whats the best protection when camping

[7mmag6]

A friend of mine at work, he knows squat about guns, asked me that he wanted to buy a weapon to protect his family while camping, and wanted my advice, well I hemmed and hawed a while and said I dont really know, but ill ask my friends on my gun forum, remember he knows nothing about guns, also he said he would like his wife to be able to operate it, so I dont have a clue, shotgun? but I think he was looking for a handgun, something he could car camp, and back pack, also he has 2 young boys, one 10 , the other 8, I reccomended a cz,boy did that draw a blank, but I dont think hes ready for that, wierd communist block weapons, so what do I reccomend?

[whirlwind]

i use a 357 mag, id suggest a ruger double action no less than 6 inch barrel...now if hes up north id go with a 41 mag or 44 just in case da bears come to visit

[TheTroll]

The best protection is closing the door on the camper, at least thats what I do. I do have a .410 shotgun in the closet though.

[pmspinnerb8]

When I camp, I'm usually hunting so I've got a shotgun with me. Otherwise I take my .45 ACP. Things to be careful on is a lot of parks don't allow firearms in them while you are camping so a shotgun might not be the best option. I like the Ruger SP101 in .357's. It is small and lightweight enough to carry while backpacking, easily concealable and the recoil in power house mag loads is tolerable and packs a wallop. He can also stick .38+P loads in it for the wife and kids. It is one of my favorites. Let us know what he decides on.

[Doglips]

for simple a revolver...because he will not rember how to clear an auto loader if it jams...or may not rember to champer a round. Shotgun 20 ga (if wife is small) slugs/buckshot mix.....of course something like a Marlin leveraction 44mag or 357mag is handy, easy to work, light recoil. I prefer a nice 45Colt in the revolver for new/non shooters...they also make a 45acp moon clip revolver....of course no matter what he gets he needs some range time to get use to it....and know how to work it...shoot it.....and be able to hit his target. The wife thing is the wild card...my wife loves her 9mm and will only shoot other guns under duress.....yet my 13yr old daughter enjoys shootign my 45acp and the AK-47....his wife might not like a big gun or may want something huge with lots of recoil

[Klaus]

For safety reasons, I would recommend a 30/30 lever gun. They are compact, powerful enough to deal with predators, are not too scary looking, and can be used for hunting.

[dhermesc]

I would go with one of those Steven's over under 22 rifle/20gauge shot gun set ups. They are very simple and more or less idiot proof. For some reason they seem to command a hefty price, but would easily fulfill his needs.

[Roy Collins]

Everyone above has some good ideas, but am I under the impression that this person is a beginner? If so there are two choices: either a .357/38 revolver or a good quality .22. The bigger guns may be a problem with cramped quarters and park rules. Either of the above can be easily carried and will be fairly easy to master with the family. Now I know that these two choices are not the most powerful, but I am sure you will all agree should the need arise, you will be glad you had them.

[Oxford]

7mmag6: Is the protection needed to protect against (1) intruders/people, or (2) animals?

That might make a difference in their choice. I'd probably want a 357 mag or a 45 acp for either need.

Ox :nod:

In this situation I would rank the following needs:
1. Effectiveness (penetration)
2. Ease of use
3. Compatibility with kids

That said, I would recommend the following:

20 Gauge Semi

and/or

.357 4"

Both pack a punch and are simple to operate, but can be handled by kids with some basic training.

[NRAJOE]

AK-47...

[Bert24b]

After an odd experience on a solo backpacking trip lately I've been thinking heavilly about a similar question, and have settled on a Ruger Blackhawk 4 3/4" in .357 mag for myself. The cartridge is powerful enough to strongly deter anything up to black bear and of proven effectiveness on people as well. Shot cartridges are also easilly available for defense against snakes, which are no problem here but may be for your friend. For a beginner I'd choose a double action but I think a revolver is the way to go for simplicity, safety, and portability.

-Bert

[whirlwind]

yup, a 357 would even deter a griz if ya shot it in the nose and mouth a time or two...heck wouldnt be nuttin left to bite ya with!

[Oxford]

7mmag6: Re-read the title of this thread and it came to me that the best protection could be other things besides guns.

--Birth control pills
--Condums
--Abstinence
--A large fly swatter
--Mosquitto netting
--A large club
--A large firecracker
--Plenty of fresh water

Wellllllll! Maybe this wasn't what you had in mind.(ha) At least take these things besides a 357 magnum or a 45ACP to be really safe.

Ox :nod:

[Snakebite]

Since he knows nothing about guns and he wants his wife to be able to shoot it too then I think a .357 would too much for a beginner. I would go with a double action revolver in a .22 or .22 mag. A .22 high velocity hollow point isnt anything to be taken lightly.

[Sniper[MI]]

Why not get a .17 revolver? Smith and Wesson makes a sweet one! It looks like a much bigger gun and the .17 packs a much harder whollop than a .22. The fear factor alone of that big, long barreled S&W should put off most would be intruders.

Personally though, I'd recommend at least a .40 or .45 in an auto and a .38 or .357 in a wheel gun and tell him and his wife to learn how to use it. Or better yet, train em yourself.

[Rave]

In those gummint controled national parks,how about spears,with a little practice,good for close up and out a ways.

[7mmag6]

thanks guys I will keep you informed of his purchase, and have copied out all your replies and given him, stay tuned, lets see what he settles on, ill let you know

[alan c.]

My dad always carried his trusty Super Blackhawk 44 Rem Mag. on our hunting/camping trips.

[Oxford]

7mmag6: Did you include the following?:

"-Birth control pills
--Condums
--Abstinence
--A large fly swatter
--Mosquitto netting
--A large club
--A large firecracker
--Plenty of fresh water"