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

[lemondrop9344]

If you are seriously considering acquiring a weapon for self defense, I would encourage you to read some of the writings of Massad Ayoob. He is well respected as an expert witness in self defense litigation. As as an instructor & trainer in the use of firearms, he's top notch.
Let me pose this question to you............. You are in your RV, you have been slowed to a stop on the road by an unruly crowd, perhaps you are settled in at the RV park for a good night's sleep & there is a disturbance outside that frightens your, or any other circumstance where you feel you might need to defend your self with the use of deadly force. How quickly will you be able to get to the weapon to defend yourself when it's under the fold-up part of the bed?
I think you know the answer to that question as well as I do.

 

[ManlyMan]

Thanks everyone...great information. I have some homework to do...

Since this thread has been brought back to life, did you acquire a gun and if so what, or did you decide to pass on getting one.

 

[Fish]

I need to keep better track of stuff. Went and looked at ammo stash, I have more .45 than I do 9mm!
Went through one of the safes looking to see how many mags I had for my glock 30 and found 2 beretta single stack 9mm mags I had no idea what they were for. Didn't remember ever owning a beretta.
Finally remembered I had a Nano and it's what I traded for the glock 30. Messaged the guy he could have the mags if he wanted them and still had the Nano, but since it was 7 years ago he probably won't respond.

I absolutely hated that Beretta Nano, maybe that's why I didn't remember it at first.

 

[BuckyII]

Since this thread has been brought back to life, did you acquire a gun and if so what, or did you decide to pass on getting one.

We decided the proper purchase of a gun would require more training and planning than we were prepared to do and could possibly create more problems than it would solve...so we bought a cannister of Bear Spray that was easy to keep handy in the top drawer of the front consol. We have since sold the RV and never did purchase a gun.

 

[ManlyMan]

We decided the proper purchase of a gun would require more training and planning than we were prepared to do and could possibly create more problems than it would solve...so we bought a cannister of Bear Spray that was easy to keep handy in the top drawer of the front consol. We have since sold the RV and never did purchase a gun.

Thanks for the update. Any plans to purchase another RV?

 

[lemondrop9344]

BuckyII,
Acquiring a firearm for self defense is not something that should be taken likely. Your reply seems to suggest you carefully considered the pro & cons of acquiring a firearm for self defense & decided against it. Kudo's to you.
Quality training is not inexpensive. IMHO, in addition to how to effectively use a hand gun/long gun in a self defense encounter, the training should delve into the law as it applies to the use of 'deadly force' as well as the emotional and financial impacts if the situation goes bad.
Maintaining a certain level of proficiency with your firearm of choice requires a certain amount of 'range time', & possibly participating in some of the recognized 'shooting sports' organizations. This can be difficult to do in these times with the current availability/expense of ammunition.
DISCLAIMER - I am not against individuals owning firearms, I am somewhat concerned a lot of people are acquiring firearms and are not learning how to properly use them.

 

[BuckyII]

Thanks for the update. Any plans to purchase another RV?

@ManlyMan We do not plan to purchase another RV. We had our coach for 4 years, traveled during the summers for a total of about 11 months and covered 35,000 miles. It was a great experience...we were able to visit family, friends, meet people and see this wonderful country while comfortably traveling with our dog(s). No regrets and no regrets about selling.

 

[MaraZen]

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 am a Female Combat Army Girl, I am in love with guns of all kinds, can't help it I was in the military, lol. and have a few BUT your best bet in my opinion is go to an inside gun range because most of them have loaners to rent while in there and they do take appointments for one on one, to explain about them. There are courses too, they can point you to the ones that may or may not be good for you and what you may use it for. They will let you handle them and teach you how to hold and fire them in their range. Etc. Do not go to a regular gun shop at least not until you have had the experience in the Gun Range. Most gun ranges have a lot of guns for sale. They will teach you just about everything you need to know and while you are at it they do a background check if you are going to buy and you can learn about what is legal in every direction, etc. You will take a safety course too. Make sure your wrists and arms are able to carry and fire the weapons and can handle a kickback if there is one. Get the feel of holding them, they are all different, weight, material they are made with, etc. AND PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE, firing them even when you finally do get one. Just my 2 cents, lol.

 

[MaraZen]

I just put together my kit pistol. Very compact only 22” overall.View attachment 6698

My favorite, lol. Cleaned it so many times.

 

[MaraZen]

STUN GUNS ARE SAFER and Bear spray and pepper spray too.

 

[Wemustrv]

@BuckyII good on you for taking the right steps. Training is very important so no matter what you buy follow that up with a gun safety course, go shoot it among instructors, etc. I think you'll get a gazillion opinions on guns. If I was to choose I'd suggest the Springfield Armory 4.5inch barrel XDM 9mm. It's my favorite.

There is an app called Legal Heat you may want to check out.

My Account - Legal Heat

mylegalheat.com

Where to store it? That depends on how quickly you may need to access it. In a safe locked? In the storage under the nightstand? Know the rules of transporting a weapon in your state, typically it needs to be unloaded in the back of your vehicle. Now a MH, a vehicle or a house?

It comes down to your judgment for self-defense and access. Google is your friend, it's complicated, just be careful out there and you're doing the right thing.

I bought my recent shotgun (need for AK as you can't have handguns) a Remington 870 and my recent Kimber from Cabelas.

Springfield Armory XD(M) Semi-Auto Pistol | Cabela's

The Springfield Armory® XD(M)® Semi-Auto Pistol is an enhanced version of the standard XD pistol that improves ergonomics and accuracy. The ergonomic design

www.cabelas.com

I have had an 870 for years absolutely love it very accurate and dependable. I'm still trying to determine which handgun I want to carry. I have big hands and I want a gun that fits me good.

 

[Wemustrv]

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

Before you buy anything please study about hand guns a bit and then go to a gun shop with a shooting range and under supervision see what it is like to shoot a handgun. With no training or experience you could be your own worst enemy.

 

[MaraZen]

Another tip, go to gun shows and ask questions, these weapon holders know their stuff. Don't expect to go there for 15 min. and then leave, spend as much time as you can to learn. They are all so eager to give their 2 cents, lol. They have a lot of opinions, so listen, Handle them, you need to have a weapon that feels good in your hands too. The stories of their experiences are interesting to listen to, etc. If they don't have an answer they still know where to find the answers. Weapons are no joke as you can see by what RVers are saying in here. My counselor in my VA group and she was my one on one counselor was shot and killed by her husband. I miss her. Some of my friends committed suicide with weapons. I am very sad about these situations. Even the best weapon holders have accidents too. I can't say this enough... PLEASE be careful and safe. Don't buy just because you think it can save you, most of the time they can get to you first. LOCK Yourself into your RV while you're in your RV. When I am at home, I still lock it when I come in. I know I sound crazy that's because I am but it does help a little to detour people from coming in. Safety first.