Travelling in an RV

I always thought a pump or break open shotgun would be best.

1911
M28
Coach gun 12 ga 2 3/4 1 5/8oz 5s

Handy thing about handguns is you can always have them at hand when needed by continuously carrying. Long guns invariably get set down so one can use both hands for a task. Have your shotgun but also carry a handgun. That said, I have not carried in my motorhome yet (just got my license yesterday), but plan to. I will be visiting Ohio which is a good state for 2A.

From southern Michigan I have to deal with Illinois, which essentially blocks my westward movement except for a deviation way north or way south. Otherwise I have to unload the gun and lock it up before I enter Illinois.

My Dad kept a 20" Model 12 in his motorhome when traveling, in addition to his carry gun du jour and his S&W model 65 in the sleeping area.
Then there was my stepmom's carry gun, and any guns he was bringing up to show off and go shooting with family and friends.

Unless it was a hunting trip all I had was my carry gun. I did have a holster mounted on the drivers door, so I could put it there on long drives. holster gets uncomfortable after a few hours in a car seat.

Balrog said:

Wondering about carrying a shotgun, the small quarters of an RV might even be a good use for something like a Shockwave.

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For over 30 years I have carried a (legal) short barreled shotgun or my 18.5" Winchester '97 riot gun and then a Shockwave when they came out. Keep in mind that a Shockwave or SBS may not be legal in all states, But I find short(ish) shotguns to be excellent travel options. I have done a lot of backcountry and remote camping and they work as an excellent deterrents for 2 and 4 legged critters alike. More than once I've had to fire a warning shot or two to run off bears and wildcats in Colorado and West Texas. And they seem to have a better cooling effect than a handgun on less than desirable human interlopers in my experience. Though I always travel with a handgun or two just in case as well, even if I'm just going to visit the folks a few hours away. Nowadays a .45 acp.

I also usually carry a folding AR pistol in a backpack kit with extra mags and backup sights. Sounds like overkill, but nowadays I'd rather be safe than horizontal. All this takes up very little room overall and I keep them located strategically and easily accessed. If I had to pick just the one for lots of travel I'd pick a Shockwave or shorty 12 gauge (I usually keep loaded with mini shells but stow regular shells in case of hunting options as well.) I also keep a marinecoat Shockwave in a case stowed in my boat when I take it out. Your mileage may vary. A lot depends on what you feel most comfortable handling.

Shotgun and pistol.

Shotguns are handy in RV land, and generally not frowned upon. Maneuverability has never been an issue. Sold all of my AR pistols.

Handgun on the side unless not permitted and short defensive pump and plenty of ammo stored in the RV.

You should always have a pistol on your person, regardless of traveling.

If you want to keep things relatively simple while traveling a 18.5" 12g pump should fill the bill.

Beyond that I leave you to your own discretion.

I carry the same guns in my motorhome that I carry at home, my EDC pistol and my deep concealment LCP II.

I have a Class B RV and depending on the state I travel to I carry a 870 shotgun or a Rossi 45 colt/410 rifle and a 45 colt revolver. The Rossi is inexpensive as is my Uberti Cattleman should they get confiscated by the police as I cross state lines.

I gave away my last motor home and don't plan to get another.
I'm tired of travelling.
I'm certainly not interested in visiting any state that would not recognize my concealed carry permit 0r disallow the carrying of a loaded long gun in my vehicle.

I think a lever action carbine in a pistol caliber would be a pretty handy defensive weapon for an RV. Pair it with a revolver in the same caliber for states that allow carry that you travel to.

When we were shooting trap all over the Midwest and upper Midwest.....
We never gave a minutes thought about crossing state lines, or local laws, or foid cards....or anything.
Trapguns in their gun cases and flats of ammo in the trunk.
We crossed into Canada more than once with two or three trapguns in the back.
Circa 1980ish
Those were the days!