Truck gun

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peterk123

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I gave my buddy a call this morning because as I was driving by his ranch there was a big ole coyote in one of his fields. He has ducks, geese and chickens nearby so yotes are not welcome, ever. He asked me if I happened to have a gun in my truck. I was embarrassed to say that I did not.

So now I'm on the hunt for a truck gun. I think 223 bolt action. I was considering 17hmr but I think the 223 would be more versatile. Suggestions on one that you would trust to take a 300 yard shot with on a yote that won't break the bank? I was leaning toward cz 600 alpha. Ruger Americans can be had for less but I see some mixed reviews on them.
 
I like my American in 223. I put it in a boyd’s stock because I couldn’t stand the original stock but didn’t want to break the bank. I haven’t stretched it to 300 but it runs well as my coyote rifle. It doesn’t hold a candle to my Tikka T3 though fwiw. Ruger American 223 up top before the stock change and another American in 300blk below with a magpul stock. My big goal was it took standard AR mags. Edit to add. I also wanted it to be reasonably priced platform as a whole that I wouldn’t be afraid to bang around in my truck using it as a field rifle.

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Caveman said:
I like my American in 223. I put it in a boyd’s stock because I couldn’t stand the original stock but didn’t want to break the bank. I haven’t stretched it to 300 but it runs well as my coyote rifle. It doesn’t hold a candle to my Tikka T3 though fwiw. Ruger American 223 up top before the stock change and another American in 300blk below with a magpul stock. My big goal was it took standard AR mags. Edit to add. I also wanted it to be reasonably priced platform as a whole that I wouldn’t be afraid to bang around in my truck using it as a field rifle.

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My hunting rig is a tiika t3x in 308. My gopher gun is a tikka t1x, 22lr suppressed. I really should get a tikka but the cost starts to add up especially once I add glass. I beat on my tikkas. That's why I like those plastic stocks.
 
peterk123 said:
My hunting rig is a tiika t3x in 308. My gopher gun is a tikka t1x, 22lr suppressed. I really should get a tikka but the cost starts to add up especially once I add glass. I beat on my tikkas. That's why I like those plastic stocks.
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I keep debating a Tikka in 308. Forend of my American stock was too flexible for my taste. that’s why I tossed a boyd’s on it so I could bang it around and not cry. It really solidified the platform without breaking the bank for me. This is a gen1 so gen 2’s stocks may be better. I think the can doubled the cost of the platform. I was also trying to color code the rifles because they are identical. tan rifle, suppressor and mags for 300blk. gray for 223. IMG_4631.jpeg
 
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Caveman said:
I keep debating a Tikka in 308. Forend of my American stock was too flexible for my taste. that’s why I tossed a boyd’s on it so I could bang it around and not cry. It really solidified the platform without breaking the bank for me. This is a gen1 so gen 2’s stocks may be better. I think the can doubled the cost of the platform. I was also trying to color code the rifles because they are identical. tan rifle, suppressor and mags for 300blk. gray for 223. View attachment 926621
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My tikka 308 is an incredible weapon. I have a leupold vx5 on it. I wouldn't do it, but I could take an animal at 450 yards no problem if the wind was right.
 
peterk123 said:
I gave my buddy a call this morning because as I was driving by his ranch there was a big ole coyote in one of his fields. He has ducks, geese and chickens nearby so yotes are not welcome, ever. He asked me if I happened to have a gun in my truck. I was embarrassed to say that I did not.

So now I'm on the hunt for a truck gun. I think 223 bolt action. I was considering 17hmr but I think the 223 would be more versatile. Suggestions on one that you would trust to take a 300 yard shot with on a yote that won't break the bank? I was leaning toward cz 600 alpha. Ruger Americans can be had for less but I see some mixed reviews on them.
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17 HMR and anything similar should not even be a consideration, it is not even good enough for the short distances we have in the east. At 300 yards it would barely be enough for a gopher.

Don't you have an AR? Put a good scope on it and use that. I could not think of a better truck gun than that IMO, and where you are I would have that exact setup in my vehicle everywhere I went.
 
Get a set of shooting sticks as well. Game wardens not fans of shooting off of or in a vehicle.
 
+1 for the Ruger American. I have the Ranch rifle in 5.56 and it is a short, compact, inexpensive tack driver. Nice size to have in a vehicle. Nothing to get upset about if it gets bumped around. Leupold VX Freedom scope keeps the price down too. I picked it up to have another rifle in 5.56 because AR's are black and evil.
 
Ha, Sounds like you should get a Ruger American Ranch. I think it would fit your needs perfectly. it’s not a silky action out of the box but for the price I will polish the action myself. I wanted a cheap accurate not heavy rifle for coyotes and pests around the home. Wish we were closer. I’d let you try out my rigs before you bought. ps it runs well with a TurboT2. I think you have a local silencer manufacturer that you like.
 
Woodsloafer said:
17 HMR and anything similar should not even be a consideration, it is not even good enough for the short distances we have in the east. At 300 yards it would barely be enough for a gopher.

Don't you have an AR? Put a good scope on it and use that. I could not think of a better truck gun than that IMO, and where you are I would have that exact setup in my vehicle everywhere I went.
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I do have an ar. Decent scope on it as well. Always an option of keeping that in the truck.
 
Keep in mind if you keep a gun in the truck during the hot humid KY day and then bring it into an air conditioned house you'll be really susceptible to rust. This is my first choice but sometimes I put a cheap pump shotgun also/instead.

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Do you want something in a readily accessible caliber, or are you OK with stepping out into something more specific to the situation you described? like say, 6.5 grendel?
 
peterk123 said:
I gave my buddy a call this morning because as I was driving by his ranch there was a big ole coyote in one of his fields. He has ducks, geese and chickens nearby so yotes are not welcome, ever. He asked me if I happened to have a gun in my truck. I was embarrassed to say that I did not.

So now I'm on the hunt for a truck gun. I think 223 bolt action. I was considering 17hmr but I think the 223 would be more versatile. Suggestions on one that you would trust to take a 300 yard shot with on a yote that won't break the bank? I was leaning toward cz 600 alpha. Ruger Americans can be had for less but I see some mixed reviews on them.
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I love that you live in a state that made you embarrassed to not have a rifle handy!

That's the way it should be.
 
peterk123 said:
I go back and forth. But I like the idea of readily available. And I already reload it.
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You already reload 6.5 grendel? Then that's the obvious pick for caliber. This will give you the 300 yards you want with some extra reach if you need.

Then it is simple - Do you want a bolt gun or a semi auto? Grendel is pretty forgiving (as I am sure you know) about barrel lengths, so you could do a 12" and have the reach you want, or a 16" and avoid the tax stamp. I believe you can also make a pistol and brace it if you want to dodge the stamp. I know I would. Then it is just a matter of building it the way you want.
 
@peterk123 - If you are starting from scratch and want something for varmints, I'd go with the CZ as you mentioned.

If you already have an AR lower suitable for precision shooting, I'd set up a 16" to 18" upper with a bipod, decent moderate price glass like Athlon etc., and a top shelf barrel + matching high quality bolt, with a .223 Wylde chamber. Get a stainless Bartlein, Satern, Proof, Wilson Combat etc. barrel and you'll never need to worry about corrosion. Part of being a truck gun is being very low maintenance. If you need something more compact, put a Law Tactical folding adapter on it.

Wonder if I could convince Mrs. Mountain to retire out West... Would be tough for the kids to see us, however.
 
kingfisher said:
I love that you live in a state that made you embarrassed to not have a rifle handy!

That's the way it should be.
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My brother in law came to visit the other day.. and was like can i borrow your truck... sure whatever

Him :I'm afraid to be rolling around with guns and ammo in the truck.

Me doing quick math...no you cant borrow my truck take my wifes car..

I wouldve had to take my truck sub gun...truck shotgun... couple hundred 9mm rounds spare handgun mags...sub gun mags and shotgun shells out of the car.

I was like eh not worth the effort
 
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