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

wincrasher65
Explorer
Jun 13, 2014
BillJ999 wrote:
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.

That's a good point.
C_B_
Explorer II
Jun 13, 2014
If you are going to get a gun for use in your B IMHO a short barreled shotgun is what you want. It will do what you want in a confined area without aiming.
Just point and shoot.

C.B.
bgum
Explorer
Jun 13, 2014
Don't put that spray in a hot automobile. I read where a can exploded and the owner had to change the entire inside of his truck.
BillJ999
Explorer
Jun 13, 2014
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.
wincrasher65
Explorer
Jun 13, 2014
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
JoeGood988
Explorer
Jun 13, 2014
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
Desert_Captain
Explorer III
Jun 13, 2014
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
Mandalay_Parr
Explorer
Jun 13, 2014
Forget the gun since you are not a gun person.
Instead, get a can of good bear spray. Learn about that.

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A firearm for my B

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