Whether you currently carry a long gun in your vehicle for varmint control or protection, or whether you’ve wished you could do so but have been concerned for the security of said gun, Grey Man Tactical has the fix for both quick access and security.
And it’s a fix that’ll work in all but the smallest two-seater, in case your “truck gun” is actually a car gun.
Grey Man Tactical (GMT), of Louisiana, now offers a modular system that makes it possible to drive your long gun around discreetly and securely attached to a vehicle seat back, without compromising access.
Based around the company’s coated aluminum seat-back RMP panel, users can pick and choose components for their own best system, or invest in a pre-equipped set made for a favorite hunting or tactical gun, body armor, extra mags, and/or medical gear.
Lately I’ve had the opportunity to try out GMT’s Vehicle Dual Seat Back Locking RMP package. It’s among the most complete offerings from the company. Using it has convinced me of the wisdom and advantages of this system. It works well, after the investment of some time and experimentation with mounting the kit in more than one vehicle.
Securing The Panels To Your Seat:
The foundation of this package is two RMP panels, 15.25×25 inches. These are affixed to the seatback three ways. At the top is a hinge-like attachment with a sturdy clamp that headrest posts can fit inside.
If those aren’t a fit for your vehicle (measurements are provided on the GMT website), it’s possible to purchase an extender or switch to their nylon webbing system that is also anchored to the headrest with dee rings.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each; I suggest watching some of the many installation videos and ensuing comments on YouTube and measuring the back of post to back of seat distance carefully before ordering.
A second point of attachment is a simple web belt around the front of the seat that fits in the crease of the seat and doesn’t interfere. It secures with a plastic squeeze buckle.
Panel Security and Features:
What really delivers security is the included cable lock, similar to a bicycle lock, included in the kit or available as a separate purchase. This secures the panel to the seat frame and is hidden from obvious view.
While nothing is impossible to steal without effort, this will add significant time to the process should someone attempt to steal the entire panel.
Securing a long gun to the panel can be done in a couple ways using locking or non-locking GMT products. The Seat Back Locking RMP package obviously includes a lock, as well as a buttstock cup to raise the long gun off the floor and make it easier to grasp.
In addition, it opens up floor storage space and leg room as compared to allowing the buttstock to rest on the floor, which is an option. If your buttstock is any larger than the average A2 or stock shotgun style, it’s likely you’ll need the XL cup, which will add a few dollars to the price but accommodate a much wider range of guns.
The Blackhawk buttstock on my AR-15 rifle isn’t much bigger than a standard A2, but is too big for the standard cup by about half an inch.
A standout feature of this kit is the lock that keeps the gun secure but ready. It’s a handcuff-type clamp, the height of which can be adjusted to fit around the barrel or forend of the gun. There are two ways to lock it: Using the provided, traditional key, or plugging the cigarette lighter-style 110W plug into a port in the cab and activating the pushbutton release.
When the unit is plugged in and turned on for use, a red light indicates so. It can be de-activated and thus not operate as a quick release with the press of a switch. A second switch releases the lock so the gun can be removed.
This aspect is programmable with a simple turn of a switch, so that the unlocked status is time-limited from six to 30 seconds. Not only does this make the gun more secure, it protects the operator from any mistakes based in distraction or forgetfulness, especially in moments where a varmint kill or self-defense need demands attention.
Accessories included on the gun side of the package include Scorpion universal pistol and rifle magazine carriers, and a zippered pouch appropriate for extra ammo or what-not. For even more security, a water-resistant black shroud, with elastic all around, is included for placement over the gun or even the entire panel.
Its full cut effectively disguises the gun from onlookers and keeps dust off the gun and optic. A Velcro (loop material) panel on the outside allows for attachment of other accessories or patches. The other seatback RMP also includes the same cover.
A matching RMP for the other seatback has a very well-stocked kit for treating massive bleed events, including a Gen 7 Combat Application Tourniquet. The kit is easy to remove for portability and has a red-on-black first aid cross patch to make ID easy under stress.
Its defining feature, though, is a sturdy ToughHook hanger that’ll support the heaviest plate carrier.
Finishing off the set is an 8×6-inch RMP with straps to secure it to a headrest. A helmet carrier is attached. If you’re not a helmet-wearer (a common accessory for hog hunting with night observation devices), the RMP can be used to attach an extra pouch for whatever needs to be grabbed fast.
Its design invites anything with MOLLE to be attached with ease.
Purchased as a pre-configured, complete package, the Vehicle Dual Seat Back Locking RMP Package is pricey at $2,000. Grey Man Tactical makes it easy to build a set-up over time if that’s more your style.
Discounts and sales are offered on the regular, too.
This is a set that allows anyone to carry a long gun and other crisis (or hunting) gear in a manner that balances access and safety to an exquisite level. The security of a long gun, under the GMT cover and property locked onto the RMP, is superior to many in-home storage solutions. Urban, rural, or in between, this setup can keep you ready.
Note: Responsible gun ownership, like responsible driving, requires balancing risks with advantages. Of course you’re subject to any laws in your locale that criminalize vehicle carry. No matter your location, never stow a long gun with a loaded chamber. The potential for an unintended discharge exists in the event of some forms of impact. In this system, the trigger guard remains open to people and objects in the back seat.