Gun/guns on a car camping trip??

[Wikma Flintstone]

I am about to take off for a few months of car camping in the West and Southwest. I will be traveling in my van. I was thinking about taking a firearm along. I have my choice of about anything from a small derringer to a 375 H&H mag. Handguns, shotguns, rifles. Space is a definite issue, as is safe storage when I am away from the vehicle. Ability to load the firearm quickly, since most states require unloaded and locked when in a vehicle. The firearm is for protection from 4 and 2 legged animals. I will be Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada and California. So, without too many zombie and Tyrannosaurus scenarios, I'd like to hear opinions and advice.
Thanks

[Silverlake223]

Sounds like a cool trip! I would bring my Remington 870. Versatile, less evil features for noisy cops, get just about any job done.

[dadoody]

Yeah, I'd bring a shotgun in the trunk for a just in case senario, but you'd be better served with Bear Spray and a buoy knife.

[knucklehead0202]

a shotgun is a very versatile and also quick to load firearm. slugs for big critters. 00 buck for slightly smaller, on down to birdshot. you can do anything with a shotgun, then you only have to bring 1. .375 H&H is probably a bit much. i'd personally stick with the shotgun.

[Rob454]

Are you gonna go hunting or is it simply for protection? If you just want something for protection get a handgun. Easy to store does not take up much room and you can hide it under a bunch of stuff if you go in to eat somewhere and are afraid of someone breaking in your van. You can get a metal carry box and cable lock it to the seat bracket.