Appalachian Trail, USA (apologies if spelt incorrectly!)?

Question

An American friend has recommended that I hike this trail before visiting him next year as I am a fledgling outdoorsman wanting to sample the delights of the wilder parts of the US. He has told me that, should I wish to pack a sports rifle, I might encounter difficulties being basically a tourist. Anyone able to offer any help as to how and where I'd get one once in the USA? (I am a keen sportsman back in the UK and have several rifles of my own, but would rather get one once in the USA if this is at all possible)

Thanks!

Sorry, didn't make myself clear- what I meant is would I be able to purchase a gun when I am basically a tourist as opposed to a resident?

Answer 1

a rifle?, i think better a hand gun. easier to hide and carry

Answer 2

You can buy rifles at Wal-Mart (and pretty much any hunting or sports store)...at least in the southern United States through which the Appalachian Trail passes (Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.)

The Northern States generally have tougher gun laws but it's still pretty simple to get a sports rifle.

The Appalachian Trail is managed by the National Park Service and I'm not sure of all of the rules and laws, but I suspect that carrying or using guns on it are strictly regulated if not banned. Also, each state one passes through has wildly varying gun laws.

http://www.nps.gov/appa/parkmgmt/lawsandpolicies.htm

Answer 3

That's bullsh!t. I was just on the trail. Its a highway, a well-traveled highway that is also a national park. You don't need to be armed unless youre up to something illegal. Stay home.

Answer 4

Wallmart sell firearms and a whole heap of sports/outdoor gear that you would associate with them. Theres a Wallmart in most towns in the US.

Answer 5

when you apply for your Hunting License Im sure they'll help you