Re: Truck gun optics? Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44
The topic deserves a quick parsing the the various utility classes of vehicle borne weaponry. Sticking to the civilian, and much simplified, genre with which I have experience... in no particular order:
Truck Gun: Sako Forester .243 with Khales 3-9x40 duplex.
This is the rifle carried when I'm on a friends horse farm in central GA, a soy bean farm in south central AL, and a tree farm in central AL. It is somewhat typical of a truck gun in that it is what most classify as a deer rifle. But has also taken many yotes and numerous whistle pigs. It is in the truck as the opportunity, or need, to take one of the aforementioned quadrupedal inhabitants happens when I am not on a quest to do so. Which is usually how it works. I have never fired it from inside the truck, but the hood has made a wonderful rest on many occasions. It does everything I need, but the duplex reticle is found wanting for shots beyond 200 yards, especially with the whistle pigs, and my aging eyes. The Vortex mentioned by the OP would be much preferable, especially in low light situations. This gun will be replaced by a 700 AAC-SD with a NF F1 as soon as the smith is finished gussying it up with a fancy stock and what-not. I had considered the Vortex, which by all accounts is quite nice, but somehow I keep getting the wife to agree to expensive gun stuff.
Deer count: An ass load
Yote count: Don't keep count... maybe 50 in the last 25 or so years.
Whistle Pig count: No idea, but less than the yote count
Total head wrappage: 0
Tractor Gun: 700 Mountain rifle 7mm-08, A1-3, VX3 3.5-10x40
Yotes have a peculiarity about them whereby it is not uncommon to see them at the edge of a field observing me while I am perched atop a tractor. Even though I am in plain view the fear factor is greatly diminished. And the ranges thus incurred tend to be rather point blank. I cannot dismount and expect them to remain where they are so I may enjoy a shot. While seated just so, the twisting of the upper torso to gain a shot may test the flexibility of the spinal column, and may make breathing difficult if the torsional strain is greatly exaggerated. This a wonderful scope. The duplex reticle suits my needs, but I will also likely carry the above AAC-SD in place of it.
Coyote count: 100+
Total head wrappage: 0
Nissan Maxima Gun: Novak FBI SA 1911
This is intended for the bipedal threat. Of which, the sprawling metropolis just north of me is full of. I left the metropolis of mammon a few years ago for the safety of far flung suburbs as I did not enjoy the idea of once again being the lead story on the local Fox affiliate after an encounter with one of my fellow habitues. This gun has no optics, just some tritium Novak's. I like them very much. The only situation in which they were not optimal is when the sun is overhead somewhere around 6 o'clock. At this point the front sight becomes a large blinding green ball of retina singing fire. I think maybe the combo fiber optic/tritium would be a better choice.
Body count: 0
Ass kickings in lieu of racking up a body count: 3
Total head wrappage: 0
I would love to hear about more types of vehicle guns. 4-wheelers, marine craft, airborne weaponry... I would also like to hear of any accounts of head wrappage so that I may assess its likely eventuality and how to best prepare for it.