quote:

Originally posted by 911Boss:

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.

Wildlife encounters beyond hungry chipmunks is highly unlikely in those parks. And maybe snakes.

Moab has a strong left contingent, but I suspect also a pretty strong freedom loving contingent. I've not open carried there but wouldn't avoid it. My general practice is to not open carry in busy crowded places where my gun could get snatched. I've never ever had anyone complain to me about open carrying on a trail, in a gas station, etc.

Note that in parks you are subject to 2 levels of restrictions. Generally the concealed carry rules are the same as the state that park is in, and you will be wholly inside Utah in those parks. Thus concealed carry is legal while hiking and driving. However you are still limited to 18USC930 about no weapons in a "Federal Facility", which includes the welcome centers and even the bathroom buildings. It is easy to forget and walk into the visitor center without disarming... I am not certain about open carry in National Parks.

Note that "car clout" which is the NPS euphemism for breaking into a car and stealing stuff is a big problem in all parks. Trail heads and parking lots are not safe places to keep anything in your car. Be sure to leave nothing in sight which could entice a thief to break in. They're looking for quick scores, such as electronics, wallet, guns, etc.

Definitely drive UT route 12 between Boulder UT and Bryce. From Torrey to Boulder is very scenic too, but the best is from Boulder to Bryce. Either direction is great but I prefer North to South.

Check state firearm AND Game Commission laws - in many states while ready access to a loaded handgun is legal (with proper permit/license), a loaded long gun (rifle/shotty) anywhere in the vehicle may not be.

If I was taking a road trip like that, then I would have my main pistol; back-up pistol, rifle, and shotgun. Obviously just have to know and follow laws of each state you will be in for each firearm you carry and follow them. Of course the rifle I would want to take would be a SBR, but that requires advance permission from ATF to cross state lines so you are lucky that yours is a “pistol.” Safe travels!!!!

My opinion, if you have other people with you that know how to use a firearm, it is great to have one for them just in case. Be safe and have fun on your trip. God Bless !!!

Ever since reading the One Second After series and the Going Home series by A. American, I have had a different outlook on things. My main goal, when traveling, is being able to get home. Whether I'm just going into the hills an hour away to go hunting/camping/fishing, or driving across the country, I carry everything in my truck that will allow me to get home. That includes the mother of all BOBs, a pistol, a rifle (a lever action .44 lives in my truck and sometimes I'll throw in an AR as well), and plenty of ammo for both.

One never knows what might happen when you're on the road. The Boy Scout in me says, "Be Prepared."

quote:

Originally posted by 911Boss:
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

Dang! And I thought the Winchester ‘94 in .44 Magnum was a thumper.

Ok, I answered earlier being cheeky. But also knowing that some people get weird about seeing evil black rifles. Where I used to live and work the population would immediately call 911 if they saw someone with an AR out on the side of the road. Where they wouldn’t with someone having a lever gun. I saw deer wrecks almost daily from Sept to Dec on my way to and from work. Many times I’d stop and help if I could.(not on duty) I shot a bunch to put them down and found the 357 Rossi lever gun didn’t make people freak. Plus the cops responding didn’t have to do any paperwork.

But I routinely take my AR pistol with me and it has a LAW adapter and I can also remove the barrel with a DOLOS quick barrel adapter. I use 20 round mags and it all stows in a black and orange laptop bag.

I use the pistol because you have to have special prior permission to move a SBR across state lines.

When we travel we each have 2 handguns and spare magazines and we have a loaded AR in the truck with 4 extra magazines.

No problems with either here in Idaho
Boise has turned into a shithole thx to the libs

And then there's this in from tonight:
https://www.foxnews.com/us/cha...shooting-injured-two

About 4 yrs ago I Drove from NY to the Rocky Mountains went through South Dakota and Wyoming.On the way back we stopped in Chicago my girlfriend had never been there that’s the only part of the trip where I was glad I was armed.It ruined the trip for me. I had my G26 and a few mags for the trip.

I always travel with a handgun, extra mags, and other appropriate “get me home” items. Never took a rifle, but I do have 2 AR pistols that could be secreted under seats and such. I would take one with me (state laws allowing of course) if I wanted to. When I retire, we are planning a long road trip out west just to see this beautiful country. I will definitely consider bringing an AR pistol along for my own well being feeling.
I know I probably won’t need it, heck I never NEEDED the pistol thus far, but I am an old Boy Scout……”Be prepared”

lately I'm carrying a p365 w 12rd mag and a 15rd in my pocket. I'm just an average shot but do ok with this and I feel well armed in safe places. Pretty well avoid any other kind. That's what I'd go with.

The NE corner of Oregon is often referred to as the Swiss Alps of Oregon . Very pretty country.

Silent

My 11” Bren 2 5.56 was next to me with the brace folded the whole way down from Kent to Mesa last month through all the states you listed except for CO.

The northeast corner of Oregon on 84 may be the most beautiful bit of country I think I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been all over. Definitely cruise through there and take your time. I wished I’d had the time to explore a bit. I’ll have to go back at some point.

One issue is leaving the rifle/2nd gun unattended at times, even when vehicle is locked.

It’s easier to keep the handgun on you.

Even hunting out West, parked in safer, smaller towns & hotel lots, I’m always very cognizant of where firearms are. Of course part of this depends on particulars, someone could even slip in your home while you’re gone.

Just a consideration.

I vote for tradition all be it some what new ...

both a handgun and long gun that takes the same ammo and if semi-auto the same magazines.

Here's my 'Highway Emergency Kit"

quote:

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

My rule of thumb as well.

Take your pistol and enjoy your trip.