Best 6.8 Rifle for Home Defense

[DetroitStudent]

Hey all,

Im in the market for a home defense rifle. Two recent break ins a few blocks away make me in the market for a solid, reliable AR-style rifle. That being said, I like the 6.8 for its balance between bore and recoil.

I have a few questions/concerns

1.) I have recently fired AR's on the range, and a few have had reliability problems. I have read a few posts on the reliability of the gas system on AR's. Which maker has the most reliable gas system for the 6.8 (besides barrett, as I cannot afford a 2500$ rifle)?

2.) Assuming I don't have alot of time for the range, which AR- type rifle would be best for SHTF/Breakin Scenario?

3.) Am I right to go for the AR design, or go AK? The reason I want to buy an AR type rifle is that I would rather support an American Company. Even so, utmost reliability is a requirement for home defense.

Thank you very much, Please tell me your thoughts as I look forward to

Detroit Student

 

[Frog48]

The Ruger Mini-14 is also available in 6.8 SPC.

 

[gvnwst]

um, any AR problems that are anything other than crappy magazines is with OLD ARs. Any maker of a 6.8 AR shouldbe good enough, bushmaster has one, i think RRA has one.

 

[Float Pilot]

My Stag 6.8 is very well made and reliable. The gas key needed to be properly staked.
Just take a wheel barrow of money when you need 6.8 ammo.

Remember that if you have to use it due to the crime in your area, your nice $1,000 rifle will be sitting in a police evidence locker for the next 3 years.

There is always something to be said for a $300 12 gauge.

 

[Blacksmoke]

Float Pilot makes a good point. Never use your best guns for self defense. Kind of counter intuitive. That is the best argument I can think of for buying more>

 

[B.D. Turner]

I have a Ruger Ranch Rifle in 6.8 it is 100% reliable.

 

[B.D. Turner]

Just take a wheel barrow of money when you need 6.8 ammo.

No joke 6.8 is running a tad over a buck per pop. For a hunting rifle it's not too bad but its not something you are going to be shooting a bunch unless you have plenty of loot.

 

[kcmarine]

Not to call you clueless on your choice of the 6.8 for a home defense weapon, but that is overkill for use inside of a residence. You have to keep in mind that the bullet will keep going if and when they miss the intruder. If there's a person on the other side of your apartment wall or a house next to yours, you risk the bullet entering that house and injuring or killing someone inside. Most people choose a 12 gauge shotgun for home defense... it doesn't present as much overpenetration risk, and it will stop a man where he stands with a buckshot load 9 times out of 10.

 

[HorseSoldier]

If you've got limited time, funds and experience, I'd recommend starting with a 5.56mm AR, since you'll be able afford more ammunition to practice with. 6.8 Rem SPC is a very good cartridge, but the ability to run a rifle and score hits on a target is a more essential fundamental than ideal CQC cartridge selection. Two 5.56 rounds center of mass are a fight ender at defensive shooting sort of ranges.

 

[24kshooter]

Home defense - limited time to shoot - probably limited funds ='s a 12 ga. pump shotgun.