Rifle for Bicycling to Alaska

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DougB

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A friend of a friend is planning to ride a bicycle from the "lower 48" to Alaska. He's already done several trips of similar length (across the U.S, etc.). He is interested in taking a firearm with him for protection (bear, buffalo, and whatever else may threaten when camping in remote areas). Apparently handguns (the obvious choice for a bicyclist) are not an option due to Canadian law. So, what should he get? I have a hard time envisioning a bicyclist comfortably carrying any long gun, but here are some options that occurred to me:

- The new Kel-Tec SU-16 (not a great cartridge for big animals, but it's light, folds small, and, with the right ammunition should beat most handguns). I know they aren't available yet, but he's not leaving for a few months.

- Marlin 1894 .44 mag or .45/70 Guide Gun lever action.

- Ruger .44 Magum sem-auto.

- 18" 12Ga pump shotgun with slugs and folding stock.

I don't know how Canadian laws would view these options, or how he'd comfortably carry them on a bike (the Kel-Tec could probably fit in a day pack or saddle bag when folded). Anybody got other suggestions, or thoughts on how to address this problem? Thanks.

Doug
 
I would suggest, and I know nothing about Canadian gun laws, but I'd suggest he your friend check out if the firearm needs to be concealed in public areas. This may make a difference to choice.

I'd be tempted to say 18" shotgun with pistol grip or folding stock for concealability.
 
I would guess that the Canadian authorities would tell him that the bears in their country are not violent and homicidal like American bears, and that he has nothing to fear and therefore no need (and no permission) to carry a rifle unless he is planning to buy a license and hunt. (how do you pack a moose on a bicycle?)

I might be wrong ... I would like to hear how this comes out ...
 
Tell him to ride the ferry!

I don't think Canada is going to be gun-friendly. The best bet would be to avoid it entirely and just come up by ferry.

Of course, it would be much safer to cover yourself in hooligan oil and run naked in front of a bear den at breakup than to bike up the Seward Highway. People do it, but a fair number of them get killed or maimed in the process.
 
Okay, let me be the first to say - Your friend rules!

Of course your friend knows better than any of us what he can and cannot carry, but I cannot for the life of me think of a way that I could carry a rifle on a bike and have it accessable enough to do any good. I might stick with some top-shelf pepper spray.

- Chris
 
Unless I'm mistaken, it is against Canadian law to carry anything for defense. I think the attitude is that the government will protect you. How Democrat:barf: I recall reading, recently, that it costs a $50 fee to take a rifle into Canada, license or not.
Your friend needs to check the laws carefully to be sure.

Tom
 
Swifter's right; our politicians have the quaint idea that people can be reasoned with, therefore, you will never need a firearm for self-defence against a PERSON; animals are another story, though, and you shouldn't have too much trouble if you decide to go that route; out of the choices you list, you'd have the most luck with a lever-action, then the shotgun (but they won't buy that you're going hunting with a PG shotgun). On top of that, you'd still need to register the shotgun (which I believe requires a valid Canadian hunting licence, plus the requisite baksheesh for the government). I think it'd be more trouble than it's worth, but please write "my government" anyway, and please tell them that you WERE considering vacationing in Canada, but decided against it because you prefer not to associate with fair-weather "friends" or spend your money here. I hope Chretien's decision against ousting Saddam costs this country, despite the fact I live here.
 
Legality aside, I would opt for the 18"bbl 12 ga, if it is only in Canada, he can get a 14" bbl shotgun. I think a 14" 20 ga loaded with Sabots and one of those "knob" type pistol grips would be the cat's meow for what he wants.
 
You can't conceal a long gun on a bicycle, so count on every cop between the lower 48 and AK pulling your friend over to ask about the gun. Plus, I can see some nut spying a $400 piece of equipment hanging off the back of a bicycle and deciding to bump him on the road.
 
I'd suggest that he illegally carry a .44 Mag revolver in his bicycle pack.
Click to expand...

In case you hadn't heard, they have these little things called "Ports of Entry" - the 4th Amendment does not apply there.

Your suggestion would probably be good for a 5 to 10 year all expense paid vacation in Canada, plus being a convicted felon if and when he ever got to come home.

Geez ...... :rolleyes:
 
A person I knew turned a bicycle pump (kind thats mounted on frame) into a nifty .410. Of course thats illegal and I don't reccommend such conduct.:D
 
Merely for a point of interest, but are muzzle-loading rifle/pistols regulated up there?
 
In case you hadn't heard, they have these little things called "Ports of Entry" - the 4th Amendment does not apply there.
Click to expand...

What was that adventure game called? 'Skirt the Port?'

If mexicans can get away with it...



Of course I'm being facietious...(sp?) I think.
 
Check the Canadian laws carefully.

My buddy wanted to take his Steyr Tactical .308 to shoot black bears------NOPE NADA--try again Bub.

This is a bolt action rifle---reason given why he couldn't take it up there----the 10-round magazine.

Thinking all semi-autos are out too----either rifle or shotgun.

Call up there and check before you go.
 
:what: How would Canadian law treat this thing? Apparently it's available in .457 Wild West Magnum or .50 Alaskan. That should put down just about anything short of a carnivorous dinosaur...
Bushwacker2.jpg
 
Weight and cycling don't mix. Whatever it is it has to be light.

Any firearm I can think of will be too heavy for a long tour as described. I would think pepper spray would be a better alternative as it appears Canada's laws are too restrictive for anything else. Plus, I feel fairly confident you friend could out sprint an animal on the bike, especially on the road.

Outside of strapping a gun to the top tube, your friend will have to store it in his paniers. Any rifle will be at least 18" long and would stick out of any luggage. If there is a situation where he needs to draw while on the bike I'm sure it would be too late.

Any handgun would have to be small and light as well. But that is apartently illegal. Tell your friend to plan carefully so he only camps in populated grounds, or stay in motel rooms (comfort, showers, beds etc).

I would not recommend carrying anything illegal like a .44 mag revolver in a saddle bag with a velcro closure butt side facing the strong side sandwiched between some power bars either.

Hope this helps,

ehenz
 
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