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 06 Hardware W3814 TAH 2879Lead
W H2026 06 Hardware W3814 TAH 2879Lead

Hardware Review: Hornady 338 ARC

Looking for a cartridge that's easy to suppress, but still hits hard? Check out the 338 ARC, from Hornady. Jeff Johnston gives a thorough review of the cartridge here.

New for 2026: Steelhead Outdoors Stackable Vertical Door Handgun Locker

Steelhead Outdoors engineered a stackable Vertical Door Handgun Locker similar to storage systems used by law-enforcement agencies.

Clemson University Conservation Program Reaches Endowment Goal

The Boone and Crockett Club recently announced the wildlife conservation program at Clemson University has reached its $5 million endowment goal. Thanks to more than a decade of fundraising and support led by club member Johnny Evans—and other key contributors—the studies at the school focusing on sound, scientific wildlife conservation will continue into the future.

Know How: First Guns for Junior Shooters

Curious what gun to start out a junior shooter on? Bryce Towsley is a man with experience. Read on for some tips on what to get the young hunter in your life.

New for 2026: Kent Cartridge Southern Reserve Dove

Kent Cartridge introduces Southern Reserve Dove, a purpose-built load designed for fast shooting and performance in the dove fields.

#SundayGunday: Springfield Armory SA-35 4"

Springfield's SA-35 4” maintains the “wood and steel” vibes of yesteryear, with a blued finish on the gun’s carbon steel, and checkered walnut grips. Curious about this updated version of a true classic? Check out this exclusive edition of #SundayGunday.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.