I'm considering some trips out west and in some wilderness areas here in the east/north. I've never seen the need to have a gun to protect myself from humans and I've been to some pretty rough places here in north america. However, animals are another issue entirely. I know nothing about guns, so I thought I'd seek out some advice. I've hiked alot here on the east coast and have never seen anything but deer either - but I've heard stories - mostly from guys who hunt - about their wild animal encounters.Yes I know there are laws in each state to research. Yes I will take a safety coarse. I'll tell you this - I don't like guns at all and have a good bit of fear of them. I'd actually prefer to carry some kind of noise maker if such a thing exists and is effective. If there was some kind of tazer that was effective, I'd prefer that too.So let me get to my question, what kind of rifle should I get to carry in my B van? I will not consider a handgun at all for a variety of reasons. I'm thinking something not too large as storage space is at a premium. Is it better to have something that will drop an animal, or just scare them off (noise)?Or do you think my concern about bears, mountain lions, boar, moose, etc is stupid? I'm not too worried while in camp, as I can always go inside. I'm more concerned about been out hiking and having an encounter.

Forget the gun since you are not a gun person. Instead, get a can of good bear spray. Learn about that.

Given your feelings regarding guns I would strongly recommend that you find an alternative to obtaining a firearm of any kind. To answer your original question, if you must have gun but not a handgun then a shotgun would be the way to go but only afer extensive training and education on its uses and the applicable laws.:C

Way too many laws and restrictions to carry a weapon....buy a can or two of bear spray...you can carry it into Canada and every state. It can stop a charging 1000 lb bear instantly if charged while hiking. So if someone tries to break into your camper, hit the spray and not the gun...it will stop them, give to plenty of time to get away and not be arrested for firing a weapon wherever you are...safer around kids also

Doesn't that bear have to get mighty close for the spray to work?I have, in my sordid past, have handled an M-16 and achieved proficiency with it. Didn't like it, but I did it. That was many moons ago.Oh, it's pepper spray. Didn't know that.Bear spray on Amazon

You mention your concerns about finding a place to store your rifle in your B. I would be more concerned about having to go on a long nice hike with a rifle or shotgun over my shoulder all the time. Whatever means you decide on, remember that it's useless if you don't have it with you when you need it. I would think there's a much better chance that you'll have a can of bear spray with you than a rifle.

A firearm for my B | Good Sam Community

98 Replies

rfryer
Explorer
Jun 21, 2014
BudJ wrote:
stan909, the expression "Follow the Money" is often used with politicians. In this case it means that there are politicians that will say and do most anything for the monies from the gun industry, all of the gun industry.

Most US citizens are for gun ownership, fact - but with restrictions.

Bud

Your last comment is a common lefty theme, I think to influence those people who don’t keep up with the issue, and I put little stock in it. At least it doesn’t reflect my own experience. If you’re paying attention you’ll notice that many “restrictions” have been removed by legal action the last couple of years. If they researched the “gun problem” well, they’d find that actually doing something effective would create more political problems than they want to deal with. So focusing on the guns themselves rather than the criminal element misusing them is more palatable tactic.
BudJ
Explorer
Jun 20, 2014
stan909, the expression "Follow the Money" is often used with politicians. In this case it means that there are politicians that will say and do most anything for the monies from the gun industry, all of the gun industry.

Most US citizens are for gun ownership, fact - but with restrictions.

Bud
stan909
Explorer
Jun 20, 2014
Ok. Understanding that a moderator may step in. I'll ask a question. Follow the money to the politicians who would take away the right to bear arms or the ones who would support that right? Have a blessed day one and all and God bless America.
BudJ
Explorer
Jun 20, 2014
Hi NMace,

"I really do not care if you have a need for a firearm"

Understood, no problem here.

"as long as you do not infringe on my rights."

Again, no problem, I hope to not need to, but some others?

"If I follow the money where will it lead me?"

Politicians!

That expression "Follow the Money" can be used a lot, but often with politicians.

Take care.

Bud

Bud
NMace
Explorer
Jun 20, 2014
BudJ wrote:
"

I have little need for a firearm today.

'Follow the Money' concerning the firearm Industry today.

Bud

I miss your point, please explain.

I really do not care if you have a need for a firearm as long as you do not infringe on my rights. If I follow the money where will it lead me?
Desert_Captain
Explorer III
Jun 18, 2014
Davydd wrote:
Question. Who here has ever had to discharge a firearm out of necessity while camping other than desiring to, hunting with a license or recreational target practice?

I dropped the hammer firing two warning shots into the ground to alert the chucklehead who was not so randomly firing into our cg that:

1. We were there

2. I was armed and...

3. I would not hesitate to return any further incoming rounds

This was followed by silence and then a beat up old car cruised slowly through the cg. I waived and smiled but kept my hand on the butt of my pistol as he beat a hasty retreat. We were right on the Wyoming/Idaho border 5 miles up a a very tight dirt road in what turned out to be a deserted cg, late on a Monday afternoon at the end of September. The bozo had to have been a local and knew there was a cg there, perhaps he thought it to be empty but that's no excuse for sending 30 caliber rounds where you cannot see. No, there was no cell coverage and even if there had been help was at least 45 minutes to an hour away. We left early the next morning.
:E
BudJ
Explorer
Jun 18, 2014
"I have a whole gun cabinet of rifles and pistols (I am an avid hunter and gun collector) but I would rather have a can of this bear spray for both animals and intruders than any gun I own. The bear spray would definitely be more effective and easier to use properly. I don't see how you could possibly miss a target."

YES, it is about that simple Eau!

I carried a bear spray in grizzly bear country for many years primarily, if not only, for humans. But it depends. I was in Nowhere in the US West. If in the US East it would have been nothing Unless I was with others and expected to protect them. It so, And outdoors, it would have been first and foremost a bear spray then a firearm.

I have little need for a firearm today.

'Follow the Money' concerning the firearm Industry today.

Bud
LadyOfTheLake
Explorer
Jun 18, 2014
Stan909, thanks for the laugh. For a short moment I was having an identity crisis and has no idea what you were talking about! I actually live at/on a lake, that's where the handle comes from. I'll look into the magical power thing though. Maybe it will protect me from marauding bears and ill tempered campers and I can abandon my trusty laser guided pepper spray gun!
Davydd
Explorer
Jun 18, 2014
The fire extinguisher is not an equal analogy. No one made that choice to put them in their B if they bought from a converter. Various laws and regulations require them and I suspect a majority with a B over 6 years old might find them out of date. Besides that, if the danger for camping and needing a firearm was as great as a need for a fire extinguisher there would be way far fewer campers.
stan909
Explorer
Jun 18, 2014
Lady of the Lake. I never meant to flame you and I know Windcrasher was only joking but honestly who are you to talk when you apparently hand out majical swords to any Tom, Dick and Merlin who passes by.

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A firearm for my B

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