bringing weapons on base

As I travel alone and boondock sometimes, I have been advised to get a shotgun for protection. I turn 70 this year and could be mistaken for an easy target. I would prefer my 44 mag lever action rifle which I usually leave at home.

What do other people do and what is the military's policy on such weapons. I am usually asked if I have a weapon when entering with my RV, so I guess people do it. What is the procedure?

first and foremost i call the facility i plan to visit first as the base commander has the last word and some simply will not allow the firearm on base.

i have found the af bases have the easiest rules to allow you a firearm on base
I have found the below answer when i ask.
if its in your RV its considered your domicile and therefore is allowed on base. HOWEVER it has to be un loaded and locked in a secure place while on base and cannot be taken out. and it is not permissible to be in your POV coming and going to the base. Also the ammo has to be in a separate locked box.
I have a gun safe in my rv. and i lock the bullets in a lock box in the basement once on base

plus you do not DECLARE it as you go through security if its in your RV. DO NOT enter base with it in your POV.

if you visit a base that is strictly NO NO. then check it at base security for the duration of your stay. they usually dont complain about keeping it...but your RV s your domicile and therefore you have no other place to lock it up in.
hope this helps.
but by all means call the security branch at the prospective base will cure any problems

As far as what weapon to have for personal protection in an RV, my personal opinion, (and many gun writers in gun magazines) is that a shotgun makes a better weapon for close in work. I wouldn't shoot ANYONE unless he/she was INSIDE my RV and for this reason, I selected a Remington Model 870 .410 as it will do an adequate job at that range, and it is the shotgun I am most familiar with. Others may have different opinions.

I have a carry permit and a NRA member. That said, if I think we're going to a military CG, I don't carry. The most recent posts are very interesting. Something I read when we were traveling to Mexico a lot (and no weapon) was that Wasp/Hornet Spray makes a VERY effective defense weapon.

I'm a retired civilian LEO and retired reservist. As a retired LEO I can legally carry in all 50 states but DO NOT when going to a military base. It just isn't worth the hassle.

I don't need it on base and it's a royal pain checking them in and out of security to carry where I hopefully would never need it either.

I travel in my RV all around the country. Stay mostly in military campgrounds on base.
I strongly suggest to you, and all others who are reading this post, call before arrival at ANY base to be advised of the proper procedures of bringing a weapon on to base. Make note of the day, time and who you spoke with. Best if you can e mail/fax base security and ask for their policy. That way you have the answer in writing.
You, your vehicle, your property, including RV, is subject to search at any time when entering a base and when on base. No warrant needed. “My RV is my domicile and you cannot search it” will not fly with the Security Forces/base police.
ALL weapons must be declared, regardless if in your RV or car.
Strongly suggest that you go back and check your facts before you get yourself into trouble.
The information you stated is wrong and should someone follow your advice, they could be subject to arrest, loss of weapon(S), denied access to the base, and more.
Your statement “…have found the af bases have the easiest rules to allow you a firearm on base..” Is also incorrect.
Also your statement “plus you do not DECLARE it as you go through security if its in your RV” is incorrect and potentially could get someone into trouble. RVs are searched on many of the bases. I know of a few USAF bases where your RV, will be searched every time you enter the base. Most USAF bases, and other branches, will do a random search of RVs.
You must declare all firearms, weapons, including bow and arrows, upon entering base.
I hope no one takes your advice and has their undeclared weapon(s) found in their RV.
Bottom line: call ahead to the base security office to the base you are visiting and ask what the procedures are for bringing weapons on base.
It is best to get the policy from the proper source. Taking advice as the law on this board, chat rooms, or on other boards, can get you into trouble.