Traveling With A Firearm

Tour 931

Tour 931

Ranger
Please keep this thread about firearm safety and storage and not wander into politics.

Part of firearm safety is keeping them invisible so posting about having one can have its fallbacks. But I would like to know how you would store a firearm in a Camp-Inn if you were to have one. I often leave my trailer unlocked but would not want someone to get inside and find a firearm should I ever choose to take one.

Storing a pistol is easy because there are many manufacturers of lockable steel cases. A rifle on the other hand requires a different approach. I like plinking with a .22LR lever action Henry. Rifles and ammo tend to be heavy objects and if I were to take one I would like to store it at the foot of the bed behind the axle in my 560. How could I store it there and keep it locked? I can lock the firearm itself so it can not be fired but that would not prevent theft.

This thread is not about concealed or open carry because that eliminates the storage issue while carrying.
 
I’m no firearms expert. That doesn’t stop me from having opinions! I have thought a *lot* about campsite security of possessions.

It seems to me that with a trigger lock in place on a long gun, you’ve done due diligence to prevent casual accidents through lockout. Is it too political to say thank you for that? (Sincerely!)

With that trigger lockout, I think the questions become more about how do we discourage/prevent theft of any small valuable object (camera, electronics, firearm, etc.) when camping?

One could:
* lock the thing to something with chain or cable. Sink some permanent anchor somewhere in the trailer (or car), and use cable/chain and a padlock to help keep the thing attached.

* lock the trailer doors. Clearly, you’re not obsessed about that. I am. Everything is locked if I’m out of eyesight. Always. Every time. 100%.

* Create a locking compartment suitable for the thing, even if a long gun. Underside of the cabin cabinets? Inside the top cabinet?

* Install an intrusion alarm in your trailer - they exist! But that goes with locking the doors...

* Hide. Nobody will be attracted (mostly) to your trailer as a potential target if they never see anything of value. There are breakdown .22s, if it comes out of your trailer and campsite in a duffel that’s 18” long, and goes back in the same way... it won’t look like a firearm. I’ve thought about that for camera gear. The first step in prevention is reducing awareness that there are valuables to be had.
 
Tour 931 said:
Please keep this thread about firearm safety and storage and not wander into politics.

Part of firearm safety is keeping them invisible so posting about having one can have its fallbacks. But I would like to know how you would store a firearm in a Camp-Inn if you were to have one. I often leave my trailer unlocked but would not want someone to get inside and find a firearm should I ever choose to take one.

Storing a pistol is easy because there are many manufacturers of lockable steel cases. A rifle on the other hand requires a different approach. I like plinking with a .22LR lever action Henry. Rifles and ammo tend to be heavy objects and if I were to take one I would like to store it at the foot of the bed behind the axle in my 560. How could I store it there and keep it locked? I can lock the firearm itself so it can not be fired but that would not prevent theft.

This thread is not about concealed or open carry because that eliminates the storage issue while carrying.
Click to expand...

As Seth suggested, maybe in a metal case bolted to the underside of the cabinet at your feet. Don't have any idea if that exists. And, would it eliminate the room your feet need?
Other than that, locking the trailer doors...
 
I'm thinking of putting a trailer width wall at the foot of the mattress tall enough to "hide" a rifle behind it. I'm only 5'8" and it would not interfere with me sleeping. As the two replies said just keeping everything out of sight is the first line of prevention. Everyone knows a Camp-Inn attracts attention and everyone wants to see inside.

The doors are always locked if I am away from the trailer. But sitting nearby at a picnic table I leave the doors unlocked but might have my back to the trailer. Granted it is unlikely someone would open the door and grab something but with a firearm I want to be 100% certain they CAN NOT take it in a split second and run.

As for taking it out I would only do that at NRA approved ranges where you would expect to have a firearm.
 
Seems like a good location that’s easy for you to access, but also out of sight, and wouldn’t be casually explored by guests, invited or uninvited!

If someone might be bold enough to explore the theft opportunities while you’re in or near the campsite, they probably wouldn’t spend much time doing it. That seems like a grab and run situation.
 
SethB said:
Seems like a good location that’s easy for you to access, but also out of sight, and wouldn’t be casually explored by guests, invited or uninvited!

If someone might be bold enough to explore the theft opportunities while you’re in or near the campsite, they probably wouldn’t spend much time doing it. That seems like a grab and run situation.
Click to expand...
I could even hinge the short wall and put a lock on it. I'm not all that concerned about my easy access because it would not be used for defense. I am prepared other ways for that.

I'm also thinking the passenger side upper cabinet might be a good place to put a lock on for other items that I might usually carry on me but might have to store because I could not take it certain places.
 
Tour 931 said:
I'm also thinking the passenger side upper cabinet might be a good place to put a lock on for other items that I might usually carry on me but might have to store because I could not take it certain places.
Click to expand...

Maybe something like this V Line could work. It could be anchored with a cable or small chain somehow. And, it could go with you in your TV, secured in much the same way...
 

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SethB said:
I’m no firearms expert. That doesn’t stop me from having opinions! I have thought a *lot* about campsite security of possessions.

It seems to me that with a trigger lock in place on a long gun, you’ve done due diligence to prevent casual accidents through lockout. Is it too political to say thank you for that? (Sincerely!)

With that trigger lockout, I think the questions become more about how do we discourage/prevent theft of any small valuable object (camera, electronics, firearm, etc.) when camping?

One could:
* lock the thing to something with chain or cable. Sink some permanent anchor somewhere in the trailer (or car), and use cable/chain and a padlock to help keep the thing attached.

* lock the trailer doors. Clearly, you’re not obsessed about that. I am. Everything is locked if I’m out of eyesight. Always. Every time. 100%.

* Create a locking compartment suitable for the thing, even if a long gun. Underside of the cabin cabinets? Inside the top cabinet?

* Install an intrusion alarm in your trailer - they exist! But that goes with locking the doors...

* Hide. Nobody will be attracted (mostly) to your trailer as a potential target if they never see anything of value. There are breakdown .22s, if it comes out of your trailer and campsite in a duffel that’s 18” long, and goes back in the same way... it won’t look like a firearm. I’ve thought about that for camera gear. The first step in prevention is reducing awareness that there are valuables to be had.
Click to expand...
There are many cases that are disguised so no one knows it is a gun case. I'd fine something like that to store a gun in.
 
I did some travel with a handgun and I couldn' t enjoy myself. I was worry that if someone brake to my car or trailer I would be in a a lot of troule with my job by not securing my firearm. Every time we went to the beach or for a swim it was a hassle, I choose to have more freedom to do what I want vs what I can when carry a firearm while on vacations.
 
Concealed carry can be a real pain at times. I don’t carry except on rare occasions even thought I have a permit. But I do shoot long guns and when I go down to TX to visit my friend that will be what we do the most.
 
I have to agree with Ben about the front pass through. Even if someone looks through your trailer, they'd be unlikely to break in to the storage area since that's usually not where you would keep anything of value. With a lock on on the weapon you should be good. There's never a guarantee though! One should always try to keep your weapons close. Good luck with that!!
 
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