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PA_Bound
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2017 08:50am
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All... I'm not posting this to spread fear or begin another debate on firearms, but more a reminder to all remote cabin owners of the need to remain forever vigilant in our surroundings. Be it threats from wind, fire, water, crawly things, or things that walk on four legs or two, we all know cabins come with their own unique set of dangers. Here is yet one more example.
This past Saturday morning the owner of a cabin, not far from mine, was shot at his cabin and later died. It happened early, like 7:30 AM, and some reports are linking it to an encounter with an unknown trespasser or burglar. Police are remaining vague on the details because of the ongoing investigation, but they are confirming it was not self-inflicted. As more details are released hopefully we will learn what happened and maybe gain a few hints or tips on what we could/should be aware of. I will update this thread as more details are released, but here is link if you want to read more:
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2017 08:53am
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I never go to my cabin unarmed. Tragic for sure. Mine ss remote, but among many other cabineers and some who are permanent residents and we all look out for each other too.
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2017 10:36am
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Couple of years ago, a neighbour down the road had two rounds hit the wall right next to him as he was sitting & enjoying his morning coffee on the porch. Semi-sober hunter not caring that he was hunting near homes & cabins. Sometimes stupid kills too.
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Smawgunner
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2017 01:02pm
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I am not far from a firearm at all times and carry most time, always when I hike the property. Being remote often times means an area with poverty and with that comes desperate people.
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fitzpatt
Member
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2017 02:08pm
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being within a few hours from Baltimore and DC likely doesn't help either.
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RiverCabin
Member
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2017 04:35pm
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Quoting: fitzpatt being within a few hours from Baltimore and DC likely doesn't help either.
It doesn't matter. This can happen anywhere.
http://www.kfvs12.com/story/31488541/man-found-guilty-in-2012-murder-of-reynolds-co-m an
I am familiar with the case above. Reynolds County is as rural as it gets in Missouri. The entire county has a population under 7,000 and is multiple hours from any large population centers.
Needless to say, keep yourself safe.
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DaveBell
Moderator
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2017 07:24pm
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I have to be armed. Across the road is a 8000 acre WMA. I had a bear show up at 2:00AM when I was out watering a tree. I did the "don't look like bear food" dance, hissing and yelling, hands high a waving. After about 20 seconds he thought, "nah that ain't food, and it look bigger then me" and it ran off. But I'm not taking any chances with hungry wildlife or dumb locals.
I also have game cameras hidden around to keep up on the coming and going on the road.
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Borrego
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2017 10:56pm
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We were just leaving our cabin one Sunday afternoon when a Border Patrol supervisor drove down our road, looking up the mountain behind our cabin.... said they had been tracking 8 Mexicans for 2 weeks and that they were coming down the mountain at 2 pm...Our mountain! Not regular illegals, who pass by all the time, but bad hombres....
He asked if I had a gun (patted his thigh and winked, since the wife was nearby) and i assured him yes...
I make sure there's a gun nearby when I'm at the cabin, nearest law is an hour away......
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LoonWhisperer
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# Posted: 13 Jul 2017 01:43pm
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For bears and such...
Be safe all!
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Littlecooner
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# Posted: 14 Jul 2017 05:46pm
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I can not even believe someone would have a remote cabin and not be armed for protection. My cabin is so remote, even with nice cell service, I do not believe anyone would come if I called for help. In a remote cabin, you are on your own, be prepared.
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Bigred292
Member
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# Posted: 14 Jul 2017 06:34pm
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My welcome wagon 
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Borrego
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# Posted: 15 Jul 2017 06:00pm
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We don't even have cell reception at our cabin...I guess that's remote  Sheriff's are at least an hour away.....
This whole thread has me thinking that I'm not 'ready enough' with just one gun/one mag. Probably will upgrade to more.....which raises another question: where to keep 'em? I really would like to not transport them back and forth every trip, too easy to forget something...and a gun safe takes up too much room in a small cabin. Maybe I will investigate an under the floor concept, anyone gone this route...?
And maybe this is for another thread, but what Gun(s) are perfect for Cabin survival? Is a shotgun a must?
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frankpaige
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# Posted: 16 Jul 2017 02:01am
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Consider all this. Getting to your cabin. Maybe trouble along the way? Your check list for what you bring to the cabin. Make sure security in on that! Do you really want to leave weapons at the cabin? Even what you think as hidden?
Some wear door to door. Most don't have the need for for more than one mag. How long do gun fights really last? Tongue in cheek question. Usually 8 seconds. What about that car that seems broken down on the way to the cabin? Do you stop? Do you invite strangers in?
Are you proficient with firearms?
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Bigred292
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# Posted: 16 Jul 2017 07:59am
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I'm sure that everyone has their own opinion on this because everyone's situation is different
My cabin is in a remote location but it is near power lines which means I have atv riders going by occasionally. It also means that I have kids going out to keg parties and bonfires.
The original owner of the csbin had a problem with squatters - they broke in and lived there for a period of time while destroying the inside
Leaving a gun there is out of the question. I do leave a plastic ammo box (under $5 at Walmart ) at the cabin with an amount of ammo for each gun as well as mags.
I'm not a gun "nut" by any means but I firmly believe in my right to defend myself. Each visit I bring a 9mm and a 12ga.
Most times I bring an AR as well. I make it a point to shoot a few mags after I get situated, just to let it be known that I'm there. I ALWAYS have something on me at all times when I'm there - lots of bears, mountain lions and who knows what else out there
Invest in some quality weatherproof cases- highly recommend the weatherproof Plano cases, fraction of the cost of Pelicans
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Malamute
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# Posted: 17 Jul 2017 12:46pm - Edited by: Malamute
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Quoting: Borrego We don't even have cell reception at our cabin...I guess that's remote Sheriff's are at least an hour away..... This whole thread has me thinking that I'm not 'ready enough' with just one gun/one mag. Probably will upgrade to more.....which raises another question: where to keep 'em? I really would like to not transport them back and forth every trip, too easy to forget something...and a gun safe takes up too much room in a small cabin. Maybe I will investigate an under the floor concept, anyone gone this route...? And maybe this is for another thread, but what Gun(s) are perfect for Cabin survival? Is a shotgun a must?
One mag isnt a great idea for several reasons, one of which is, if its removed and misplaced or lost, the gun is mostly disabled. Another, magazines fail occasionally. Ive heard of a number of accounts of magazines spontaneously disassembling, either when the gun was fired, or when dropped, especially loaded. This seems to happen with some +2 baseplates, and on some generations of magazines. Anyway, the point being, having at least one spare mag helps insure the gun will stay functional, besides the obvious part about having more rounds handy.
Depending on the gun model, spare magazines can be fairly reasonably priced. Sales happen, check Midway or get on their mailing list. Theyve had glock mags on sale, the common ones, for around $16 a couple times in the past month or two.
For a non-enthusiast, which I'm guessing you are since you only have one mag with your gun, a lever action 30-30 or pistol caliber lever action may be affordable and easy to use fairly well. A receiver sight helps make shooting them well a bit easier, and is usually a home job to install. ARs are fun, and obviously are good protection guns. They cost quite a bit more than some others.
Having a small bag with gun junk to throw in the cabin gear would be a simple way to not forget your stuff. It would be a small day pack or shoulder bag or similar. Couple spare mags, box of pistol shells, 3 or 4 boxes of rifle shells would likely cover most events besides movie disaster/fantasy level events. Leaving some basics either in your vehicle all the time, or at the cabin fairly well hidden may be workable (at least some very minimal basics). Keeping cabin stuff in large plastic totes at home would also keep it together and make forgetting stuff less likely. Ive grown to like the clear ones so I can see whats in them and dont need good light to see in them when open.
Regarding shotguns, I for one am not a huge fan. They may be more practical in other parts of the country, but in the west, Ive used them extremely rarely, and havent ever come up against anything i couldnt do with a pistol or rifle, and probably better in most instances. Still, many like them. Recognize their limitations, have appropriate loads for what you want to do, and proceed if they interest you, but I certainly wouldnt consider a shotgun a "must" for anything ive ever done.
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Borrego
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# Posted: 17 Jul 2017 06:41pm
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Quoting: Malamute For a non-enthusiast, which I'm guessing you are since you only have one mag with your gun
Sorry, I wasn't clear I just usually only take 1 gun/1 mag with me to the cabin.......I have considerably more than that available! And you would be safe calling me an enthusiast
Also funny you would mention lever guns and revolvers....I've been coming to the conclusion recently that I should get a Lever action and Revolver for not only the cabin, but my full-time home (which is countryish also). I've always preferred them to automatics in some ways (although I have both..).
So coming up will be the purchase of a Henry and Ruger in .38/.357.....
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Malamute
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# Posted: 18 Jul 2017 12:06pm - Edited by: Malamute
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I was guessing non-enthusiast if you only took one mag with you. Guess my strong aversion to running out of ammo isnt universal.
The Henrys seem fairly well regarded by users, though the common comment about them is "heavy". If walking around much with it, you might want to consider some other types as well.
I'm more of a historical buff, so tend towards types with old time history. No way to go wrong if you like what you like though.
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frankpaige
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# Posted: 18 Jul 2017 06:41pm
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Malamute,
I was a diehard revolver guy until I was 20 years old. Then my uncle (named Sam) gave a 1911 . Never have looked back. It's a tool,just like a nail gun.
Happy cabin times everyone
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Borrego
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# Posted: 18 Jul 2017 07:10pm
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Quoting: Malamute I'm more of a historical buff, so tend towards types with old time history
Yep, I also love the old West guns, have four from the period...including a '73 Winchester....
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Smawgunner
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# Posted: 18 Jul 2017 07:38pm
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I keep it simple. I have a CCL so I carry to and from. I carry a semi-auto that holds 18 rounds. Heavy yes but I'd venture to say most bad guys are carrying less. You can't get to a rifle or shotgun quick enough unless your Lucas McCain so a side arm is a good choice. My .02
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Malamute
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# Posted: 20 Jul 2017 11:45am
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Quoting: frankpaige Malamute, I was a diehard revolver guy until I was 20 years old. Then my uncle (named Sam) gave a 1911 . Never have looked back. It's a tool,just like a nail gun. Happy cabin times everyone
I like many different ones, none are best at everything though. Revolvers are far easier for me to shoot well, much more so than any autos, perhaps except 22 target type autos. Revolvers can use more powerful loads generally. Autos, particularly the newer generations of plastic guns, are way lighter and hold lotsa rounds usually. Plastic gunss are good general town carry guns for me, and yard gun and truck gun going to town or whatever. I like 1911s, have had a number of them. Like the history (somebody elsewhere joked about them being for Civil War reenactors ), and shooting them somewhat, but even match grade guns have never been as easy for me to shoot consistently well as a Smith revolver or tuned Ruger SA. Not too keen on carrying 1911s any more when much lighter guns with more BBs on board are available, or in the hills when revolvers give more options for power/range/shootability for me. Overall lifetime favorite carry pistol is 4" Smith 29. Medium loads are very pleasant to shoot, and give relatively flat trajectory compared to 44 spl or 45 auto loads out to 300-ish yards when plinking at steel plates and rocks. Good fun!
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old greybeard
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# Posted: 20 Jul 2017 11:57am
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When the police take a hour to show up, if they can find you, you better be prepared to take care of yourself. Put out your own fires, do your own basic first aid, and defend yourself. A AR-15 is a ideal defensive weapon, light, good fire power, cheap and fun to practice with. My wife knows that when anyone comes thru she gets the AR and backs me up when I go to confront them. Really need more than a revolver or bolt action rifle, worst case scenario even 30 rds go by in a hurry. Usually carry a 5 shot lightweight revolver with a reload while hiking/driving, and a Glock 23 while sitting around the fire. Sad we have to worry about it, but too many meth heads and opiod addicts out and about.
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Malamute
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# Posted: 20 Jul 2017 12:12pm - Edited by: Malamute
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Guess it depends on where one is. In my general area, I know, and know of, more people that have been mugged (and eaten in a couple cases) by grizzlies than other humans.
...Not to say ARs and other things arent just fun to shoot. we have steel plates to 600 yards so far. I want to set a couple more out at 800-900-1000-ish yards. The A2 sights are pretty decent for steel plates and rocks, glass is better yet. Unfortunately, the flat top carry handle sights only go to 600 yards.  Boo. A2s at least give 800 on the sights.
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KinAlberta
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# Posted: 20 Jul 2017 06:57pm - Edited by: KinAlberta
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For human encounters I think this is a start:
Are there polite "PRIVATE PROPERTY" signs?
http://www.small-cabin.com/forum/5_775_0.html
My comments started on this page:
http://www.small-cabin.com/forum/5_775_3.html
For other encounters:
Well, a neighbour that walks her dogs on our trails carries a hatchet, a knife and bear spray. A couple weeks back her dogs chased off a cougar so they proved their worth long before any need for the other stuff. I've never carried anything and even though cougar populations have tripled over the last 10 years in my province, like brown bears, they aren't much of a threat.
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Ann
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# Posted: 24 Jul 2017 02:57pm
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PA_Bound, any update on the man who was murdered?
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PA_Bound
Member
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# Posted: 25 Jul 2017 11:49am
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No... nothing that I have heard. I'll be in the area this weekend, and will see what I can find out.
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Ken Robbins
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# Posted: 29 Jul 2017 07:36pm
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Sorry to hear of things like this, I bet the victim was not looking for trouble with anyone.
Our cabin in Alaska is rarely occupied due to the distance from home (CA) but I think the best first step is know your neighbors, how ever many or few there are. We have a good group of folks around us even though we don't socialize much.
All of us have our oddities but we accept each other and leave each other alone unless help is needed. We love the seclusion of our property but it is comforting to know your neighbors are there when needed.
We stay prepare for brown bears and it generally covers the needs for protection from 2 legged critters.
The proficiency question is also huge, noise doesn't stop a determined attacker, know your guns and stay capable. I have all the family armed (or armable fast) even though I prefer to carry my coffee cup over my S&W .500
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KinAlberta
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# Posted: 30 Jul 2017 09:36am - Edited by: KinAlberta
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Notice that's there was no mention of risk from animals:
NATIONAL National park wardens want guns for protection LEANNE YOHEMAS-HAYES Ottawa - LEANNE YOHEMAS-HAYES Canadian Press Originally published Friday, May 19, 2000 12:00AM EDT Last updated Saturday, Mar. 21, 2009 4:23PM EDT ...Doug Martin, a spokesman for PSAC, stressed to the committee that in most cases police backup is usually days, not minutes away. "As park wardens we deal with over 2,700 square miles [about 7,000 square kilometres]of Banff National Park -- our backup is a long way away," he said. Mr. Martin, a warden for 26 years, wants the right for wardens to carry sidearms added to new parks legislation. ... https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/national-park-wardens-want-guns-for-pr otection/article1039706/?ref=https://www.theglobeandmail.com&service=mobilehttps://www.google.ca/amp/s/sec.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/national-park-warde ns-want-guns-for-protection/article1039706/%3fservice=amp
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bldginsp
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# Posted: 31 Jul 2017 10:28pm
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My neighbor's wife was a little put off when I showed her the security screen door on my cabin. "Don't need that here" she said, and she's lived there 20 years. There was a time- and it still exists in some places- where no one saw a need to lock their doors, and they trusted all local residents. Or rather, it simply never occurred to them that they should not. Call it innocence, or the good fortune to live in different times. If you need guns you need guns, I suppose, but I'd rather not be in a situation where I do.
Still, I'm considering a Remington 12 gauge pump, because they tell me that's the only thing that will stop an angry bear or a hungry mountain lion. They shoot half a dozen mountain lions a year in the area, mostly going after livestock. And the odd bear.
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darz5150
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# Posted: 31 Jul 2017 11:21pm - Edited by: darz5150
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Quoting: bldginsp If you need guns you need guns, I suppose, but I'd rather not be in a situation where I do.
If you were ever car jacked would you rather have a criminal code book to point out to the car jackers their violations or the Remington you mentioned?
Some say it is better to have and not need. Than to need and not have.
Its sort of like a fire extinguisher. You might feel better knowing you have one before your house burns down.
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