Alternative Rifle

[Boy of '61]

I’m planning on doing some walking with my kit on to get in shape for some upcoming events. One thing is I’m trying to figure out some kind of alternative for caring my rifle around. I don’t want to have a chat with the local sheriff deputy after they receive a call of some guy walking around the countryside with a gun. Does anyone have any suggestion as to an alternative that has the same weight of a rifle and maybe size that wouldn’t be thought of as a rifle?

Thanks

[Pvt. McNutt]

Re: Alternative Rifle

As long as you stay at least 100 yards away from any government or public buildings, it is your right...

[Matt Woodburn]

Re: Alternative Rifle

10 lb pipe

[Abrams]

Re: Alternative Rifle

A gallon of water weighs @ 8 pounds. Put a sling on a milk jug.

[GWagner]

Re: Alternative Rifle

As long as you stay at least 100 yards away from any government or public buildings, it is your right...

Depends on local laws. In most states you are correct. In some, no restrictions, in others...rifle =arrest.

Research your local laws. You'll likely be fine. or, fill a steel pipe with concrete until the weights are the same.

[GrumpyDave]

Re: Alternative Rifle

I go for an iron or steele pipe or rod you could throw a piece of string on for a sling.

[JimKindred]

Re: Alternative Rifle

In most states during the non hunting seasons you should not have a problem as long as you don't point the musket at anyone. With that action you may find yourself in a poorly equiped state for a gun fight.

State firearm laws and regulations are here - http://www.atf.gov/publications/fire...ion/index.html

These do not include fish and game type regulations that you will need to check on. During hunting season you will run up against a number of restrictions that you will need to make yourself aware of. Any answer you obtain get it in writing.

[dixieflyer]

Re: Alternative Rifle

Depending on the size and nature of your local community, it might also help to notify your local law enforcement authorities of what you are doing and why you are doing it. That might go a long way to alleviate any possible misunderstandings. I have thought to do the same thing, but people around here think I'm strange enough as it is without adding fuel to the fire. ;)

[AndrewGrim]

Re: Alternative Rifle

You might see about going to your units drill events.

[CompanyWag]

Re: Alternative Rifle

Sling a tool over your shoulder. A post hole digger weighs 10-11 pounds and is about the same length.

Paul McKee

[Silas]

Re: Alternative Rifle

How about a nice, period, D guard shovel? Not the same weight as a musket, but after enough miles, it gets your attention. I've been stopped four times by local law enforcement. One time I had four officers with AR-15s coming after me and my trusty old '61 Springfield while I was doing nothing more than marching in a wooded city park in full uniform. Facing down officers with hands around grips and fingers poised near triggers isn't for the light of heart.

Having practiced criminal law for twenty years, I know how the Second Amendment applies. Further, I can quote the applicable state statutes and have strong familiarity with local ordinances and codes. I always walk away with my weapon and without any citations issued, but there comes a time when it's not worth the trouble. As my mother told me many years ago, "there's right, and there's dead right." You have to pick your marching areas with care. Not all are equal.

[Spinster]

Re: Alternative Rifle

Common sense should always prevail in these situations, whether a man marching alone with a shovel or in a small group of friends. Taking advantage of opportunity and looking creatively at the options available goes a long way.

The First Minnesota seems to be one of the few organizations with a scheduled monthly drill, and a consistent relationship with a facility that has terrain around it, flat and hilly, (a facility that actually employs fellers to talk to folks while wearing uniforms and carrying weapons). In fact, the unit has drilled in the past few days in this heat

A close look at those options with an officer in the organization, and you may find some others interested in taking long walks with friends with guns, and land on which to do so.

[ndnchf]

Re: Alternative Rifle

Makes me glad to live in Fredericksburg ,VA. Some of my messmates and I walk around the downtown area in full uniform and musket a once or twice a month for various functions. The sight of soldiers in the city is an accepted part of the landscape. The police and locals pay little or no attention, but the tourists love it.

[dixieflyer]

Re: Alternative Rifle

Makes me glad to live in Fredericksburg ,VA. Some of my messmates and I walk around the downtown area in full uniform and musket a once or twice a month for various functions. The sight of soldiers in the city is an accepted part of the landscape. The police and locals pay little or no attention, but the tourists love it.

I'm fortunate in living in a small town (pop. 1500) in a very rural community. All I'd have to do is notify the local authorities, and they'd be good with it. Of course, my neighbors would think me stranger than all get out, but then again maybe some of them are used to this by now. I'm sure there are some others who live in similar circumstances.