I'm a private pilot, working on my instrument rating, with an ultimate goal of earning my CFI so that I can instruct part time to help pay for my flying and because I like to teach. I fly in So. California. My M-1 doesn't somehow seem appropriate and I probably would raise the hackles on the neck of the Deputy Sheriff who searches vehicles on the way in to the airport. I wasn't planning on buying a survival firearm, but could be talked into it after I finish equipping the rest of my kit (life vests for all are on my list). In the meantime, I thought that carrying something I already have might be of value. I handload, so ammo limitations are less of an issue for a .44 Spcl (its a 4" Rossi, so hot loads are probably not a good idea anyway).