The best boating gun?

[BigBlock]

I have a speed boat which I hope to use extensively this year. I'm curious what the BEST (most reliable) gun would be to carry on a boat? Something I could drop in the lake, pull it out, and immediately start shooting. It also needs to be able to cope with a very moist environment even if it doesn't end up in the lake.

Firstly, I think a revolver would be best. Am I wrong? Would a plastic gun be a better choice? Obviously stainless goes without saying.

Secondly, I'm thinking Ruger, for their reputation of super reliability, and single action for less stuff to break. Would a SA be better in this sort of situation than a DA? Or other brands that might be able to cope with water better?

 

[lanternlad1]

Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 Marine editions. Inexpensive, reliable, powerful, made for use on water, will get you into less trouble with shore patrols (you could say you were duck hunting ) will scare less people who accidentally see it, with pistol grip will not take up too much space and will def. get the point across to anyone who is thinking of giving you trouble. Also has greater range if there is trouble from shore. I think carrying a pistol on a rec. vehicle like that is asking for trouble if shore patrol catches you. But I'm in TX, your laws may differ.

But if you're set on a pistol, I'd say Ruger GP100 6" 357 mag. SA/DA, stainless, tough as nails, reliable as hell. You can pick em up for 300-350 used.

 

[bannockburn]

BigBlock

You might want to check with the Coast Guard and whatever the appropiate state agency is that regulates watercraft in your state. Their regulations and restrictions may limit your options in terms of what kind of weapon you may have onboard. Other than that, I think lanternlad1 has a good point about a marine shotgun. I know besides Mossberg and Remington, there were several Winchester models that were also designed for marine use. If a handgun is permitted, there again you would probably be well served with a stainless DA revolver, .357 or larger; or else a proven military design, preferably in stainless or that uses some sort of durable finish. A polymer frame would also be a plus factor in terms of corrosion resistance.

 

[Brian Williams]

Handgun, a S&W 686 or Ruger GP100

 

[BigBlock]

Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 Marine editions.

Wow...I didn't even know they had marine editions...but I would like to stick to handguns. Anybody I anticipate shooting at would be trying to steal my boat, or something in it, and I think a handgun is better at that range.

I do have to recheck the local laws about guns in boats - but I *think* I'm ok with anything as long as I have a CCP, which I plan on getting very soon.

 

[gpr]

boat gun

i use a keltec sub 2000....folds up, out of the way.....9mm, hi cap mags....enough barrel to reach out and touch some one....poly/hard chrome holds up well.....gpr

 

[Ed Ames]

The main snag for you (fresh water boater that I assume you are) with guns on boats is actually going to be fish and game regs.

If you have a loaded hunting (long) gun on your boat it's seen as kinda like having a fishing rig with a baited hook... evidence that you plan on doing some fishing or in this case hunting. Or, you don't have the relevant licenses and there isn't a season open, poaching.

I'd stick with the handguns. Doesn't much matter which since you won't be around salt. Keep it oiled and you'll be fine. If you were in a salty environment I'd say stick with a pistol because cleaning and oiling the innards of your average revolver is a PITA.

I'd also suggest you learn about the use of polar oils. These handy substances are excellent for rinsing water from firearms (and countless other items) in a pinch. WD40 is your easy to find example... and before you go all "WD40 on firearms is bad", WD40 may not be ideal as a lubricant but it's just fine for what boaty types need which is a way to displace water from the metal parts of a mechanical device (like a firearm) to prevent immediate rusting.

 

[Browning]

+1 on the Rem 870 Marine Magnum.

If it can't be a long gun for whatever reason, I guess I'd pick a S&W or a Ruger .22 revolver.

 

[3pairs12]

AR-7 it floats.

 

[bannockburn]

+1 for WD40 for marine use.

WD40:
*Stops Squeaks
*Cleans and Protects
*Loosens Rusted Parts
*Frees Sicky Mechanisms
*Drives Out Moisture

And no, I don't own stock in the company.

 

[sniper5]

Mossbert used to make a kit for boats that has a 500 stainless steel with bright orange stock and forearm and comes with flares, and line launcher. Might be able to pick up one used. Looks very sailboaty and non threatening. Except it also happens to chamber and fires any 12 ga ammo you can feed it. If anyone asks if you have a firearm you can say "just a linegun for emergencies" and it sounds PC. Plus it was recommended to me by a former Marine with some boarding experience that the first 2 rounds in a shotgun for marine use should be flares. If they are attempting to board put one in the cockpit of the boarding vessel and one where you think the gas is. Fire is the boater's nightmare. Keeps them busy while you defend yourself. And if your target is a human there is a tremendous psychological effect to taking a flare in the chest. Follow those with slugs or 00 Buck. Your choice.

 

[PPGMD]

I would second the Shotgun kit, the Mossy kit not only is a viable weapon, but you also have the line launcher if you need it.

Handgun wise I would go with a Glock, Hk, or something with a similar finish. The Sig 220 Combat was designed to pass the US DOD Saltwater spray test also.

 

[sm]

Check regulations in regard to firearms not only on the water, also any launching sites that fall under "park" regulations.

In large lakes [speedboat] the main concern folks had/have was getting to and fro site, launching boat and the like - and if they stopped on any islands and two legged threats. Concealed is concealed.

Mentors carried Ruger Standard .22 pistols, granted these ladies and gents were most proficient with these. Stopping on a island for a break and any snakes or other threats.

Others carried 1911s and K frames, concealed.

Bass Boats and night fishing, same guns, as often times we camped on the islands. Long guns "can" be more difficult to conceal, have access to, and concerns of theft.
Meaning camp is set up, and one is not wise to leave a gun in camp unsecure, even though most folks were honest and did not mess with another's campsite...most, not all...

Kel-Tec P-11 was tested and is being used for speedboaters, bass fishing, canoes, jonboats and party barges.

Lakes, rivers, reservoirs, bayous, slews and resevior pond and catfish farms (lake).
Being honest, some used nicer guns, like 1911, BHP, Colt and S&W revolvers, just these are nice guns, not made like they were so the P-11 was one, Ruger 22/45 , Ruger P series are two others.

Concealed and on person, these guns worked in fresh and salt water, and just us, we prefer a hammer over striker , especially in "conditions" like water.

Main concern was coming and going with a boat, like pulling over to get ice and snacks, and someone seeing this and thinking "money" or "credit cards" and if you can afford that boat and vehicle, rob one.

Long guns are mostly used on property, and most do not use Marine guns, in our fresh water area. Some catfish farmers do use marine finish, and that has to do with chemicals they handle (feed, algae control...)
Most do not.

Long guns used when doing property duty down the slews and reseviors, snake infested area or coming up on areas dry, where the rabid critters are hiding out.

Off the Mississippi and using barges to ferry vehicles to islands to hunt/ fish, long guns are taken of course, not only for hunting, also modern day pirates and drug running.

On a lake in a speedboat- concealed is concealed.
P-11, Ruger P, Ruger 22/45 and electrical tape to have a lanyard is not a bad idea.

There is a Rolex President and Marine shotgun in the bottom of a large deep body of water.
Things went nuts right before the engine scattered.
The insurance company said, it was not worth sending divers down...
The fellow was real nervous about the folks that towed them back, they kept eyeing his wife...
Both wished they had a handgun on person...nothing happened, but they do carry concealed now...in a speedboat, any boat.

 

[kd7nqb]

This question seems to have an obvious answer.

What do the Coast guard freshwater guys carry? Do they have the M9? I dont know but I say that might be your answer.

Also the Mossberg orange kits is a great idea.

 

[RLsnow]

i would love a gun that floats so that if i loose it in the water its not gone forever

 

[Quoheleth]

If you want a handgun, I might suggest a 3" Ruger SP101, .357 Magnum. Load it mild to wild. Can drop in shorts pockets if necessary, or leave it in the glovebox (or whatever it is that boats have). Little easier to manage than a GP100.

If you want an autoloader, the Smith & Wesson MPs slides are stainless that are coated with their black stuff. While some things might still rust (i.e. sights I think are not stainless), the gun itself should be OK.

Whatever you choose, just like the rest of your tools, keep it cleaned & oiled after exposure to moisture, and you should be OK.

If you use a holster, get a nylon or synthetic of some sort. Leather will potentially hold moisture.


Q

 

[Quoheleth]

i would love a gun that floats so that if i loose it in the water its not gone forever

Don't know about a floating gun, but what about something like this:

http://www.aquapac.net/usstore/erol.html#600X1150

Q

 

[rcmodel]

Around these parts, a big old water snake trying to climb over the transom is about the biggest threat around. (besides people)

I once had a 5' long Timber Rattler attempt to board my bass boat one fine morning.
I mostly wore out a good fishing rod & a paddle trying to beat him off, and he just wouldn't give up.

With that said, a .357 S&W loaded with CCI Shot-Shells begin to take up residence in the console of my boat shortly thereafter.

The CCI shot-shells won't blow too big a hole in the boat if you need to kill a Timber-Rattler or Cotton-Mouth boarding party!

That and a few Speed-Loaders full of .357 JHP and you should be able to handle just about anything that comes paddling, motoring, hiking, or slithering along.

rcmodel

 

[skinewmexico]

Whatever handgun you like, then send it to Walter Birdsong and have it coated with Black-T.

 

[RobertFBurnett]

+1 on the Rem 870 Marine Magnum.

Another +1 if long arms are allowed, even not for the boat thats a great looking Remmy!

 

[Hunter0924]

If the quarters are too tight for a shotgun (and a shotgun could be unwieldy on a boat) I would suggest either a Ruger SP 101 or a stainless GP 100 depending on what size pistol you are looking for.

 

[markdaniel]

A glock would fit the bill here

 

[elderboy02]

Glock. They withstand every environment.

 

[sm]

FYI

1. Marine Shotguns do not float, trust me, I checked thrice one day.

2. Blowing up beaver dams seems to get more muck on the ones doing the blowing up than the ones the blowing up is supposed to quit building the damn dams.

Your observant reporter from the backwaters of property with reservoirs and muck.

*phew*

 

[Myles]

Stainless S&W Model 19s, and later Model 66s were good enough for the SEALs, in the harshest environments.

BTW, Glocks are the model of clean, modern, simple design. However, I don't think I would want to rely on a striker fired weapon, should it get fouled with sand, salt, and grit. Just saying.

Also, Mossberg makes/made the JIC shotgun combo. Stainless model 500, sealed in a locking tubed, with leatherman and pocket folder. (JIC = Just In Case) Nice locked storage for you - if you're a fan of pistol gripped shotguns. I had a set of Pachmayrs on a Mossberg 500, once. Fun, but not a lot of utility.