Shotgun or Lever Action for RV's

[Gun Geezer]

20 gauge coach gun. Bird, buck, and ball rounds all work in that thing. Effective kill out o 100 yards, easy to handle in tight spaces, breaks down to fit in an violin case sized box. What's not to like?

 

[herrwalther]

12ga or 20ga if recoil is a concern is the better choice. Legal wise, shotguns are less likely to face restrictions. Hunting wise a shotgun is more versatile than a rifle depending on the various loadings. A short 12ga pump is my go to weapon when I go hiking for anything longer than a day.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

My vote is for the shotgun.

 

[ms6852]

12ga or 20ga if recoil is a concern is the better choice. Legal wise, shotguns are less likely to face restrictions. Hunting wise a shotgun is more versatile than a rifle depending on the various loadings. A short 12ga pump is my go to weapon when I go hiking for anything longer than a day.

Herrwalther, you anwered what I really wondered. Which of the two the lever or the shotgun would have faced fewer restrictions. I wish I would have phrased my question in this manner, as this is exactly what I wondered which of the two would face less restrictions in other states.

Based on my own conclusions and the advice of fellow members here I too think that shotgun is the correct choice when traveling in the RV.

 

[Armored farmer]

I had the opportunity recently to handle an 870 mounted in 'bullpup' style stock/foreend. It wasn't too purdy but wow. It had rails for a tac-light and a reflex sight.
What an rv/camp defender that would be!
https://lh4.ggpht.com/ugYcb3FORt-fSNg9xiJ-Gk3eP_knt_C2JZmuJAlxJLXODzKrnI1SeiSqAUnVX88f5fjVPA=s114

 

[Malamute]

I believe there are federal laws which protect firearms owners when simply passing through any given state. The guns must be cased, unloaded, inaccessible etc, but are not strictly illegal to have if passing through. stopping for an overnight or to stay a while may have different implications. For myself, I sure as heck wouldn't leave all handguns behind because a very few places may try to give you grief. I'd rather avoid those places than leave my handguns at home.

Regarding Canada, you want the Canadian Firearms Centre to answer your questions, not the consulate of a different country (US) Taking guns into Canada isn't a huge ordeal as some seem to think, but you have to follow their rules (many US citizens have this bizarre notion that Canada has to follow US gun laws for some reason). Barrel length is one of them. Double check the Canadian legal length for visitors to bring in (it may be 18.5"). There is zero tolerance for going below it. Oh one major word when taking a firearm into Canada, they will ask you why you have it. If you say protection from PEOPLE, that is absolutely the wrong answer!!! That is NOT a valid reason to own or possess a gun in Canada. Protection from wild animals is a valid reason, and so stated in their visitor information.

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/index-eng.htm

I wouldn't even think of taking a handgun into Canada. There are legal ways to do it, but it is nowhere near as simple as long guns. Valid reasons are target shooting competitions (and you'd better have all the match info on you and your confirmed entry etc all lined out) or participating in historical reenactments (again, you need to have all your ducks in a very straight row and all the paperwork done ahead of time and approved). They are not allowed just because its convenient for you to have it while travelling.

 

[tuna]

What's wrong with you people?

Both. One for you, one for your wife. Neither are scary guns, but.....

Paint the stocks lime green, paint the barrels and receivers white, and the muzzles orange - store them with toys for the grandkids.

 

[dodo bird]

I say shotgun. I have heard of people who drive into Canada and want to leave their pistol in the states drop off their handgun and request a "cleaning ". Then say you will be back in a couple weeks. Of course this would be a reputable gun store with a smith on hand.

 

[ms6852]

Malamute thanks for the information and the link, this really helps me a lot in pre-planning for itinerary.

 

[PabloJ]

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.

I use Wingmaster Supermag with 20" barrel with Remchokes. The only upgrade was Meprolight night sights instead of Remington ones. It is wonderful weapon that can be used with BK shot, bird shot, foster slugs and sabot slugs. All I have to do is switch choke tubes using rifled for sabots, for example. Wonderful survival too too.

Lever guns are also made in very suitable calibers like: .45Colt, .454, .44Magnum, .44-40,....but these do not really make ideal survival pieces as bunnies and birds are a little hard to hit with them.

 

[krupparms]

Back when I was a boy our family had a RV and did a fair amount of camping. My dad didn't care for shotguns or pistols. He carried a Winchester .30-30 for protection. We camped along the Mexican border & the Rockies & everywhere in between. Dad had it mounted just inside the camper door where it was very handy. He never had to use it or take it out! That was long ago when gas was 28¢ a gal. and you could still see the country.

 

[mac66]

I've traveled and camped in an RV (travel trailer) all around this country for 30 years. Always carried a pistol (for SD) and a .22 rifle (its innocuous, light weight, easy for the wife to handle, and can carry lots of ammo in a small space). At various times I have also carried a 20 ga pump (lighter and easier to use than a 12 ga for the wife).

With the reciprocity of carry laws it is a lot easier to take a pistol around the country legally these days, you just have to know where and when you can carry it. Otherwise stash it away securely (lots of places to hide a gun in an RV). In those states that are still restricted, simply don't ask, don't tell.

If you are going to Alaska by RV, the best best is to ship a handgun to Alaska (to yourself) and pick it up when you get there. Canada will allow long guns (for hunting) but it is a lot of red tape and trouble to go through and they will give you grief about it.

I live near Canada, and while I have gone into and through Canada many times, I no longer will try and take a gun there. They will search and find it. Don't take a gun into Mexico period.

In regards to carrying of a gun in general in an RV, a 12ga or lever action are both good choices. I wouldn't worry too much about getting in a shootout in a campground. Camping out in the boondocks by yourself is most likely where and when you would need a gun. (had a few experiences in those situations)

 

[rodregier]

Firearm Users Visiting Canada

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/visit-visite-eng.htm

Visitors to Canada (scroll down)

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5044-eng.html

 

[rodregier]

Keep in mind that despite US federal law, some states and jurisdictions will still arrest and seize firearms locked away in trunks of motor vehicles if the driver stops for any reason.

These states are alleged to be located in the north-east.

 

[mac66]

"Keep in mind that despite US federal law, some states and jurisdictions will still arrest and seize firearms locked away in trunks of motor vehicles if the driver stops for any reason."

They also need a warrant or probable cause to search your trunk which is why you should keep your mouth shut if stopped.

 

[herrwalther]

They also need a warrant or probable cause to search your trunk which is why you should keep your mouth shut if stopped.

Or permission. Which one of my former soldiers stupidly gave at a traffic stop going through NJ. He is doing 5 years on weapons charges.

 

[rhinoh]

I say shotgun. I have heard of people who drive into Canada and want to leave their pistol in the states drop off their handgun and request a "cleaning ". Then say you will be back in a couple weeks. Of course this would be a reputable gun store with a smith on hand.

Does this work? I've heard yes and no. The NO sayers claim it has to be transferred in if left overnight, then it can't be transferred back as one isn't a resident there... Can someone confirm?