In-cab overhead racks are perfect for hunters doing active hunting (predator calling, patrolling for varmints) where you might need your gun quickly without getting out. The firearm is protected from the weather and stays with you rather than in an unattended bed. The downside is they reduce headroom slightly, and you need to be conscious of the firearm above you during aggressive riding or rollovers. In-seat or between-seat gun holders position firearms vertically between or alongside seats, keeping them very accessible while taking up minimal space. If you’ve got a long gun that you want to keep handy without having to mount it above your head, this might be your answer. The one downside, however, is that many of these will only carry one weapon.
Bed-mounted gun racks secure firearms in your cargo bed, freeing up cab space entirely. These are what you want for transporting multiple firearms to camp or when accessing hunting property where you'll leave your UTV parked. They keep guns organized, protected, and secure during transport. The catch is accessibility—you need to get out and walk to the bed to retrieve your firearm, which doesn't work for active hunting scenarios. Many hunters actually run both: overhead or in-seat racks for their primary hunting gun, plus bed racks for transporting additional firearms or for use when actively hunting from the UTV isn't planned.
While no gun rack can be 100% theft-proof, a locking gun rack may be enough to deter a crime of opportunity. Some locking gun racks come with cables that fasten the rack to your frame so that it’s much more difficult for a thief to just walk off with the entire rack. Quick-release functionality (a push-button or trigger system, etc.) allows you to have quick access to your hardware without losing the theft prevention component.
As an important reminder, remember to always stay updated on the laws affecting gun transport and use in your area. These can vary wildly from one state to another. Some areas, to provide a simple example, will require you to keep your gun(s) locked while riding. Other areas will require your guns to be both locked and unloaded.
If you’ve got a long gun with a scope on it, you will want a rifle-ready rack that can accommodate your scope without putting pressure on it. Nothing is more frustrating than getting all set up for that hunt, rolling out and finding that your scope has been knocked out of zero (or even worse, just straight-up damaged) by a subpar UTV gun rack. Thankfully, you’ll only find the best of the best UTV rifle racks in our selection at Side by Side source.
If you’re rolling with a shotgun, you’ll need a UTV gun rack that can handle a bit more width (but typically not as much length). Universal racks, as long as they’re high quality, can work with rifles and shotguns if they are adjustable. These may be the best bet for you if you find yourself switching gun types more frequently.
Can I run with a UTV gun rack in any state?
Not necessarily. Laws vary dramatically by area, so always stay up to date.
Will a gun rack damage my scope?
Not a quality UTV gun rack from Side by Side source! Our gun racks are specially designed with padded contact points and appropriate spacing to avoid putting pressure on your scope.
Can I leave firearms racked overnight?
It’s always a good idea to remove your firearm(s) whenever leaving your machine unattended.