Are We Allowed to have a gun in an RV for protection?

I cannot answer for every state, but I do know in Indiana you do not need permits for shot-guns or powder guns (old fashioned that use powder you pour in yourself).

I do not always carry my shotgun with me, but when I do, I usually leave the shells at home. Regardless of what's going on, I absolutely do not want to have any kind of accident happen. I just want the "click-click" sound as a deterrent, and my dachshund (who thinks he's part basset hound), barks and howls at anything that moves.

Like I said, I don't normally bring my shot-gun along, but sometimes I have an unsettled feeling about leaving the house empty. As far as it goes, I can recover from a television theft, or even a computer theft, but if my shotgun was stolen, I think I'd be rather upset. It's an older one, so old it doesn't even have a serial number. So I'll bring it along sometimes, just so I feel better. Sometimes we have possessions that are irreplaceable. This is one of them. And I really do like that 'click-click'!

Tom/Barb wrote:
Guns come with responsibilities be safe with it and never give reason for any LEO to search your trailer, require a legal warrant to search.
Never display it with out reason. keep it out of sight, and out of reach of children.
Never take a life over material things only when you or your family's lives are in danger.

And remember if you have to shoot someone you will be poor for the rest of your life..(lawyers)

3oaks wrote:

i5trucker wrote:
Not only do the laws vary from state to state, but also from city to city. New York, Chicago, Detroit and other cities have law very strict laws that the states of those cities do not have.

Now that's the best answer. You and a few others actually tried to answer the question.

It always amazes me as to how many people make comments without answering the original question. :R

What's worse, there is even a comment or two that could put a person on the wrong side of the law if they did as suggested. :E

Well, except for the fact that there are some wrong answers in there.

For some reason, a lot of people believe Detroit has very strict gun laws; maybe it's because it's such a sewer and folks automatically equate high crime cities to strict gun laws.

Michigan has a preemption law, meaning counties/cities/towns cannot pass stricter gun laws that preempt state law. In Detroit, you can carry concealed with a license. If you don't have one, you can open carry a holstered handgun, or even open carry a rifle slung over your back.

There's also a big difference between having a handgun in your RV, and a pump-action shotgun or hunting rifle.

The best advice on this thread is to check with a gun law lawyer.

Oh, and my Michigan Concealed Pistol License is recognized by 40 states. ;) The 10 states that don't honor it don't get any of my money.

ETA - if you choose to have one in your RV, please have a method of securing it. The nightstand drawer or a cabinet is not secure. Hiding is not the same as securing it.

Many people only feel "safe" with a gun. Personally, we carry bear spray in our RV and feel it will stop anybody if it will stop a bear. These are the big sixteen ounce sprays we belt carry for back country hiking. Some people carry wasp spray as an alternative to a hand gun.

I have owned guns for over sixty years so I am not a "no gun" guy. Just our preference.

i5trucker wrote:
Not only do the laws vary from state to state, but also from city to city. New York, Chicago, Detroit and other cities have law very strict laws that the states of those cities do not have.

Now that's the best answer. You and a few others actually tried to answer the question.

It always amazes me as to how many people make comments without answering the original question. :R

What's worse, there is even a comment or two that could put a person on the wrong side of the law if they did as suggested. :E

As others have mentioned, it depends on your state. I just got my concealed carry license in OH, and I am aware of the states with reciprocity agreements (about 28, I believe, have agreements with OH). We were also told in training that (in Ohio at least), the motorhome is considered our domicile, such that the castle doctrine would apply. For a topic so important and full of legal ramifications, it would be best to get advice from a truly qualified source.

johnnyrv wrote:
yes in florida and those states with a reciprocal agreement. a few states like mass and ny can be problematic. i think there is a law that you can transport a gun through any state. also you must obey campground rules regardless of state.

Yes, be sure the state in which you will be in have reciprocal agreements. It is up to the gun owner to check with every state (do not rely on people's word, go directly to the state) to ensure they are in compliance. Also note that some municipalities can have stricter laws. As johnnyrv mentioned, you have to obey the campground rules. And many private parks may not allow them. That is if you follow the law/rules...

I have a Pa carry permit that all states honor with the exception of MD and SC when we travel to Fl for the winters. When traveling thru those states I make sure the firearm is not in my access while driving. Amazing thing is that in some states it is legal to carry open but not concealed. I would't mind carrying open but unfortunately it freaks to many people out who are not use to being around firearms. As far as in my RV, I have at hand something other than a pistol.

Like already said, your state is pretty hard on guns and even getting a carry permit. I have my Va. carry permit but it's no good in Md. when I go north I leave it at home.

This is probably not the best place to get this information.

There are state laws, and city laws that do NOT allow you to carry even with a permit from your home state. You are responsible to be aware so asking is a first good step. People have been arrested and spend time in jail because they crossed state lines, got stopped for a traffic vilotaion and think they are safe with a permit.

2nd, a permit doesn't make it all ok. It doesn't make you safe. Maybe you or someone reading this thinks that this is enough. If you are considering this and don't have some real training, practice with a weapon and put it in a safe place, then you might consider the seriousness of this, the responsibility of it as well.

There are plenty of good resources online so google what applies in your state and then review the laws of where you are going. Read up and then make your decision.

Here is a good start is shows what states honor other permits. BTW: I still would NOT trust everything on the net. I would still call an official (highway patrol or sheriff) in state or city of quesiton to make sure.

http://www.usacarry.com/concealed_carry_permit_reciprocity_maps.html