I’m just curious about firearms and camping

[Hector]

I carry and proud of it.I rather break the camp grounds laws and survive a violent attack on me or my family than go by the laws and die.Second Amendment, America's original homeland security! just my 2 cents

[SteveH]

I had an "incident" on the South side of San Antonio years ago while on a trip looking for auto parts at the Pick-n-Pull (before concealed carry was legal in Texas) where I was definately in a situation where I needed protection. The only thing that saved me was stalling for time long enough that a major crowd was drawn, and the suspected thieves/assailants decided to leave. Given the same situation, I would still do what I did, but with an "ace in the hole" so to speak. Ever since concealed carry has been legal in Texas, I have had "protection" within an arms reach. I too would rather face whatever charges there might be, rather me or my family be victims.

Oh, and I too grew up handling and using firearms of all types, and was on a competition pistol shooting team while in the service, so I am adequately proficient.

[Nobody]

You never NEED a handgun . . . . 'til you need it VERY badly!! - 'nuff said.

[Gadget Man]

Gaelen, I appreciate your comments, but the camping that you and I both did back in the 70's and early 80's before all the Crack Heads started wandering this earth was way differant than it is today.

With our little TTT we camp a lot in State Forests in Northern MN. Where they may get patroled once a day by the local Sheriff if you are lucky.
They sometimes can be a gathering place for the above mentioned "Questionable Characters" just becaue they are so far off the beaten path.

Growing up in Minnesota, I have been through all the Firearms Training classes and do belong to a gun club, and am very familiar with all my firearms.

As far as Home Protection, just the "Racking" sound of a 12 guage pump shot gun is enough to send a would-be thief running for the hills.
I love that sound, it's one of "lifes little pleasures"

Gadget Man.

[SkipperSue]

As far as Home Protection, just the "Racking" sound of a 12 guage pump shot gun is enough to send a would-be thief running for the hills.
I love that sound, it's one of "lifes little pleasures"

Gadget Man.

I keep my Remmington 20 gage pump shotgun under my bed at home. I leave the chamber clear but the magazine loaded with 00 buck shot. I keep the chamber clear so that if anyone did come in they can hear that racking sound. Hoppefully that sound will be enuff to send them running.

[Nitetimes]

Been around guns all my life, it would be strange not to have at least one around the house.
I've carried for years, you don't advertise, you don't have trouble with it but it's there if needed.

Chip that Taurus .45/410 Revolver is way cool!! May have to look into one of those!

[EZ]

A handgun can be like a parachute: if you need one and you don't have one you'll never need one again....

I have become a handgun owner in the last few months for various reasons including self defense. Other reasons are getting a conceal and carry permit (because I can, while I still can) and shooting at the range which is fun. There was a thread about a year ago that was asking the same question; do you pack heat when camping. I was surprised then at the number of responses to the positive but now I was expecting it. Everyone I tell can't believe that I want to carry and call it totally out of character. I call it a change of attitude on my part.

I recall years ago camping with my girlfriend in remote areas out in the rockies in late Sept early Oct. The campgrounds we used were big, remote and empty. When I think about it any crazies could have messed with us in a lot of places we camped.

I think if you have a gun, sticking it in the camper or glovebox can't hurt as long as you keep it from getting stolen. However I have learned from the gun guys here at work (the majority in a professional office to my surprise) that if you ever shoot anyone for any reason you will be in for the legal battle of your life. Not a deterent but I guess it had better be a last resort.

Ed

[asianflava]

We grew up with guns, dad had them hidden all over the house though they were unloaded. Our dad had a cricket cut down for us so we could shoot when my brother and I were in first and 3rd grade, it is no big deal to us. We had all kinds of firearms but the most "hunting" we ever did were raccoons that were killing the chickens or those pesky oranges and grapefruits that found their way onto the shooting range.

On the other hand, my wife didn't grow up with them at all so she afraid of them. She says that I can't have one. Yeah right, the only thing stopping me is the price tag, I have other toys to buy.

[Roly Nelson]

There is a mistaken suspision that crosscountry motorhome travelers are loaded with money and/or expensive goodies that thieves would just love to get their hands on. While traveling full-time for 6 years in our little motorhome, I was not one of the forementioned, but felt compelled to defend the sweet wife and myself in the event that some crazy broke a window in the middle of the night, demanding all that I owned, lest I get shot!

Therefore, I always kept the old trusty "heavy iron" under my pillow, solely for the unexpected time if needed to save our lives. I don't think anyone lies in a hospital bed with multiple gunshot wounds, and is happy that he failed to shoot someone that was trying to kill him. I like the......"better to judged by 12 than to be carried by 6".
Roly, thinking I may have to carve a wooden revolver........NOT

[caseydog]

I've never understood American attitudes about guns, especially here in the south.

Well, for better or worse, here's my 2-cents.

I keep a firearm with me when I go wilderness camping -- because it is the wilderness. It makes sense there.

When I go to a campground, I don't feel the need to pack heat. If I did feel the need, I wouldn't be at that campground. I'd go someplace safer.

I wouldn't think of having a firearm at a TD gathering, where I'll be camping with people I chat with all the time on this forum -- many of whom I have met. I can't imagine any scenario where I would need one. Once again, if I feel that I need a gun for protection at a gathering, I'm not going to that gathering.

Same goes for day-to-day life, for me. If I find myself thinking I need to keep a loaded gun by my bed at home -- I'm selling my house and moving. I don't want to live like that.

If I ever feel I need a gun with me to go to work, I'm getting a new job.

If anyone on this forum REALLY feels that they need to pack a pistol along on a camping trip to a state park full of other campers, many of them people they know, then I would suggest to those people that they stay home.

I know a lot of people like to carry firearms. I don't get it, but if you really feel a need to have a gun with you at a gathering I attend, please lock it up and don't talk about it. And sure as hell don't get it out and start showing it off.

AND, one thing I am pretty darn sure about, is that guns, alcohol and an attitude are ingredients for something tragic to happen, and I am also a beleiver that an once of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If I find out someone has a gun, and they get drunk and obnoxious, they won't have to wonder who told the ranger and got them arrested. Fair warning.

I may get accused of being "anti-gun", as usual, but I like to think of it as common sense.

[caseydog]

but if that one chance in a 1000 happens, you’re glad you have it.

One in a thousand?

I'd bet the odds of being killed in a car accident are a lot higher than the odds of getting killed in a robery or assault.

If you really want to be safe, forget the gun, sell your car.

[caseydog]

Guess it's just a miracle that I've managed to survive all these years of camping armed only with a swiss army knife, a flashlight, some matches and my brain. 'Cause it sure isn't my size and physical conditioning that's been keeping trouble under control all these years...

Not a miracle. Just normal life for most people. I'll bet on a 357-magnum brain and no gun over a big gun and a 22 caliber brain any day.

[bdosborn]

A quick search on the web yielded the following results for the US:

Number of fatal bear attacks in the last century: 80
Killed by lightning every year (on average): 90
Number of Rapes in 1995: 649,733 (assuming a 16% reporting level)
Number of firearm murders in 1999: 10,828
Number of People who die from the flu every year: ~20,000
Number of People killed in car crashes in 2001: 42,116


I've never carried a firearm when backpacking in the wilderness, it's just added weight and I'm safer there than most places. I'm much more afraid of two legged animals getting me. The more people there are the more likely it is you will be a victim.
Bruce

[SteveH]

Caseydog,

You are right. You do not need a gun at most campgrounds, and you especially don't need one at a teardrop gathering....it's on the way to and from the teardrop gathering that you might need it. Notice I said might need it. A gun is like insurance...much better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Just my opinion, and I might add, constitutional right.

[Miriam C.]

Bruce
Casey Dog I wonder if you were a woman if you would feel the same way. I am not moving if my neighborhood get dangerous I am organizing a clean up detail. Cameras in hand and our wonderful police department.

There has been at least one incident at a teardrop gathering that could have gotten out of hand had there not been several men willing to "police" the situation and keep people safe. Nuff said!

CD I too will call the ranger if someone is acting irresponsibly and not think twice about it.

I have had to use my gun in what passes for wilderness here but only to scare off an agressive dog and some snakes that didn't want to share. I carry snake shot too.