Good stuff, thanks for the reminder, G

Four years ago my DW and I were vacationing on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We were tent camping, as it was right before we purchased our Aliner. We decided to pull over in a rest area to get a few hours of sleep in the car before heading on, choosing to arrive at our campsite at daybreak. We found a beautiful overlook in a secluded location that we thought was safe. A couple hours later we were awakened by someone tapping on the windshield with their face pressed up against the side glass! It felt comforting to query them as to the nature of the disturbance with my hand on my dad's stainless 38 special police revolver (my DW was backing me up with a small but potent 22 magnum).

 It turned out to be a case of mistaken identity by some drunken teenagers. However, even after we identified ourselves, they failed to move on. Instead, two car loads of drunken juveniles (7) started whooping and hollering, sloshing beer and circling behind the car in an intimidating, rowdy manor. My DW and I weren't worried, as we were both trained, (I served my country for 9 yrs as an Army officer) and ready. Had their little game gotten out of hand, we were capable of defending our lives. Discretion proved to be the better part of valor that night, as we decided to move on, turning our parking area over to the delinquents. I would have hated to end one of their young lives just because someone did something stupid. Even a drunken teenager can pull a trigger, and he may even have gotten lucky.

You never know though, it could have gone the other way, as it did for my uncle one night. He was a big sportsman, hunting and fishing as much as he could. He recounted the sad tale that he was forced to plead for his life and the life of his wife of 50 years. One evening a deranged mugger put a gun in his face, and threatened to blow his head off, as he and his DW returned to his camp from a fishing trip. He was unarmed and helpless, at the mercy of his assailant. The perp decided just to rob them of their money and jewelry, and spared their lives. Instead, he knocked my Aunt to the ground and pistol whipped my elderly uncle instead of murdering them. My teary eyed uncle told me he never wanted to feel helpless like that again, so he armed himself whenever he went out thereafter.  After the attack, my uncle bought a High Standard 22 magnum derringer that fits into a wallet style holster. (I inherited this gun and it was the one used to defend our lives in the prevoius indident.) It fits into your back pocket and appears to be a wallet even when it's drawn and fired. So when a mugger says "give me your money or I'll blow your head off." You give him your wallet and stop his felonious assault.

Like a life insurance policy, you pray you never need to use it. But unlike insurance, which can only pay your family after you're already dead, discretely carrying a firearm, at least in your RV, could save your life, or the life of a loved one.

Chip

TY, Terry. We were stunned to hear of the Oklahoma couple that were killed by these ruthless criminals and we're thrilled that the last of them was finally captured. Let's hope they keep them locked up this time!

Travelling with our kids has kept us with a much more watchful eye than if it was just the two of us. While we enjoy the freedom of travelling where we want, when we want is wonderful for us. Unfortunately, that same freedom is available to ill-willed folks that could use that freedom to escape notice of law enforcement.

We echo your cautions and extend it to be watchful for those that would be predators for children. No need to be fearful - just prepared and watchful! We've had wonderful neighbors 99% of the time that I know we could count on to watch out for us and vice-versa.

I'm also curious as to the gun questions. I don't really want one, as I've never owned one, but I think it could be a good idea. Also, I'm not sure, but wouldn't a high pressure (caliber?) bb gun work pretty well, with no law issues?

I'm a big guy and can defend myself, but the thought of armed intruders dwarfs anyone. Still wrestling with this topic.

Chips comments are good, but the one link is for states where "open carry" of a firearm is allowed.  Open carry means that the weapon is visible at all times.  Concealed carry is for when the weapon MUST be concealed to legally carry the weapon.

While open carry might be a good thing, anyone who does so should be trained and practice a lot on weapon retention.  Meaning that you learn to keep your weapon under your control, should someone else try to "draw" your weapon from the holster.  I know of a highway patrolman that has instructed his wife to attempt to get his weapon at any time that she wants to so that he can practice his "weapons retention" skills.

Open carry is not legal in all states, while concealed carry is legal in almost all states, provided that the individual is licensed by that state.  Then, I advise contacting the issuing agency of concealed carry permits in your state to verify which states do have reciprocity with your state.  Your state would be your state of residence.  So if you had your fulltiming residence in South Dakota, you would need to get that state's permit.  Also regarding open carry, while a state may allow open carry, some communities within that state do not allow open carry.

While most states do allow one to OWN a weapon, not all will allow a weapon to be carried.  So, if one is traveling, one needs to research which states allow what type of ownership or carry possibilities that are allowed.  Also, if one owns weapons and carries them in one's camper, one cannot take those weapons into Canada.

Regarding weapons, most people would do well without firearms, so long as they are trained in the use of "alternative" weapons.  Bear spray, short clubs, or other alternatives can sometimes be used wrong, thus only making the assailant more angry.  (That can include the bears.)  If one has firearms, keep in mind that a bullet is NOT going to be stopped by the walls of a camper.

With that last thought, some prefer the idea of a shotgun over a handgun for self defense.  While not trying to advocate any one particular firearm, there is one brand of handgun that is capable of firing both .45 caliber long Colt ammunition AND .410 guage shotgun shells.  Thus, for in-camper self defense, that one could be used without too much fear of a round penetrating someone else's camper. 

For those not familiar with firearms, .45 caliber ammunition come in three different categories.  .45 long Colt is for cowboy style weapons.  .410 guage shotguns are the smallest guage of shotgun.  Since I won't name the handgun that is capable of firing both, I would suggest that if you are interested, to see your local firearms dealer, or, you could private message me and I will give the name out that way.  But, you may find it just by using your internet search engines.

One other thing for anyone interested in purchasing a firearm.  You must either purchase the weapon in your state of residence, or purchase it elsewhere and have the weapon shipped to a licensed firearms dealer in your state of residence.  From my understanding, ammunition is not limited it that way.

Terry

I was truck prowled a couple weeks ago, when an unknown person approached my truck (semi) and looked into the passenger side window at 4 AM. Something woke me up to be ready for this encounter. As I sat in the sleeper looking out from behind a blanket over the seats this person parked tight in front of the truck and approached . As I sat there waiting to see what he was up to I grabbed my 5 cell MagLight and held it over the passenger seat with the light end in my grip. When he looked into the truck, still not seeing me sitting there, I lifted the flashlight up to where he could see it in his face. He then took two steps backwards and reteated to his car and drove away. I used to carry a gun, but when I pulled it once and dropped the barrel over the window sill, I'm not sure who was scared more, him or me. I no longer carry the firearm. I always have my cell phone and a couple short blade (leagl under 4 inches) concealable knives at hand.

I am new here so I hope all is well with me posting this!

In this day when economic troubles are many the rules are changing on what and how far criminals will go so be prepared.I do have guns BUT my weapon of choice is a 160lb bull mastiff named Rocky.There are many places I cannot go because of my dog but my choice to be safe out weights all.I have some physical problems so concern for safety is the utmost.I have been approached several times over the years and when my dog or dogs show interest most criminal types avoid me.My shotgun is loaded with size 9 shot and close range the perp will not be happy and the camper near me if any will not be hurt.For me my life and what things I have are all I have and I will not allow them to be bothered.So my rules are this the 3 D's defuse,disable, destroy! If I can't talk,walk or run away then comes the spray after that my dog takes over and gives me time to prepare for the last step.Thank GOD so far I have only had to use 2 steps!

Peace to all here and I hope you all have safe journey's!