Without muddying down the thread with too many details, my family and I are planning on traveling the country for the next few years in an RV while my wife does travel nursing. We want to see, and show the kids, as many federal and state parks as possible during and in between her 13-17 week contracts. The only "out of the question" states/locations will be in the Northeast (NY/NJ/CT/MA or anywhere that would require us to pass through). AR's are a no-go with some destinations out west that are definitely on our list, namely CA and CO.
Space and weight are limiting factors, so while multiple long guns are out, I would like to have one with us for HD, be that against two or four legged predators. There are several locations we want to visit that have bears, both black and brown. No hunting is planned, no rifle target shooting is planned, just a better HD option than pistols. FWIW, I'll be bringing a Wilson CCP 9mm, Baer TRS 45acp, S&W 638, and a 64' Ruger Bearcat, all 50 state friendly as far as capacity. Just renewed my FL resident CWL on Friday, so I'm good for another seven years in states with reciprocity, which I'll look into later.
So far, I'm leaning towards a 12ga for their effectiveness, versatility, and overall PC acceptance in the role of HD.
So, while leaving out idiotic states that want to imprison any non-resident caught with a firearm, what would your "one and only" 50 state friendly HD long gun choice be? Shotgun? Lever? Other?