Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

Waddaya got? How about a 9mm Glock and an SKS in the trunk? 100 rounds each ought to cover it. My reasoning on the SKS is that they're cheap and you could afford to lose it if you ran into trouble with "the man". Shotgun would be good too, instead of or including.

Speaking of which, make sure you are familiar with the gun laws of any state you are traveling through, if you're leaving Cali.

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

1911 and 4 mags with polymer filled HP.

MBR???

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

Military Battle Rifle

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

Don't tell anyone....but in addition to my carry piece (Glock 27)....I just started driving around with my shotgun in my trunk just in case all hell breaks out while I'm out. :wink:

(Man...I need to go watch a sit-com or something....maybe read a People magazine. :eek_ma:)

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

AAAaaah. now the mention of the SKS makes sense. Good advise to take something cheap and effective so if the gendarmes confiscate, no big tears. Depending on the anticipated range, maybe a high cap, pump shotgun with the shorty Aquila rounds. I think you can stuff about 9+1 of those bad boys in an 870 with extended tube. Slap some illumination on it and you're good to go.

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

I will plug pepper spray fog units as usual. Gives you a non-lethal option, can cover a retreat or create an area of denial. Very handy.

It is also a good idea to have a flashlight capable of putting out 50 or more lumens. A 3watt LED generally can. Doesn't have to be Surefire. Dorcy, INova, Brinkman and others have serviceable lights at Wal-Fart, Target or wherever. The light can help ID and blind threats.

Bring a kevlar vest if you have one. If you don't then sell your least favorite gun and buy one. 1 gun + vest beats 2 guns + no vest. Get at least one LVL III or higher rated rifle plate. Steel is dirt cheap, under $125 and will stop any number of hits from 5.56x45 including SS-109/M-855, it will even turn multiple strikes from .308fmj at close range.

I like to keep 4 mags handy for my rifle, 3 for my pistol. The more the merrier of course but at some point you're just bringing the whole collection and that isn't necessarily practical or even a good idea. Don't forget some food, water, blankets and fire starting gear, a can or two of fix-a-flat, jumper cables, etc.

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

Hive,

Just about anywhere OUT OF CALIFORNIA is good :D...you can first check any state's laws (always a good idea) on their State Police or Dept. of Public Safety website or give 'em phone call...

I like the ideas submitted so far...+1 on the pistol, 9mm Glock with extra mags are good (make sure the state allows more than ten round mags)...+1 on the shotgun in the trunk, pump 12 ga...:wink:

SKS is an okay idea if you are sure your itinerary won't take you through any gun-unfriendly cities or states...a more politically correct choice (if you care) might be a Marlin 30-30 or 44Mag lever rifle.

Most states I travel through (again check to make sure) have what they call a "safe-passage" allowance for firearms...you may keep a loaded handgun out of sight in your car as long as you are passing through and not planning on staying for any length of time (not sure what that means)...but if you are pulled over for any reason you must declare to the officer that you have a loaded firearm in the car...

Most encounters with cops in my area have been uneventful (I have CCW), but I wouldn't want to get you in trouble with authorities...:thumpdown

Hope this helps some. Have a safe trip.

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

REV 127 summed it up the way I think.

The only other consideration is that some areas don't allow hollowpoints. I know when I took a trip last year crossing 4 states, I loaded the mags with ball, cause you never know what a local law may be. Anyway shot placement is the key to handgunning.

AE

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

Bring the assault rifle if your plans include a multi-state bank robbery spree. Otherwise, just take your Visa card like most people.

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

40 megawatt plasma rifle, 6 claymore for nittime security,m1 abrams style reactive armor for the hive vehicle,ninja suit[highly reccomended],case of cheap vodka,carton of cigs, 12 condoms,and a gas mask.:s9:

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

There's always gotta be one...:smokin:

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

Yeah......that will work just fine as long as the S doesn't HTF while you are on tour.

Heck, for that matter, just leave the house naked.....you can always buy clothes while on tour. :D

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

travel around like this all the time, just trying to help. listen, even the cops won't stop you when you've got this gear. wear it all while driving

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

when i travel i take a pocket knief, my good looks and karma does the rest. cant get lighter than that

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

You must have one of these if your going out on the road for any legnth of time.

E-A

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

................

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

Aside from the self-defense equipment, don't forget the regular gear you should have when out on the road, especially on a longer road trip. Behind the rear seat of my pickup, stacked neatly on a multi-level shelf, I always have: fire extinguisher, rope, reflective emergency triangle, flares, Mag-Lite, Ka-Bar, paper towels, umbrella, fuel additive, an emergency rotating beacon, Rain-X, digital multimeter, spare oil, spare coolant, duct tape, electrical tape, fuses, few basic hand tools for batter cables etc., jumper cables, jack, tow strap, tarp, big piece of cardboard...

You get the idea. :bear_tongue:

Or just bring a AAA card and a cell phone, but with the vehicle I drive, about the only thing that'd really debilitate it... well I carry a spare of that part and the tools to change it out; 15-minute job and I'm back on the road. :smile: The rest of the stuff has come in handy more than once.

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

http://www.packing.org seems to have gone bye-bye... :bear_sad:

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

1st commandment of the mechanized infantry:

THOU SHALT NOT TRAVEL LIGHT

:D

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

Check the laws for transporting weapons in all states through which you will be traveling. Unfortunately for me, I'm traveling from Colorado to Wisconsin for Thanksgiving... from car-gun freedom, to restriction. In fact, before I leave colorado all of my guns must be unloaded and the ammunition stored in a seperate part of the vehicle. I don't like this (but it is better than flying).

Here in Colorado you are allowed to have loaded handguns in your car (one in the chamber), and you can have rifles/shotguns with loaded mags, but no rounds in the chamber. I keep Kel-Tec's SUB2000 and PF9 loaded with Federal Tactical Bonded. I also have a rebuilt CZ-52 as a back up in the rear portion of the vehicle. The SUB2000 fits in a laptop computer case under the driver's seat, but I keep the PF9 in a cheap CD case in my center console.

The key is finding a weapon/ammo combination that allows you:

1. To punch through steel and glass and still cause massive tissue damage
2. Easily shoot with one hand
3. Have immediate high capacity (10+)
4. Reload easily while driving

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

Don't go overboard, keep a low profile. A small frame S&W .357 is all you'll need. stuff it in your pocket and forget it till you need it. Moving a rifle to the room from the car will get attention. Want more punch then go with a 1911, keep them on your night stand when you sleep. I recommend a small back back with the following items.
1. Water purification kit.
2. Basic first aid kit.
3. Coast Guard approved food packet (enough for three days) bump up for more family that you have with you.
4. KBar knife or other similar poker.
5. Extra coinage (Susan B, quarter, dimes) For food machines, a few FRNs too.
6. Mag light with extra batteries.
7. Change of panties and socks.
8. Gloves
9. Cold weather head gear(Old pile cap will do)
10. Magnesium fire starter and matches.
11. Extra ammo for weapon of choice.
12. Toilet paper or baby wipes. (sucks when you need it and don't have it)
13. Space blanket.
14. One box of caffinated chewing gum.
15. Can opener and scissors.
16. XXX anything else you can think of that you'll need and still fit into a small back pack.

This should be all you need to get by till you can get home, remember to keep a low profile and don't bring any attention to yourself. All will be good .... so to speak.

Regards, 8^)


HUB

Re: Recommendations for self-defense loadout while on a road trip?
 

Heh, heh, he said "panties". :D