A question of readiness

[rbernie]

Despite whether or not the AR pictured is a suitable choice for home defense, I think there's some merit to the point that "tacticool" military looking add ons feed the "assault weapon" stereo types.

If the object is to get Jane and Joe Average to think about using a firearm for home defense, I'd suggest keeping it basic. Pump 12 ga., Revolver, etc...

In my experience, folks that are scared of gun are scared of guns. A levergun or a SxS is not going to look any less scary to them. All they see is OMG! GUN!

On the other hand, I very much LIKE the idea of showing Eeeeevil Black Rifles in the hands of ordinary folk. That's an important message to send - just as important as it is to try to appeal to those folk who still remember Uncle Harry's scattergun.

 

[Vaarok]

I concur that the AR is not in keeping with the simplistic message intended. It's too intricate and it's black. A wheelgun, a shotgun, a levergun, those don't stir up the "okay with guns but want to draw limits" folks into their hemming and hawing over what constitutes okay.

For those people, a "military gun" is too alarming. To reach a broad audience, I have to say a shotgun is more appropriate.

 

[mr.72]

I agree. Whether or not a tacticool looking gun like that is a good choice for home defense, it is still "too much" for a lot of people.

The point is that it doesn't take a tacticool EBR to be "prepared", but the poster may inadvertently send that message.

 

[30 cal slob]

The guy has a friggin suppressed, quad railed, laser equipped, $700 red dotted AR to go check on the noise downstairs and he's not mall ninjaish in any way?

If you've ever run/trained in a shoothouse in complete darkness, you would appreciate that he's properly equipped, although I would also have a secondary weapon (pistol) just in case the primary malfs.

 

[Drgong]

I have no problems with the guy using a AR style rifle. After all, AR rifles are actually the most sold rifle, and it helps to remove the "Evil Black Rifle".

A AR or AK in .223 is a good SD gun. So is a shotgun but the RKBA is more then deer hunting.

 

[Soybomb]

Whats with all the "don't scare the soccer moms" talk? I like it, great image!

High power rifle makes for a poor choice of HD gun. Makes me think of the bullet going through the BG, then the walls, then the little boy sleeping in the house next door. Shotgun would be much more appropriate.

Stop by the rifle forum, there's lot of great posts in the library about why the .223 isn't a high power rifle and why it makes a really great home defense weapon.

 

[strat81]

"In any way"? The guy has a friggin suppressed, quad railed, laser equipped, $700 red dotted AR to go check on the noise downstairs and he's not mall ninjaish in any way?

I don't even notice the family pic I'm to busy rolling my eyes at this rambo.

Everything about the gun is practical.

The suppressor attenuates the report and flash, saving his ears and eyes.

The rail is an excellent way of mounting his laser (or is that a flashlight?).

Lasers help you aim. Aiming and putting shots on target is good for obvious reasons. Lights enable you to identify your target. They can also be used to blind/disorient an enemy.

Red dot sites are excellent for short distances and make shooting faster and easier. A quality red dot like an Aimpoint is incredibly durable and has a battery life that can outlast a presidential term.

Why an AR? 30rd mags, variety of ammo choices (frangible, bonded, FMJ, soft point, OTM), adjustable stock, ergonomic, easy to use, mild recoil, reliable, relatively compact.

 

[gundog94]

Hey Guys,
What if we painted it pink? Would that make everyone feel better. For those of you that don't know it, the AR-15 style rifle is THE #1 selling rifle in America. In my book, that makes it as normal it can get. While it may not be mt first choice for home defense, I'm not going to knock this guy for choosing it. I personally know him and I would trust his judgment when it comes to matters like these. Let quit bickering about what we think is correct or not and pull together as gun owners. United we stand, divided we fall.

 

[BruceRDucer]

Rifle? Check!
Magazine? Check!
Photo? Check!
Ammo? DOH!

 

[Rule556]

Great poster.

 

[mchgnmike]

Absolutely a great picture. I use an AR-15 for home protection and if loaded with the correct ammunition it is as good or better as anything else, it definitely has the magazine capacity. I like to have a weapon light on my HD weapon but not everyone's agrees with that doctrine. Wouldn't it be a totally different picture if instead of the picture the family was in the corner with back-up weapons or extra magazines?

Strange the fella looks like someone I know?

 

[tvone]

I don’t look like Rambo, and never worked security in a mall, but that’s me in the photo.

While some of you may disagree with my choice for a self-defense carbine, it’s true that most of my long guns are AR’s. I’ve never been hunting, so I don’t see a need to have lever or bolt guns. I have nothing against hunting, but growing as a city boy, I didn’t have any friends or relatives to learn that skill. Why would you choose a slower operating system? SXS or O/U shotguns leaves you defenseless after two shots. Do you tell the 3rd attacker to wait a few moments while you reload? Semi-autos are much easier to use with a single hand if necessary.

No shotguns for me for home defense. What if you need to make a precision shot? The laser, red dot, ergonomics, and the accuracy of the firearm combine to make it my weapon of choice. With our bedrooms scattered around the house, I would expect to have to make shots that hit their target, and I don’t want to worry about an errant 00 buck pellet.

Shooting indoors is painfully loud, and can cause permanent damage. Suppressors are solid HD tools. What about the other people in the room? While this firearm is a .22lr, my next one will be for a 5.56mm. I wish I could find someone to build a dedicated 5.56mm upper similar to the .22lr that is pictured.

$2,000 ARFCOM Special? No where near that amount in the firearm, but definitely well researched and most items were purchased from vendors on that site. Total cost including the tax stamp was under $1000.00.

Upper was built by RCS Guns in Anna, Texas. Not really that more expensive than any other dedicated .22lr, but a lot more fun. A high quality unit that uses a modified Ciener kit.

I’m still debating the use of a dedicated light. Since I have a few kids around the house, I worry about sweeping someone I know with a barrel mounted light.

Not in the picture but there is my cell phone and backup pistol, and just as important, two canines and a backup shooter. (My wife, who prefers a 9mm AR for the house)

Ammo choice for 5.56mm in the house; Hornady TAP, and Federal 9mm +P+ for the handguns and 9mm AR.

 

[KelVarnson]

Brings up a thought I had. If you have K-9's, it could be better to have a rifle than a shotgun. The dogs might not move out of the target area when you try to call them off, and so you'd be less likely to hit them with a rifle.

Tvone thanks for the info.

 

[WayneConrad]

Beautiful. Don't change a thing.

 

[springmom]

Oleg, this one is TERRIFIC! Don't change a thing.

In point of fact, a poster that shows a normal, plain-old-vanilla middle aged guy with an AR also helps to normalize the rifle. As it should. Modern rifle design is not spawned by the Seventh Circle of Hell, and it's past time that we tried to make that point. And this is a good way to do it.

(And thanks for doing one for us Youth Challenged folks)

Springmom

 

[Robert14]

Originally Posted by Big45
"In any way"? The guy has a friggin suppressed, quad railed, laser equipped, $700 red dotted AR to go check on the noise downstairs and he's not mall ninjaish in any way?


To go check on the noise downstairs? Apologies, but I thought it read "home invasion"...

Oleg,
Love your website(s).

 

[ilcylic]

Looks like Correia's rifle.

 

[bogie]

Iz too small to be Larry's rifle.

Larry's shoots through houses.

 

[surfinguru]

I like it, but as others have pointed out, it might be a little to "militant" looking.

All I want to know is: How/where can I get that gun in CA?!?!

 

[Huddog]

My first impression was "How would you justify that gun to the jury?" However, there have been many good points made which have made me realize how easy it would be to do so. So I say keep it as is. Not that I expect Oleg to keep it or change it because I say so. By the way Mister Peace your argument would be much more effective if correctly spelled. Unless of course I am again missing the sarcasim.

 

[f4t9r]

I like it. Use what you want for HD. The question is what makes one think. Would you be ready if a gang did invade your home?

 

[sprithitler]

I like the picture, points to the fact that you use the best you can get to protect the most valuable things in youir life, your family.

 

[tpaw]

High power rifle makes for a poor choice of HD gun. Makes me think of the bullet going through the BG, then the walls, then the little boy sleeping in the house next door. Shotgun would be much more appropriate.

+1 on that one.

 

[Burt Blade]

Basically, anything launched from a firearm will go through the common drywall-void-drywall internal walls in most US homes. See the web site http://www.theboxotruth.com for a rather thourough demonstration with real guns, ammo, and drywall. Even lowly birdshot made it through two layers of drywall. Buckshot did much better.

 

[Nolo]

Boo. Makes the guy look like a mall ninja. Soccer mom sees that and thinks the whole culture is lunatic fringe. Way over the top.

"In any way"? The guy has a friggin suppressed, quad railed, laser equipped, $700 red dotted AR to go check on the noise downstairs and he's not mall ninjaish in any way?

I don't even notice the family pic I'm to busy rolling my eyes at this rambo.

Remember Heller? It was work like this, saying "Look, self-defense is legitimate and, yes, the scary AR is a great, normal choice for the average person" that helped that decision to come out like it did.
Now the next hurdle is suppressors. This work is perfectly legitimate and in good taste, not mall-ninja-esque at all. Though I do think the laser kinda takes away from the picture, but that's only because I think it looks ugly.