FLY TO ALASKA--RENT RV

The 18 in barrel is the magic number for keeping it legal, or was the last time I checked. My pistol grip also has a folding stock as part of it.. Probably should check the legalities on it again. It hasn't been out of my gun safe in several years. When we moved from Alaska to Colorado, I just put all my firearms in the truck with all our household items, barge, then rail to Colorado.
Moving firearms across state lines or country borders has become very difficult. I have taken hand guns through Canada enough times, back when it was legal to do so, that they still like to ask me about them and occasionally they like to look through our RV to see if maybe I have just a small one or two. LOL

And please, don't anyone one take my comments as any type of expert advice, just comments based on my driving to and from Alaska for the last 51 years and living there for 25+ years.

Isn't a pistol grip shotgun considered a pistol based on length? I would be unable to purchase one there because I'm out from out of state.
I guess I could purchase a Pardner and install a grip myself. I already have a scabbard.

I carried my pump shotgun in a leather scabbard I had attached to the outside of my Kelty external framed pack. I had replaced the standard stock with a pistol grip and with the 18 in barrel, it was not very noticeable but easy to access just by reaching over my shoulder when wearing it. The 22 pistol went inside. This was all part of my survival gear required by the state for pilots flying in the bush. In case of a survivalble crash, I wanted to be able to grab everything I needed in one container and get away from the airplane a ways. Having my religious moments, I also carried a couple of quarts of Christian Brothers brandy in the pack, just for medicinal reasons.

The shot gun I carried in the plane and sometimes when stream fly fishing and still have, is a Remington 870. When I bought the gun it had a 28 in modified choke barrel, then I got a 30 raised rib barrel for trap shooting, then got the 18 in improved cylinder barrel and pistol grip for carry purposes. I also have used it in law enforcement work. They are available used often times, very dependable and maintain a reasonable resale value. Also have an extended magazine for it .
I don't carry any these days on my trips to Alaska, but don't get out when the big critters live by myself anymore either. But every thing I read and hear about bear spray is positive for using it. You can buy it in Canada or Alaska.

joe b--Thanks for the input. I was thinking about just purchasing a rifle/shotgun there but I don't want to upset people I encounter who might see the weapon. I don't currently own a shotgun but could easily purchase one here or there.

I have driven to/from Alaska by myself a few times. Not any real problems encountered by me. It is just different, some good, some bad. I am not to convinced the fly and rent is much more expensive than driving with the current cost of fuel. The big fuel expense is getting there, not while there.

A hand gun is good to have but make sure you file off the front sight so it won't hurt so badly when Mr Bear stuffs it up your, you know where. LOL. Also handy to have so you can shoot yourself just before the bear bites you. Also works to stir your coffee with if you use cream and sugar. With some degree of seriousness, bear spray is more effective at close range. Like many young guys, I had to have a 44 mag when I moved to Alaska, after all I had seen the Dirty Harry movies. But I soon learned that a legal short barreled shotgun was much better protection. Those ca be transported throughs Canada by following the rules. In my airplane, when flying in the bush in Alaska, I carried a 22 cal Ruger semi auto for a meat gun, and either a 12 Gauge shotgun or my 375 H&H rifle. The 375 was my main hunting weapon for moose and bears during the 25+ years I lived in rural Alaska.

The fly and rent program works well for many people. Have't seen too many, if any, complaints on any of the Alaska or Canadian RV rental companies. GAH and ABC rentals are two of the largest of the rental agencies, with both being new RV dealers as well so most of their rolling stock is fairly new, a couple of years old at the most.

I'll probably drive it. I want to go to Banff, etc.
My wife's friends told her I would be nuts to drive it alone.
Driving alone won't be the reason I'm nuts.
Just got to figure out a legal way to get my firearm to myself when I get to Alaska. Since I will be hiking alone, I will feel more comfortable being able to attempt a defense against dangerous critters with a firearm. Might not be true in reality but will give psychological comfort.

I'd recommend driving yourself. Lots of sights to see on the way to/from AK AND it will get pretty expensive to rent an RV for your 4-5 weeks in AK.

I suspect you've seen much of the upper midwest, but a drive through Canada (particularly the West side, BC, Y.T., etc) is spectacular and would (IMNSHO) be sufficient reason to drive up rather than just fly in to Alaska.


.....although (also IMNSHO), Alaska scenery is still the best. :)

My girlfriend and I did it a few years back. We flew into Anchorage and rented from Great Alaskan Holidays. I would recommend them. We camped for 2 weeks and loved it. We went in May before the big tourist rush started. We have been to Alaska twice in May and think it is a great time of year to visit. Less crowds and bugs are the big sellers for that time of year. We camped at a couple of state parks where we were the only people in the park for the night. It was truely a trip of a lifetime.

I do have the time to drive there, but I'll be doing this alone. It's a loooong drive. I Can spend 3-4 months for the whole trip if I want.

If you decide to fly up & rent a rv I'd recommend Great Alaskan Holidays but you will need to make reservations soon, they tend to book up quickly from year to year. We flew up & rented for a month long trip (yes it was expensive but was to be "the trip of a lifetime") and it was TERRIFIC. That was in 2001. We came again & rented for 2 weeks in 2002. Then every other summer, beginning 2004 we drove up. Last year (2012) we decided we loved it enough & decided to build a seasonal cabin. As I said, yes it is expensive but it is a great way to see Alaska within the 4-5 weeks you have planned. Good luck with your decision to make the trip. You won't regret it!