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

W H2026 03 Hardware W3788 TAH 0118Final
W H2026 03 Hardware W3788 TAH 0118Final

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.

New for 2026: HiViZ Shooting Systems LiteWave Sight for Ruger Redhawk Alaskan

HiViz Shooting Systems has expanded its revolver lineup with the introduction of the LiteWave Front Sight for the Ruger Redhawk Alaskan. Designed specifically to complement the rugged performance of Ruger's Redhawk Alaskan revolver, the new LiteWave Front Sight promises fast target acquisition, durability and a customizable sight picture.

Gear Roundup: Spring Cleaning for Hunters

Need to clean the grime off your guns and gear this spring? Look no further than our hunter-specific cleaning lienup.

New for 2026: Henry Bear's Leg Pistol

Henry Repeating Arms is expanding its lineup with the new Bear’s Leg Pistol, a compact, utility-minded platform that blends the unmistakable profile of the classic Mare’s Leg with modern features. Offered in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .30-30 Winchester and .45-70 Government, the Bear’s Leg Pistol is purpose-built for versatility and hard use.

First Look: Easton 5mm Steel HIT Break-Off Insert

Easton has announced its 5mm Steel HIT Break-Off 8-32 Insert, giving archers full control over balance and performance. 

Turkey Tips: Unlock the West

Finding the right tom in the right mood to come to your calls out in the West usually comes down to covering ground with your eyes, not your feet. Remember it’s not uncommon to be afield all day, so don’t rush things. Read on for more tips on turkey hunting the West.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.