Shotgun for (Mobile) self defense ?

P

PeterC

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Hi All,

Ok - so maybe a stupid question but I'll risk it and ask anyway...

I now have a Travel Trailer/Camper and will be hitting the road sometime next year for (potentially) a year long Coast-to-Coast trip with, maybe, even a foray or two into Canada.

Given the laws/rules/limitations in various states (eg, NY, etc) is it possible to have a (hopefully semi-auto) configuration that can be transported to all 48-49 (I'm not driving to HI) states and Canada ? There is good reciprocity with NH and, if have to, will pursue one or both FL and Utah (but would rather not). So, basically are there states where you need a .gov permission slip even for a shotgun ?

I'm not looking for a high end showpiece but just something basic and reliable that goes bang when it's supposed to.

Thanks !

Peter

p.s. Yeah, I get 'concealed is concealed' so can we just skip that commentary please ? :cool:
 
Transported to all states or locked and loaded within reach? The former might be possible but the latter, probably not. Get one of those “All 50 States” books and first look at states that require state permits to possess firearms. Many of those severely restrict or prohibit non-residents. Cross those off your travel list.

AFAIK, NY allows shotguns w/o a license or permit, but requires an 18”+ barrel and limits where you can have it (sensitive places). A pump shotgun with 4rd capacity locked separately from ammo might be useful when stopped for the night, but read up.

You really only find out about state and local firearms laws when asking permission to have/do something with a firearm or explaining to Law Enforcement why you have/used a firearm. That’s a Catch 22 - a self-defense firearm is useful only when it’s used for self-defense, whether fired or not. That said, the vast majority of man against man firearms use goes unreported or unsolved. But catching gangbangers in a “Don’t Snitch” environment is very different than your situation.
 
I cannot comment on the legalities, but I would also suggest a pump shotgun with an 18.5" barrel. pretty much "assault weapon ban" proof in every state. small enough to be portable / store. damned near idiot proof and reliable in all conditions.

I have this Mossberg barrel on my Remington 870

www.mossberg.com

Remington 870 12 Gauge Security Barrel - 18.5" - Blued

Remington 870 12 Gauge Security Barrel, Breacher - 18.5" / Blued
www.mossberg.com www.mossberg.com
 
MaverickNH said:
Transported to all states or locked and loaded within reach? The former might be possible but the latter, probably not.
Click to expand...
This.

What is your intended use case?

I believe that many states with permissive rules about firearms still prohibit loaded long guns in a vehicle. I think NH is one of these states, where if you have a loaded long gun in a vehicle, then you are deemed to be hunting from a road, which is prohibited. So the loaded long gun is a problem even though you can conceal a loaded handgun with no permit required. I think there are a number of states with rules like this, but I have not researched it carefully.

Also, I am not sure how any of these rules apply to a camper or trailer. But overall, how you want to store, carry, and access the firearm may make a big difference with regard to legalities.
 
Hi All,

Lots of great feedback - thanks !

I'd like to avoid not so very friendly states but the whole purpose of this trip(s) are to experience all the great sights and national/state parks in the country. After, I come home and buy a boat :cool:

I'm not primarily interested in locked and loaded in my vehicle (hidden or otherwise). More for more remote camping sites (my new camper has an ideal setup for boondocking) than travel - so people and critters at oh-dark-thirty.... I figure with a really big truck I can get away from/run over whatever is in my way. lol

I had already figured that a pump with 4 round capacity was going to be the best route - nice to hear the same here.

Also, as far as Canada, I was under the impression that (as long as they're declared for hunting, lol, purposes or such that it's perfectly legal. Not true ?
 
Another vote for a short barreled (but not Shockwave short) pump shotgun. Can't go wrong with Mossberg 500 or Remington 870. If concealability is a huge concern, an older Winchester model 12 or Savage 520 have the best take down system ever.
A coach gun with 18" barrels will break down easy for storage and provide half the capacity of a pump, but you'll still not be undergunned.
 
Do some research on what the 18 wheeler truckers do. I'm sure there are a lot of independent drivers out there that have their own 'security'. Some national parks might not allow firearms outside of hunting season so some bear spray might be best.
 
straightshooterjake said:
I think NH is one of these states, where if you have a loaded long gun in a vehicle, then you are deemed to be hunting from a road, which is prohibited. So the loaded long gun is a problem even though you can conceal a loaded handgun with no permit required.
Click to expand...
I’ll add, for the sake of clarity, that the way the state currently defines loaded is having a round in the chamber. So you can have a loaded magazine in the long gun, but as long as one isn’t in the chamber it does not fit the definition of loaded as it pertains to this law.
 
pj150 said:
Do some research on what the 18 wheeler truckers do. I'm sure there are a lot of independent drivers out there that have their own 'security'. Some national parks might not allow firearms outside of hunting season so some bear spray might be best.
Click to expand...

OTR drivers are subject to the same laws as everyone else in terms of laws/licensing/ reciprocity etc, as far as the government is concerned.
 
PeterC said:
Also, as far as Canada, I was under the impression that (as long as they're declared for hunting, lol, purposes or such that it's perfectly legal. Not true ?
Click to expand...
For Canada, hunting, competition and protection against wildlife can be used. Semi or pump shotgun over 18" is fine, just gotta declare at both US and Canadian customs, fill out a couple forms (form 4457 for us customs and form 5589 for Canadian customs) and pay a fee on the Canadian customs side of $25 CA.
 
Last edited:
PeterC said:
Hi All,

Ok - so maybe a stupid question but I'll risk it and ask anyway...

I now have a Travel Trailer/Camper and will be hitting the road sometime next year for (potentially) a year long Coast-to-Coast trip with, maybe, even a foray or two into Canada.

Given the laws/rules/limitations in various states (eg, NY, etc) is it possible to have a (hopefully semi-auto) configuration that can be transported to all 48-49 (I'm not driving to HI) states and Canada ? There is good reciprocity with NH and, if have to, will pursue one or both FL and Utah (but would rather not). So, basically are there states where you need a .gov permission slip even for a shotgun ?

I'm not looking for a high end showpiece but just something basic and reliable that goes bang when it's supposed to.

Thanks !

Peter

p.s. Yeah, I get 'concealed is concealed' so can we just skip that commentary please ? :cool:
Click to expand...
I absolutely hate these threads. The answer is do your own research, stop being lazy, and get your own answers. I noticed after five or six maybes and opinions you replied with “good feedback”. Really? Has this feedback based on “I think” and “maybe” resolved any legal questions? The real answer is you need to research thoroughly the laws in any state that you intend to enter.
 
240Geezer said:
Free men do not ask for permission.
Buy what you want. Store it properly.
Don't be stupid and show off or brandish.
No one needs to know what you have on board.
Click to expand...
😂😂
Unfortunately. The legislature in all 50 states disagrees with you.
I would assume it’s safe to say that free men prefer to remain just that. Free men. It’s difficult to remain a free man when you have a felony conviction that results in jail time.
 

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CR2001 said:
I absolutely hate these threads. The answer is do your own research, stop being lazy, and get your own answers. I noticed after five or six maybes and opinions you replied with “good feedback”. Really? Has this feedback based on “I think” and “maybe” resolved any legal questions? The real answer is you need to research thoroughly the laws in any state that you intend to enter.
Click to expand...
Hmm, well I guess this doesn't qualify as "good feedback". lol What compels you, then, to read and respond if you absolutely hate these threads? Geez, just pass on by and nobody will notice.

But, thanks anyway.

:cool:
 
Pump Action Mossberg 590A1 Blackwater (includes the evil bayonet lug) wasn't a problem in Canada (just fill out RCMP 5589 and pay CAD25). Semi-Auto's are an issue in Canada (but don't know the specifics) and can cause issues in some places in the US.

As said above, store it out of sight and in the US just go. I've driven to Florida three times and Mississippi twice carrying a G26 with my Mass Class A as the only paperwork.
 
Shotguns are great. A pump shottie is not considered assault weapon or destructive device *yet* in the remaining communist states. Last time I had to visit upstate NY, I was not allowed to carry a pistol so I brought an unloaded cheapo Maverick 88 to have with me in my hotel. Not sure about a semi auto - just don't have a pistol grip or a mag tube over 5 rounds. I think some communist states let you hold 7 in the tube, and some others you might get in trouble. As your camper is your home, just gotta have it locked away and unloaded while you're driving it but when you're parked,

breaking-bad-jesse-pinkman.gif
 
CR2001 said:
I absolutely hate these threads. The answer is do your own research, stop being lazy, and get your own answers. I noticed after five or six maybes and opinions you replied with “good feedback”. Really? Has this feedback based on “I think” and “maybe” resolved any legal questions? The real answer is you need to research thoroughly the laws in any state that you intend to enter.
Click to expand...

nice shitposting. i bet you'll get some salty replies

bitch
 
CR2001 said:
I absolutely hate these threads. The answer is do your own research, stop being lazy, and get your own answers. I noticed after five or six maybes and opinions you replied with “good feedback”. Really? Has this feedback based on “I think” and “maybe” resolved any legal questions? The real answer is you need to research thoroughly the laws in any state that you intend to enter.
Click to expand...


IMG_0209.jpeg

 
CR2001 said:
Salty crocodile tears
Wahhh
Wahhh
Wahhhh 😫😫😫

It’s funny how people don’t appreciate a correct truthful answer.
Click to expand...

You're new so I'm giving you a lot of leeway. This is NES. Correct and truthful answers have no business here. I figured you knew that since you contributed absolutely nothing to the thread. Nothing you wrote could even be construed by a helmet wearing retard as an answer. So I figured you knew how this place works.
 
CR2001 said:
😂😂
Unfortunately. The legislature in all 50 states disagrees with you.
I would assume it’s safe to say that free men prefer to remain just that. Free men. It’s difficult to remain a free man when you have a felony conviction that results in jail time.
Click to expand...
All 50? Do you realize how many states don’t require purchase or carry permits?
 
whatluck said:
You're new so I'm giving you a lot of leeway. This is NES. Correct and truthful answers have no business here. I figured you knew that since you contributed absolutely nothing to the thread. Nothing you wrote could even be construed by a helmet wearing retard as an answer. So I figured you knew how this place works.
Click to expand...
Only a complete mental midget doesn’t recognize the one true answer in this thread. I’m so glad someone gave me leeway. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

Otherwise it could be beyond devastating. 😳
 
LakeTrout said:
All 50? Do you realize how many states don’t require purchase or carry permits?
Click to expand...
Do you realize all 50 states have gun laws? Is it legal to travel with a loaded shotgun through 50 states? I usually just come to this forum for the comedy quite frankly.
 
CR2001 said:
Do you realize all 50 states have gun laws? Is it legal to travel with a loaded shotgun through 50 states? I usually just come to this forum for the comedy quite frankly.
Click to expand...
You said the legislature in all 50 states disagrees with this comment:

“Free men do not ask for permission.
Buy what you want. Store it properly.
Don't be stupid and show off or brandish.
No one needs to know what you have on board“

If you think that buying whatever gun you want and storing it properly is against the law in all 50 states, you’re the one adding comedic value, quite frankly.
 
LakeTrout said:
You said the legislature in all 50 states disagrees with this comment:

“Free men do not ask for permission.
Buy what you want. Store it properly.
Don't be stupid and show off or brandish.
No one needs to know what you have on board“

If you think that buying whatever gun you want and storing it properly is against the law in all 50 states, you’re the one adding comedic value, quite frankly.
Click to expand...
You slipped in the storing it properly part there. How would you know if it’s properly stored? Would you have to learn the laws in all 50 states?
😂😂😂👍👍👍
 
Have you considered an air rifle? They have come a long way and, as far as I know, have few if any restrictions. You can even put on a suppressor.
 

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