Klaatu Barada Nikto
Member
Very nice!
Best non-semi automatic defense rifle
- Thread starter Balrog
- Start date
- Status
Uhm, yea...that should do it. Maybe load some lighter 30 cal hollow points.
In spite of owning AR15/M4 rifles/carbines, my go-to-first defensive long arm remains the Benelli M2. A pair of them, actually. One was my personally-owned police patrol duty shotgun, 2016 to 2018, and I added another, in 2018 or 2019, after retirement. I was finally able to get a small quantity of sabot-type slugs, so may be about to order a rifled barrel, and fore-end to fit. We live in the wet, green, thickly-vegetated part of Texas, where things tend to happen at close range.
I am not going to engage in sky-is-falling speculation, about my AR15 firearms. They exist. This is not the political/social section of THR. Enough said.
If I want to use a longer-range cartridge, with a bigger bore than .223/.224, I have Lightning and Takedown versions of the Browning BLR, chambered in .308 Winchester. These use 4-round detachable box mags, which drop free, quickly, so could be pressed into service as decent defensive weapons, that have continuity-of-fire potential.
I am not going to engage in sky-is-falling speculation, about my AR15 firearms. They exist. This is not the political/social section of THR. Enough said.
If I want to use a longer-range cartridge, with a bigger bore than .223/.224, I have Lightning and Takedown versions of the Browning BLR, chambered in .308 Winchester. These use 4-round detachable box mags, which drop free, quickly, so could be pressed into service as decent defensive weapons, that have continuity-of-fire potential.
Jim Watson
Member
That sounds like an interesting project. Do you know when, where, and who did the conversion? Seems like a lot of work.
I am not a big fan of quickly stuffing handgun cartridges through loading gates, so, even though we have .357 and .45 Colt lever carbines, I consider them to be hobbyist firearms, which could be pressed into defensive service, if they happen to be present at the time. The box magazines of my my Browning BLR rifles, mentioned in my earlier post, are a much better mousetrap, for continuity-of-fire.
Texas is long-gun friendly, allowing loaded long guns to be transported inside motor vehicles, but many other states, such as neighboring Oklahoma, have laws that forbid loaded long guns inside vehicles. Lever rifles with tubular magazines, and loading gates, are slow to load, so, if not kept loaded, are glorified single-shots, in the event of an emergency. I see the BLR as the better interstate travelin’ lever rifle, as a box mag can be instantly inserted into the weapon.
I say this, even though I really do like my .45 Colt Winchester 94 AE Trapper, and .357 Mag Browning B-92.
Browning has made small runs of .223 BLRs, which would be nice home-defense carbines. These are rare birds, however, so I have been unable to find them available, while also having enough discretionary funding.
Texas is long-gun friendly, allowing loaded long guns to be transported inside motor vehicles, but many other states, such as neighboring Oklahoma, have laws that forbid loaded long guns inside vehicles. Lever rifles with tubular magazines, and loading gates, are slow to load, so, if not kept loaded, are glorified single-shots, in the event of an emergency. I see the BLR as the better interstate travelin’ lever rifle, as a box mag can be instantly inserted into the weapon.
I say this, even though I really do like my .45 Colt Winchester 94 AE Trapper, and .357 Mag Browning B-92.
Browning has made small runs of .223 BLRs, which would be nice home-defense carbines. These are rare birds, however, so I have been unable to find them available, while also having enough discretionary funding.
Captcurt
Member
I didn't know that they chambered one for 357.
BLACKHAWKNJ
Member
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2007
- Messages
- 1,132
A lever gun allows you to top it off while loaded to reduce the chances of running dry.
AlexanderA
Member
IMO the best non-semiautomatic defensive rifle is the No. 4 Enfield.
DustyGmt
Member
Right.
ECVMatt
Member
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2004
- Messages
- 2,873
Sorry guys, it was not chambered in .357. I was just dreaming out loud. If we ever got into a situation where semi-auto's were not around I would be hopeful that something like this would pop up! Maybe bring back the Timber Wolf although I like the 14 1/2 better.
DustyGmt
Member
I think if for whatever reason, I decided I no longer got enjoyment or just didn't want to own semi auto rifles anymore, I would probably choose a .44mag lever gun or revolver for HD. I don't think there are many problems a .44mag won't solve. I would like to buy one soon but I'll probably wait for better market conditions. I'm all set for now, I have plenty of semi autos 
A pump action 12ga is also appropriate, I have a Pardner Pump that I bought as a holdover til I could get a mossberg and I have to say I would trust that NEF pardner for any HD task. It's a good quality gun for being on the cheaper side.
A pump action 12ga is also appropriate, I have a Pardner Pump that I bought as a holdover til I could get a mossberg and I have to say I would trust that NEF pardner for any HD task. It's a good quality gun for being on the cheaper side.
Jim Watson
Member
Nothing wrong with a .38-40 or .44-40 pump.
I once (1.0) saw a 14 1/2 .38-40 with the "thumbnail safety" on the bolt instead of the usual cross bolt in the trigger guard.
An interesting rarity, but the cross bolt would be quicker.
Old time lawman Jim Higginbotham liked the 141 in .35 Remington.
A 760 in any of its calibers would be good and you can still find the 8 round Colyer Clip.
I once (1.0) saw a 14 1/2 .38-40 with the "thumbnail safety" on the bolt instead of the usual cross bolt in the trigger guard.
An interesting rarity, but the cross bolt would be quicker.
Old time lawman Jim Higginbotham liked the 141 in .35 Remington.
A 760 in any of its calibers would be good and you can still find the 8 round Colyer Clip.
Along with my already mentioned 7615P, I have a ruger ranch in 5.56 that uses AR mags, a ruger predator in 308 that uses AI mags, and a 357 lever action. And a couple 20 gauge mossbergs, 18 1/2", and a shockwave. I think I'm covered.
Jim Watson
Member
I once read in a Guns & Ammo Annual, back when it was a pretty serious publication, that the NYPD ESU (SWAT) used auto shotguns that they were able to keep clean and cased until a Situation arose. Patrol cops with shotguns got pumps, cheap and sturdy. Detectives were provided double barrels for raids, simple to use by somebody who didn't shoot it much.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
I would feel perfectly comfortable with my FR8 as a fighting rifle- assuming my opponents dont have automatics.
Last edited:
Mosin77
Member
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2019
- Messages
- 1,594
I am a realist, which usually means a pessimist, but actually I do think there’s a little reason for hope. The Dems were obliged to embrace a “far left” position to stir up more of their base and encourage them to vote. But now that the strategy has shifted from getting office to retaining office, they do have good reason not to alienate the moderates in their party (probably the majority) who might decide that, now that their nemesis DJT is gone, they should consider voting Republican to reign in the radicals.
I’m concerned, of course, as we all should be, but if Obama couldn’t ban something in 8 years, I feel like we do have some cause for hope.
Edited to add further comment to the question: a .303 or .30-06 is lousy inside a house. I’d stick with something smaller and/or suppressor ready. If for property/outdoor use, sure. Doesn’t get much better than a good bolt action.
Last edited:
Sistema1927
Member
I don't expect any major restrictions on the near horizon, simply because there are enough "fly over state" Democrats who know that it would be political suicide.
However, should I be wrong I expect that I will have to get by with my Marlin 1894C in .357 and my Rossi 1892 in .45 Colt.
However, should I be wrong I expect that I will have to get by with my Marlin 1894C in .357 and my Rossi 1892 in .45 Colt.
Pat Riot
Contributing Member
Some of you talk as if you have given up hope.
The first step in their victory.
They say “Thank you”, I’m sure.
The first step in their victory.
They say “Thank you”, I’m sure.
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,309
Other than a couple of pump action shotguns I would probably go with my Rossi Model 92 in .45 Colt. with it's short barrel it's very handy to keep around and quick and easy to get it into action.
Actually, the most traditional AR round has much less penetration in almost all loadings than traditional handgun loads. Some of the lighter weight, lightly constructed loadings (the inexpensive .223 American Eagle 50 gr HP is just one that comes to mind) don't penetrate deeply enough to meet suggested SD guidelines...
John
Had not heard of the PAR before. Very interesting concept.
Obviously, they have replaced the gas tube with a connecting rod to the pump slide. In the interest of science, do they link the connecting rod solid to the carrier or do they rely on the buffer spring to return the bolt to battery? Does the upper fit a standard AR lower?
Regards,
hps
Last edited:
- Status
