularly when driving. If it gets ripped off I don't lose one of my better, higher end guns. I can control what I carry concealed but not what happens in my absence.

I don't know what kind of temp/humidity she may have to see riding in your truck? Location dependent, I might go with something in stainless steel. If a hot climate, I might rotate ammo more often. For a working gun, I might stay with fixed sights. Of the two you mentioned, I'd probably lean towards the Ruger as long as the sights could be protected in a holster.
I personally would never leave a firearm in a car unattended. Far too many of my vehicles have been broken into over the years to feel comfortable doing it. But that too somewhat, is location specific?

I would spend an extra 100 dollars or so and buy a brand new Sigma in either 9mm or .40. I don't know if there is still a rebate or not, if so, you'll get two free mags for a total of four. In my mind, a vehicle gun is one that might A. be used against another vehicle that is attacking and B. will likely be used one handed as the other hand needs to grasp the wheel. These factors rather weigh against a low capacity revolver, particularly a single action gate loaded one. An auto is going to be easier to reload by far when driving. Sigmas are also the epitomy of guns that work, but that one is unlikely to care about.

Edited to correct typographical errors.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: GatorFarmer,

quote:

Originally posted by Spotteddog:
I personally would never leave a firearm in a car unattended.

+1

Never? So which is worse?

A. leaving your carry gun unattended locked in the glove box for an hour or two while you are in the (let's say as an example) doctors office getting your annual physical on a day when you have other errands to do also.

B. your carry gun locked in the gun safe at home all day because you have to go to the doctor for an hour out of your day.

id go with a Ruger Stainless Service or Secuity or whatever 6 in 357, fairly cheap, tough as nails

If I were forced to leave my gun in the truck, I'd take the car instead.

I bought a smith 4006 police trade in with the intent that it be my truck gun. But on advice from these good folks I don't leave it out there. In fact go back 2 years ago and my dog wakes me up at 4:30am to see a guy rummaging through my truck. He was taking longer than he should and risking the dog barking cause he had found a box of ammo and a spare mag, sat it on the seat carefully..the rest of my stuff and papers from the glove box were tossed everywhere.he wanted that gun..which was in my hand in the bedroom fortunately.
Anyway, it would have been the second time I would have had a breakin to one of my trucks..the first there was a gun still in there, the crook hadn't found it when I pulled him out at gunpoint..but it coulda been bad.
my truck gun now lives in my bugout bag and frequently gets to ride along on road trips and also gets weekly use on my side as a yard work gun...we have 12 acres and woods and copper head snakes...anyway, ramblin.

Not sure I get your point. If it stays in the truck and you are not in it - what good is it? Risk of someone taking it seems too great to me. IMHO.

If given the choice, Gator's idea has a lot of appeal. Were I forced to leave a handgun in a vehicle, I might be tempted to find a relatively cool under hood area to secrete it in. At least it wouldn't be sticking out like a sore thumb in the interior for some car prowler then? Rarely do the druggy's go under the hood. They want the quick, easy, light, and costly goodies inside. Can't ever recall seeing an episode of "Cops" with some mook trying to make an on foot exit carrying a group 27 car battery?

In my neck of the woods most everyone of my gender and age group "packs" some kind of gun. It's legal and part of our Southern heritage.

We also tend to own a "truck", "tool box", or "tackle box" gun.

These are for those occasions where we "might" inadvertantly leave our carry piece at home, want to arm a passenger, or just might not want to subject our carry piece to the harsh climate we are working or playing in at the moment.

These guns tend to be older good quality pieces passed down or purchased at a reasonable cost. Now days most tend to be stainless steel to cut down on maintainance.

Because of our life styles and the low crime areas we tend to live in the possibility of theft is fairly low; but if such should happen a big investment is not lost.

This is a choice we've made, if you disagree with the principle, that's your perogative.

If I were suggesting a "truck gun" I would pick a stainless steel Ruger Speed or Service Six, or one of the more readily available S&W M-64 or M-65 police trade ins on the market at present. Most of these guns can be picked up for $300-$400 if you have shop around.

MOONDAWG