Traveling armed today

On my recent in-state vacation about 4 hours from home, I carried my normal EDC .45 1911 Sig Ultra Compact with 2 extra mags. Also took my P238 with 2 extra mags and a box of ammo for both. Then again, I also took some targets and hearing protection...in the off chance I had some down time and a nearby range I'd never been to.

daniel craig said:

My eyeballs, brain and a little bit of foresight. It’s a lot easier to avoid confrontation than try to shoot your way out of one, at least for me.

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While true for the most part, it seems a lot of these unfortunate interactions happen when someone makes a wrong turn into a flash mob scene

Do we have an example of a person who was traveling and unintentionally encountered an angry mob that identified that person who unintentionally encountered them as the target of their violence? If so, was it or would it have been practical for them to shoot their way out of the mob scene? I'm not interested in further empty conjecture, but real-life examples.

edwardware said:

There's the answer. If you pay a bit of attention, you CAN know most of the time. If you think there's a chance you might meet a mob somewhere. . . don't meet them there.

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I used to think that too. The a couple of weeks ago 100 or so BLM protesters shut down the interstate and the exits right before their road block. It took them about 5 minutes and they gave ZERO warning.

cougarman said:

So do you ever travel with more than a sidearm.

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I think even the people that intentionally get involved in these events (whether they're called protests, riots, mobs, autonomous zones, organized protests, looting...) who carry long guns are either not thinking clearly or they're following a dubious course of reasoning. Don't get me wrong. I think people ought to be able to walk around with submachine guns on their chest and rifles on their back wherever on public property they want to go. Nevertheless, open carry draws the kind of attention I want to avoid.



I believe the reason we see as many long guns at these events and threads like this one come up is actually because people are looking for a justification and a use, any kind of practical utility for their AR's or whatever. Simply put: we're not there. There is none now and isn't likely to be one until things get a lot worse. You and the long black guns will be just fine if you leave them at home. If you want to carry one in the vehicle, there's nothing wrong with that. I really doubt civilians in the US will have a good reason it would be better to take it out than a handgun, not this year anyway. I certainly hope I'm right.

Trunk Monkey said:

I used to think that too. The a couple of weeks ago 100 or so BLM protesters shut down the interstate and the exits right before their road block. It took them about 5 minutes and they gave ZERO warning.

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Something like that happened around here just this weekend. 300 people, and it was a dance party. They even had DJ's. There was no warning because they organized it without announcement, only direct messaging. It was at a location on the highway. So while I'm getting your point, I don't follow any one else's reasoning that goes farther to suggest I need to carry an AR to respond to this.

Visited my parents last weekend and had the standard EDC plus two shotguns and two rifles in the trunk. Nevermind we normally shoot clays with my step father when we visit and the rifles were 22lr to help with a recent rabbit infestation on the family farm. In seriousness I did grab an extra can of pepper spray and toss it in the center console just in case.

labnoti said:

Something like that happened around here just this weekend. 300 people, and it was a dance party. They even had DJ's. There was no warning because they organized it without announcement, only direct messaging. It was at a location on the highway. So while I'm getting your point, I don't follow any one else's reasoning that goes farther to suggest I need to carry an AR to respond to this.

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I don't carry an AR (at all really) to deal with things like this either. My point was you can get caught in the middle of a flash mob no matter how situationally aware you are.

labnoti said:

Do we have an example of a person who was traveling and unintentionally encountered an angry mob that identified that person who unintentionally encountered them as the target of their violence? If so, was it or would it have been practical for them to shoot their way out of the mob scene? I'm not interested in further empty conjecture, but real-life examples.

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The recent story of the mob beating the guy with cerebral palsy comes to mind; as does the Fedex driver who ran over and dragged a guy to his death and the protestors run over on I5

EDC shield 9, Glock 19 w/ holster, dual mag carrier, and 4 extra mags, H&R partner pump 12 gauge in trunk with about 20 rounds of buck. Mrs. Fl-NC always has her EDC LCP and a Glock 26 with holster and 2 extra mags in her "travelling emergency backpack", whether we are together or not.

cougarman said:

In our 2020 world what do you carry/take with you when traveling out of state to states that have reciprocity with your states CCW license. Never knowing when you might encounter an angry mob.

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Same thing I always carry.

My Colt 1991A1.

Great thread! This happens to be one of my favorite topics.

I rarely leave home without my beat up old LCP. There is hardly a reason to be without it.

In early March 2020, just at the beginning of the covid chaos, we drove to central Texas. I carried my new S&W 66 iwb while we were on the road. Mrs had her LCP in the console. I had booked a hog hunt, so I had my compact bolt action ranch rifle in 7.62x39. It is silly, but I thought having a long gun was very comforting.
It isnt uncommon for me to participate in some sort of hunting or shooting competition while on vacation.


We have planned a upcoming trip to Florida in a few weeks. I am planning to drive. My ccp doesnt cover Florida unfortunately. I am likely going to bring my SR9C kit with three 17rd and two 10rd mags and weapon light.

If conditions continue to deteriorate, we will probably just scrap our travel plans.

labnoti said:

Do we have an example of a person who was traveling and unintentionally encountered an angry mob that identified that person who unintentionally encountered them as the target of their violence? If so, was it or would it have been practical for them to shoot their way out of the mob scene? I'm not interested in further empty conjecture, but real-life examples.

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Here's one for you:

https://www.ksl.com/article/46771617/police-arrest-2-after-man-shot-during-provo-protest

From the video I've seen of this incident, driving out of the mob was the most effective response.

Good example. It would suggest anti-carjacking tactics apply to this and the similar incident (with the man with cerebral palsy in Ohio). I definitely don't see an application for AR's here (which is what the OP seemed to be inquiring about in post #4).

Response to carjacking can be complex. I'm no expert, but there is training available on the subject. It seems obvious that using the car to escape is the one of the best choices, but in both the incidents mentioned it is possible that the vehicle encroaching on protesters' space might have had a provocative effect. In the Utah incident, there were reports the vehicle pushed through protestors. In the Ohio incident, the man backed his vehicle into a bicycle. It seems the drivers got far enough into the situation that getting out was a very delicate thing. Sometimes we hear simplistic advice to respond to a carjacking by flooring the gas pedal. That's not going to go well in a mob. I don't mean to claim that with greater sensitivity these people could have escaped the individuals who were determined to do violence. This isn't victim blaming, but looking for ways to avoid a recurrence.

As far as carrying (the subject of the OP), a handgun is advisable. As far as avoiding and surviving assaults on vehicles, it seems like it would be very valuable if they could be avoided and escaped before the situation got too delicate. That would mean avoiding high risk areas entirely and turning away at the first signs of risk rather than preferring to avoid inconvenience to see if you can get through. Those things, and get some anti-car jack training. At least basic vehicle tactics like how to draw from inside a car, how to exit a car, use a car for cover, etc.

Same thing I've been carrying for years. Don't need the confusion as to what I have on me during a high pressure situation. It is also my opinion that most of the time you have to find trouble . Trouble dosen't find you. In other words ,stay away from places that might be a target for trouble. In my 67 years I've only encounterd trouble out of the blue only one time back in 1968. And I beat the crap out of him.

Road trip - AR15 with spare loaded mags, Glock 19 carried OWB, and Ruger LC9S Pro for pocket carry.

I flew to Florida this last January and brought these 2 along in my checked bag.

cougarman said:

Never knowing when you might encounter an angry mob.

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Well, I try to be as informed about a "where" I am going as possible. I want to know the weather forecast and if favorite restaurants are still there (or if only for take-out or curbside only, etc.).

There are very few useful defenses against an unexpected angry mob, barring having the rest of your Rifle Squad or Platoon riding along with you.

Armored farmer said:

Great thread! This happens to be one of my favorite topics.

I rarely leave home without my beat up old LCP. There is hardly a reason to be without it.

In early March 2020, just at the beginning of the covid chaos, we drove to central Texas. I carried my new S&W 66 iwb while we were on the road. Mrs had her LCP in the console. I had booked a hog hunt, so I had my compact bolt action ranch rifle in 7.62x39. It is silly, but I thought having a long gun was very comforting.
It isnt uncommon for me to participate in some sort of hunting or shooting competition while on vacation.
View attachment 931087 View attachment 931088 View attachment 931089

We have planned a upcoming trip to Florida in a few weeks. I am planning to drive. My ccp doesnt cover Florida unfortunately. I am likely going to bring my SR9C kit with three 17rd and two 10rd mags and weapon light.
View attachment 931090
If conditions continue to deteriorate, we will probably just scrap our travel plans.

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Conditions here in Florida (Miami and Orlando areas excepted) don't seem to have many issues related to these flash mobs and terrorists. Most folks I know from IL tend to come down in the winter when the weather is nicer and the late January through early March has major sporting clay tournaments every week

George P said:

Most folks I know from IL tend to come down in the winter when the weather is nicer and the late January through early March has major sporting clay tournaments every week

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Yes we have done that, but this is my youngest senior year in h.s. . He got it short from the recent covid unpleasantness. He was a good student and didnt cause us any problems, so mrs and I agreed to take him on a senior trip of our own. He and his buddy wanted to go to Florida for some fishing and beach fun.
Here he is with his mom landing a snook in the bay near St Pete in 2018.

They are just some protests.

It is absolutely ridiculous that this would cause a gun and ammo shortage.

It makes Americans seem like the most anxious people on earth.

Armored farmer said:

Yes we have done that, but this is my youngest senior year in h.s. . He got it short from the recent covid unpleasantness. He was a good student and didnt cause us any problems, so mrs and I agreed to take him on a senior trip of our own. He and his buddy wanted to go to Florida for some fishing and beach fun.View attachment 931442
Here he is with his mom landing a snook in the bay near St Pete in 2018.

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Good for you! What part of Florida? (Stay away from Miami area)

labnoti said:

Do we have an example of a person who was traveling and unintentionally encountered an angry mob that identified that person who unintentionally encountered them as the target of their violence? If so, was it or would it have been practical for them to shoot their way out of the mob scene? I'm not interested in further empty conjecture, but real-life examples.

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Here's one result of a 10 second google search.

https://www.newsbreak.com/kentucky/...uses-for-violent-mob-attacking-black-motorist

Note: I didn't pick this for NPRs response, just that it happened.

Take it from me, nothing will convince you to go armed like being chased through the streets of south central Los Angeles by a pack of creeps shouting, "C'mere, white boy!"
Even more so, carrying reloads - what I was packing only carried five rounds.

My wife and I have always traveled. We live in NW GA but we've driven just about everywhere between Miami and Montana with most of the SW states included too. Never made it to New England, but will go to Maine someday. Never been in a state bordering the Pacific, but will see Northern California one day. Alaska is on the bucket list too.

Our destination is rarely a potential hot spot, but we do have to travel through some places where there is a certain level of concern. We do a lot of tent camping along the way as well as at the destination but often pull into an inexpensive motel along the way if camping isn't practical.

If in bear country my handgun choice was either a G20 or more recently a G29 in 10mm. If not, then my G19. I've been known to include either a compact shotgun or an AR behind the rear seat of the truck, but not as a rule. It really just depends on the situation. Shotguns are more likely to be legal in more places which enters into the decision. With slugs a better choice in bear country too. But otherwise I prefer the AR.

In the last few years my wife has become more serious about carrying and for a while she chose a Ruger LC9s. It was an excellent pistol which I'd highly recommend. But I've moved toward a Sig 365 for most of my IWB carry. With a 10 round mag it is hard to beat and with a 12 round mag works better OWB. I shoot mine equally well compared to the G19, especially with the optional and longer 12 round mag, and it has largely replaced it.

For the sake of commonality we sold her Ruger and bought a matching Sig. Having one platform with identical controls, matching magazines, etc. made life a lot simpler. Especially for my wife. If something bad happened it would be a lot simpler for her to use my gun if she had to. She tends to carry a belt pack type of purse with her pistol in it. In a lot of places it is a LOT easier for her to carry undetected than me. I might use something like that in certain wilderness settings, but not in an urban environment.