Hand Guns

westernrvparkowner wrote:
Do not do it, and I mean do not get a handgun and do not full time if you are so afraid of what you might encounter you feel you need to carry a weapon that can end someone's life. In an RV you will have many more encounters with strangers, that is the nature of RVing. You will likely encounter some people who have been drinking at some point in time if you stay in RV parks. You will have a startling encounter with someone who just walks out of the woods if you are boondocking. You are going to hear strange noises, something or someone is going to bump into your rig at some point in time. Something uncomfortable has happened to every person who RVs, and yet we are all still here. Though these forums are full of tough talking gunslingers, the fact is none of them has ever shot and killed a human being while defending themselves while RVing. No one on these forums have drawn their handgun and dropped a bear charging them, because it less likely to occur than you winning the lottery.
The sidewalk lawyers here will tell you all about your rights to defend yourself, but if you shoot someone, be prepared to spend a long time in court, a long time in jail and be prepared to lose everything you own when the relatives of your victim sue you and win. Those "castle" laws that protect homeowners blur when you are talking about public places. If you are boondocking, you have absolutely no more right to the spot you are on than anyone else. And do you really want to risk prison time based on the advice from someone on these forums who tell you "no problem, your RV is legally considered your home" when their only experience with the legal system is paying a parking ticket?
The fact is gun laws vary from state to state, and from city to city. Get caught with a handgun in NYC and you are going to JAIL, not court, not a fine, JAIL. That is the law, and all your preaching about your 2nd amendment rights won't get you a better bunk at Riker's Island.
Getting a handgun solely out of fear is a prescription for something bad to happen. Don't do it.

I agree with you! I live within 60 miles of some of the toughest cities on the east coast. NYC, Philly, 20 miles from Trenton to the north and 20 miles from Camden to the south. I'm a Pro-Photographer for almost 35 years, always with expensive equipment in these areas. I've been RV'ing since 93,mostly alone, often stopping in remote areas, truck stops and parking areas. Never had a problem. It's all about knowing your area and the people around you. The "bad guy" is not going to warn you, they want the element of surprise, they have been watching and waiting for the right moment... Also, as someone pointed out, pulling a gun and being willing to use it are two different things... Enjoy yourself and your RV, keep out of areas where you should not be. If you feel your being watched, make eye concact. Let others know what You see. If alone, get out of the area.

Rich...
USMC Ret: