Legal question regarding roof gun rack

[TexasR.N.]

Howdy all,
I was wondering what, if any legal issues might be involved with a roof (interior) mounted gun rack. I realize an LEO might not like seeing an AR or any other rifle mounted on the roof of the truck, but is there anything illegal about it?

Thanks,
Craig

 

[Shorts]

Nope.

Nothing illegal. But it probably won't be the best theft deterrent

 

[TexasRedneck]

Perfectly legal - and many cops (especially game wardens) carry 'em just that way.

 

[TexasR.N.]

Nope.

Nothing illegal. But it probably won't be the best theft deterrent

Understood. Guns wouldn't be left in the truck, ie...home to hunting and back....

Perfectly legal - and many cops (especially game wardens) carry 'em just that way.

Cool. Thanks for the replies.

Craig

 

[willygene]

as a fifteen year veteran leo i would rather walk up and see them and know there in the truck than be supprised and yes they are legal.

 

[android]

Pickup window rack is still legal too. Hardly ever see them anymore though... Kind of sad. I used to know I guy who kept his rifle and a cavalry sword on one. I think it's illegal to carry a sword now.

 

[TexasRedneck]

Biggest issue is the way they install the windows now - it's lots harder to mount 'em without some serious surgery, or else they go in very mickey-mouse.

 

[txinvestigator]

Pickup window rack is still legal too. Hardly ever see them anymore though... Kind of sad. I used to know I guy who kept his rifle and a cavalry sword on one. I think it's illegal to carry a sword now.

Swords are illegal knives, and not lawful to carry on or about your person if you are not on your own premises or premises under your control, or if you are not inside of or directly enroute to a motor vehicle that you own or is under your control.

 

[country_boy]

Pickup window rack is still legal too. Hardly ever see them anymore though... Kind of sad. I used to know I guy who kept his rifle and a cavalry sword on one. I think it's illegal to carry a sword now.

I got a rifle rack in my dodge farm truck.. I hopefully will get to use it! Whenever I get it to the shop to get it fixed!

 

[thorkyl]

Most people, me included stopped putting racks in the trucks to lessen the break in probability.

What is a bummer is in my new truck there is no room behind the back seat for a rack, so the shotgun just sits in a open carry bag on the floor.

 

[Pony]

I have two electronically operated shotgun racks from old LEO cruisers. They lock closed unless you supply 12v to them. I bought them a few years back because they sounded cool. You can wire them with a switch via the ignition so you can only release the shotgun when the ignition is on and you throw the switch. They look well made and would stand up to some serious force.
After reading this thread I'm thinking of painting one and putting it in my pickup. Trouble is that my pickup has so many 'toys' that I'm not sure where I could mount it.
I only have one shotgun, a really nice special edition Mossberg. Maybe time to buy a cheap self defense shotgun that can stand up to a little more abuse.

 

[Buckles]

I have two electronically operated shotgun racks from old LEO cruisers. They lock closed unless you supply 12v to them. I bought them a few years back because they sounded cool. You can wire them with a switch via the ignition so you can only release the shotgun when the ignition is on and you throw the switch. They look well made and would stand up to some serious force.
After reading this thread I'm thinking of painting one and putting it in my pickup. Trouble is that my pickup has so many 'toys' that I'm not sure where I could mount it.
I only have one shotgun, a really nice special edition Mossberg. Maybe time to buy a cheap self defense shotgun that can stand up to a little more abuse.

if you ever feel like getting rid of one of them, feel free to send it my way lol

 

[dee]

I have two electronically operated shotgun racks from old LEO cruisers. They lock closed unless you supply 12v to them. I bought them a few years back because they sounded cool. You can wire them with a switch via the ignition so you can only release the shotgun when the ignition is on and you throw the switch. They look well made and would stand up to some serious force.
After reading this thread I'm thinking of painting one and putting it in my pickup. Trouble is that my pickup has so many 'toys' that I'm not sure where I could mount it.
I only have one shotgun, a really nice special edition Mossberg. Maybe time to buy a cheap self defense shotgun that can stand up to a little more abuse.

Are yours the ones that look like rubber insulated handcuffs, thats what I install in pd cars and they are very well built.

 

[cconn]

I have a roof mounted rack in my truck and usually keep an AR and a Winchester Defender in it. No one ever notices them. My wife rode around in my truck for a couple of days after I installed it and didn't know the guns were over her head until I pointed them out to her. Since it has been in there I have probably been stopped on 3 or 4 occasions and the LEO's never noticed the guns either.

 

[Pony]

Are yours the ones that look like rubber insulated handcuffs, thats what I install in pd cars and they are very well built.

No. These completely cover the whole barrel. They are very substantial and weigh enough that I know you would find it difficult to force open. The solenoid actuates a bolt at the top and bottom. They are felt lined.
I'll post some pictures later.

 

[dee]

I've installed a few like that also the handcuff style would also be hard to open without voltage, unless you have a key like I do.

 

[Pony]

I've installed a few like that also the handcuff style would also be hard to open without voltage, unless you have a key like I do.

I'm not really sure what you would do if the solenoid on this thing died, as it doesn't have a key slot anywhere. Its possible to actuate the solenoid through a small hole in the back, but normally this face would be bolted against a surface and inaccessible.

I took some pictures then the cheap Chinese batteries died preventing me from getting them off the camera. I got them recharging now. I bought a high end digital SLR and skimped on the batteries

 

[dee]

That would suck but a neumatic die grinder would work well in a pinch.

 

[Pony]

Here are some pics. The rust is surface rust from standing on its end in my barn.

 

[Pony]

I tried my Mossberg Silver Reserve in it and it wouldn't work at all, its not meant for an over under, but meant for a pump action.
Anyone know what a 'standard issue' LEO shotgun would be, if I do put this in the pickup then thats what I'll need to store in it.