Firstly let me say that this all seems somewhat foreign to me. I understand the concern for sure, but with that concern (paranoia??) would it not stand to reason that you could never own anything nice? or of value? As was stated previously, if there is known value then you will be targeted. Why? Why does it take known value? Everyone’s home has value within, even without owning a long gun, so every home is a target regardless. I guess the only difference is attracting the attention vs random??
Anyhow, if it was me, I would not do any of this at all. This is not a permanent home so I would save all the effort, money and space things such as golf bags with clubs would eat up. I would clean and polish my long gun and put it in warm, safe and trusted storage until my situation changed. I would then spend that money on a simple, used hooked tang muzzleloader that is short (CVA, Traditions, Renegade, etc) 24”-26” bbl in same caliber and remove the barrel for transport. Put everything into a backpack or suitcase when headed to the range and nothing stands out! Once the living situation changes, sell it and recoup your money.
Walk
We are talking about living in the modern era, not in the time our long rifles and muzzle loading guns represent.
My grandfather, rest his soul, was born in 1890, and NEVER locked his front door. He didn't even have a key.
That ended in the late 70s, after 2 thieves, who knew he didn't lock his doors, came in while he was at church, and stole everything they could, including his father's double barrel muzzle loader, an 1886 Winchester, a German P38, a flare gun, (both brought back by my uncle), and several other guns.
Today, it's safe to say we are ALL TARGETS. Look at the evening news to confirm that. But the are Hard Targets and Soft Targets.
The soft-target may lock his doors when he leaves the house, but he has NRA and Pro Hunting bumper stickers. He proudly displays his wealth, including firearms, for everyone to see. Heck, he's probably sitting in his house with the front door unlocked.
The hard target locks his doors, doesn't advertise his possessions or wealth, leaves the porch light on, doesn't park in the street...etc,etc,etc.
Criminals pick Soft Targets, and walk past the Hard ones.
It's like a business to them... maximize profits while reducing overhead, (jails,hospitals, court, etc.).
I've worked Many home burglaries while the people were HOME, or in the back yard. I had to ask, how did they get in? Thru the front door was usually the answer.
I'm a trained professional Master Peace Officer, but my front door stays LOCKED 24/7. I'm not paranoid, I've got 23 years of first hand knowledge in how ruthless society can be.
A cardboard box from Home Depot's trash can is pretty cheap, and doesn't take much space.
with a draped cover, it would go unnoticed.
