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

LEDE Chest Pack Hoodie Pants
LEDE Chest Pack Hoodie Pants

First Look: Blocker Outdoors Finisher Series

Blocker Outdoors' Finisher Series is a one stop shop for turkey hunters looking to streamline their clothing and gear in the field. Read on for some of the top pieces in this lineup, designed to keep hunters cool and comfortable, while maintaining easy access to essentials.

Know How: Shed Hunting Hellholes

Mark Kayser's fascination with shed antler hellholes kicked off and continues today in whitetail country. Not satisfied with the occasional shed antler found in stubble fields, hay grounds and open pastures, he turned his attention to the thickest, steepest and nastiest geography in the whitetail woods. Here’s why you should consider putting on your big boy pants for a deep dive into the extremes for shed antler rewards.

New for 2026: Federal X Henry Birthday Boy Collector's Edition Ammo

For 2026, Federal Ammunition has partnered with Henry Repeating Arms to produce a collector's series ammunition. This limited-edition load was developed for Henry's commemorative .45-70 Government Golden Boy lever-action rifle, touted as the Birthday Boy.

New for 2026: Badlands Mag Turkey Vest

Badlands has released its Mag Turkey Vest, purpose-built for run-and-gun turkey hunters.

#SundayGunday: Spartan Vidarr Disc-Lok Bipod

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out a new entry from Spartan Precision Equipment that heralds a whole new line of gear from the innovative brand. The Vidarr bipod utilizes a brand new attachment system called Disc-Lok. Why create a whole new system, you ask? Well, if Spartan's MagnaSwitch is the ultralight QD system for hunters looking to travel light, the Disc-Lok adds a few more ounces in pursuit of extreme stability. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Public Opportunity on Private Land: Walk-in Access Programs

State game managers have come up with an array of walk-in access programs for private lands. These state-led initiatives partner with willing landowners to open thousands—sometimes millions—of acres of land to the public at little or no extra cost. Read on for some of the best options in the country.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.