AK47 For Home Defense?

[Fisherman12]

I have an Arsenal SGL21 in 7.62x39 that I'm considering using for home defense. If I do, it will be loaded with Hornady V-Max ammo, which should penetrate too much.

I know people generally recommend a shotgun for HD, but I just don't feel comfortable with that.

Is this choice of rifle and ammo practical for home defense?

If not, what would be a better choice for a rifle for HD?

 

[mberoose]

You'd have to be politically tone-deaf to use an AK for home defense.

 

[primalmu]

I'd use an SKS before an AK for home defense.

 

[Girodin]

In terms of it being a viable weapon, sure that weapon and ammo should work very well.

Some have and will suggest that a more politically correct weapon might be better in terms of the after math of a defensive shooting, to wit, the investigation, determination of whether it was justified and/or whether to file charges and in a hypothetical trial. The weapon will not change the legality of the shoot but may cast a negative light in cases that appear marginal. How much this matters might also be affected by where one lives and what the prevailing gun and self defense attitudes are there.

In terms of performance I personally prefer carbines to shotguns for a number or reasons,. Although I do own and train with both. I'd get training with the AK if that's what you choose to use, but that rifle and ammo are well suited to the job. Personally, I prefer ARs (although I own, shoot, train with, like and enjoy my AKs).

 

[Fisherman12]

In terms of it being a viable weapon, sure that weapon and ammo should work very well.

Some have and will suggest that a more politically correct weapon might be better in terms of the after math of a defensive shooting, to wit, the investigation, determination of whether it was justified and/or whether to file charges and in a hypothetical trial. The weapon will not change the legality of the shoot but may cast a negative light in cases that appear marginal. How much this matters might also be affected by where one lives and what the prevailing gun and self defense attitudes are there.

In terms of performance I personally prefer carbines to shotguns for a number or reasons,. Although I do own and train with both. I'd get training with the AK if that's what you choose to use, but that rifle and ammo are well suited to the job. Personally, I prefer ARs (although I own, shoot, train with, like and enjoy my AKs).

I live in Louisiana, and the attitude towards guns here is in favor of gun owners. As much as I hate political correctness, I do see the potential court issues of using an AK.

What are some other good choices? I don't really care for the .223 round. I want something that's not overly powerful that creates unnecessary blast, noise, flash, and recoil, but I want it to be plenty powerful to put a man down.

 

[mljdeckard]

I concur. If both were sitting next to each other, I would prefer the AR. But there's nothing at all wrong with an AK, it's the same as any other rifle. Where you live might make a difference, here I have actually heard police tell homeowners; "You should have shot him, not warned him." It might not be so gun-friendly where you live.

 

[mljdeckard]

Despite what you may have heard, close range stopping power between the .223 and 7.62x39 is basically a wash. They are both intermediate powered cartridges. The 7.62x39 is a .30 caliber round, but the .223 (particularly when using good defensive ammo) hits a human target with explosive force. I do not feel at all underarmed with a .223 in any situation.

 

[MtnCreek]

Other than the location of the safety, it's a fine choice.

 

[walking arsenal]

You'd have to be politically tone-deaf to use an AK for home defense.

Expand on that. I think it's a valid point but I would like to know your reasoning behind it.


Using an AK for home defense can be done. Either a shoot is good or it isn't. But consider using light weight bullets to lessen penetration.

If that's all you have, use it. But if you've got something else I would suggest considering that instead. AKs are heavy penetrators in structures.

 

[HDCamel]

Other than the location of the safety, it's a fine choice.

I agree with this.

People will often mention the possible political implications, but you have to rememeber that the chances that you're actually going to use your HD gun are slim. With that being said, it's best to use what you feel most comfortable with.

 

[Fisherman12]

But if you've got something else I would suggest considering that instead.

Like what? I do own a shotgun but I just don't like it. I don't feel comfortable with it.

I guess a pistol wouldn't be bad

 

[Trent]

walking arsenal:

Not in all states, it ain't. Do some research on "negligent self defense".

In many states, you have to use the least amount of "force" to put a bad guy down. An AK47 waived in front of a jury during a negligent self defense trial might well be the beginning of a long trip to the state pen.

It is up to the state's attorney in most jurisdictions to charge on negligent self defense, and the specifics (and case law) vary greatly from one state to another.

Also, many states allow the deceased's family or permanently-disabled attacker to sue for damages in civil court, ESPECIALLY if the criminal court found that the self defense was "overkill", and thereby negligent.

 

[MtnCreek]

Like what? I do own a shotgun but I just don't like it. I don't feel comfortable with it.

I guess a pistol wouldn't be bad

What kind of shotgun? If it's suitable for home defense, train with the shotgun till you're comfortable with it.

Going from either the AK or the shotgun to a pistol is a step in the wrong direction IMHO.

 

[DeMilled]

walking arsenal:

Not in all states, it ain't. Do some research on "negligent self defense".

In many states, you have to use the least amount of "force" to put a bad guy down. An AK47 waived in front of a jury during a negligent self defense trial might well be the beginning of a long trip to the state pen.

It is up to the state's attorney in most jurisdictions to charge on negligent self defense, and the specifics (and case law) vary greatly from one state to another.

Also, many states allow the deceased's family or permanently-disabled attacker to sue for damages in civil court, ESPECIALLY if the criminal court found that the self defense was "overkill", and thereby negligent.

Lets deal with the OP question and the laws that he lives under.

Can you post a link to a law in LA that would lead us to believe an AK, used for home defense, would get him locked up?


Vague cations about what may, or may not, happen in undefined "many states" are of no value to the OP. Lets stick with LA law, please.

 

[NG VI]

You'd have to be politically tone-deaf to use an AK for home defense.

Not everybody lives in Connecticut.

 

[Fisherman12]

My shotgun is a Remington 870. The blast from 00 buck, combined with (relatively) low capacity and non-semi auto nature makes me shrug away from it.

 

[mberoose]

Expand on that. I think it's a valid point but I would like to know your reasoning behind it.

With all of the incidents that have occured as of late and "assault weapons" being back on the collective radar of so many, I feel that those factors combined with the typical outlook towards AKs in the eyes of antis/politicians (i.e., a "terrorist's rifle," evilest of the evil, etc.) that using one for HD should be avoided if possible from a political perspective. I simply feel that an AK would actually be subjected to demonization even if used even in a legitimate home defense situation that saved a homeowner's life because of the misguided reputation that has been placed on them. With all things being equal in a home defense situation (lets say an AK was used vs. AR used), I feel as though they'd be subjected (unfairly) to intense scrutiny regardless of the positive outcome for the homeowner.

I don't like it, I don't think it's right in any way, but I'd rather look to a different implement rather than risk any sort of scrutiny. Others will say "to heck with it, it's legal and valid," and that's fine. I simply think that sometimes certain sacrifices and/or choices should be made for the greater good in the long run.

Yes, not everyone lives in Connecticut. But when these situations come up, the loudest voices are usually heard from those who have no interest in advancing our rights, but from those who wish to repress them.

Besides, shotguns are cheap.

 

[MtnCreek]

Is the mag plugged to 2+1 shells? You can remove the plug. For normal range trigger time, cheap target birdshot will help with the wallet and shoulder.

 

[Girodin]

AKs are heavy penetrators in structures.

That is likely why he said he would use the V-max loads. Research them.

I too would tell you that 5.56 with proper loads is going to give your performance that is similar to what that x39 V-max load would. Of course they also make ARs in 6.8 SPCII and 300 BLK. Some say sig has worked out the issues with the 556R, which would give you a very AK like gun without being an AK, are either politically correct enough? A 30-30 lever gun would give you x39 like ballistics, be more politically correct, but gives up something as a fighting gun, but is still a viable defensive tool in the right hands. A pump shotgun that is not tacticooled out is also a more PC option. The fact is there are lots and lots of viable options. It is more a matter of the end user being proficient with them and feeling comfortable choosing it. I'd get an AR, but that's me.

In many states, you have to use the least amount of "force" to put a bad guy down

Lets say agruendo that is true. I'm not aware of any state where an intruder in the home does not allow the use of lethal force, but again lets say agruendo that this doctrine your are referring to A) exists and B) applied to HD situation. An AK is not a different level of force than any other firearm. They are all deadly force, be it your 10/22 , an AK, a 458 SOCOM AR, or your 460 weatherby bolt gun.

 

[DeMilled]

My shotgun is a Remington 870. The blast from 00 buck, combined with (relatively) low capacity and non-semi auto nature makes me shrug away from it.

I have a polite suggestion; buy some reduced recoil law enforcement type 12 gauge buck shot and do a bit of practical/training shooting with it.

You may find it's not as bad of a round/shotgun as it seems to you right now.
An 870 with 7 rounds of nice buckshot will put some good sized holes in several targets. If you are worried about a threat the 870 cannot deal with then I suggest your AK is the go to gun...

If you just don't like how the 870 feels, but like an AK type rifle's controls you should consider the SAIGA 12. I love mine and know what I can do with a few 10 round magazines of 2/34" 00 Buckshot.
Should I feel the need to defend my casa with my SAIGA 12, rest assured that the poop is fully into the fan blades.

 

[beeb173]

If I used a long gun for home protection, my wasr would get picked over my 870 every time. (kept at my fathers due for spousal reasons) Lighter recoil, more compact, longer range (jic), higher capacity. The only advantage I see to a shotgun is penetration and political correctness.

 

[Skribs]

OP, the general consensus I've seen lately is that while shotguns are great for HD, rifles might actually be better. Lighter recoil, bigger magazines, and cheaper ammo cited as three great reasons, as well as the fact that rifles are very efficient in their wounding capability.

Personally, I own 2 shotguns and 0 rifles at present, but my goal is to eventually make the switch. I'd go with an AR over an AK (I've used a saiga once, don't really think I'd want to go with an AK), but the AK should be fine.

 

[DeMilled]

If not, what would be a better choice for a rifle for HD?

FN FAL, carbine length, 30 round magazines loaded with RRLP bullets.
http://www.ssarmory.com/7.62x51_ammunition_150gr_barnes_rrlp_fb_frangible.aspx

Click on the pic of the ballistic gel

 

[NG VI]

Quote:

In many states, you have to use the least amount of "force" to put a bad guy down

Lets say agruendo that is true. I'm not aware of any state where an intruder in the home does not allow the use of lethal force, but again lets say agruendo that this doctrine your are referring to A) exists and B) applied to HD situation. An AK is not a different level of force than any other firearm. They are all deadly force, be it your 10/22 , an AK, a 458 SOCOM AR, or your 460 weatherby bolt gun.

Or a kitchen knife or a baseball bat or a tire iron.

 

[BADUNAME37]

At least it most likely has wood furniture on it.

I want the ability to shoot through a stud-sheetrock wall, if need be.
I realize that comes with being mindful of what every backstop consists of. Since I don't live in a city, I am not too worried about over-penetration to the neighbor's house.