When traveling somewhere new, do you bring a weapon for protection?

Question

So I'm going on a road trip next week and questioning if I should bring something for protection. Wondering if most people do this while traveling or no?

And weapons doesn't necessarily mean just a gun, can be other self defense weapons too.

WhiteSteve · Accepted Answer

One thing I definitely never plan on is being a victim of a crime. I’m not saying it’s impossible but it’s certainly unlikely. And, personally, I’d rather get caught slippin’ once and lose my life than live an entire lifetime peeking around corners and having the thought of having to draw a gun or pull any sort of weapon anywhere on my mind. I don’t say that to knock anyone else, I’m just saying that, for me, my fists have kept me alive 43 years and I expect they’ll continue to do so. I’ve been to Texas before, I definitely feel a little uneasy there just because it strikes me as a very gun-happy state, like the type of place where someone would shoot you over a verbal argument or in lieu of a fistfight, which is just about the craziest mentality I can imagine, but these “fuck around and find out” types are the ones that really worry me, like they seem to fantasize about a justification to legally shoot somebody.

Anyway, I’m going off on a tangent, lmao, but I personally do not deal with weapons of any sort, as a matter of principle and honor.

For a young lady, I can understand a little more. Are you flying? I feel like you probably can’t carry much in the way of weaponry on a plane, but I guess you’d have to check with the airline or TSA about that. Maybe they’d allow mace or something if it’s in your checked luggage.

HighValue · Accepted Answer

I don't even open my front door without being armed.

susie22 · Accepted Answer

I have not as yet, but that may change at some point, depending on circumstances. My father is a US Navy SEAL, so I do know how to handle firearms, but I'm also Black Belt in 2 Martial Arts, so I think I'm pretty capable of protecting myself if the need arises. I've seen firsthand what a gunshot wound can do to the human body, I'm just not so sure I'd want to inflict that pain on anyone, unless it was a life or death situation. A lot of people say they could pull the trigger on someone, but how many actually could or would?

laurieluvsit · Accepted Answer

Yes, I have 4 CCW's good in over 38 states.

Of course, the US Constitution says we can carry in all 50 without any permits, but the communists running our federal and many of our state government service corporations don't seem to think that is relevant.

Go ahead, I collect communist unhappy faces.

Shamalien · Answer

In my country, carrying an unlicensed firearm can land you in prison. Using a licensed firearm for self defence can as well. Using anything for self defence actually, even a knife or a baton.

If I lived in a country that supported my right to self defence I’d bring a gun everywhere as part of my daily routine. Never know when danger will strike and there’s nothing wrong with being prepared. Other self defence weapons will be outmatched by a gun so best to prepare for the worst

DaveJord · Answer

So the only time I ever gear up like that for a road trip was when I was in Iraq. I will not live like that in my home country. If you do not feel safe going out without a gun then don't go. Guns only give people a false scene of security and courage.

When my day comes I will go out with sword drawn with my face to the enemy, screaming defiance with my last breath... that is true if I have a gone on me or not. The sword is figurative in the that phrase. I have know a lot of good people that had guns and it didn't stop them from being killed by people with guns.

You don't need a gun to be safe, and if you can't feel safe without one then you might have other issues to worry about... like did you remember your tooth brush.

TCredo · Answer

I have travelled to all sorts of places that many would say are unsafe. I have never brought a weapon with me but... I have always been smart. Depends on where you are going. If you are going somewhere that is generally safe except for certain areas, not sure if anything but street smarts is needed. If you are going somewhere that is more dangerous then it is smart to hire a security guard - as carrying a weapon yourself in those types of areas could likely get you in more trouble then you'd expect.

MrOracle · Answer

Wow, I can't believe you would be associated with such awful, nasty things.

I mean, really! You must be an truly terrible person to be around things like that.

Don't you know that K-cups mean stale coffee? What kind of person would DO that?

Anyway, I almost thought the rest of that stuff was mine, but I don't have magwell flares on my Glocks, and the keys aren't quite right.

hahahmm · Answer

Of course. If you run into trouble the bad guy isn't going to give you 10 hours to go home and get your weapons. But I respect the local laws too so I just avoid places where it's not legal to be armed. Or I make sure I have an alternative weapon that is technically legal even tho you can turn a criminal into a pinota with it.

MrHopper · Answer

If you are traveling across states or even countries you need to check the legality of what you are doing. I have heard about people from the US trying to take guns into other countries... doesn't end well if they are lucky.

I dont take any weapons with me anywhere as i never needed to defend my self from any one in my almost 40 years and dont really know any one else who has particularly

Crafteroon · Answer

To quote my history teacher back when I was a teenager: "Girls, it's fall and the nights are getting darker, so when walking alone keep to well lit places, and if you get attacked use your keys as impromptu brass knuckles. You might not be able to defend yourself, but with any luck your keys will cause permanent damage or maybe even blind the asshole. Have a good weekend, and stay safe."

Needless to say she was a memorable teacher.

Friendlybro79 · Answer

I do not but you do you. Especially if you're responsible. If I feel like the place I'm going to requires me to need weapons to be safe, I would rather not be there. I know you can't possibly know if you will need something like a weapon, and anything can happen anywhere, but I'm speaking statistically. If it's a seriously higher than normal crime/violent area I just don't go there.

DarkWinterNights · Answer

Traveling out of state via plane is tricky, but when I’m driving in state absolutely. A knife, bear spray, pepper spray or a firearm. Where I live you have to worry about criminals, drugged up psychopaths/creeps, mentally ill people and aggressive wildlife. We even had a serial killer who’s last victim was down the road from my apartment. Things are only getting crazier, you’re living in a fantasy if you aren’t prepared to protect yourself.

youngmix · Answer

Depends on what you are trying to bring. Just make sure that it's legal in that country/state/county/city/venue.
There are some strange and limiting laws out there, so just check and make sure. Even if you're just bringing some knives, pepper spray, bats, and hatchets. Every place has different laws.

egarcia1360 · Answer

I carry my trusty knife and pepper spray everywhere I go (tough to get a carry permit in my state even after NYSRPA v Bruen and not worth the trouble since I plan to move out soon), not just when I'm going somewhere new or to a bad part of town. You never know when something might happen, even in a "safe" neighborhood; after all, cockroaches travel.

Anonymous · Answer

Yes. Where I am traveling will dictate what sort of SD item I take. If it’s within the state of my residence or one that shares reciprocity with my state ccw permit. I’ll take my gun. If not. Ill take other means. As long as they are legal where I am going.

D_Bone_Steak · Answer

I find it are to go anywhere without my American Express card and shooting people in the face.

ChrisMaster69 · Answer

No I find I can visit other places without needing to carry a weapon or even think about needing one

WeirdoFriendly · Answer

I was dog sitting this week for a friend. However, they live out in the country where almost no other houses are around. On a big plot of land that they own. I brought a machete with me just in case... Although nothing happened where I had to use it, I still had it with me just in case.

zagor · Answer

Depends on where you're going, and how. Firearms don't fly well.

I've never brought a weapon with me. But then I'm not a petite female.

Years ago my uncle took his family on a road trip to Canada. At the border they asked if he had any firearms and he told them about his pistol. They were refused entry, as he refused to dump it, and the planned trip was kaput.

DryGermanGuy · Answer

Thankfully not needed here in Germany (or pretty much Europe for that matter) ... :-)

Smoke-n-Growls · Answer

I don't usually go places where I feel I need a weapon for protection.

If I do, I've got my keys, my hands, and, hopefully, enough situational awareness to stay away from situations where a weapon might be needed.

I also think it's weird to travel with a weapon. Like, if you're a martial arts travelling for training or a tournament, I get that. But just recreationally travelling? Why would I bring a weapon? I'm on a vacation, not the front line.

TheorionMage · Answer

Life experience has taught the pragmatic 'truth' of Benjamin Franklin's maxim: "Hope for the best, but expect the worst... and you'll NEVER be disappointed." SEMPER PERATUS = "always prepared"

Sixgunsound · Answer

Average police response time is a lot slower than 1200 feet per second. When seconds count, politically neutered and hamstrung police are minutes away. And they don’t suffer anywhere near the consequences for their being late as a victim does.

Fuentes · Answer

No I bring a knife. I don't want to be hassled on other states and counties CCW laws and gun laws unless i was in NC, AZ, or Texas, then I would not worry.

hyperben · Answer

nope, unless you are very competant with said weapon there is a higher chance of it being taken from you and used against you.

I used to but realised that setting off with a "what if" kind of confrontational mindset was holding me back.

Sleevey · Answer

Barton, or f bat are always in my truck. But if you use a bat make sure you have a ball glove and baseball with it because some places treat a lone bat in the truck as a illegal weapon

exitseven · Answer

I have an aluminum baseball bat that had the end broken off. I used my grinding wheel to put an edge on it, added a lanyard and spraypainted it black to match my truck. It lives under the front seat.

petitedollbabee · Answer

I carry around a knife but that’s not really for self defence, more for cutting things open etc. It’s illegal to carry around weapons here.

ArtemisSilver · Answer

Depends where you are going. As a rule you'll want to have a pistol where legal and at minimum a folding knife or a kubaton.

If you're somewhere really restricted a roll of quarters in your fist can make for a nasty punch.

Kori1236 · Answer

I have a taser and dog attack spray. I also travel with my dog 90% of the time. Most people aren’t dumb enough to approach when they see a dog

Phoenix98 · Answer

Only time I ever travel is when me and my buddy take weekend road trips around the state. he has his pistol and I usually have a k-bar and a pocket knife.

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

Yeah, I would bring a legal weapon as long as you got a license to carry a gun I would bring one or a chemical mace, pepper spray, etc. .. You can never be too careful in this day and age.

Anonymous · Answer

I carry a snub-nosed revolver everywhere I go in my concealed carry purse, even to the corner store. Being raped and beaten makes you realize that personal defense is more important than you previously believed.

andreasderjuengere · Answer

I'm always armed: my brain. But as a responsible weapons owner I carry it concealed, and only use it aggressively, when self-defense requires it :)

Fireguy17 · Answer

A lot depends on what you are taking and the laws governing that where you are going. You could possibly be setting yourself up for trouble.

wingattebaby16 · Answer

my man bought me a.38 pistol, six shot.  I should have gotten the 5 shot coz it is fits in my hand better.

CrazyGirl2 · Answer

I can’t, I’m not old enough to carry or even transport my weapons! They stay in my home for protection.

Kaneki05 · Answer

I have no clue about US, but my personal opinion and country say no to carrying weapons nvm needing them to travel.

GoesbyAndrew · Answer

I don't have a firearm atm because of circumstances regarding mental health. But I absolutely would, you never know what kind of danger you might run in to. The same can also be applied for home defense as well.

Juxtapose · Answer

I don't like caring lethal weapons with me because if I get in a fight that doesn't call for a lethal weapon and then I get knocked down or whatnot then that weapon could be used against me.

Often times if you bring a weapon to a fight you're going to have to use it.

convo_king89 · Answer

you should bring a gun and condoms for protection

Likes2drive · Answer

Not really but women could probably bring mace

Th3ft · Answer

I don’t own a gun yet but I am going to soon! I want to be able to protect myself if I have the need.

SaoirseS · Answer

I carry everywhere it's legal, at all times.

Bklynbadboy12 · Answer

In today's world I always carry my fire on that's why I gotta conceal carry it's like my wallet I never leave home without it

RedThread · Answer

Are you going to road trip across state lines because different states honor different laws. You gotta be mindful of that in case you ever get pulled over.

dragoblack · Answer

Always carry a knife. Best tool ever invented, and best in close proximity protection.

TallAnon · Answer

I've legit never even seen a handgun. I've seen machine guns on armed guards, that's about it.

katiesmuff · Answer

I'm carrying a S & W Bodyguard.380 on me most everywhere I go.

humanearth · Answer

Tire iron Baseball Bats Hammers Wrenches Your purse filled with heavy shit, and the straps can be used to strangle them

Barry88 · Answer

I've travelled a lot, but never carried a weapon.

midnightmoon05 · Answer

No, guns don’t protect me. Travel smart will protect me.
Stupid doesn’t help those who want normal.
i love/work/ travel in dangerous areas. Never had a need to carry any weapons.
America is going downhill!

matchrestore · Answer

No. You're statistically no better off if you do get into an altercation, and in some cases (like robbery) you're more likely to end up dead or injured and robbed than just robbed.

genericname85 · Answer

no. weapons aren't allowed in most countries in Europe. specially not carried while out and about.

bean2k21 · Answer

Just my keen powers of observation and years of Karate training.👐

jshm2 · Answer

No. That's daft, and psychotic behaviour.

Just like news reports will say "the weather is bad, don't travel!"

So it is if you're going somewhere you feel you need a gun to travel -you should not be travelling.

Bmories99 · Answer

Yes, but I always check the gun laws first and whether my ccw is accepted by that state.

jahaims · Answer

I always cc. You might want to figure out the laws of the unfamiliar area if you care about following them.

Surely · Answer

Just be careful on what you are carrying and where and what states you are in! Different states have wide variations on what they allow.

Iron_Man · Answer

No I’m not gonna bring a gun in the car I don’t even have a license for that kind of stuff you have to get a license

EaterPeter · Answer

I would like to take it. And same time want to be member of that association too. The one which can help if I have to shoot anyone ever.

Anonymous · Answer

Unless you have a federal concealed weapon permit..

Levin · Answer

Not in England, no. I mean, one would think it rather telling that you need to bring an AK47 if you want to holiday somewhere in the US. But apparently not...

When traveling somewhere new, do you bring a weapon for protection?

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