Accessibility vs. Security: Why We Built a Better Way to Carry Rifles

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Every hunter knows the "truck cab shuffle."

You’re glassing a ridge from the driver’s seat, or you've just pulled up to a fresh piece of public land. Your rifle is either buried under a pile of gear in the backseat, encased in a soft bag that takes two hands to unzip, or—worst of all—leaning precariously against the center console, waiting to slide into the footwell the moment you hit a bump.

When we started Ready to Shoulder, we weren't looking to start a business. We were looking for a solution to a problem we encountered while hunting the rugged breaks of Eastern Montana and the timber of Central Washington. We needed a way to keep a rifle secure enough for "washboard" dirt roads, yet accessible enough to grab the moment you step out of the truck.

The Problem with Traditional Racks

Most truck gun racks fall into two categories:

1. The Rear Window Rack: It’s a classic look, but it puts your high-end glass and hardware on display for everyone to see. Plus, modern headrests and sliding rear windows make these nearly impossible to use in late-model trucks.

2. Under-Seat Storage: It’s secure, but it’s slow. By the time you flip the seat and dig out your rifle, that buck you spotted has already disappeared over the next ridge.

Enter the Sidekick: Designed for the Door

Our goal was to utilize the "dead space" of the interior door panel. By mounting your rifle vertically against the door, the Sidekick keeps your firearm within arm's reach while keeping the floorboards clear for your boots and the seats clear for your hunting partner.

We spent years prototyping. We started with wood and PVC back in 2022, but we knew that wouldn't cut it for the serious outdoorsman. Today, we manufacture every mount using industrial-grade composites—glass-fiber and carbon-fiber reinforced materials—that can handle the vibration of a diesel engine and the sweltering heat of a cab in July.

Tested in the Real World

We didn't just design these on a computer. We took our 3D-printed prototypes into the field. We bounced them down forest service roads and hauled them through freezing temperatures to ensure they wouldn't crack, rattle, or fail.

Whether you’re running a Ford F-150 through a muddy cornfield or navigating a Polaris RZR through a tight trail, your gear should stay where you put it. That’s why we’ve expanded our line to include SxS mounts that fit everything from 1” frame rails to 2” roll cages.

Built for Hunters, By Hunters

Ready to Shoulder is a small operation based in the Pacific Northwest. When you buy a Sidekick, you’re not just getting a piece of hardware; you’re getting a product born from a lifelong friendship and a shared passion for the hunt.

We’re tired of "universal" gear that doesn't actually fit anything. We’re building vehicle-specific mounts that respect your truck’s interior and your rifle’s zero.