The real question is: are you prepared to take someone's life? A firearm is no good to you if it's not ready to go when you need it, which means out, aimed and firing at a moment's notice. It doesn't work like in the movies, you don't rack the action at someone and scare them into submission. You don't get time to think about it. The people that you need to be concerned about are not going to give you time to get into your trunk, load the shotgun, rack it and point it. Either your life is in danger or it's not. If it is, you shoot to kill. To do anything else completely cancels any protection that weapon affords you.
If you think the sight of a gun itself will protect you, you're probably more a danger to yourself and others than the bad guys are to you. If you respect the power to take a human life and you are at peace with that possibility, then take some classes, learn how to carry a weapon and use it right. And be prepared to take the consequences of your actions if you end up using it. Check out this group for classes and info:
http://thecurmudgeon.freeservers.com/ps/
The gun is no good if it's not handy and ready to go. If you're traveling, that's not a shotgun, it's a pistol. Go here to learn about carry laws in various states:
GrizzlyJohnson wrote: The real question is: are you prepared to take someone's life? A firearm is no good to you if it's not ready to go when you need it, which means out, aimed and firing at a moment's notice. It doesn't work like in the movies, you don't rack the action at someone and scare them into submission. You don't get time to think about it. The people that you need to be concerned about are not going to give you time to get into your trunk, load the shotgun, rack it and point it. Either your life is in danger or it's not. If it is, you shoot to kill. To do anything else completely cancels any protection that weapon affords you.
If you think the sight of a gun itself will protect you, you're probably more a danger to yourself and others than the bad guys are to you. If you respect the power to take a human life and you are at peace with that possibility, then take some classes, learn how to carry a weapon and use it right. And be prepared to take the consequences of your actions if you end up using it. Check out this group for classes and info:
http://thecurmudgeon.freeservers.com/ps/
The gun is no good if it's not handy and ready to go. If you're traveling, that's not a shotgun, it's a pistol. Go here to learn about carry laws in various states:
http://www.handgunlaw.us/
I have to agree, whole heartedly. A shotgun makes a fine home defense weapon, but for travel, a pistol and the training to use it are the keys. Know the Weaver and/or the Isosceles stances, be comfortable in them. Practice, practice, practice. If you can find a course that teaches defensive pistol use, instead of just the basics of shooting, all the better.
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It is your second amendment right, at least for a few more years. Just make sure you follow all safety regulations, the NRA is a good place start. A shot gun may/may not be practical for your needs; a handgun is much easier to pack/carry/travel with. Many people see guns as an inherently bad/evil item, they have been portrayed that way for years by all the fair and balanced news outlets in this country, they are not, don’t feel bad that you are considering it, This tool if used correctly it will never harm you or anyone near you but it can save your life, feed you….
A retired military friend used to say, I would rather be judged by 12 than 1, anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice, never go to a gun fight with a caliber starting with a number smaller than .4
I was robbed at gunpoint once many years ago. I wasn't carrying a weapon but I was carrying cash. Since then I do the opposite. If I'd had a firearm in my car that day I'd have taken a life; over what turned out to be seven dollars from my wallet. Not worth it. Still, he had us get down on our knees and could have easily executed us. I have only had one close call since then. I'll never be unarmed again. And I couldn't agree more with GrizzlyJohnson; very well said.
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You might need something in other states but in Colorado you should not have a problem with lowlifes in state parks or NPs, there are just to many campers filling the parks. Any problem wildlife is removed from the area or put down. Which all sounds great but I still have a 357 in the tent at night for a noise maker.
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FloridaLemon wrote: First, let me say that this is a fantastic forum. I've obtained a lot of useful information from this site. I do have one question.
I'm embarking on a wonderful trip in a few weeks. I'm traveling from North Florida and going by way of back roads through Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Kansas to my destination in Colorado. I will be camping my way there through National and State Parks. I'm doing this all solo! I'm a bit apprehensive to be going this distance by myself. While I'll have bear spray for Rocky Mountains camping and a whistle for hiking as well as various other noise items and a series of small camping knifes for use at the campsites, I'm wondering about whether I should carry along a fire arm. I've tried to see what the rules are in each state, and I must say - it's very confusing. I know that firearms are not allowed in most State and Federal Parks, but can you keep on in your car but locked away (and then again - if it's locked away, why would I need it???). I'd love to hear your opinion on this.
Thanks.
Don't leave home with out it and never locked away!! Like you say what good is it if locked where you can't get it!!
bendonahue wrote: As long As you keep it accessible and out of sight no one will ever know that you have it. If you truly need it then you have it. IMO I would rather have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
To me it's ridiculous question. Being a native Canadian, I won't carry, nor do I ever want to. My only dangers are bears, moose and the occasional wolf - I carry a large machete - very sharp. Travelling around North and Central America very much over the last 20 years - law enforcement is only a phone call away. Give up my truck and wallet - sure, it's replaceable - my life isn't.
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