So if you wanted to live in a van....

[matttric]

If i could only have 1, probably a 22 so I could squirrel and rabbit hunt.

 

[joneb]

I could squirrel and rabbit hunt.

And with a 22 WMR you could do that and have a viable self defense gun? Not sure, but one might be surprised to know how many deer have been taken with the .22 lr from a rifle.

 

[flightsimmer]

I see where Camper World is offering a Coleman model 17b for $5.00 a day or $150 a month. I know nothing of the details though.
If you wanted HVA/C and Solar it would probably cost more but still worth looking into.

 

[Seymour380]

If i could only have 1, probably a 22 so I could squirrel and rabbit hunt.

I like having that option too, matttric, thank you.

And with a 22 WMR you could do that and have a viable self defense gun? Not sure, but one might be surprised to know how many deer have been taken with the .22 lr from a rifle.

I would think the 22 WMR would be fine in that role, joneb, thanks!

I see where Camper World is offering a Coleman model 17b for $5.00 a day or $150 a month. I know nothing of the details though.
If you wanted HVA/C and Solar it would probably cost more but still worth looking into.

Thanks flightsimmer, I imagine a rental would be the best way to try out the vanlife lifestyle if a person had the freedom and finances to do so.

 

[RedlegRick]

I like having that option too, matttric, thank you.


I would think the 22 WMR would be fine in that role, joneb, thanks!


Thanks flightsimmer, I imagine a rental would be the best way to try out the vanlife lifestyle if a person had the freedom and finances to do so.

That's more RVing than van living. Van life is living in a regular van, not a rolling studio apartment. In my VW, I either slept on top of my storage bins or in a cheap hammock, and everything else was basically urban camping. Down by the river... literally! There were few places along the Jordan (Utah) I was able to park for the night.

 

[flightsimmer]

The one problem that I had was no heat. When the cold woke me up I had to start the engine to get it warmed up and then try to go back to sleep, very uncomfortable

 

[Rexster]

If I can wear two full-sized handguns, without even having to think too much about it, I do not buy into the idea of having to settle upon only one, just because I am traveling in a van, or, in my case, my Toyota Tundra pickup. I have, in the past, when young and single, when canoeing/kayaking was important to me, “lived in” in an SUV, during multi-week trips, which is not exactly “van life,” but not that far removed from it.

If I want to travel with a 9mm, that would be a Glock G17, because it hurts my aging right hand to shoot the littler ones. The G17 was one of the authorized options for duty pistols, before I retired, and I have seen no reason to change things since I retired. I have accumulated several of them.

My choice for the .22 LR handgun is my S&W Model 17-4 revolver, simply because it is my only .22 LR handgun, and I really like it.

My actual daily handgun, more likely to be with me, at any given time, is a Ruger SP101, and I could travel with the SP101, plus the G17, and the S&W 17-4. If I just had to travel, with ONLY ONE handgun, it would be a Ruger GP100, .357 Magnum, as seen in my avatar image.

 

[Brian Williams]

I would go with either my G19 or my modified S&W 65 with a S&W 22/32 22lr. I would also pack a pair of Marlin lever actions if I choose my 65.

 

[Seymour380]

If I can wear two full-sized handguns, without even having to think too much about it, I do not buy into the idea of having to settle upon only one, just because I am traveling in a van, or, in my case, my Toyota Tundra pickup. I have, in the past, when young and single, when canoeing/kayaking was important to me, “lived in” in an SUV, during multi-week trips, which is not exactly “van life,” but not that far removed from it.

If I want to travel with a 9mm, that would be a Glock G17, because it hurts my aging right hand to shoot the littler ones. The G17 was one of the authorized options for duty pistols, before I retired, and I have seen no reason to change things since I retired. I have accumulated several of them.

My choice for the .22 LR handgun is my S&W Model 17-4 revolver, simply because it is my only .22 LR handgun, and I really like it.

My actual daily handgun, more likely to be with me, at any given time, is a Ruger SP101, and I could travel with the SP101, plus the G17, and the S&W 17-4. If I just had to travel, with ONLY ONE handgun, it would be a Ruger GP100, .357 Magnum, as seen in my avatar image.

Rexter, I too like the GP-100. I picked up a 7-shot GP-100 when I retired (posted previously, see below), and really like the extra mass and the quality. I also really like the idea of the SP-101 (sold my old one after thousands of reloads through it).

I also camped frequently out of small pickups and small SUVs in my younger days. Looking forward to doing that again as health permits.

Thank you for your prior service.

 

[Seymour380]

I would go with either my G19 or my modified S&W 65 with a S&W 22/32 22lr. I would also pack a pair of Marlin lever actions if I choose my 65. View attachment 1089359

Thanks Brian, what caliber(s) for the Marlins?

 

[Brian Williams]

Thanks Brian, what caliber(s) for the Marlins?

A 39A and a 1894, 22lr and 357 Magnum. sorry for the fuzzy image.
Marlin 1894 top
G19, S&W 581, Systema 1911
Marlin 39a bottom

 

[Seymour380]

A 39A and a 1894, 22lr and 357 Magnum. sorry for the fuzzy image.
Marlin 1894 top
G19, S&W 581, Systema 1911
Marlin 39a bottom
View attachment 1089367

Sweet rifles there, Brian!

I had a Marlin 1894cs in .357 that didn't like to feed 38 specials, so I sold it off. It really liked hollow point .357's though.

I think a Henry 22lr lever-action with a shorter barrel might work in a vanlife situation as well.

 

[tarosean]

I prefer the desert, but if I gained some weight and became a motivational speaker, then I guess the river would work too.

.

Kinda off base. Yes, Owning a suppressor requires an NFA tax stamp, and not all states allow suppressor ownership, but largely, the states which prevent suppressors also prevent concealed carry. So the challenges of owning and carrying a suppressed pistol aren’t really different than carrying a pistol in general.

Except the whole notifying the BATFE when leaving the state with it. Too much of a pain in the rear to travel with a NFA item.



I have a 40ft 5th wheel and travel quite a bit. Aside from whats normally on my hip or pocket.. I keep a G34 in the safe and an AR under the bed. Both are inexpensive and easily replaced if something happen to them.

 

[Varminterror]

Except the whole notifying the BATFE when leaving the state with it. Too much of a pain in the rear to travel with a NFA item.

“Except the whole” notifying via ATF Form 5320.20 thing is NOT required for interstate transport of suppressors.

 

[tarosean]

ATF Form 5320.20 thing is NOT required for interstate transport of suppressors.

Learned something new today... who says you cannot teach an ol dog new tricks?

 

[Varminterror]

Learned something new today... who says you cannot teach an ol dog new tricks?

“Not for nothin’, but…” My recent experience on this forum suggests a strong correlation between increased dog age and such an inability…

 

[Charlie Martinez]

Even in a van a handgun in a drawer and a rifle and a shotgun propped in a corner or suspended from the ceiling somewhere do not really take up that much room. If I were to live in a travel van I would have at least one center fire pistol or revolver in 9 mm or 38/347 Mag., a 22 RF semiauto rifle and a 12 gauge pump with a 20" barrel. If I had to reload a simple Lee Loader would take care of my pistol ammo needs.
I think people living in a travel van on the road are more likely to run into trouble than people living in a secure stationary house so I wouldn't skimp on protection.

 

[LiveLife]

Learned something new today... who says you cannot teach an ol dog new tricks?

My recent experience on this forum suggests a strong correlation between increased dog age and such an inability

 

[LiveLife]

vanlifers ... I would like to adopt the lifestyle and have the freedom ... what one handgun (pistol or revolver) in 9mm or 22lr/mrf would work best for that lifestyle.

As to pistol for RV, my choice would be Glock 23 but Glock 19 would do as well (And I would use 40-9mm conversion barrel for cheaper practice).

"One handgun" that is small enough yet has enough capacity to allow "van lifestyle and freedom" that can withstand tough rigors of carry year round would gravitate me towards Glock 19 or G23 with 40-9mm conversion barrel (for cheaper practice).

But having shot multiple samples of Taurus G2C, now with improved factory SA/DA trigger and ability to take longer magazine of G3, I would also add this $229 pistol for consideration if cost was a factor. My range session with it last month in Texas while visiting sister's family impressed me with smooth and consistent trigger release/reset for fast accurate follow up shots in a package smaller than G19 so much that I bought them his/her G2Cs.

My guess is that 9mm or 22lr would be the best calibers for van life just based on ammo availability.

I would definitely confirm for 9mm as lower cost of ammunition would allow for more frequent/cheaper practice.

As to 22LR, there is Advantage Arms 22LR slide kits for Glocks and while my Gen3 G22 AA slide kit prefers hotter 22LR ammunition for reliable slide cycliing, it allows me same trigger/grip "manual of arms" for shooting drills/range practice.

 

[Seymour380]

"One handgun" that is small enough yet has enough capacity to allow "van lifestyle and freedom" that can withstand tough rigors of carry year round would gravitate me towards Glock 19 or G23 with 40-9mm conversion barrel (for cheaper practice).

But having shot multiple samples of Taurus G2C, now with improved factory SA/DA trigger and ability to take longer magazine of G3, I would also add this $229 pistol for consideration if cost was a factor. My range session with it last month in Texas while visiting sister's family impressed me with smooth and consistent trigger release/reset for fast accurate follow up shots in a package smaller than G19 so much that I bought them his/her G2Cs.

I would definitely confirm for 9mm as lower cost of ammunition would allow for more frequent/cheaper practice.

As to 22LR, there is Advantage Arms 22LR slide kits for Glocks and while my Gen3 G22 AA slide kit prefers hotter 22LR ammunition for reliable slide cycliing, it allows me same trigger/grip "manual of arms" for shooting drills/range practice.

Thanks LiveLife, I like that slide kit idea since space would be at a premium all the time.

 

[LiveLife]

Thanks LiveLife, I like that slide kit idea since space would be at a premium all the time.

Advantage Arms sells different slide kits for Gen 3/4/5 Glock 17/19/22/23 models.

As I posted, they prefer hotter ammunition or you may run into slide cycling reliability issues. Some suggested that you keep the slide locked back when new to loosen/break in the recoil spring tension.

I thought about it but decided to test my Gen3 G22 kit first. So far, it's 99.8% reliable with CCI SV, Aguila 38/40 gr, Armscor 36 gr but will not cycle the slide with Norma Tac-22.

Accuracy is good around 1"-1.5" groups at 10-15 yards off hand with Aguila ammo.

 

[Seymour380]

Advantage Arms sells different slide kits for Gen 3/4/5 Glock 17/19/22/23 models.

As I posted, they prefer hotter ammunition or you may run into slide cycling reliability issues. Some suggested that you keep the slide locked back when new to loosen/break in the recoil spring tension.

I thought about it but decided to test my Gen3 G22 kit first. So far, it's 99.8% reliable with CCI SV, Aguila 38/40 gr, Armscor 36 gr but will not cycle the slide with Norma Tac-22.

Accuracy is good around 1"-1.5" groups at 10-15 yards off hand with Aguila ammo.

That is not too shabby at all for accuracy. I have a good stock of CCI, so that might work. Just need to get a Glock first!

I have been thinking about a Shield Plus as an option too for 9mm. Not sure what the difference in recoil would be like between say a Glock 19 and a Shield, but I am sure someone on HR knows.

 

[LiveLife]

Not sure what the difference in recoil would be like between say a Glock 19 and a Shield

While felt recoil of my Shield was well manageable, Glock 19 hands down shoots better for me with greater accuracy.

Besides, G19 has 15 round capacity and you can use 17 round G17 mags as spares.

 

[Seymour380]

While felt recoil of my Shield was well manageable, Glock 19 hands down shoots better for me with greater accuracy.

Besides, G19 has 15 round capacity and you can use 17 round G17 mags as spares.

Thanks LiveLife, I haven't heard of any 22 conversion kits for the Shield, but that doesn't mean they aren't out there.

 

[Smaug]

Geez, that's a tougher situation than it first appears to be. I'm embarassed to admit how long I thought about it. I guess I'd probably get a 44 Mag Redhawk with the 5.5" barrel. Since I'd only have the one gun, I'd have it gunsmithed to smooth up the trigger works and have the barrel lapped. Maybe have a small fiber optic front sight installed.

I have the 7.5" Redhawk in 44 Mag now, and I just LOVE that gun, but it's a bit too long for a One Gun scenario. Losing 2" of barrel will hurt the sight radius and velocity, but I could have a nice little 2.5x scope or red dot, right?

Why the Redhawk? If I'm doing The Van Life, I'd want to go places where there are grizzlies, hence 44 Mag. I could also hunt with it, if the itch came up. I'm a handloader, and I can vouch for a compact reloading outfit by Lee in the form of their Hand Press, scoops for powder charging and their hand primer for priming. Since I just have the one gun and one caliber, there wouldn't have to be TOO much support gear. A couple boxes of bullets, a couple powders, one type of brass. For reloads, I would do what I do now and make just two types of loads:

1. Full power Magnums with 240 gr. JHP. These would be for big game hunting and defense on the trail. (2-legged and 4-legged, as we say)
2. Powderpuff loads. They're about like 44 Spl +P, but with light bullets in magnum cases. Maybe 180 gr. hollow points and 6 gr. of Win 231?. These would be for target shooting, small game and carry ammo where there are no bears.

It's a bit big & heavy for concealed carry, but it could be done. It's a bit short for hunting, but it could be done. I think I'd rather do this than have something underpowered for defense or hunting.

I expect that since this would be my only gun, I would get to be an absolute crack shot with it. Any squirrel or rabbit in 25 yards would have to watch himself, and any big game out to 50 would too.

***************
<sigh>

Realistically, I don't think I could do with just one gun. An extra gun doesn't take much extra room and I'd rather go without something else than only have one gun. (ex. maybe two cooking pots instead of 3) A nice slim Marlin 60 or 39A Mounty in a corner somewhere with peep sights or compact scope would be OK, surely? 22LR ammo doesn't take much room, nor does it "need" reloading gear. It would be a perfect defense gun for the wife, for when I'm away. (as we know, 22LR has a LOT more zip from a rifle) I could even stock some subsonic ammo for quiet-like things.

Another two gun scenario would be:

1. Marlin 1894 lever action in 44 Mag. This is for hunting and trail carry. Could reach out to 125 yards or so with this, I'd imagine.
2. Sig P365 or similar for concealed carry.

↑ In this scenario, I could give up the minimal reloading outfit for the extra gun. A P365 and 2-3 mags takes up very little space.