Community Forums

crslls · 05-23-2012, 09:54 PM

I am new to the RV world and wondering if it would be a good idea for me to get a pistol for protection. What are the options of those of you who have been at it for awhile.

Mr_D · 05-23-2012, 09:58 PM

Been discussed ( and cussed) many times. It's a "hot" subject on both sides.

I do but I've owned guns since I was 12 and I'm 65 now. For PD in a MH an 18½" barrel shotgun is good, that's one of several I take with me.

bluepill · 05-23-2012, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Been discussed ( and cussed) many times. It's a "hot" subject on both sides.

I do but I've owned guns since I was 12 and I'm 65 now. For PD in a MH an 18½" barrel shotgun is good, that's one of several I take with me.

+1 on the above suggestion. Pistol makes a poor choice at home or motor home for many reasons.

jimmyjnr · 05-23-2012, 10:07 PM

Why is shotgun a better choice for home / Rv defense ?

R2Home · 05-23-2012, 11:14 PM

Have you ever been on the 'other end' of a person racking a pump shotgun in the middle of the night? Once you hear that sound you really begin to wonder if you are going to see the light of a new day.
With a handgun, one must spend a good deal amount of time to become well versed with it. If you decided that the 'threat' is not a threat, you might not be able to make a hand gun safe. With a shot gun, it is much easier to make it safe again. If you feel that a large gauge shot gun is not for you, there are some 'home defense' 410 shotguns that fit the bill real good. Besides a blast from a smaller shotgun should not travel as far as a larger gauge or a handgun.
The other question is do you want to protect our self from two or four legged problems? How about if and when you go hiking in the back country? Just some things to consider.
For our traveling we generally have a shotgun, a large caliber rifle and handguns.

Mr_D · 05-23-2012, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluepill

+1 on the above suggestion. Pistol makes a poor choice at home or motor home for many reasons.

A Taurus Judge with .410's in it would be good, but CA considers it a short barrel shotgun and it's illegal there as is the S&W version.

Bruce C · 05-24-2012, 05:09 AM

Another choice is bear spray. It comes with a holster and has a good range of fire. It won't make any intruder too comfortable. It's a feeling of comfort while hiking as well. Options are great when it comes to protection. Good ones above as well. Good luck on your choice.

az bound · 05-24-2012, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyjnr

Why is shotgun a better choice for home / Rv defense ?

My reasoning is that you do not need to be as accurate with a shotgun whether a longgun or revolver. The revolver type .410 has a shot pattern of 16-20 inches at 20 feet. An 18-1/2 inch shotgun has about half that.
Most do not want to commit to the time at the range to become very accurate with a handgun let alone go to the expense of doing so. We just want the peace of mind in knowing that if need be, we have the tool we need to defend ourselves.
Scenario; Its totally dark in your home or motorhome and someone breaks in. Do you turn on a light so you can aim more accurately and confront the intruder head on or shoot first and ask questions later? A tough decision must be made in seconds.

jzick · 05-24-2012, 06:36 AM

Quote:

I am new to the RV world and wondering if it would be a good idea for me to get a pistol for protection. What are the options of those of you who have been at it for awhile.

IMO, your choice should have nothing to do with starting to rv. Do you have protection in your car? At home? If you choose to have personal protection, remember that each time you cross a state line (or sometimes county or city) the laws for firearms changes and it is your responsibility to do what you must to be in compliance. For more information on state/local laws consult the NRA, www.handgunlaw.us, or Travelers Guide to the Firearms Laws of the Fifty States by J. Scott Kappas.

wnytaxman · 05-24-2012, 06:42 AM

Another option is just a can of wasp spray. It has a range of about 20 feet and it will also tend to ward off problems if they arise. Guns have many restrictions and carrying any firearms into Canada can create some issues.

jason123 · 05-24-2012, 06:43 AM

Handgun laws are where it usually varies the most. This is a controversial issue but which ever side you are on, it is better to have informed people out there. The green shaded states are mostly friendly to firearms, while the red shaded states are either not-friendly or have some serious restrictions you need to know about before crossing the state line.

dieselclacker · 05-24-2012, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crslls

I am new to the RV world and wondering if it would be a good idea for me to get a pistol for protection. What are the options of those of you who have been at it for awhile.

The option I have chosen, and I have been RV'n for well over 40 years, is to not carry firearms at all. I have no qualms with those who choose to do otherwise. You asked for options, this is what works for me.

Sequim Guy · 05-24-2012, 02:16 PM

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Mr_D · 05-24-2012, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by az bound

My reasoning is that you do not need to be as accurate with a shotgun whether a longgun or revolver. The revolver type .410 has a shot pattern of 16-20 inches at 20 feet. An 18-1/2 inch shotgun has about half that.
Most do not want to commit to the time at the range to become very accurate with a handgun let alone go to the expense of doing so. We just want the peace of mind in knowing that if need be, we have the tool we need to defend ourselves.
Scenario; Its totally dark in your home or motorhome and someone breaks in. Do you turn on a light so you can aim more accurately and confront the intruder head on or shoot first and ask questions later? A tough decision must be made in seconds.

That's why my shotgun (Win 1300 Coastal Defender) has a combination light and laser on it. Switch is near the trigger, hit the button and I've got light as well as the laser dot.