The GMW Concealed Carry Gun Pack. Now available now on Amazon.com. BUY NOW
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Being a truck driver is no joke. These workers undergo a lot of stress driving long hours across different states. Drivers need to be physically and mentally fit in order to cope with the rigors of driving a huge vehicle like a truck. Truck drivers also need to be careful to ensure that their cargo will reach their destination safely. In addition, they’ve got to deal with all those other drivers. Just imagine the stress.
The very nature of the vehicle they are driving makes the job of a truck driver extremely dangerous. Accidents involving large trucks are likely to be fatal due to their sheer size. Your average motor vehicle weighs about 2.5 tons. A tractor-trailer weighs, on average, a whopping 40 tons. Statistics from Fried Rogers Goldberg, LLC reveal that large trucks were involved in 338,000 crashes in 2013, 3,906 of which were fatal, 73,000 causing injuries, and 265,000 resulting in property damage.
The life of a trucker can be scary. They often find themselves stopping in dark, desolate places. There are many times when a trucker must be ready to defend him or herself in case of attack. When your life’s on the line, you might want to have a firearm ready and accessible for your protection. This article will guide you through how to concealed carry in a truck and how to protect both yourself and your cargo.
CAN TRUCK DRIVERS CARRY LEGALLY?
One of the pressing issues that you should first address when considering a truck concealed carry is legality. The rules on carrying firearms vary from one state to another so make sure that you are fully aware of these laws before bringing your gun on the road. You’re likely to cross state lines, so keep that in mind as well. Things can get tricky when moving from state to state. Let’s take a look at some of the laws that govern transporting firearms.
Interstate Carry of Firearms
One law that is relevant to legal concealed carry is 18 U.S. Code § 926A which governs traveling across state lines with a firearm. Under the law, the decision on whether or not a trucker can carry a gun lies in the hands of state legislators.
Carry Permit Laws
While most states allow the open carry of firearms, rules differ, with some states requiring a permit and others allowing open carry without a permit. The Department of Transportation advises that you should follow state laws if you plan to carry. Some states have reciprocity laws, which means that if you have a permit in your home state, this permit will be recognized in states with relevant reciprocity laws.
If you are crossing into a state that does not allow you to carry, the law requires that you:
Lock your gun up
Secure the ammo from the weapon
Place your magazines away from the weapon
In summary, while this varies by state, the general rule is to keep your gun unloaded and without a magazine. These rules don’t mean that you have to be completely unarmed, though. You might be legally allowed to carry a club, for instance. Knives are often legal but take note that the type and size of the blade will have an impact on its legality. You could also consider carrying a taser, which currently can be legally carried in 45 states. Keep in mind that while tasers offer up-close protection during robbery or mugging, they do not offer the same protection at longer ranges.
Employer Firearm Policy
Carrying firearms in commercial vehicles is always a touchy subject so you should inquire with your employer regarding their firearm policy. Your company may not allow the carrying of firearms inside company-owned trucks. If they do allow it, you should ask for advice on concealed carrying on trucks. Your employer should be knowledgeable of local laws and can help with issues of legality.
Know Where Your Gun Permit Is Valid
There are cases where truck drivers have been fined and have served prison time because they were concealed carrying in a state where their carry permits were not honored. The key to learning how to concealed carry on a truck is knowing where your permit is valid as well as where it’s not. Always double check state laws and especially reciprocity laws.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A GUN FOR YOUR TRUCK
When it comes to choosing the right gun for concealed carrying on a truck, you need to bear in mind that not all guns are created equal. Just because another truck driver carries a handgun does not mean you should be carrying the same one. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a concealed carry gun:
The Gun Should Fit You
Regardless of the gun you want to carry, make sure that it fits you perfectly. You should be comfortable shooting. You should not be wincing every time you pull the trigger. Likewise, make sure that you can safely operate your gun with ease. Can you easily shoulder it? What if you’re wearing a winter coat? When choosing a gun for concealed carry, you should stick to a caliber or gauge that you know how to handle. Safety first.
What Is Your Purpose for Having a Gun?
Your purpose for carrying is as important as choosing a gun that fits you. How will you use your weapon? When and where will you use it? If you spend most of your time in an urban environment your main focus will probably be on short-range self-defense. Try to have the right gun for your circumstances. Guns designed for short-ranged shooting are easy to handle and make for an ideal gun to carry on your truck.
However, if your work takes you mostly to suburbs, you’ll likely need a gun with more range. You should take into consideration potential collateral damage when considering a long-range gun. You should always consider how far your round is going to go if you need to shoot.
Where Are You Storing Your Gun?
Can you hide your gun easily and still get to it during an emergency? Look at your vehicle and see where you might be able to best store your gun. This may determine whether you should carry a long or short gun. Make sure that regardless of where you are storing your gun that it is accessible in the case of an emergency.
What Caliber Should Your Gun Be?
Another important consideration when looking for a gun for your truck is ammo availability. Say you’re far from home…you certainly do not want to find yourself in a situation where you cannot find the right ammo when you need it. Popular guns or guns that use popular types of ammunition will make it much easier for you to stay prepared when you’re on the road.
What Sights Will You Use for Your Gun?
Consider durable optic scopes or iron sights. Keep in mind that inexpensive scopes can easily be knocked off your gun if it falls out of your truck or bumps into something.
BEST GUNS FOR TRUCK CONCEALED CARRY
People make the mistake of treating a gun that’s suitable for their car as also suitable for their truck. Trucking is a different beast. Pistols are great as a concealed carry but when things get serious, you might find yourself needing more firepower. In times of emergency, you want to be properly prepared. Consider these options when thinking about how to concealed carry in a truck.
Shotguns
We’ve seen how shotguns have been popular for truckers in movies and on TV. Shotguns are known for being affordable, relatively easy to use, rugged and dependable. However, shotguns do have a recoil. Additionally they have a limited ammo capacity. For this reason if you choose a shotgun for concealed carrying on a truck, you should practice speed loading.
Also be aware of the misconception that shotguns are just a “point and click” type of firearm. If you are planning to use a shotgun as your concealed carry firearm, you’ll need to do some research about this type of firearm. Some of the best shotguns available are the Mossberg 590a1 Tactical, Mossberg Shockwave, Maverick 88, to name a few.
AR-15 Rifle
The AR-15 rifle offers more firepower than a .22 caliber and features the same ammo capacity. ARs also offer better range and accuracy. Ammo is generally not very expensive and there is some range in the types of ammo you can buy. Unfortunately, this type of firearm is big and the gun itself can be expensive. Some of the best AR-15 rifles include the BCM Recce MCMR, the Daniel Defense V11 SLW, Colt 6720, and the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport.
AR Pistols
For a small firearm, AR pistols pack a lot of firepower. This type of weapon is similar to the one carried by the Punisher. AR pistols are accurate, accept a lot of accessories, fire quickly, and are loud enough that a 911 call might not be necessary. Some of the best options in this type of pistol are the Daniel Defense MK18, the Sig Sauer P556 Swat, and the Rock River LAR PDS.
Handguns
If you prefer a handgun when considering how to concealed carry on a truck, look for a full-sized pistol with a large ammo capacity. It’s best to match your truck handgun with the caliber of your primary carry weapon to avoid having to deal with different types of ammo. With a handgun, you can suffer from range and accuracy issues and ammo capacity is generally limited but they do offer speed and maneuverability.
Hunting Rifles
Hunting rifles are powerful enough to handle any situation and more accurate than any other type of firearm. A downside of hunting rifles is that they are heavy and have a very low ammo capacity.
Lever Guns
Lever guns are smaller than bolt guns, quicker to shoot with, generally, and less intimidating to use should you get into a confrontation. However, these guns use expensive ammo. They tend not to be as accurate as bolt guns.
WHY SHOULD TRUCK DRIVERS BE ARMED FOR SELF-DEFENSE?
At the moment, truck drivers who have a carry permit from their home state may not be allowed to carry firearms into other states. This will depend on the reciprocity laws on carrying between their home state and the state of their travel. However, two bills pending in the Senate and House of Representatives may soon ease these restrictions for truck concealed carry, allowing truckers to more easily cross state lines while concealed carrying.
This will come as good news to truck drivers who carry firearms and have a carry permit. Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal that 23 truck drivers died in the US in 2017 due to violence and other injuries by persons or animals. Furthermore, truck drivers are often victims of cargo theft. According to CargoNet, 328 crimes were committed on freights and the truckers transporting them in the 3rd quarter of 2018 alone.
According to this report most of these crimes were carried out at warehouses and truck stops. Although most drivers carry aluminum bats and pepper spray, carrying an unloaded firearm can provide truckers with another avenue of self-defense against attackers.
In 2009, Jason Riverburg was shot in the head and robbed for $7 after parking his truck in an abandoned gas station. There were no safer parking spots available. Most drivers just treat it as part of their job, but it’s unfortunate that truck drivers are often denied safe parking spots, access to restrooms, or shelter in bad weather.
In 2012, Jason’s Law was enacted. This law was designed to investigate the poor state of truck parking in the U.S.. Findings of its first study in 2015 showed that nearly three-quarters of State Departments of Transportation revealed a lack of commercial truck parking in their respective states.
WHERE TO HIDE TRUCK GUNS?
If you are concealed carrying in a truck, it is best to keep your firearm locked up and out of sight. Some drivers hide their guns in the trunk. This compartment is generally the best way to secure firearms, magazines, and additional equipment. It is also possible to get a locked compartment for your cab or to securely place your firearms and ammunition under your seat or under rear seats. Just like other types of concealed carry, the idea is to secure your weapon and keep it out of sight and away from potential threats. You do not want a criminal using your own weapon against you.
What are your thoughts about how to concealed carry in a truck? Share them with us in the comments section!
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How to Concealed Carry in a Truck: Truck Concealed Carry
The GMW Concealed Carry Gun Pack. Now available now on Amazon.com.
BUY NOW
BUY NOW
Being a truck driver is no joke. These workers undergo a lot of stress driving long hours across different states. Drivers need to be physically and mentally fit in order to cope with the rigors of driving a huge vehicle like a truck. Truck drivers also need to be careful to ensure that their cargo will reach their destination safely. In addition, they’ve got to deal with all those other drivers. Just imagine the stress.
The very nature of the vehicle they are driving makes the job of a truck driver extremely dangerous. Accidents involving large trucks are likely to be fatal due to their sheer size. Your average motor vehicle weighs about 2.5 tons. A tractor-trailer weighs, on average, a whopping 40 tons. Statistics from Fried Rogers Goldberg, LLC reveal that large trucks were involved in 338,000 crashes in 2013, 3,906 of which were fatal, 73,000 causing injuries, and 265,000 resulting in property damage.
The life of a trucker can be scary. They often find themselves stopping in dark, desolate places. There are many times when a trucker must be ready to defend him or herself in case of attack. When your life’s on the line, you might want to have a firearm ready and accessible for your protection. This article will guide you through how to concealed carry in a truck and how to protect both yourself and your cargo.
CAN TRUCK DRIVERS CARRY LEGALLY?
One of the pressing issues that you should first address when considering a truck concealed carry is legality. The rules on carrying firearms vary from one state to another so make sure that you are fully aware of these laws before bringing your gun on the road. You’re likely to cross state lines, so keep that in mind as well. Things can get tricky when moving from state to state. Let’s take a look at some of the laws that govern transporting firearms.
Interstate Carry of Firearms
One law that is relevant to legal concealed carry is 18 U.S. Code § 926A which governs traveling across state lines with a firearm. Under the law, the decision on whether or not a trucker can carry a gun lies in the hands of state legislators.
Carry Permit Laws
While most states allow the open carry of firearms, rules differ, with some states requiring a permit and others allowing open carry without a permit. The Department of Transportation advises that you should follow state laws if you plan to carry. Some states have reciprocity laws, which means that if you have a permit in your home state, this permit will be recognized in states with relevant reciprocity laws.
If you are crossing into a state that does not allow you to carry, the law requires that you:
In summary, while this varies by state, the general rule is to keep your gun unloaded and without a magazine. These rules don’t mean that you have to be completely unarmed, though. You might be legally allowed to carry a club, for instance. Knives are often legal but take note that the type and size of the blade will have an impact on its legality. You could also consider carrying a taser, which currently can be legally carried in 45 states. Keep in mind that while tasers offer up-close protection during robbery or mugging, they do not offer the same protection at longer ranges.
Employer Firearm Policy
Carrying firearms in commercial vehicles is always a touchy subject so you should inquire with your employer regarding their firearm policy. Your company may not allow the carrying of firearms inside company-owned trucks. If they do allow it, you should ask for advice on concealed carrying on trucks. Your employer should be knowledgeable of local laws and can help with issues of legality.
Know Where Your Gun Permit Is Valid
There are cases where truck drivers have been fined and have served prison time because they were concealed carrying in a state where their carry permits were not honored. The key to learning how to concealed carry on a truck is knowing where your permit is valid as well as where it’s not. Always double check state laws and especially reciprocity laws.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A GUN FOR YOUR TRUCK
When it comes to choosing the right gun for concealed carrying on a truck, you need to bear in mind that not all guns are created equal. Just because another truck driver carries a handgun does not mean you should be carrying the same one. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a concealed carry gun:
The Gun Should Fit You
Regardless of the gun you want to carry, make sure that it fits you perfectly. You should be comfortable shooting. You should not be wincing every time you pull the trigger. Likewise, make sure that you can safely operate your gun with ease. Can you easily shoulder it? What if you’re wearing a winter coat? When choosing a gun for concealed carry, you should stick to a caliber or gauge that you know how to handle. Safety first.
What Is Your Purpose for Having a Gun?
Your purpose for carrying is as important as choosing a gun that fits you. How will you use your weapon? When and where will you use it? If you spend most of your time in an urban environment your main focus will probably be on short-range self-defense. Try to have the right gun for your circumstances. Guns designed for short-ranged shooting are easy to handle and make for an ideal gun to carry on your truck.
However, if your work takes you mostly to suburbs, you’ll likely need a gun with more range. You should take into consideration potential collateral damage when considering a long-range gun. You should always consider how far your round is going to go if you need to shoot.
Where Are You Storing Your Gun?
Can you hide your gun easily and still get to it during an emergency? Look at your vehicle and see where you might be able to best store your gun. This may determine whether you should carry a long or short gun. Make sure that regardless of where you are storing your gun that it is accessible in the case of an emergency.
What Caliber Should Your Gun Be?
Another important consideration when looking for a gun for your truck is ammo availability. Say you’re far from home…you certainly do not want to find yourself in a situation where you cannot find the right ammo when you need it. Popular guns or guns that use popular types of ammunition will make it much easier for you to stay prepared when you’re on the road.
What Sights Will You Use for Your Gun?
Consider durable optic scopes or iron sights. Keep in mind that inexpensive scopes can easily be knocked off your gun if it falls out of your truck or bumps into something.
BEST GUNS FOR TRUCK CONCEALED CARRY
People make the mistake of treating a gun that’s suitable for their car as also suitable for their truck. Trucking is a different beast. Pistols are great as a concealed carry but when things get serious, you might find yourself needing more firepower. In times of emergency, you want to be properly prepared. Consider these options when thinking about how to concealed carry in a truck.
Shotguns
We’ve seen how shotguns have been popular for truckers in movies and on TV. Shotguns are known for being affordable, relatively easy to use, rugged and dependable. However, shotguns do have a recoil. Additionally they have a limited ammo capacity. For this reason if you choose a shotgun for concealed carrying on a truck, you should practice speed loading.
Also be aware of the misconception that shotguns are just a “point and click” type of firearm. If you are planning to use a shotgun as your concealed carry firearm, you’ll need to do some research about this type of firearm. Some of the best shotguns available are the Mossberg 590a1 Tactical, Mossberg Shockwave, Maverick 88, to name a few.
AR-15 Rifle
The AR-15 rifle offers more firepower than a .22 caliber and features the same ammo capacity. ARs also offer better range and accuracy. Ammo is generally not very expensive and there is some range in the types of ammo you can buy. Unfortunately, this type of firearm is big and the gun itself can be expensive. Some of the best AR-15 rifles include the BCM Recce MCMR, the Daniel Defense V11 SLW, Colt 6720, and the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport.
AR Pistols
For a small firearm, AR pistols pack a lot of firepower. This type of weapon is similar to the one carried by the Punisher. AR pistols are accurate, accept a lot of accessories, fire quickly, and are loud enough that a 911 call might not be necessary. Some of the best options in this type of pistol are the Daniel Defense MK18, the Sig Sauer P556 Swat, and the Rock River LAR PDS.
Handguns
If you prefer a handgun when considering how to concealed carry on a truck, look for a full-sized pistol with a large ammo capacity. It’s best to match your truck handgun with the caliber of your primary carry weapon to avoid having to deal with different types of ammo. With a handgun, you can suffer from range and accuracy issues and ammo capacity is generally limited but they do offer speed and maneuverability.
Hunting Rifles
Hunting rifles are powerful enough to handle any situation and more accurate than any other type of firearm. A downside of hunting rifles is that they are heavy and have a very low ammo capacity.
Lever Guns
Lever guns are smaller than bolt guns, quicker to shoot with, generally, and less intimidating to use should you get into a confrontation. However, these guns use expensive ammo. They tend not to be as accurate as bolt guns.
WHY SHOULD TRUCK DRIVERS BE ARMED FOR SELF-DEFENSE?
At the moment, truck drivers who have a carry permit from their home state may not be allowed to carry firearms into other states. This will depend on the reciprocity laws on carrying between their home state and the state of their travel. However, two bills pending in the Senate and House of Representatives may soon ease these restrictions for truck concealed carry, allowing truckers to more easily cross state lines while concealed carrying.
This will come as good news to truck drivers who carry firearms and have a carry permit. Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal that 23 truck drivers died in the US in 2017 due to violence and other injuries by persons or animals. Furthermore, truck drivers are often victims of cargo theft. According to CargoNet, 328 crimes were committed on freights and the truckers transporting them in the 3rd quarter of 2018 alone.
According to this report most of these crimes were carried out at warehouses and truck stops. Although most drivers carry aluminum bats and pepper spray, carrying an unloaded firearm can provide truckers with another avenue of self-defense against attackers.
In 2009, Jason Riverburg was shot in the head and robbed for $7 after parking his truck in an abandoned gas station. There were no safer parking spots available. Most drivers just treat it as part of their job, but it’s unfortunate that truck drivers are often denied safe parking spots, access to restrooms, or shelter in bad weather.
In 2012, Jason’s Law was enacted. This law was designed to investigate the poor state of truck parking in the U.S.. Findings of its first study in 2015 showed that nearly three-quarters of State Departments of Transportation revealed a lack of commercial truck parking in their respective states.
WHERE TO HIDE TRUCK GUNS?
If you are concealed carrying in a truck, it is best to keep your firearm locked up and out of sight. Some drivers hide their guns in the trunk. This compartment is generally the best way to secure firearms, magazines, and additional equipment. It is also possible to get a locked compartment for your cab or to securely place your firearms and ammunition under your seat or under rear seats. Just like other types of concealed carry, the idea is to secure your weapon and keep it out of sight and away from potential threats. You do not want a criminal using your own weapon against you.
What are your thoughts about how to concealed carry in a truck? Share them with us in the comments section!