Advice for a novice: What is the best gun to carry in an RV?

[MapNerd]

.380s are a great choice as well. Unless you’re trying to take down someone that is jacked up on some stimulant, the shock of being shot will stop most people with the very first round.

 

[JRS]

I don't carry but shotgun is very effective in short range situations. Like the idea of racking a pump gun like an 870 it because it's a unique sound and that alone will scare off people. A sawed off shotgun is even better in close range situations. Isn't 26 inches total length ok in most states???

 

[ManlyMan]

I don't carry but shotgun is very effective in short range situations. Like the idea of racking a pump gun like an 870 it because it's a unique sound and that alone will scare off people. A sawed off shotgun is even better in close range situations. Isn't 26 inches total length ok in most states???

Yes, 26 inches overall but the barrel can't be less than 18 inches in length either.

 

[FL-JOE]

I recently had one of my shotgun barrels cut down. The shop only cuts them to 18.25" and no less. They want to make sure they stay above 18".

A pump shotgun equipped with a short barrel, plug removed and loaded with at least #4 shot is a lethal home defense weapon IMHO even for the beginner. I have a second long barrel for the same shotgun that has a scope mounted on it. When loaded with slugs the same shotgun can take the place of a rifle, more or less.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Well over the years it appears that something small and reliable is the preference. Semi autos are nice, there are times when you want a basic revolver, such as when you might be shooting from a jacket pocket or other place where the action will jam. If you review video of a shooting how many times does the gun jam. There are many examples of this. All that said.
A S&W model 642 is light, reliable, does not typically snag on clothing and goes bang every time .

 

[ArmyOfSquirrels]

Since this is the case, I urge you to take some time to learn about the ramifications of owning and, potentially, using one for self-defense.

For starters, consider whether you are psychologically willing and able to take a life. That's the bottom line when having a firearm for self-defense purposes. You hope to never be faced with that prospect, but if you are not prepared to do so without hesitation when the situation arises, look for other alternatives. It is a sobering thought, but one that needs to be faced honestly.

Then, you will need both training and regular practice to ensure that when called upon to use your firearm, you can do so effectively. Once the decision is made to use a firearm, the objective is to end the threat quickly and efficiently. I know that sounds clinical, but when you are in that situation, YOUR life depends on it.

And, not only are there legal ramifications to buying and possessing a firearm (especially a handgun), but there can be very serious ramifications to using it, even for self-defense. As others have said, laws vary widely between states and you had better be well-versed on the laws of the state where you might be called upon to use a firearm in self-defense. Unfortunately, defending yourself can extract a pretty serious price if you violate state firearms laws in doing so.

Not trying to deter you from buying a firearm, just suggesting that there is more to it than is commonly thought.

TJ

Completely agree. To add to this. I suggest never having owning a firearm you start with a long gun. One they are MUCH LESS regulated in most states (Again each state has its own web of laws to ensnare you for trying to defend your life) Traveling with a long gun most the time unloaded and out of reach is good enough. Using a long gun in self defense is usually easier for beginners as the bullet travels down a nice long 16inch barrel and in return increases the accuracy over a 3"-5" handgun barrel. That is not to say someone can not become proficient enough to use a handgun at range however it takes lots of practice and lots of ammo which is extremely hard to come by right now. With that being said I would suggest a shot gun to you until the market will allow you the means to practice enough to become proficient with a handgun. Shotgun shells are still relatively cheap and available. I highly recommend seeking a self defense course with your firearm, not one of the safety classes I mean a REAL course where you are at a range all day doing different drills and exercises. They are pricey the one I went to was about $400 and we needed a box of 500 rounds for both the Rifle and the Handgun. It was WELL worth the time and effort and I would love to take more of them but continue to do some of the drills on my own. Training will be your life safer, the tool will give you an advantage ONLY if you know how to properly use it.

 

[Joe Hogan]

If a long gun is the most reasonable choice, swinging a long gun in tight quarters can be an issue.
Here would be my recommendation. Mossberg 590 Shockwave.
Tremendous power is a relative small, easily managed package. A side benefit is it is intimidating, if your into that sort of thing.

An issue here is after the first round or two in a camper, you will effectively be temporarily deaf (a problem if law enforcement arrives, and you are instructed to follow directives) also choking on residual powder emissions. The camper air will be toxic after a gun battle. This all requires a plan.

590® Shockwave - Others - Firearms O.F. Mossberg & Sons

www.mossberg.com

 

[ArmyOfSquirrels]

I don't carry but shotgun is very effective in short range situations. Like the idea of racking a pump gun like an 870 it because it's a unique sound and that alone will scare off people. A sawed off shotgun is even better in close range situations. Isn't 26 inches total length ok in most states???

PLEASE do not do this. If you are encountering a threat you should not be racking the shotgun to scare them away. I know many people will say this is a good idea but IMO entering an encounter without your weapon being ready to go is a bad idea that not only CAN but DOES lead to your death. Yes it only takes a second to rack the slide, it also takes less time for someone to pull the trigger on you first because the criminals firearm was ready to go. The barrel must be 18" for shotguns and 16" for Rifles. The OAL of an SBS/SBR must be 26". Not sure why the different barrel lengths when the OAL is the same, stupid laws made by stupid people.

EDIT* Forgot about MD being extra stupid. OAL needs to be 29" in this state. May have other states with the same laws but I know for MD it was longer than the Feds.

 

[ArmyOfSquirrels]

Well over the years it appears that something small and reliable is the preference. Semi autos are nice, there are times when you want a basic revolver, such as when you might be shooting from a jacket pocket or other place where the action will jam. If you review video of a shooting how many times does the gun jam. There are many examples of this. All that said.
A S&W model 642 is light, reliable, does not typically snag on clothing and goes bang every timeView attachment 5160.

A S&W J-Frame is on my wishlist. Right now I carry the Shield (out of state cause MD is extra stupid with CCWs too)

 

[DHudson]

My wife got this M&P EZ 380. I carry a M&P Shield 9mm. The EZ stands for easy slide as she has trouble pulling the slide on mine.

SHIELD EZ | Smith & Wesson

Since 1852 we’ve been an industry leading manufacturer of pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shooting accessories. We continue to bring innovative firearms to market that meet the needs of every shooter and deliver on exceptional quality with a brand you’ve learned to trust.

www.smith-wesson.com

 

[ArmyOfSquirrels]

Oh while looking up the Barrel lengths I found this one that I have shot before and absolutely LOVED. Its on my wishlist as well its a pretty penny, but would take the issue of "long gun in short spaces" out of the equation which could very well be a literal life saver. They have a single tube that is cheaper, I only shot the double tube and it was smooth and very manageable recoil for the 12ga. Shotguns | KSG Tactical Shotgun | Downward Shell Ejection | KelTec

EDIT* This is NOT AN NFA item and should be cash and carry.

 

[Buly]

I just put together my kit pistol. Very compact only 22” overall.

 

[ArmyOfSquirrels]

Make sure to keep tabs on any laws banning or requiring a Class III for braces, They are pushing for it, if it become law you'll have to extend it or pay the $200 stamp and jump through all the hoops. Also wonder how they would go about the process as it would be illegal to have it without the paperwork and when I did my SBR the wait was a little over a year and a few months. Than I was able to build it but not before the paperwork. The Pistol is legal as of currently I really was hoping we were going the other direction in this country by now. Towards more freedom not more money to the government and seeking permissions.

 

[ArmyOfSquirrels]

I'm also in the same boat with a 9mm Pistol that takes glock mags. I think I still like my SBR better both are equipped for my suppressor.

 

[ArmyOfSquirrels]

The SBR in 300BLK I'm going to get a second barrel for it so I can also fire 556 out of it. Yes I'm also aware you CAN fire a 300BLK in a 556 Chamber... ONCE. So if you plan on going that route you will want separate mags marked clearly (Wrap tape, color change them, Fill out the little ID Blocks) Something to make sure you don't get them mixed up. It has happened before not with mine but with others.

 

[Buly]

Than I will swap it for one of my standard ones ?
?

 

[ArmyOfSquirrels]

MD banned AK's before I could build one sadly. I'm very much an equal opportunity gun owner I never understood the mind set of one or the other I've always been why not both? lol

 

[Joe Hogan]

In my opinion the hardest part of self defense is the mental preparedness. This and practice is what is needed to survive an armed conflict. Some good points are in this short read:

The Basics of Surviving a Gunfight: The Rules You Need to Know

The best strategy in a gunfight should be to come out on top, unscathed. This calls for top-notch training to hone your skills, condition your reflexes, and enhance capacity for split-second decisions.

vinjatek.com

 

[Fish]

Bumping an old thread.
I think I'm switching up my self defense items for this year's Florida trip.
Last year I took a glock 26 and a glock 19. 350 rounds of 9mm in case I wanted to go to the range. 26 was in the top drawer of the console next to driver's seat of rv, 19 in bedroom nightstand. 2 extra loaded magazines for each.

Under the bed I had an ACR with aimpoint and a Daniel Defense mk18 10.3" ar pistol with an eotech. 1,000 rounds of 5.56x45 in the closet. ACR isn't my favorite rifle but it has a folding stock so it fits good under the bed. Around 8 loaded magazines.

No ar pistol this year. Since our ATF overlords are going to make their ar pistol determination in December and I'll be gone from my home state of IL, I'm taking my ar pistols apart and leaving them at home. If they decide I have to sbr it, well I won't be in IL and able to jump through all the IL hoops to get that done. I guess I'll take my ACR again, not sure about a 2nd ar or if I'll even take a 2nd one.

I've switched my home nightstand pistol to my old XD .45 with thumb safety and light, I think I'll use that as my nightstand gun in the rv. XDS .45 in pocket holster in front console. XDS .45 is very handy to throw in pocket with pocket holster in case you have to leave the rv at night for some reason. Have to check on my .45 ammo stash. I've got lots of 9mm, not sure about .45.

 

[sanda]

The thread regarding favorite handguns and the events taking place in our country peeked my interest in possibly starting to carry a gun on our trips. Neither my wife nor I have ever owned a gun. There are probably other members here in a similar situation...

Today I visited 2 local gun shops hoping they might provide an education and steer me towards an intelligent purchase decision...that didn't work. I did observe that gun shops are very busy these days mostly serving customers who already know what they are looking for. I'm confident the trusty (or is it crusty?) members here can steer us novices in the right direction.

Some questions...
- Is there an easy answer to the best starter gun for a novice to carry in an RV for self-defense?
- Is there a gun that can be carried in all 50 states?
- Do I need a permit? What kind?
- Where in the RV is the best place to keep it? I'm thinking under the fold-up part of the bed?
- Any other thoughts/ideas appreciated.

Thanks

I prefer a pump shotgun with the shortest legal barrel. I don't know of any states that you can't carry it within your RV. You can also take it to Canada by filling out a simple form. Now if you want to carry a pistol that is a whole different story.