Shotgun or Lever Action for RV's

[ms6852]

My wife and I are in the process of purchasing an RV and will travel through all states and Canada. I was wondering since some states are not gun friendly what some of you that RV carry for self defense.

Regardless of the state laws I figured that I would carry at least a shotgun or lever action instead of the menacing "black gun", and deal with the law if it ever comes to this point.

I own an 870 6 +1 20 ga and a winchester 30-30. I was also thinking of revolvers instead of semi-autos for these unfriendly gun states. As for Canada I will use my 450 for when I eventually make the trip to Alaska.

Your advice for those that travel will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Sam1911]

You should still check the various states' laws carefully, as a few would hang you up regardless, but I'd say there are very few places where it would be legal to possess a pump shotgun but not a lever-action rifle.

However, for defending myself in an RV, if I had to pick one of those I'd keep the shotgun at the ready.

 

[Sav .250]

You should still check the various states' laws carefully, as a few would hang you up regardless, but I'd say there are very few places where it would be legal to possess a pump shotgun but not a lever-action rifle.

However, for defending myself in an RV, if I had to pick one of those I'd keep the shotgun at the ready.

Sound advice..

 

[ms6852]

I do plan to check the statelaws. I have been a law abiding citizen all my life but regardless I will always travel armed. I may not have my conceal carry but at the minimum a rifle or shotgun.

 

[mavracer]

I'd think a coach gun would be rather appropriate.

 

[bannockburn]

I would also go with a shotgun, preferably a short barrel and pump action to have while travelling. Also rifles and shotguns are considered Non-Restricted firearms and may be brought into Canada, in a secured case, for transport to Alaska. Check with the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, Canada for further details.

 

[mgkdrgn]

Personally, I'd vote for the shotgun.

1) pattern -vs- single projectile ... turn those near misses into hits

2) limited range - that 30-30 won't even notice the walls of that RV ... or the walls of the next two or three it passes through before it hits something solid. Hopefully that will be a refrigerator ... not your neighbor camper. (now, buckshot will blow through the wall too ... but not to the extent that a 30-30 round will. Don't even THINK about loading up with slugs!)

 

[Drail]

Both would be useful in various situations but if I were going to have to limit myself to one - it would be a scattergun. As far as penetration through walls go - a BB gun will penetrate most RV walls. Just make sure you know where all of the "friendlies" are. Light (reduced recoil) buckshot loads are about all you need. No magnum stuff. Try to avoid the "State" of Illinois if at all possible.

 

[rodregier]

"450"?

 

[Red Wind]

I vote for the shotgun. And I envy your travel plans.

The .450 is an excellent choice to take to Alaska through Canada. I took my Marlin 45/70 Guide Gun into Canada with no problems some years back.

It will take care of anything you encounter.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I I just had to have a long gun, I would buy a used, cheap, plastic stocked, pump gun. No worries with rust. No crying if it gets stolen. Should work on any thing that busts through a camper door.

I camp in a trailer. I wear my everyday carry gun when I am up and put it beside the bed when
I go to sleep. Same as home.

 

[HankR]

I am definitely not a shotgun guy, but I think that the shotgun is the correct choice here.

 

[CWL]

Personally, I'd vote for the shotgun.

1) pattern -vs- single projectile ... turn those near misses into hits

2) limited range - that 30-30 won't even notice the walls of that RV ... or the walls of the next two or three it passes through before it hits something solid. Hopefully that will be a refrigerator ... not your neighbor camper. (now, buckshot will blow through the wall too ... but not to the extent that a 30-30 round will. Don't even THINK about loading up with slugs!)

I'm pretty sure that anything you'd use for SD/HD (RVD?) in 12ga. will go thru RV walls. Not just slugs.

I think the choice really should be which firearm the OP is more comfortable with.

 

[19-3Ben]

You should still check the various states' laws carefully, as a few would hang you up regardless, but I'd say there are very few places where it would be legal to possess a pump shotgun but not a lever-action rifle.

This. I could not have worded it better myself.

 

[Ed Ames]

Slight counterpoint:

A gun like the Rossi 1892 in .44 magnum, w/ a 20" barrel, is to the best of my knowledge as close to North America legal as anything you can buy. It will deliver 10+1 rounds of ammo vs the average shotgun that will give 3-5. It has about the same overpenetration risk as a shotgun. It can be taken through Canada, and as I understand it you could at least theoretically do the paperwork to take it into Mexico.

A stainless steel version costs about $500.

It is smaller/lighter than most 12ga shotguns.

It can share ammo with a revolver that would be perfectly reasonable for Alaskan hiking.

When making a similar decision I went with the carbine (though mine is in .454 casull).

 

[CWL]

I think the OP already owns the guns and is not looking to buy new ones. He's just trying to decide which one to bring along in his new RV.

 

[tcj]

As an RVer myself, between those 2, I would take the shotgun.

Personally, I am only worried about 2 legged critters and I bring a Glock 17 (17+1) with me.

For those states where it might be a "problem" I also have a lockable pistol box that can be secured.

Canada is obviously different with regard to bringing a handgun.

 

[BSA1]

RV's are tight quarters. I'd give a lot of thought to a double barrel shotgun with 18" long barrels. #6 pheasant loads would be a good compromise in thin skinned RV Parks.

 

[shafter]

In some states getting caught processing a firearm illegally is not a slap-on-the-wrist offense. It's a felony. Just throwing that out there.

 

[BSA1]

shafter,

It would be informative if you would name those states you are referring to and what their laws states.

 

[razorback2003]

You probably would not want to bring a handgun to NY or Mass as a non resident without those states' licenses. You may not even be able to bring a long gun to Mass without a hunting license.

 

[gunnutery]

Am I the only one that's suggesting you take both! I suppose if you could/should only take one I guess I'd suggest the shotgun due to it's versatility. But I like both. I'd take both.

but I'd say there are very few places where it would be legal to possess a pump shotgun but not a lever-action rifle.

!

 

[ms6852]

I would also go with a shotgun, preferably a short barrel and pump action to have while travelling. Also rifles and shotguns are considered Non-Restricted firearms and may be brought into Canada, in a secured case, for transport to Alaska. Check with the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, Canada for further details.

I really appreciate this information. Thank you

 

[ms6852]

In some states getting caught processing a firearm illegally is not a slap-on-the-wrist offense. It's a felony. Just throwing that out there.

I'd rather be labeled a felon than have a label put on my toe or wife's toe. As a future RV'er I will travel with a firearm, regardless of state laws. My intentions are not to carry a handgun because that could cause more headaches than it it worth especially in states that are not gun friendly. But a shotgun or a rifle would be more tolerable, unless its one of those saiga or keltec shotguns that have 14 or more shells loaded.

I am licensed to carry and in those states that have reciprocating laws I will carry my 1911. In states like Chicago, New York, or California I may not use my conceal carry but will have the shotgun as most of you have recommended.

 

[CoalTrain49]

As an RVer myself, between those 2, I would take the shotgun.

Personally, I am only worried about 2 legged critters and I bring a Glock 17 (17+1) with me.

For those states where it might be a "problem" I also have a lockable pistol box that can be secured.

Canada is obviously different with regard to bringing a handgun.

I've looked into this and there is a lot to know. The information is available on the internet. Look at the laws in every state you will be traveling in. I know it's a lot of work but at least you will have some piece of mind about it when you go.

The above advice is good.

I've done the research for the states I will be in. Where I plan to travel I'm going to bump into the CA laws so a lock box will have to go along. I could carry anything I want, I have carbines, shotguns and handguns, but I will carry a pistol. One reason is I want to actually carry it on my person concealed where I can. If I can't carry it concealed I will open carry where I can. If I can't carry it at all I will lock it up so it can't be used against me and to be legal.

Anyone who has tried to wield a shotgun or rifle in close quarters knows they aren't the best tool for a job like that. The military has a name for that job, CQB or close quarters battle weapon. They primarily use two types of weapons, a very short barreled MG (<10") like an MP5 and a pistol. The SBR is out so that leaves a pistol.

You can buy a cheap LE trade-in Sig or Glock at Cabelas or one of those big box sporting goods stores. Get a permit to carry it and know the laws.