Would you take your favorite handgun on vacation?

[Thumbcocker]

Mrs. Thumbcocker and I are heading west in a few weeks and plan on some truck camping on public land and just generally bumming around. My favorite handgun has been my companion on many woods tromps and has killed a fair pile of deer, one hog, and two coyotes. It shoots exactly where it looks and we understand each other. I have always wanted to do some long range plinking under the open sky with this gun. I would hate to lose it but would love to take it along. so the question is would you take your favorite handgun with you on such an odesy?

[buckwheatpaul]

If it isnt illegal or unlawful to take it where you are going I would go for it....be sure to check state laws regarding the proper carrying and transporting it.....I would also suggest a car/truck safe for safe carrying it.....good luck and have a great trip......

[Finster101]

The question is why would you not? As long as I am legal where I'm traveling through it's going!

[DougGuy]

We went on vacation today, to Charleston SC, the Kahr CW45 rode all day in my jeans, in and out of the car, restaurants, the waterfront, it hasn't budged since I tucked it in this morning.. Still wearing it in the motel room as I type. It makes a great traveling companion, mostly smooth edges, 1lb 10oz fully loaded, what's not to like about that..

[Scharfschuetze]

I often plan my routes of travel so that I remain in states that honor my concealed permit. If I can't do that, then I check to see if the transit states honor open carry. Most states do so you should be just fine with a little bit of research.

If you have a smart phone, go to the App Store and download the "Legal Heat" app for info on all 50 states and which states honor which state's CCW permits. While there isn't a Federal permit, it' amazing how many states have reciprocity between themselves.

If you don't have a CCW, then open carry is your best option and it is no issue in most of the states.

As many of my vacations involve trips to shooting matches or for hunting trips, weapons are always a part of my kit when traveling.

[rking22]

As long as it's legal absolutely. My 696 toured Wyoming with us .and I like to think enjoyed the new senery!

[smokeywolf]

Don't bring it to Kali. The politicians here have nothing but contempt for the Constitution and nothing but disdain for all voters except those with with the deep pockets and fat bank accounts who fund (bribe) their parties. They especially hate anyone who has the audacity to think that they should have the same rights to self defense as the wealthy and politically connected.

smokeywolf

[Beagle333]

No. I would not take mine. To each his own, but the GP100 stays home and the Blackhawk gets the nod when it comes time for throwing under the seat, possibly getting banged around and even wet for a while, and/or leaving in a locked vehicle for any length of time. It's not that I don't like the BH, but you said favorite, and the GP is an original from the first batch in '85 and I'd sure hate to have anything happen to it. I plan to wear it completely out right here in the comfort and safety of my own backyard range. 8-)

[Love Life]

Which states are you headed through and where do you plan to end up? Right now all the jacks and ground squirrels are around to provide you with plenty of walkabout entertainment.

[dmize]

No.
When I am on the bike and traveling the Kimber stays at home and the purchased used for 1/4 the price of the Kimber and shoots good enough G23 goes.
If something would happen I would loose only some money and nothing more.

[FergusonTO35]

I always take a pistol that I shoot well, is reliable, and can be easily replaced. Kel-Tec fits the bill here!

[JHeath]

Of all the handguns you own, which could you take on any adventure with a completely free mind?

Whichever one you answered is actually your favorite, no matter what you thought.

[harley45]

I always try and take my favorite gun with me, we have traveled many miles together already and had some interesting times. I shoot it the best and when I'm gone it will go to my Son as a reminder of the fun he and I shared!

[Thumbcocker]

Will be heading to Arkansas (Mrs. Thumbcocker wants to dig for diamonds), through Oklahoma, and spend time in New Mexico and Utah, We have applied for Utah CCW permits back in April and the money has been accepted but no permits yet. A tuperware pistol (Glock 19) will go along for reppeling borders. I have no emotional attachment to the Glock. I respect it but can't love or even like it. My favorite is a Bisley .44 from a run in 1999 or 2000 that I had my Ruger pusher order for me when I heard they were coming out. It has a few custom touches Bowen sights belt mountain pin, Bowen lanyard ring and an excellent trigger job. It has filled my freezer and entertained me a lot and wowed a few people who thought a handgun could not hit past 15 yards. I have other .44's but it is my favorite handgun period. I could always take a 4 5/8 .44 but I confess to being exposed early to Elmer Keith and being impressionable. The idea of being in a state where I could shoot anytime I want without having to worry about being arrested or trespassing really appeals to me. As does all that space to shoot a long way without danger to people or property .

[Larry in MT]

I don't have a favorite handgun. Different tools for different jobs. When we road trip, I take a S&W Airweight J Frame that I can carry in my pocket @ rest stops, into the Motel, etc ... Wouldn't be without it.

When camping, I'll often have a .40 cal H&K in a shoulder holster.

If we're camping in Black Bear country, I'll have my 44 Special FlatTop. If we're camping in Griz country, I'll have my 629 44 Mag.

When we were camping at an extremely isolated dead-end site, I also had my Mini 14 along.

[Changeling]

Well there is a lot of "What would you carry" answers here, but I have a question:
What can they (Police in any state) possibly due to you considering one is not a convicted felon or for some other reason not allowed to have/carry a firearm?
The RIGHT to bear arms is in the constitution. Why would any state have a right or see fit to give a citizen of the US without firearm violizations a problem of ANY SORT. No state has the legal right to disregard the Constitution and make up ther own rules!

[starmac]

Why would you consider losing it? I guess I am not understanding what you mean.

[clownbear69]

Why would you consider losing it? I guess I am not understanding what you mean.

Im thinking in regards of being stolen

To answer the OP my truck gun is my Colt Trooper Mk III. Its in there all the time. Its also one of my favorite. When your poor what can you do. Being protected outweighs getting it stolen. I do have a replacement on my radar the Canik 55 L-120 imported by tristar. Its a CZ-75 clone and inexpensive. And I will be keeping that as a dedicated gun for just that. Now its time to get the funds

Just be smart about when its not on you where will it be? Is/will it be accessible to everyone or for just you and the misses?

[Love Life]

You're good. Bring your favorite gun and enjoy the west!! Dusk and dawn are great times for putting the beat down on Jacks and Ground squirrels. Just be careful of the Cotton Tails because we have an actual season for them. I'd say bring a gold pan as well.

[BigAl52]

All my guns are my favorite. I dont know that I could single one out to take. But come to think of it one of the Freedoms Arms could easily go along. Al

[dmize]

I have no fears of my weapon being "stolen".
My fear comes from a LEO in whatever state I happen to be pulled over in, for whatever stupid reason, TAKING it.
The EXACT reason my CCW weapon is the G23. If I have to use it in Missouri,legal or otherwise I am going to loose it or it will at least have a case number engraved on it.

[Bubba w/a 45/70]

If one is careless enough to have a handgun stolen from him, then don't carry period. There should be no reason to leave one unattended when traveling, let alone enough for it to disappear.

Otherwise, carry the "one the brought you". This is the one you will enjoy, shoot best, and remember the good times witt.

BTW, I will agree with previous posters about losing firearm to overzealous LEO's more frightening than other scenarios I can think of.

[doc1876]

Thumbcocker,
You will breathe a new kind of O2 once you get out or the Socialist State of Dailey and Obama. I know that I really enjoy taking all of my favs with me when I leave here............just in case I find a reason to not come back.
Arkansas is a great state for enjoying the shooting sports, and if you are a real thumbcocker, you know how to keep them safe in the car when you are out and about.
Have a great time.

[tygar]

I always take my "favorite", which is the one I have on & I never go to the communist republics that would stop me from carrying it! If I can't carry they can kiss my ***

[mrk_86]

never leave home without at least one...I always b sure to practice with my Taurus 357 cause that's the one I throw in the truck on trips

[NVScouter]

Anywhere except California...get one you dont mind losing then. I always travel with a handgun and carbine or shotgun. A pistol is plenty but after 17 years of military I just dont feel right without a long arm.

Most campgrounds have dingbat people and dogs, most parks out west have critters and more dingbat people.

How far west? If you hit the Rockies without a gun people wonder whats wrong with you. You can also legally carry on Federal Parks now. Indian Reservations are the only iffy areas.

[FergusonTO35]

I have no fears of my weapon being "stolen".
My fear comes from a LEO in whatever state I happen to be pulled over in, for whatever stupid reason, TAKING it.

I'm glad you mentioned this. I left my gun at home when I went to Texas recently even though they honor my Kentucky CCW license. Their laws are quite a bit different than ours and more strict. Someone else paid for the trip and I didn't want to get caught up in a legal adventure five states away. Unless I know the individual personally I don't trust anyone in LE or the legal system anymore than another complete stranger.

[Thumbcocker]

Not worried about theft that much. Trooper Skippy or a prosecutor who has nothing to lose politically by jacking around someone from out of state would be my worries. Check out you tube posting called breakfast in Collinsville for a look at what I mean. Also I have personal experience with attempts to abuse state and federal forfeiture statutes hoping people will cave rather than contest iffy seizures. Guess I could have been more specific.

[brasshog]

There is also the flip side of the coin. Would you abandon your old favorite and leave in hopes that no one breaks into your home and steals it ?

[shoot-n-lead]

There is also the flip side of the coin. Would you abandon your old favorite and leave in hopes that no one breaks into your home and steals it ?

Most of us leave them at home all of the time...unless, of course, your carry gun happens to be your favorite...mine is not.

I really do not understand this irrational fear of a gun being stolen if it is ever left unattended.

[TCLouis]

I would NOT carry my favorite as the 9.5" SRH is kinda bulky.

I bought a DW Model 14 years ago for just such service.

It is kinda rough around the edges but delivers lead on demand!

[NWPilgrim]

I always take/carry whatever I have that best fits the situation. Guns are for the most part tools to me. Usually it is a G27, G23, or S&W M29 Mountain Gun.

[xtphreak]

Anywhere except California...get one you dont mind losing then. I always travel with a handgun and carbine or shotgun. A pistol is plenty but after 17 years of military I just dont feel right without a long arm.

Most campgrounds have dingbat people and dogs, most parks out west have critters and more dingbat people.

How far west? If you hit the Rockies without a gun people wonder whats wrong with you. You can also legally carry on Federal Parks now. Indian Reservations are the only iffy areas.


I believe that carry in federal parks is conditioned by:
A) having a concealed carry permit
B) the permit is conditioned by the laws of the state that the park is in.

I prefer some type long gun, but traveling by motorcycle is my preferred method so I'm ordering another takedown besides my browning 22.