Community Forums

Kablewizard · 04-08-2007, 07:34 PM

I feel everyone has lost the real question here. If you carry or not was not the question.

In the years we have been camping, from our tent days to just this weekend. we have never had a real problem, there was a time or two that when I looked at the park we were going to stay at we decided to find another. We have had encounters with animals, from snakes to coyoties and bears. We have had a handgun since we first started camping and have never needed it. We don't always carry but do when we are going to someplace in the wilderness mostly to scare off what ever animal needs to be scared off.

The original question asked was what should you do? Like many here a good campground is as safe a place as any. As stated before, if you don't feel right, then keep going. When your on the road a new cell phone with a gps chip for 911 is what you need in a emergency. you call and they know where you are. It may not work everywhere yet but they are working on it. Lets get back to the ideas of what we do to feel safe.

rvdood · 04-09-2007, 03:18 AM

I found the news story. It wasn't Las Vegas, it was Cedar City, UT.

http://www.bonitanews.com/news/2006/jul/28/cape_coral_m...ls_alleged_intruder/

And here's the follow up story

http://www.bonitanews.com/news/2006/sep/13/cape_coral_m...shooting_motorhome_/

Lou

hamguy · 04-09-2007, 06:19 AM

"When your on the road a new cell phone with a gps chip for 911 is what you need in a emergency. you call and they know where you are. It may not work everywhere yet but they are working on it."

Are you aware of the typical/average response time to a 911 call. IIRC, it is in the neighborhood of 20 minutes.

I am not too concerned about woodland critters. It is the meth junky (who abound all over the country) who is trying to score some junk either higher than a kite or who thinks MY RV is the one he was told about.

I once had unknown people bang on my RV door late at night. I had NO idea what the intnetions were but I guarantee if he had a prybar, my cell phone would have made a pi$$ poor weapon. I had my gun and yelled and whoever it was went away but I had no guarantees.

Had I called 911, I would have been dead and cold by the time the cops got to me GPS or not!

I have carried most of the time for 25 years. I have never had reason to pull the trigger. I don't want to either. BUT, I want the God given RIGHT to carry and protect my family.

RonNBama · 04-09-2007, 11:16 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by hondo122:
Even the dumbest criminal knows the sound of cycling a round into a 12ga. pump.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Mossberg Peacekeeper, #6 then a #4 and another #4, then some serious sized pellets. However,like you noted, the sound of the pump action should be enough to deter even the dumbest crook.

georgetown350 · 04-09-2007, 12:13 PM

I will get a tape recording of this 12 ga pump sound. Should work if I play it loud enough.

hondo122 · 04-09-2007, 02:30 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RonNBama:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by hondo122:
Even the dumbest criminal knows the sound of cycling a round into a 12ga. pump.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Mossberg Peacekeeper, #6 then a #4 and another #4, then some serious sized pellets. However,like you noted, the sound of the pump action should be enough to deter even the dumbest crook.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Remington 870 Express Magnum with a 6 shell extended tube. While I've never had it out in a camping situation several years ago while living in a very nice area of Philadelphia I was awakened by a disturbance in the rear common driveway. Hearing loud voices one of which I recognized as my neighbor I grabbed the beast and went out back through my yard. Walking through the gate I saw a stranger with his back to me holding a 9mm on my neighbor. I racked a round into the chamber and told the stranger it was his call. He lowered his gun and ran. So I do have definitive evidence that the sound alone is a significant deterrent.

bsavage · 04-12-2007, 04:31 PM

Among other things, I like the having several "ferocious" sounding dogs at the ready! Ain't no sneakin' up on our rig! Trust me!

hondo122 · 04-13-2007, 05:41 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NeilV:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by bsavage:
Among other things, I like the having several "ferocious" sounding dogs at the ready! Ain't no sneakin' up on our rig! Trust me! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

My family enjoys the safety that comes from traveling with a 100 lb Japanese Akita. This is great for our safety however there is always the danger of her misinterperting someone elses actions as aggresive and comming to the defense.

Two type of crowds come by our coach when we have her with us. One gathers and comes closer because of the beautiful dog and the second group just can't seem to walk past fast enough.

People up to no good usually fall into the second group. Late one night we had the door bell ring and it was not the relative we were expecting. When we opened the door he took one look at the dog and made a comment about her. I simple reponded with yes but I am surprised the "Big One" hasn't come around from out back to see who's here. He replied "BIG ONE!" excused himself and bolted, taking his buddies who were waiting out by the curb with him. I know that was a bit cruel but it was effective.

When the situation warrents it we simple tell her "on guard" and then leave the rest up to her.

On the downside we have been rejected by too many campgrounds because they won't accept dogs over 40 lbs or take one look at her and get scared by her quiet, watchfull presence.

I wonder how many campgrounds have a no guns rule in addition to the no large dogs rule? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Zeus is a 95 lb. Johnson American Bulldog. He has a strange reaction to strangers, he doesn't bark at all, he stands and stares, some find that quite unsettling. I reality he's trying to figure out if you want to play or not.

mamaloya · 04-13-2007, 09:42 AM

Safety is one reason we got our dog. With dh deploying the end of this summer I wanted a deterrent to any nogooders.

buckeyes · 04-13-2007, 01:21 PM

Okay, enough of the question to carry or not carry. IF you are not willing to use this weapon in the defense of yourself or another, then DO NOT CARRY A GUN! All you are doing is bringing a gun to your assault, as it will be taken from you and then all sorts of bad stuff happens.
Carry the cell phone, use good common sense, and lock the doors when or in the RV, and especially when your not.
Don't advertise valuables that you might be carrying, and I am sorry to say this, but trust no one until you have reason to.
I am a retired Police Chief, and over 32 years of service have seen people who had a very false sense of security by carrying a gun, then did not have the fortitude or knowledge to actually use it.
If you are in fear of your life, you are justified to use deadly force, but never use it to stop a property crime, never!

Richard K · 04-17-2007, 05:31 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by JJHamick:
I was a police officer for 30 years and carried a handgun every where I went. I am now retired 6 years and haven't carried one since. It's nice to know I can if I want to but also happy I don't have to. If I felt I needed a hand gun at any particular camp ground I probably wouldn't go there. So far I haven't felt that way. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

John, congrats on a long career. I recently retired after 36 yrs. When I was working I carried on and off-duty. Seems like the only time I didn't carry off-duty was when I needed one. Since retirement, I never carry except when traveling, then always have one on me or in the RV.