Good rifle for home defense

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I have no idea how much money you are thinking about but a 16" barreled AR with a telescoping stock is a great choice if you choose ammo carefully. That set up will run around $700-$800 minimum.
 
Mine is a Marlin 1894 .357 and it doubles as a fun plinker. If I were buying a semi auto for the purpose I'd get a Ruger Ranch in 6.8
 
SKS, AK, AR - all good for home defense. I'd definitely recommend a magazine-fed semi-auto. You may have to worry about over-penetration, though.
 
Yeah I would think so. After all they generate a decent amount of energy for a hybrid cartridge - the only hybrid I can think of lol. Given a good bullet design it should perform pretty well.
 
You may have to worry about over-penetration, though.
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You may have to worry about over-penetration with any gun, including handguns. It seems like most people will agree that anything with enough power for home defense has enough power to over-penetrate as well.
 
If you use proper ammo, it is unlikely that a bullet will over-penetrate a Bad Guy, although it is possible. The bigger thing is sending a bullet out the window and it will go a long way. Check out THEBOXOFTRUTH.COM for lots of interesting tests. I know it's not what you asked for but I like a shotgun with buckshot, but in a rifle, look for a semi in .223.

HB
 
12 ga Shotgun... pump action... Mossberg 500 comes to mind... $180 @ Academy... :D


Rifle: well, there's not much to choose from there that won't be a candidate for over-penetrating... unless you go with something in a pistol caliber... and even then... Just remember, subsonic bullets are less likely to over-penetrate...
 
Unless you live in an apartment or other close quarters, poo on the over penetration blather.

My first choice for home defense is Mr. Rem870 12ga.

The rifle backing him up though is Mr. Kalashni-clone. Both are highly reliable, very effective, and easy to employ on short notice.
AK003.jpg
 
About the only rifle-caliber that is suitable for Home Defense is hollow point or soft-point .223 (hollow point being the preference).

After entering the target, these bullets tend to disintegrate rapidly.

Studies have shown that even after hitting drywall, these will begin to break apart.

If you live in the countryside and your nearest neighbor is a mile away, then feel free to use whatever suits you. But, if you live in an apartment, or closely spaced sub-division, then over-penetration is a real concern.

There have been many discussions about this on THR in the past, try a search.
 
I live in a small city and have several people living with me.

12 ga Shotgun... pump action... Mossberg 500 comes to mind... $180 @ Academy
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I've seen several Mossberg 12 ga shotguns for under $200 at my nearest gun shop. Would this be good for home defense and minimize the chances of over-penetration?

The rifle backing him up though is Mr. Kalashni-clone.
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I've always wanted one of those. Hm...that gives me an idea. What about buying something like a Mossberg shotgun for the single intruder and getting an AK clone as a back-up in case its a local gang? Good idea or bad?
 
I've always wanted one of those. Hm...that gives me an idea. What about buying something like a Mossberg shotgun for the single intruder and getting an AK clone as a back-up in case its a local gang? Good idea or bad?
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i don't think you'll know if there is ONE or FIVE Gang Members in the dark if they don't show up shooting first, but yes...a Kalashni-clone is a great tool when used with the right ammo, (soft point or hallow-point) avoid FMJ as a HomeDefence round because it may go through the bad guy(s) a wall and a few other things and you don't want that.
 
It all depends on the circumstances. If you live alone and own your own home you have a lot more to choose from. I made the foolish mistake of keeping my 12 ga loaded with 1 oz slugs. Fine if you live in the country and don't have any kids/wife. I lived in an apartment with my wife an two kids. There is no telling what a heavy bullet will do and what course it will take after hitting someone/thing. If i had ever had to use the gun, and luckily i didn't, it could have easily gone threw the BG and into my kids room or threw a few apartments and into someone else. The other posters have given good advice. My choice is a 12 gauge with a light load. Otherwise i would use a .223 with a highly frangible light weight bullet.
 
My choice is this Norinco

T56SHTF-PKG.jpg
 
Rifle: well, there's not much to choose from there that won't be a candidate for over-penetrating... unless you go with something in a pistol caliber... and even then... Just remember, subsonic bullets are less likely to over-penetrate...
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Actually it's been proven in numerous tests that typical 5.56/.223 bullets will penetrate less than pistol caliber rounds. Also note that subsonic pistol rounds are generally heavy for their caliber; while they may lack velocity, the additional mass contributes to increased momentum and penetration.
Any suggestions for which rifle, good for home defense, that is least likely to over-penetrate?
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See above. Ever wonder why federal and state agencies, and local LE departments with good budgets, are going way from shotguns and pistol caliber carbines in favor of AR-15 type rifles?

Links to expand upon above comments - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=207074 , http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=210739 - more in the reading library stickied at the top of this thread.
 
Why not a good 12 gauge pump? Load with say #4 buck or low recoil 00 buck and call it good to go.

A nice Remington 870 will last you several lifetimes, can be bought relatively cheap and built to your tastes over time (extended magazine, shell carriers, lights, lasers, curb feelers, kickin' stereo etc.. :D) or you can spend a bit more and get a nicely set up one from the factory.

At any rate for a home defense weapon I find it tough to beat a good ole' 12 gauge shotgun as far as bang for your buck. Hell a Benelli Nova is downright cheap and a darn good shotgun right out the box.

Chris
 
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