Sometime in the near future I will probably purchase a semi-auto rifle for home defense. I live in a fairly rural area, have a fair amount of experience (a while ago) with the government issue M-16A2 and a budget of around 1500 dollars. I wanted some input about possible choices. My first thoughts for a home defense and close in engagement caliber was 5.56mm/.223 but I'm not sure about the model. Any thoughts? Thank you.
Semi-auto rifle for home defense
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FrankCastleThePunisher
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Check out the Daniel Defense rifles or for a couple hundred dollars more the Tavor bullpup with OAL lengths of 26 & 27 5/8th might be what you want for close engagement HD. You can choose either 16.5" or 18" barrels.
Inebriated
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Well, if you want something akin to your A2, a BCM A4 or Colt A4 would run you about $1200. Really would come down to a coin toss for those two.
If you wanted something slightly more purpose-driven for HD, I'd get a 16". $1500 would easily get you;
-Colt 6920
-Aimpoint PRO
-Surefire G2X/IWC Mount combo
-10 D&H Magazines.
You'd break the $1500 plane with ammo, but there you have all you'd need to have a fantastic defensive setup for just a bit over $1500. No frills, just good quality.
ETA - the red dot is a nicety more than anything else... probably would be smarter to put that $400 towards ammo or a class. An inexpensive tritium front post wouldn't be a bad idea if you skip the dot, though.
If you wanted something slightly more purpose-driven for HD, I'd get a 16". $1500 would easily get you;
-Colt 6920
-Aimpoint PRO
-Surefire G2X/IWC Mount combo
-10 D&H Magazines.
You'd break the $1500 plane with ammo, but there you have all you'd need to have a fantastic defensive setup for just a bit over $1500. No frills, just good quality.
ETA - the red dot is a nicety more than anything else... probably would be smarter to put that $400 towards ammo or a class. An inexpensive tritium front post wouldn't be a bad idea if you skip the dot, though.
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TruthTellers
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I suggest an AK-47 with a folding stock. For the distances you're talking about, you don't need the AR platform's accuracy and the AK will be pretty devastating, especially with soft points.
d2wing
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There are several well know companies that sell both Carbine and Rifle AR's. For close range a carbine is handier. But if you like the rifle length go for it. I have a Del Ton that works real well but some guys insist on spendier options. The 5.56 or .223 is more effective than the 7.62x39 but with soft points both will do the job very well. Since AK's cost as much as an AR. I don't think they are a good buy. Most of the AR's are assembled from parts made to the same specs by 3 or 4 manufacturers but some brands have better WC, and BMC has some higher spec parts.
Colt 6720 Lightweight AR15 is probably the best option. It is lighter than most AR15s and reliable. Its also cheap, with some as low as $850 new.
I'd also get some good ammo and a light and mount so you can see what you're shooting if you ever have to shoot (don't want to shoot the drunk neighbor who's come over for a cup of sugar!).
I'd also get some good ammo and a light and mount so you can see what you're shooting if you ever have to shoot (don't want to shoot the drunk neighbor who's come over for a cup of sugar!).
justin22885
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get an AK.. something you know will go bang when you pull the trigger even if you happen to neglect pampering it once in a while, atlantic sells an M85 pistol you can SBR that is 5.56 using AR-15 mags.. that if they come back in stock
GBExpat
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M1 Carbine is pretty handy and the round can be devastating, especially at short range (Bugsy would probably agree 
).
).Lloyd Smale
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you can get a colt, stag, or Daniel Defense or something similar in quality for a grand. Save the other 500 for ammo. Sure the high end customs and semi customs are good guns but its kind of like the difference between a corvette and a Ferrari. Sure the Ferrari is cool but the vette will run right with it is just as reliable if not more and costs half the price.
Sav .250
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As you say, " close engagement." Shotgun. There are some nice home defense models available.
justin22885
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why would you even want a two handed weapon with no place to hide, that you cant have conveniently at arms reach or be able to aim with one hand while youre laying in bed.. not to mention the permanent ear damage that will come firing a 5.56 rifle indoors... a subsonic pistol makes a lot better choice
bannockburn
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I would normally say something like a decent AR15 (Colt, Daniel Defense, LMT, Stag Arms), would fill the bill nicely but lately I have been thinking that an M1 or M1A1 Carbine might make for a decent set-up for home defense.
Inside, the shorter the better. Being home defense, you really can't legally justify shooting someone at distance, so go as short as you can: 14.5" with pin/welded flash hider, SBR, Tavor, etc. Even a 16" will do. I built my SBR just before the Tavor showed up in the US. I would have gone with the Tavor.
9mm's are cool, but if you are going with a rifle, use a rifle cartridge. Even with the legal issue of shooting a bad guy at distance, it is nice to have the cartridge that can.
9mm's are cool, but if you are going with a rifle, use a rifle cartridge. Even with the legal issue of shooting a bad guy at distance, it is nice to have the cartridge that can.
You first have to decide on which "semi-automatic" platform you'll be most comfortable with, ... but since you indicated having some past familiarity with an AR and its manual-of-arms, the 16" Colt 6720 is a solid choice.
As HGM22 said, it's light-weight and uber-reliable, and there are any number of simple and affordable mounting options for a flashlight.
Plus, for right now at least, and despite recent incidents of media-driven, over-politicized gun-hysteria, we're still in the midst of a general market glut that favors the buyer in all-things-AR - rifles, hi-cap mags, and 5.56/.223 ammo.
How long that will last is anybody's guess, but that means there's no reason not to buy a carbine or rifle from a top tier *name* AR maker, like Colt, DD, LMT, et. al., because their price-point is about as low as it will ever be, and their name will retain significant resale value down the road.
Like HGM22, I've seen various Colt ARs collecting dust on the LGS shelves with price tags on them between $890-$950, ... and you might do better if you can find one that's was someone's impulse buy 2-years ago and is only *lightly-used*.
$1500 can cover a lot of ground right now, so after grabbing a 6720 and some type of decent RDS, I'd stock up on a case or two of quality 5.56mm ammo, and add more as funds permit.
Wait until later to add all the blingy, cool-guy accessories - if you just can't resist (and some dudes can't) - again, as your income permits.
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Murphys Law
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The old saying "Go with what you Know" comes to mind. For you that would be an AR.
Corn-Picker
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Hard to go wrong with what you know. Any gun is better than no gun, as they say.
I'll throw out the PS90 as another option; 26" long and 6.6 pounds fully loaded (50 rounds on board). Won't be as much recoil/muzzle blast as the 223, but it won't carry as much energy either. Super-reliable blowback operation and truly ambidextrous, it might be a good option if you have someone unfamiliar with firearms who could need to use it (e.g. a wife or kid).
I'll throw out the PS90 as another option; 26" long and 6.6 pounds fully loaded (50 rounds on board). Won't be as much recoil/muzzle blast as the 223, but it won't carry as much energy either. Super-reliable blowback operation and truly ambidextrous, it might be a good option if you have someone unfamiliar with firearms who could need to use it (e.g. a wife or kid).
That is about the same as saying, get an AR so you can actually hit what you are aiming at. Neither statement is accurate and only serves to fan the flames of misinformation and division. THR is not about that. If you want him to get an AK give actual reasons why it is better suited for home defense rather than trotting out tired old stereotypes.
OP,
Anything is better than nothing. Work with what you know, but more important than what you pick is training with your chosen firearm. I am not saying this is you, but many people think that owning a firearm makes them proficient with a firearm. Take time to do mag changes, clearing jams, and dry runs through your home. Have a plan, plan for what might actually happen rather than attacking armies of ninjas. Make it plausible and make it count.
ARs have come into favor in recent years due to their ease of use and lack of over penetration. Now if you are shooting steel core this is of course not the case. But with proper self defense ammo the penetration of the 5.56 is pretty low. I know it sounds goofy but an AR is less prone to over penetration than a handgun. That being said I keep my duty pistol on my night stand because that is what I train with most and know the best.
Handguns are still highly favored by lots of folks, and for good reason. Easier to run one handed, more compact, easier to store close at hand. But they can overpenetrate. Always know your target and beyond.
Shotguns are also still highly favored but like the AR can be more unwieldy and harder to run one handed. But it can be done if you train for it. Slugs and heavy shot will over penetrate so be aware.
The last thing I am going to worry about in a gun fight for my life is the report and concussion of the weapon. In times of crisis such as that the human body is amazing at protection. Auditory exclusion will kick in and help protect your hearing. It will not save it, but it will help cushion the first few shots. But again, I can worry about that after someone is not trying to kill me.
BSA1
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O.P.,
At a large gun show this past weekend I saw S&W AR Sports for much less than $600.00. I saw one new marked $ 515.00. All of the AR stuff I saw was discounted below msrp.
If you want to go with a AR it will depend on many whistles and bells you want.
In addition don't forget magazines and ammunition. I personally want at least 10 and probably will get 20 magazines for the AR's I am building. New steel 30 round magazines at the show were $9.00 each. Magpul were $12.00 each.
Then don't forget ammunition...minimum of 1,000 rounds. This is where is really helps to reload your own. However factory .223 ammunition is really marked down in price. Wildener's has 1,200 rounds of M855 for $ 409.00. SGAmmo has 1,000 rounds of Wolf brass case for $ 279.00 and PMC for $ 300.00 1,000. Even less if you go with steel case stuff.
Now is a buyers market for AR's. So 20 Magpul magazines are $240.00, 1,000 rounds of .223 are $300.00 and you have added another $ 540.00 + tax + shipping so let's just call it $ 600.00 in addition to the cost of your gun. With a S&W Sport that leaves you a little less than $ 400.00 of play money so you can buy a AR with more features.
At a large gun show this past weekend I saw S&W AR Sports for much less than $600.00. I saw one new marked $ 515.00. All of the AR stuff I saw was discounted below msrp.
If you want to go with a AR it will depend on many whistles and bells you want.
In addition don't forget magazines and ammunition. I personally want at least 10 and probably will get 20 magazines for the AR's I am building. New steel 30 round magazines at the show were $9.00 each. Magpul were $12.00 each.
Then don't forget ammunition...minimum of 1,000 rounds. This is where is really helps to reload your own. However factory .223 ammunition is really marked down in price. Wildener's has 1,200 rounds of M855 for $ 409.00. SGAmmo has 1,000 rounds of Wolf brass case for $ 279.00 and PMC for $ 300.00 1,000. Even less if you go with steel case stuff.
Now is a buyers market for AR's. So 20 Magpul magazines are $240.00, 1,000 rounds of .223 are $300.00 and you have added another $ 540.00 + tax + shipping so let's just call it $ 600.00 in addition to the cost of your gun. With a S&W Sport that leaves you a little less than $ 400.00 of play money so you can buy a AR with more features.
BSA1
member
Since my first post was so long if you are a Beretta 92 owner a Beretta CX Storm is worth considering as they both use the same magazines.
If you catch a good sale you can get Beretta magazines for $ 20.00 each. Add 1,000 rounds of ammunition and you still have play money left over.
A 9mm AR that uses Glock magazines would be trick if you are a Glock owner.
If you catch a good sale you can get Beretta magazines for $ 20.00 each. Add 1,000 rounds of ammunition and you still have play money left over.
A 9mm AR that uses Glock magazines would be trick if you are a Glock owner.
justin22885
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ok, here are a couple more reasons to go AK.. the AK is going to be victim first to any future legislation, import bans will come on parts kits long before you'll see major restrictions on AR-15s and the good parts kits seem to be drying up.. may not be around forever while the AR always will be, also you can get 7.62x39 cheaper than just about any other cartridge out there at $0.23 per loaded cartridge.. bullets alone will cost you more than that so you cant compete with those prices, even with handloading
I like ARs, and would be happy to defend my home with one. With your budget you can get a very nice one.
I also like my Sig 556 Classic. It is based on an AK action, shoots the .223/5.56 mentioned, and takes AR mags. It fits into your budget as well.
Top either one with a quality red dot and you would be good to go.
I also like my Sig 556 Classic. It is based on an AK action, shoots the .223/5.56 mentioned, and takes AR mags. It fits into your budget as well.
Top either one with a quality red dot and you would be good to go.
Justin, the price difference between steel-cased 7.62x39 and steel-cased is negligible. I frequently find either for $.22/rd. And if you want quality brass-cased ammo or even match grade ammo, tough to beat .223/5.56 prices for comparable products. For reloading, the cheapest jacketed projectiles I'm aware of are bulk 55gr FMJs offered new from a variety of manufacturers.
Also I wouldn't determine my home defense needs with a collector's mentality, I'd pick the tool that's best for the job. I think it's an uphill battle to try to argue the AK47 is the best choice for a guy already trained with the AR family.
Also I wouldn't determine my home defense needs with a collector's mentality, I'd pick the tool that's best for the job. I think it's an uphill battle to try to argue the AK47 is the best choice for a guy already trained with the AR family.
Zerodefect
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A BCM ELW barreled 14.5" upper with a permed FSC556.
Then just snap the upper on any lower you find locally.
Then just snap the upper on any lower you find locally.
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