Kuna: The Ultimate Truck Gun?

November 24th, 2025

5 minute read

While concealed carrying a compact handgun is a sound approach to your self-defense needs, there may unfortunately be some scenarios where one could still feel ill-prepared.

That’s where the term truck gun (or vehicle gun) enters the chat. A truck gun is exactly what it sounds like: a gun kept in your vehicle. More specifically, a truck gun is traditionally one that offers increased capacity, greater long-range capabilities, and in some cases, more stopping power than your EDC gun.

Springfield Armory Kuna pistol with box of ammo next to truck wheel — Modern vehicle defense requires a firearm that balances size, reliability, and stopping power effectively. The Springfield Kuna fits these requirements perfectly.

At its core, it bridges the gap between your daily carry and a loaded SHTF gun.

What to Look for in a Truck Gun

Of course, where you live, the places you frequent, and your vehicle play an important role in determining which firearm makes the most sense personally. Still, several characteristics are rather universal.

First is reliability. It won’t matter what gun you have if it doesn’t work when you need it. As you would with your carry gun, be sure to run an appropriate number of rounds through your truck gun to gauge its reliability. I recommend 500 rounds as a decent determining sample size. Most importantly, make sure that some of those rounds are the same type of defensive ammo you plan to keep in it.

Shooter demonstrating Springfield Armory Kuna truck gun deployment from vehicle position showing practical defensive firearm usage scenarios. Vehicle defense training with Kuna pistol featuring roller-delayed operating system and folding brace for automotive shooting applications. Author testing truck gun performance from driver position illustrating real-world self-defense preparedness with Springfield Armory defensive firearm. Kuna 9mm pistol being fired from vehicle demonstrating flat-shooting characteristics and controllability in confined automotive spaces. Practical truck gun training showing proper handling of Springfield Armory Kuna with Strike Industries folding brace during vehicle-based scenarios. Defensive shooting practice with vehicle gun highlighting importance of familiarity with personal protection firearm before emergency situations. Springfield Armory Kuna truck gun usage demonstration showing compact design advantages for shooting from tight vehicle interior positions. Self-defense training session with Kuna pistol emphasizing hands-on experience necessary for effective truck gun deployment during actual threats. — Understanding how your firearm handles from various shooting positions is critical for vehicle defense preparedness. Familiarity with your setup can make all the difference under stress.

Next is size and concealability. This should come as common sense, but you’d be surprised. Even though your vehicle allows for a much larger firearm than your waistband, a 20” 7.62 AR is not necessarily going to be your best bet.

Consider the barrel length and utilize items such as folding braces or collapsible stocks to enhance your setup. Your setup should be short enough overall to maneuver with ease, but also able to conceal in your vehicle to keep away from prying eyes.

How about capacity and caliber? You can always carry a spare magazine with your EDC pistol, but it’s hard to compete with a firearm that comes standard with a 30-round (or more) magazine (state permitting), such as the Kuna or SAINT Victor Pistol.

Target showing tight shot grouping from Springfield Armory Kuna truck gun demonstrating exceptional accuracy and precision for defensive pistol applications. Kuna 9mm pistol accuracy results illustrating flat-shooting characteristics and roller-delayed operating system performance benefits. Springfield Armory truck gun target practice showing consistent shot placement and reliable defensive firearm capabilities. Vehicle gun accuracy demonstration with Kuna pistol featuring multi-port muzzle brake for recoil reduction and improved precision. Defensive shooting results from Springfield Armory Kuna showcasing compact pistol accuracy rivaling larger firearms for personal protection scenarios. Truck gun precision testing with Kuna demonstrating effective defensive capability and shooter confidence through consistent groupings. Springfield Armory Kuna accuracy performance highlighting quality barrel and operating system contributing to excellent shot placement. Target results from vehicle defense firearm showing Kuna pistol delivers precision necessary for serious self-defense applications. — The roller-delayed system and high-quality barrel work together to produce consistently accurate results at various distances with the Kuna.

In addition to capacity, caliber is also an essential consideration. Many opt for a caliber that packs a harder punch than their EDC pistol, and sticking with 9mm and above seems to be a good rule of thumb. You’ll also need to consider the availability of your chosen ammunition. For example, you’ll have a much harder time finding .300 BLK in a pinch than you will 9mm or .223.

And lastly, there’s accessory integration. An often-overlooked feature is the ability to host a wide variety of accessories. From lights to optics to suppressors, your ideal gun should be able to utilize them all. It’s better to have the ability and not need it than the opposite.

Why I Chose the Kuna

Taking into account the four primary considerations I mentioned above, ask yourself if the Kuna checks all of them. Hint: it certainly does for me.

In the time I’ve owned the Kuna I’ve put just shy of 800 rounds through it, consisting of a nice mix of range and defensive ammo. Over that span, I’ve experienced a whopping zero malfunctions. And since it’s chambered in 9mm just like my carry guns, I will almost always have access to some additional rounds if need be. Plus, if you ever have to find ammo quickly, what’s the most common you’ll likely stumble upon? 9mm.

Range training session with Springfield Armory Kuna truck gun showing shooter practicing defensive pistol skills and firearm proficiency development. Kuna 9mm pistol range practice demonstrating importance of hands-on training with vehicle defense firearm before emergency situations. Springfield Armory truck gun training illustrating proper shooting techniques and stance with roller-delayed defensive pistol. Shooter conducting live fire exercises with Kuna vehicle gun building muscle memory and familiarity with personal protection firearm. Range practice with Springfield Armory Kuna featuring folding brace and compact design for realistic defensive training scenarios. Defensive firearm training session showing Kuna pistol reliability testing through hundreds of rounds for truck gun validation. Springfield Armory Kuna range work demonstrating flat-shooting characteristics and controllability during extended practice sessions. Truck gun proficiency training with Kuna defensive pistol emphasizing accuracy drills and proper handling techniques for self-defense preparedness. — Regular range time builds the proficiency needed to handle your defensive firearm confidently under pressure. Consistent practice transforms theory into reliable muscle memory.

Thanks to the roller-delayed operating system and multi-port muzzle brake of the Kuna, I’ve found it to be an extremely flat-shooting and easy-to-control pistol, lending itself well to being shot within tight spaces.

Speaking of tight spaces, when it comes to compactness and concealability, it’s obvious as to why the Kuna suffices. Between the 6” barrel and the Strike Industries folding pistol brace, you should be able to find plenty of places to store it in your vehicle securely.

Once you start mounting accessories like an optic, light and suppressor, you begin to add to the overall setup’s footprint. However, the fact that you can add these accessories is just another reason why the Kuna is an ideal defensive pistol.

I believe I made my point regarding why I chose the Kuna as my truck gun, but with a truck gun comes additional responsibilities that must be taken into account.

Added Responsibilities

Just like with carrying a handgun, there is more to protecting yourself than simply having the firearm on your person. You must train with it and maintain it properly. You may not have access to a range where you can shoot from your vehicle, but you can take your truck gun to the range and put it through its paces. Afterwards, clean it, lube it up, and ensure everything is ready to go should you ever need it.

Springfield Armory Kuna truck gun with 30-round magazine showing extended capacity advantage for defensive pistol applications and sustained engagements. Kuna 9mm pistol featuring high-capacity magazine providing significantly more ammunition than standard concealed carry handgun options. Springfield Armory truck gun magazine capacity demonstrating enhanced firepower for vehicle defense and personal protection scenarios. Defensive pistol with 30-round Kuna magazine offering tactical advantage during multiple threat situations requiring extended engagement capability. Springfield Armory Kuna truck gun extended magazine showing increased ammunition capacity bridging gap between EDC pistol and rifle. Vehicle defense firearm featuring Kuna high-capacity magazine providing sustained fire capability without reload interruptions during emergencies. Springfield Armory Kuna pistol with 30-round magazine illustrating superior capacity compared to typical concealed carry handgun magazines. Truck gun ammunition capacity advantage shown through Kuna extended magazine offering defensive firepower for serious threat scenarios. — The 30-round magazine of the Kuna gives you options that standard pistol mags simply can’t match. More ammunition on tap translates directly to increased defensive capability when you need it most.

You’ll also want to have a plan in place for securing your truck gun. If someone breaks into your vehicle to steal your wallet or radio, the last thing you want is for them to also walk away with your gun.

Author demonstrating Springfield Armory Kuna truck gun deployment from vehicle interior showing realistic defensive shooting position and confined space handling. Shooter practicing with Kuna defensive pistol from driver seat illustrating compact design advantages for automotive self-defense scenarios. Springfield Armory truck gun training from vehicle showing roller-delayed pistol performance in tight quarters typical of defensive situations. Kuna 9mm pistol being fired from inside vehicle demonstrating practical truck gun usage and realistic personal protection training. Vehicle interior shooting practice with Springfield Armory Kuna featuring folding brace utility for confined automotive environments. Defensive firearm training showing Kuna truck gun deployment speed and handling from realistic vehicle position during emergency scenarios. Springfield Armory Kuna vehicle defense practice illustrating compact barrel length benefits and maneuverability in tight interior spaces. Author conducting hands-on truck gun training with Kuna pistol from driver position emphasizing real-world defensive preparedness. — Working with your truck gun from inside your vehicle tests both the firearm’s ergonomics and your ability to deploy it effectively. Understanding these parameters beforehand could save your life later.

Last but certainly not least, the laws are constantly changing so you’ll have to stay up to date on all of your local, state and federal regulations regarding transporting and traveling with a firearm. I’m far from an attorney, so this part is 100% on you!

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the hope remains that you never have to deploy your truck gun for anything other than some fun at the range. However, if you find yourself in a situation that you do, you’ll sure be glad you had it.

It comes down to being prepared and able to protect yourself and your family. So, would the Kuna fit your needs if you were to keep a truck gun? If not, maybe the SAINT Victor Pistol would? Only you can decide, but I hope this article helps get the brainstorming started.

As always, stay safe, train hard and have fun.

Editor’s Note: Be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the “Go To Forum Thread” link below to jump in!

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Springfield Armory® recommends you seek qualified and competent training from a certified instructor prior to handling any firearm and be sure to read your owner’s manual. These articles and videos are considered to be suggestions and not recommendations from Springfield Armory. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Springfield Armory.

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Ryan Domke

A freelance writer, photographer and social media consultant, Ryan Domke is a shooter with a passion for both guns and tactical gear. He has a commitment to learning as much as he can about firearms and sharing that knowledge with the firearms community.