I would like to hear your thoughts on Gun/firearms trusts? Does this create a list of my guns for the government to see? Or is it a good way to protect my firearms?

-From Randi T.

Answer: You would want to create a gun trust if you were buying NFA firearms such as a suppressor (silencer) or a short-barreled rifle. The gun trust allows you to easily transfer these firearms to a loved one without having to do a ton of paperwork.

Basically, gun trusts can make it easier to handle firearms after the owner’s death and may prevent surviving family members from inadvertently violating the law.

If you own a large collection of firearms, it may make sense to transfer ownership of these weapons to a gun trust, even if you don’t own any Title II weapons.

But it’s not something the average gun owner should do. It’s not worth it.

 

What are the laws for people living in an RV who defend themselves? Can I have a gun in my RV even if I don’t have a concealed weapon permit?

-From Sherry B.

Answer: The laws about guns and RV’s differ from state to state. I would consult an attorney for specific laws in your state.

But in most states if you can drive your RV, it’s considered a vehicle.  If you can start the engine and drive off it’s a vehicle and the laws are the same as a car.

Depending on the state, this could mean the firearm needs to be unloaded, locked and stored in a rear compartment. It shouldn’t be anywhere that someone can easily reach it.

However, if your RV is set up such that the slides are out and you are hooked up to utilities then you can’t just drive away. In this case some states would consider your RV a home.

This would give you the right to protect your RV like you would you home. You could have a firearm readily accessible inside your home.

 

After watching the recent governor election in Virginia I’m convinced that Republicans will win many races in next year’s elections. I’m worried this will lead to riots and violence in many cities. There will be chaos. How should I prepare for this?

-From Jake R.

Answer: I would agree that there is potential for major riots. This is the sad reality anytime there is an election.

When there is a major political race, I would plan for at least 60 days of chaos. I would make sure you have enough food, water and fuel so that you don’t have to leave home for that time period.

Also, be sure to be ready to bug out at a moment’s notice. If riots get bad enough you may not have a choice but to leave your home. Make sure your car is fueled up and your gear is ready to leave.

With our current political climate, it’s a good idea to prepare for election trouble.

 

My husband and I just installed our first security system. We have an alarm, cameras and everything you could imagine. Our system included alarm company signs. But I’ve heard some people recommend that signs are a bad idea? They say it advertises that you have something valuable to protect. What is your opinion?

-From Kathy W.

Answer: I’ve heard this argument too and I disagree. (And I’ve had police friends who interviewed criminals who said when they were casing houses, they wanted ones without any alarm.)

Most burglars are looking for easy access to homes and they don’t want to set off the alarm. Typically, burglars aren’t masterminds and won’t be planning an elaborate burglary.

The fact is, if I am a burglar, I want the home with the easiest access, not the home that’s going to set off a loud alarm that notifies police.

Personally, I have alarm signs in my yard to deter criminals.

 

I’m new to gun ownership. Last year I bought my first handgun. I’m ready to buy a rifle and I want to go with an AR-15. But I want to start basic. I don’t need all the frills and add ons. What’s a quality starter AR-15 that you would recommend?

-From Eric C.

Answer: I would check out the Ruger AR-556. This is an entry level AR-15 that is very popular for those looking to buy their first one.

The rifle has a medium contour 16.10-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel, with a 1:8 twist rate.

It comes with an A2 front sight and Ruger’s rapid-deploy rear that folds away. It also has attachment points including a QD socket and bayonet lug for a sling.

The Ruger AR-556 sells for around $800.

 

Over the past few years, I’ve built up a collection of firearms. I have them stored around my home in quick access safes. But I’m worried that thieves will steal all the safes if they ever break in. What do I do about this?

-From Frank W.

Answer: Personally, I use a small safe that sits on my nightstand with a cable that goes down the back of the nightstand and is secured to a large piece of furniture.

In other words, even if a criminal goes straight to the nightstand, they can’t take the safe with them because the cable is secured from the safe to the furniture and it can’t be cut.

Another option is to install a wall safe that can be hidden behind a picture or something else you hang.

And if it’s a moveable safe, bolt it down or attach it to a cable that cannot be cut.