HAND GUNS ON THE ROAD
Although I would prefer a handgun or a shotgun to carry with me in my travels through U.S. and Canada, I prefer a "Compound Bow". I enjoy fishing and hunting, and bowfishing combines the 2 sports. I have never considered arming myself with a firearm, and perhaps that is because I feel "safe enough" with the bow. I have never worried about crossing the border with one, or the police searching my vehicle, nor do I worry about a criminal at my door. The criminal the way I see it does not want any kind of shoot out, to him its a job (LOL), and he is interested in easy opportunities. He also assumes most people are unarmed (especially in Canada), which is his advantage. However, fire an arrow through your door/window and guranteed he will not "stick" around. By the way, a bow is more accurate then a handgun at 25yds, and todays compound bows come with a front and rear sight (peep sight built into the string). A few hours training is all that is needed to be shooting within a 6 inch circle consistantly. Also, there are a lot of exremely short bows made today (eg-32" length), perfect for tight quarters. If still not your bag, try a crossbow (although reloading is slower), but more accurate, easier to shoot.
Other advantages of a bow:
1. No licensing, no training courses, no police checks, no club membership required (In Canada you can only travel to target shoot at a club, using the shortest route to get there). That leaves you completely defenseless in your travels throughout Canada.
2. Family entertainement (target shooting)
3. When the fish aren't biting and your hungry, stick em' (Pike are tasty)!
4. Range of guns is too far and can hurt others, the bow offers true short range protection which is all you need. They are powerful as well, and can shoot clean through a bear at short range.
5. If your vehicle is broken into, your handgun might be used in another crime (you may be the one going to jail).
6. Used bows are available at any fishing/archery shop for the $100 range. Get a recurve bow for $25-50 at a pawn shop. Compound bows are easier to shoot (less draw strength required) for women.
7. In Canada your gun must have a trigger lock, and bullets must be stored seperately under lock (rifles inc). No problem getting the firearm prepared just before bedtime, but what if it is daylight hours and there still locked up. Man or beast, your not ready to use it, and if you leave them unlocked and a policeman shows up, your holiday just ended.
It's not the perfect solution (I prefer an Uzi, grenade,etc), but it is a no hassle solution. All you have to do is show the punks your not defenseless, they are not going to chance getting hurt, too much explaining to momma later.
Considering the risks of carrying any kind of firearm (especially in Canada), try PREVENTION as your solution. A loud "siren" with a panic button, a big dog (or at least a beware of dog sign on the window), a cell phone,park under lights, stay near 24 hr businesses (people around...donut shops, 24 hr gas bars) and a compound bow if the criminal still hasn't got the message he isn't wanted. In most cases it will be punks wanting spending money, and any criminal that works the area knows the punishment when a crime is done while using a weapon.
You must also prove "deadly force" was used and your life was in "immediate" danger. So I just wouldn't start firing away without realizing the consequences (lifetime in jail). Do you want a dangerous shoot out? Do you want someone dead and police investigating when all you needed is to prove your not defenseless with some kind of warning shot (which a bow can do).
Bird shot may not overpenetrate and be less unpleasant to fire, but is not as effective at stopping a person (or large animal). 