So I am getting ready to head out for a week long ~3000 mile road trip. WA, OR, ID, UT, and maybe CO.

Handgun is a for sure, except for OR no legal issues with either Constitutional Carry or recognition of my Concealed License. Will only be in OR for a few hours each way as we cross the NE corner.

I've never taken a road trip without a handgun and I've never taken one with a long gun (unless shooting was specifically one of the planned activities).

Given today's climate, I am considering taking my shorty AR (while technically a pistol, for this discussion I am considering it filling the role of a "rifle"). Added benefit that as a "pistol" it can be locked, loaded and ready to go (except while in OR).

Security isn't an issue, DaBronco has the "Secure Cargo Enclosure" installed and it will not be left unattended in the vehicle except for rest/meal stops where vehicle is in sight.

SO the question is...

Question:
As long as all Local, State, and Federal Laws are complied with and there is minimal risk of loss or theft, should someone carry a rifle caliber weapon for possible defensive purposes while traveling for extended time/distance in these United States?

Choices:
Yes - It is prudent and responsible do so. Too many crazies these days and you can never be "over" prepared.
No - You have become a paranoid and delusional old man. No where near enough risk for such extreme measure. Enjoy your trip and don't worry.
Other - Please comment

 

You probably will not be going in the urban neighborhoods where most of the "crazies" are. Enjoy your trip through beautiful states and a handgun should be quite sufficient.

I suggest a long gun if you are riding shotgun on the coach.

Handgun should do just fine. That’s my assessment of the situation. You’ll be more likely to shoot a wild animal in protecting yourself than a human where you’re going.

Now, if you’re hanging out in downtown Portland, long guns and lots of friends.

If I was in your shoes I'd be more worried about the long gun during a car wreck, ie you're in the hospital and your car is impounded with a rifle being stolen while in impound, an overzealous state trooper searching your car for who-knows-what, your car being broken into and you have to decide whether to intervene to prevent the rifle from being stolen, those kinds of things. If you thought you would need a rifle, OK, but if your travels are in relatively normal areas, I'd skip it myself for the above mentioned logic. But that's me. If I felt I'd need a rifle I'd change the travel routes, other things being equal. If the democrats take all three branches of the government again during the next cycle however, then we'll need to have this conversation again. But for travel in wide open spaces etc., most definitely a handgun, and not a small pocket gun. A full size or compact duty gun in a sufficient caliber.

I voted "other" due to the language you used. While I don't think it would be necessary to bring a rifle, I also wouldn't characterize you as paranoid and delusional if you wanted to.

I think if you are reasonably proficient with a pistol, and that pistol is something with which you could engage at 25-50 yards if you had to, then you'll be good to go.

Also voted "other for a couple of reasons:

1) if you seriously envision a threat environment that requires deployment of a long gun, perhaps avoidance might be a more effective strategy.

2) claims of self-defense necessity at distances requiring rifle ballistics may be difficult to justify

3) seems like possession of a long gun might expose one to hunting restrictions apart from lawful self-defense scenarios. In VA, at least, hunting regulations can be far more restrictive than general carry legislation.

OTOH:

I recognize that display of a long gun can provide a certain deterrent advantage in certain situation, and it certainly makes a powerful pro-2A statement. Nothing seems to bunch the panties of the leftists faster than seeing a man carrying an AR (they would call it brandishing).

I’ll vote other.
The reality is that you are unlikely to even need a regular handgun, much less an AR pistol.

That said, I am a firm believer that it is much better to have a tool and not need it than to need a tool and not have it. I’d absolutely legally carry my P228, and if I felt moved to do so and felt I could secure it well, I’d take a long Gun as well. (Being in Commiefornia, no AR pistol for me).

Enjoy your trip!

On mine I just took the 10mm 220. It was more for bears or mountain lion in Montana than people but I did slew in two gas station parking lots and it woulda worked there also.

I decided against anything more as I wasn’t going into an active war zone. If I need a handgun and long gun I should probably avoid the area.

Handgun and a few extra magazines, and you're good. I wouldn't say you're a paranoid and delusional old man, just cautious.

If you "need" a long gun, you're in the wrong 'hood. You've been doing this long enough to know what the difference between a decent neighborhood and a bad one is. And you're smart enough to avoid the places where you might need a long gun.

If you're going camping, spending some serious time outdoors in those states, maybe.

When we do our annual 21 day road trip in our motorhome, I just bring a handgun and few extra magazines and ammo. I watch where I take my family and try not to go out after dark (late night). I carry concealed where I legally can.

There's nothing wrong with taking a long gun if your caveats are met - fully legal and secured against theft.

Having said that, I would say if you're taking a long gun, take a long gun not an AR pistol. But I also think you are probably better off taking several extra mags and another handgun (one per person in your group at least).

The long gun fills 4 uses:
1) Display of force. If you're facing a mob they are more likely to be deterred by a long gun than a handgun even if there is no difference in how effective they would be if you had to shoot.
2) Reaching out past handgun distance, ie more than 100 yards.
3) Defeating armor.
4) Against large animals such as bear, mountain lion, or wolf.

In the typical self defense situations none of those are likely though certainly are possible.

SHTF really fast. In early summer of 2020 we went on a 3 day road trip, leaving a peaceful home town. The second night we turned on the tv in a hotel to see race riots in downtown Salt Lake City, where my kids and grandkids live. You could find yourself far from home and stumble upon a hostile situation, and then have to get yourself home amidst wider unrest. You can't assume widespread peace and love for the duration of your trip. Rather than your AR pistol I would choose a regular AR (which can be broken down and kept in a small case) or shotgun.

Assuming you're not camping, I would opt for several spare pistol magazines and at least one additional handgun rather than the long gun. In a grid-down or race riot scenario where you're trying to get home, I think handguns may be more practical.

Personally, just me, I'd take a 12-gauge and a lever action traditional rifle, such as a 30-30 or 357 mag.

My thinking is any cop who decided to search the vehicle would be a lot less concerned with that than anything else.

I always carry my Nikon DSLR and associated extra lens and such, and if a cop asks why and what I'm doing, my answer is I'm going to be in bears lions and tiger country doing a photo trip and just thought it prudent to have protection.

NEVER mention possible riots or bad guys or such. That just opens up more and more questions.

But hey, that's just me. YMMV

Enjoy your trip, may it be safe and enjoyable.

Other.

You never stated what you will be doing on your trip. Camping? In the city? Staying with friends/family?

I would say a handgun would be enough in most cases. If worried about critters, then add a shotgun. If you are worried about needing to carry a long gun for protection, then changed your trip plans.

Most, if not all my road trips are in the motor home anymore. Always have an AR under the couch, and a handgun on my person.

Don't overlook the 15 round mag limit in Colorado.

Perfect time for a new 357 lever gun. Doesn’t look all sketchy if you’re in a wreck. You can reach out to 100 yds plus and 357 is a known one shot stopper.

quote:

Originally posted by FishOn:
You probably will not be going in the urban neighborhoods where most of the "crazies" are. Enjoy your trip through beautiful states and a handgun should be quite sufficient.

The only "major" urban areas along the way are greater Seattle area, Boise (not sure if it counts ), and Salt Lake City (overnighting). Destination is Moab, not big but also not sure if it is a lefty haven or not.

quote:

Originally posted by Beancooker:
..Now, if you’re hanging out in downtown Portland, long guns and lots of friends.

It would take a LOT to get me to even consider going through Portland, let a alone stop there. If I was, wouldn't even have to ask as I would be dual wielding handguns, with a slung AR-10, 12 gauge in a back scabbard, and a machete.

quote:

Originally posted by wrightd:
If I was in your shoes I'd be more worried about the long gun during a car wreck...

Good point, I hadn't considered that.

quote:

But for travel in wide open spaces etc., most definitely a handgun, and not a small pocket gun. A full size or compact duty gun in a sufficient caliber.

My usual carry is a P365. Going P320 for this though since most of the area I will be in will be OC friendly. Might bring the P365 as well to slip in the pocket in eating establishments or other indoor venues.

quote:

Originally posted by architect:
Also voted "other for a couple of reasons:

1) if you seriously envision a threat environment that requires deployment of a long gun, perhaps avoidance might be a more effective strategy.

2) claims of self-defense necessity at distances requiring rifle ballistics may be difficult to justify [/i]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by CPD SIG:
If you "need" a long gun, you're in the wrong 'hood. You've been doing this long enough to know what the difference between a decent neighborhood and a bad one is. And you're smart enough to avoid the places where you might need a long gun.

quote:

Originally posted by Kilroy2721:
If you are worried about needing to carry a long gun for protection, then changed your trip plans.

If I thought I would "need" it, it would be a completely different story. Will mostly be traversing long desolate stretches of freeway (I-90, I-84, I-15) and major state routes. Not camping, will be in major chain establishments at night.


Part of my reason for asking is this will be my first out of state road trip in four years. Used to do a lot of long distance motorcycling with a group. Pretty much everyone carried, but obviously long guns aren't really practical on a sport-touring bike. This trip will be just me and a buddy. I don't expect any problems at all. We are not going too far off the beaten path. Even in the Moab area we will be sticking to the major roads/trails.

Just wasn't entirely how sure things have changed over the past four years in regards to interstate trail and safety.

quote:

Originally posted by architect:
3) seems like possession of a long gun might expose one to hunting restrictions apart from lawful self-defense scenarios...

OTOH:

I recognize that display of a long gun can provide a certain deterrent advantage in certain situation, and it certainly makes a powerful pro-2A statement. Nothing seems to bunch the panties of the leftists faster than seeing a man carrying an AR (they would call it brandishing).

quote:

Originally posted by CPD SIG:
If you're going camping, spending some serious time outdoors in those states, maybe.

quote:

Originally posted by Fly-Sig:
...I would say if you're taking a long gun, take a long gun not an AR pistol. But I also think you are probably better off taking several extra mags and another handgun (one per person in your group at least).

The long gun fills 4 uses:
1) Display of force. If you're facing a mob they are more likely to be deterred by a long gun than a handgun even if there is no difference in how effective they would be if you had to shoot.
...
4) Against large animals such as bear, mountain lion, or wolf.

In the typical self defense situations none of those are likely though certainly are possible.

...Rather than your AR pistol I would choose a regular AR (which can be broken down and kept in a small case) or shotgun.

Assuming you're not camping, I would opt for several spare pistol magazines and at least one additional handgun rather than the long gun. In a grid-down or race riot scenario where you're trying to get home, I think handguns may be more practical.

My buddy will also be carrying a handgun, not sure which but probably his carry P938. He also has a P320, but I don't think the carries it much if at all. He is not a regular carrier, only when going to certain areas, on trips, etc.

While not camping, we will be spending lots of time out and about in the Moab area including Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Arches Nat'l Parks. I realize wildlife threats will be far more likely than two-legged threats but even those are not probably going to happen.

One of the glories of an AR pistol is that while legally a pistol, it can be loaded and ready to go in a vehicle (assuming you have carry permit where needed). None of the loaded rifle restrictions apply. I don't have any case that would offer any size advantage in carrying an actual rifle broken down.

My AR pistol is just about the max length allowed and still fall within the requirements. With the Kak brace and Linear Compensator, it looks more like an SBR than a pistol so has the same "visual deterrence" factor as an actual "rifle". If anyone is still in doubt, the 3' muzzle flash certainly reinforces that it means business.

quote:

Originally posted by IntrepidTraveler:
Don't overlook the 15 round mag limit in Colorado.

THANK YOU FOR POINTING THAT OUT! Didn't even cross my mind. At this point, CO is not planned, but we will be close to the western border of the state and may want to check out McInnis Canyons Nat'l Conservation area.

After checking into it, I would expect the "owned prior to 7/1/2013" caveat would have to apply to someone traveling through and not just residents.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
Perfect time for a new 357 lever gun. Doesn’t look all sketchy if you’re in a wreck. You can reach out to 100 yds plus and 357 is a known one shot stopper.

Nope, no new guns or new calibers at this point. If I wanted to go the lever route I'd take my Marlin 1895 SBL in .45/70




Appreciate all the info and insights. I hit the road on 9/8, so still time to ponder.

Back in May, my wife and I did a road trip from PA to WA (travelled through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho). Both of us took our handguns, Glock 26s.

So, my answer - handgun only. But that is me, no right or wrong answer really.

If I travel more than an hour or two from home, a rifle (and a bunch of other “get me home” stuff) goes with.