A Simple But Great Idea

by
posted on August 23, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
2012822154319-campbell_rack_car.jpg

Way back when, any redneck worth his salt had a gun rack on the rear window of his pickup. Those of us who bum around the backcountry often find ourselves in immediate need of a rifle to deal with unanticipated targets like coyotes. The gun rack also provided a safe method of securing a long gun in a truck so that it didn’t get all banged up and dirty.

Times change—many times for the worse, sadly—and gun racks have lost favor. Guns resting in those racks often proved to be too tempting for thieves. Finally, the advent of extended cabs and four-door trucks made the rear-window gun rack obsolete.

As a charter member of that redneck constituency, I have had an almost lifelong habit of keeping a firearm or two nearby in my vehicle. Until recently I have been laying the long guns behind the rear seat as a compromise between security, cleanliness and access. Then Dave Manzer, the state representative for the NRA here in Wyoming, showed me a simple solution that keeps the gun out of immediate sight, yet fully accessible.

The Lucid Snap Rack is a hook and retainer made of composite joined by a hearty elastic strap. After adjusting the elastic to fit, the retainer snaps onto the post of the headrest. The hook then goes around the barrel thus holding the long gun upright behind the seat. Most trucks have tinted windows reducing the advertising of having a gun inside, and if you need your gun quickly, the hook disengages quickly allowing the barrel to fall into your hand. There’s no drilling or screwing anything into the truck, and it’s simple and foolproof.

At 12 bucks, it’s a no brainer to have one or two of these in your rig.

Latest

Ledelucky Blind 005
Ledelucky Blind 005

Tips for Bowhunting Birds

Want to shlock a big Tom with your bow this year? Want some tips on closing the distance? Mike Roux has been calling them and sticking them for decades. Read on for some great tactics from an old pro.

First Look: MDT Timbr Core Laminate Rifle Stock

MDT has released its Timbr Core Laminate Rifle Stock, expanding the Timbr Core lineup with a modern laminate option for hunters seeking an upgrade from factory polymer stocks with a classic look and feel.

American Hunter's 2026 Golden Bullseye Winners

A handful of the American Hunter staff's favorite things, from 2026.

Reloading 7mm Backcountry with Lee Precision Dies

Federal Premium’s latest cartridge innovation, 7mm Backcountry, is now being supported by Lee Precision and its set of reloading dies specially created for the new high-pressure round.

New for 2026: MTM Case-Gard Chrono Case

The MTM Case-Gard Chronograph Case (CCXERO) delivers secure, custom-fit protection for the Garmin Xero chronograph. Inside, precision-cut foam cradles the chronograph and its accessories for reliable transport and storage.

Hardware Review: Big Horn Armory Model 89 Take Down Carbine

Best known for their large-bore lever actions, Big Horn Armory of Cody, Wyo., adds to their .50 caliber arsenal with the new Model 89 Take Down (TD) Carbine. Chambered in the mighty .500 Smith & Wesson Magnum, the Model 89 TD, as the name implies, comes apart for easy storage and transport.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.