Are Gun Racks in Trucks Legal?

If you’ve ever traveled with a firearm in a truck, you know how important it is to keep it secure. Luckily, gun racks are an inexpensive, simple way to safely transport your firearms, but are they legal to own and use? In short, it depends on where you live and where you’re traveling. Read on to learn thebasics about truck gun racks.

Are truck gun racks legal?

If you’re wondering whether you can carry a gun in a rack on your truck, you need to check applicable laws for the state in which you live. If you live in a state that allows open carry for permitted firearms, you need to have a permit for displaying a gun rack on your truck. For drivers in states that forbid open carry—even with a permit—you can’t use gun racks. If your state allows open carry with no permit, you don’t need to have a permit for your gun rack.

Can I transport a gun in a truck across state lines?

As stated in the Firearms Owners Protection Act (FOPA), truck owners can transport guns across state lines if the owner is legally allowed to carry a weapon in the state they’re traveling from and the state they’re traveling to. Usually, you’re required to encase and unload the weapon during your journey, storing your gun in an area that’s inaccessible to the driver or any passengers.

Why do you need a gun rack to transport your gun in a truck?

There are a number of reasons why you need secure storage for your gun when you’re transporting it in your truck—apart from legal reasons. Some of the benefits of gun racks include:

• Improved safety: It’s not a smart idea to have your gun lying around on the floor of your truck or in the backseat. Any exposed firearms should be kept in a lock case for the safety of the driver and passengers. An uncased gun is also an invitation for thieves, who may bash in your window to steal it. You need a high quality truck gun storage solution to not only ensure your firearms are out of sight, but also that they’re secure throughout your travels.
• Prevents gear damage: Firearms aren’t cheap, and they take plenty of extra care and attention to stay in working order. Why let your investment go to waste with dings, dents or other damage from moving it in your truck when you can invest in a quality gun rack? A secure storage solution keeps your guns protected from moving or slipping in your truck while you’re driving.

What to look for in a quality truck gun rack

If you’ve made the wise decision to invest in a truck gun rack, there are some things to look for as you choose the right model for you. Important considerations include:

• Material: The material a gun rack is made of is of utmost importance when you’re choosing the best model for your needs. In general, racks made from premium-quality materials, like enamel powder coated aircraft aluminum, are very durable and built to last.
• Size: The size of gun rack you need depends on the type of firearm you own. A full-length gun rack like a rear-window gun rack or overhead rack are excellent options if you own long guns like hunting rifles.
• Mounting style: Again, the mounting style you need from a gun rack depends on the size of weapon you’re transporting. Since you’re traveling in a truck, you have many different options in terms of mounting styles, so determine which one works best for your vehicle in terms of function and appearance. One of the most popular styles is the roof rack, which keeps your firearms out of sight from passersby.
• Adjustable: Look for a gun rack that features cushioned gun clip molds, as well as straps that adjust to fit various gun sizes. The gun rack you choose should also have the capability of storing guns with or without scopes.

Keep your gun secure on your travels with the right truck gun rack

Want to take your gun with you on your next journey in your truck? So long as it’s legal to do so in your state, traveling with a gun rack will keep your firearms safe and secure during your travels. Discount Ramps offers a selection of high-quality gun racks for trucks, ATVs and more. Reach out to our team today to find the best model for you.