"Where do I put my rifle in the truck?" It's one of the most common questions hunters ask. The answer depends on how you use the truck, how many long guns you carry, and the laws where you drive. Here are the main ways to store a rifle or shotgun in a truck, the pros and cons of each, and how to keep it secure on the road.
Your Options for Storing a Long Gun in a Truck
1. On the back seat or floor
This is the default, and the worst choice. The gun slides around, takes up a whole seat, gets bumped, and is hard to reach in a hurry. CoJo built its racks to end the habit of laying shotguns and rifles across the back seat.
2. In a soft or hard case
A case protects the finish and is often how you need to carry a gun where the law requires it to be cased. But a loose case still slides around, still takes up space, and is slower to open.
3. A headrest gun rack
A headrest rack mounts to the headrest rods and holds the gun on the back of the front seat. The gun is secure, the seat stays open, and the gun stays within reach.
- The CoJo Vehicle Gun Rack holds two guns vertically with Velcro loops on the barrels. One included bolt tightens it to the headrest rods, and it's accessible from the driver's seat. $59.99.
- The CoJo Classic Rack holds a long gun horizontally across the seat back with a spring-locking clip. $39.99.
To decide between the two, see Best Gun Rack for Truck.
4. A back window rack
The classic rear-glass rack puts guns where everyone can see them, and many cabs have no room for one. Compare positions in Headrest Gun Rack vs Back Window Gun Rack.
Storage Options at a Glance
| Method | Secure on rough roads | Frees the seat | Quick access | Hidden from outside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back seat / floor | No | No | No | Sometimes |
| Loose case | Partly | No | Slow | Yes |
| Headrest rack (CoJo Vehicle Gun Rack) | Yes, Velcro loops | Yes | From the driver’s seat | Inside the cab |
| Back window rack | Yes | Yes | Varies | No |
How to Secure a Rifle in Your Truck
- Use a dedicated rack so the gun can't slide or fall.
- Protect the finish with non-marring material. Both CoJo headrest racks are non-marring.
- Keep it out of sight when you park. CoJo notes the Vehicle Gun Rack stays out of sight if you throw a jacket over the headrest.
- Don't leave guns in an unattended truck if you can avoid it, and lock the truck when you do.
- Follow the law on whether the gun must be loaded, unloaded or cased.
Is It Legal to Have a Gun Rack in Your Truck?
In many places a gun rack itself is not illegal. What the law regulates is how a firearm is carried: loaded or unloaded, visible or concealed, cased or uncased, and sometimes whether you have a license. These rules differ from state to state (for example Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Missouri, Florida, Indiana, Michigan and California all have their own rules), and they can differ again on public hunting land or in cities.
We aren't lawyers, and this isn't legal advice. Before you mount a rack or carry a long gun in your truck, check your state's current transport laws, usually published by the state attorney general, state police or wildlife agency. For handguns in a car, see Gun Magnet for Car.
Heading Out to Hunt?
Once you park, keep the gun safe at the blind or stand too. The CoJo Blind Pack pairs the CoJo Gun Magnet with the CoJo Gun Assperatus so long guns stand straight at 90°. See also our deer stand gun holder guide.
Safety first: firearm transport and storage laws vary by state and city. Check your state and local laws before you carry or mount a firearm, and always keep guns out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to store a rifle in a truck?
A dedicated rack that holds the gun secure, protects the finish and keeps it reachable. The CoJo Vehicle Gun Rack holds two long guns upright behind the headrest.
Can you keep a rifle in your truck?
In many states, yes, but rules on loaded vs unloaded, cased vs uncased and concealment vary. Check your state law.
Where should a truck gun go?
Many hunters prefer behind the front seat headrest. It stays inside the cab, leaves the back seat free, and the CoJo Vehicle Gun Rack can be reached from the driver’s seat.
How do I lock a rifle in my truck?
CoJo racks are made to hold and protect your gun, not to lock it. For locking storage, check your state’s requirements and use a locking case or vehicle safe.
Will a truck gun rack fit my vehicle?
CoJo lists both the CoJo Vehicle Gun Rack and the CoJo Classic Rack as fitting all vehicle makes and models.
Stop Laying Your Rifle Across the Back Seat
Standard shipping is free on orders over $99.
Shop the CoJo Vehicle Gun Rack, $59.99
Holds two long guns upright behind the headrest. One bolt, no extra hardware, fits all makes and models.
