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islandtrader · 04-28-2021, 07:05 AM

We will be doing some boon docking this summer...most likely in New Mexico. Trying too limited the amount of items to take on our extended trip. What is the feeling among the boon dockers about people that love to plink with a .22?

Will we really use the guns or are we better off bringing a metal detector for our fun days? We are avid hikers...but we do not like to hike every single day

Dennis C · 04-28-2021, 07:20 AM

I have a .22 revolver that I sometimes use as a "trail gun". It's fun for plinking. That said, on camping trips I tend to bring my 9mm because it's very easy to carry and conceal. The only thing that makes me lean more towards the .22 at this point is the availability and price of ammunition.

Airtandem · 04-28-2021, 07:23 AM

I like a "critter" gun. A 22 loaded with shot shells, can also used for plinking. I think of a friend that was camping out west and came out of trailer only to see a rattler coiled up under his wife's chair. Yes, she was in it.

mojo · 04-28-2021, 08:05 AM

Do what you want...but please pick-up your brass and target trash. Too many shooting areas here have become trash dumps full of shot up litter.

PatLee · 04-28-2021, 09:14 AM

Ah, the much maligned rattler.

uncle_bob · 04-28-2021, 09:20 AM

Hi

Depending very much on where you are going and where you are camping, the rules on firearms are highly variable. Spend some quality time digging into the regs on use and possession as they apply along your likely trip routes. A 30-06 rifle may (or may not) run into fewer issues than a .22 pistol ... ( no big surprise which one will bother the neighbors more ....).

Oddly enough metal detectors also bump into rules here and there (at least in terms of use). There are some locations where their use is a no-no. Again, worth checking.

Bob

drbrick · 04-28-2021, 09:23 AM

Well, up here in Canada we use a Camera to shoot things

kgottleib · 04-28-2021, 09:42 AM

I've been hiking for 30 years in every landscape you can think of, not once did I carry a weapon.. in fact, its illegal to carry in national parks.. no reason to bring any weapons to defend yourself against critters, those who think they need to carry are wet behind the ears when it comes to hiking and the outdoors. The only reason you need to carry at all is to protect yourself against the nastiest of all critters, HUMANS, they are your real threat. and as I said already, in 30 plus years of hiking in every place you can think of, never once carried a weapon. you have a greater chance of getting struck by lightning then you would need to use it.

Ruffit · 04-28-2021, 09:42 AM

And please don’t even try to bring your guns to Canada. Metal detectors are welcome - as are cameras.

Airtandem · 04-28-2021, 10:25 AM

I forgot; I NOW carry an "A SALT RIFLE". I load it with Morton table or Kosher and it is good for flys, gnats, wasps spiders etc around the camp. It is also fun.

Mike

zapper · 04-28-2021, 12:07 PM

12 gauge pump in the coach closet only comes out at night or when the hair on the back of my neck stands up.

**Kevin245** · 04-28-2021, 02:16 PM

<<Mod Hat On>>

Let's keep this thread on topic. We are not anti firearms, but the discussion must stay on topic. There is no wiggle room on this issue.

The Site Team

SYC2Vette · 04-28-2021, 02:17 PM

Back to OT for target practice "plinking" where legal and safe, consider also 22 "quiet rounds" they are great for plinking but of course drop off drastically for longer distances. Another option are air rifles and pistols most have sound suppressors and are nice and quiet for plinking, good ones are surprisingly accurate even with the available lead free options.....Personal defense and hunting are of course a different topic, but I don't see that as relevant to your original question. edit: mod beat me to it while I was typing LOL

Dennis C · 04-28-2021, 04:57 PM

Keeping things on topic, I've always wanted to buy a metal detector. They seem very cool. It would be fun hobby in various locations around the US. I didn't realize there were laws that governed their use also. Very interesting.

kscherzi · 04-28-2021, 04:59 PM

I only take my .22 plinking to camping spots where I know there are safe spaces with a visible rock free embankment behind the targets and preferably nobody within hearing distance. Sometimes those spots are hard to find. I agree its fun and harmless. I also agree we need to pick up the brass. I have used a basket like device attached to the rifle that catches the shells. Mostly I just leave the gun at home because its not for safety, just entertainment.

Rich W · 04-28-2021, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis C

Keeping things on topic, I've always wanted to buy a metal detector. They seem very cool. It would be fun hobby in various locations around the US. I didn't realize there were laws that governed their use also. Very interesting.

There are historical sites that don't want/allow you to bring your metal detector. They don't want people digging up artifacts (or just digging up anything) and spoiling/damaging the property.

On the other hand, they're dandy for finding buried wires in your yard of things you've dropped into the grass. You can use them on beaches in public areas as long as you have permission of the park manager. Best to always find out local rules regarding whatever it is you want to do.

Dennis C · 04-29-2021, 05:56 AM

My house in Colorado is built on the site of an old, historic hotel that sat in ruins for about 30 years and was demolished in the late ‘90s. I routinely find pieces of glass, broken dishes and lights, and various metal objects in my backyard. I’d love to try a metal detector in my own backyard.

uncle_bob · 04-29-2021, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis C

Keeping things on topic, I've always wanted to buy a metal detector. They seem very cool. It would be fun hobby in various locations around the US. I didn't realize there were laws that governed their use also. Very interesting.

Hi

It's a pretty good bet that if you are at the location of a battle, they will not let you use a metal detector. The last time I looked, there was a blanket prohibition on using them in National Parks and on some Federal lands. Using them on private lands obviously risks bothering the owner of those lands ....

Bob

eubank · 04-29-2021, 07:28 AM

Interesting idea to bring along the metal detector. Where would you go to use it? One of the many ghost towns in NM (or the southwest in general, for that matter)?

Lynn

islandtrader · 04-29-2021, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airtandem

I forgot; I NOW carry an "A SALT RIFLE". I load it with Morton table or Kosher and it is good for flys, gnats, wasps spiders etc around the camp. It is also fun.Mike

I checked this out and it does look like fun! https://www.bugasalt.com

Lets see...I have more than a few .22's and no metal detector. Oh well the economy needs stimulation Amazon watch out