My favorite home defense rifle is a Saiga in x39. Plenty of penetration, plenty of reliability. Totally simple to use. Just pull the charging handle back - and rock n' rolll. No gadgets, no nonsense tacticool crapola.
For general SHTF, riots, disasters etc...I prefer my Colt 6520 (AR) with Aimpoint. Easier to shoot faster. Faster mag changes, can carry more ammo..more accurate which gives me realistic 300meter capability.
I just wouldn't want to charge the AR, then have to fumble with the reddot ON switch in the middle of the night. No need for that stuff. Home defense distances are point and shoot, or at best...you'll sight anything much like a shotgun..by looking down its length. Speed is of the essence. The x39 is marginally slower to shoot than the .223, but not enough to make a difference in a home invasion situation.
You want something that fires a cartridge that will guarantee penetration through walls, doors, furniture and even cabinets. We discussed a real-life situation where a victim had to shoot through a door to hit an invader armed with a .30-30 to stop the threat. Whatever you shoot, you want it to be able to get through a barrier, and still be in one peice flying with enough velocity to do damage to the thug in your home. If you insist on .223, use the SS109 that has a mild-steel penetrator. If the round begins fragmenting through barriers, at least guarantee that the metal core will zing right through them.
SOCOM 16 is a good choice, but I'd say that is the slowest to shoot and the heaviest of the military-style rifles. And not as ergonomic as either an AK or AR. Plus, AR's have collapsing stocks and AK's have folders. This gives you the shortest length platform which is ideal for home defense. Although, the .308 will be the best performer.
