Long Distance Self-Defense Rifle

[Interceptor_Knight]

IK, apparently you think that just because rifles are not commonly used for self defense purposes at greater than normal pistol distances that rifles would not be useful. That would be in error.

You are missreading my posts. I didn't say that rifles are not a useful SD tool I said that "long distance" rifles are not normal SD tools and the odds of you needing to take a "long distance" SD shot with a rifle is near zero. A "long distance" semiautomatic is definitely not necessary for any type of self defense. Feel free to spend $2K+ on a .308 or larger semiautomatic if that is what floats your boat. You do not need a reason to buy whatever uber tactical large bore you wish. My point is that it is not needed for self defense.

Folks shot in malls are often shot at distances greater than most folks use pistols. Some people shot at Columbine were shot in excess of 50 yards.

Back to 50 yds is not long distance... 150 yds is not long distance for the average 12year old deer hunter with their .30-30.

Protecting the public isn't offensively shooting.

Yes it is... Their goal is to apprehend the felon. Police are obligated by their career to be offensive. Joe six pack is prohibited.

Really? Just how far do carbines shoot? I regularly shoot mine to 400 yards, occasionally out to 600. Carbines will certainly work well out to the 300 requested in the OP.

You just supported my premise that you do not need a long distance rifle for self defense. Any carbine including a SKS, Mini 14, Saiga, etc is just fine for self defense...

 

[Interceptor_Knight]

AK and SKS might be fine, but try and find the ammo.

Soft point "hunting" ammo is still plentiful and is still cheaper than .308 or .30-06.

 

[moooose102]

i now you are thinking semi auto, but do not overlook a lever gun. they can be racked pretty darned fast, and you wont have so much trouble finding ammo! 30-30+ levereveloution ammo + 300 yards!

 

[The Deer Hunter]

What about the Remington 7400 series?

I have seen them for about your price range and shoot .308 or .30-06. It's more of a traditional hunting rifle, and I don't know if you're looking for a more military style, but they are a long range semi automatic rifles.

Actually checking Kittery Trading Post's (big gun store around here) used gun catalog has a bunch right around $500, and in my experience they are over a good $150-$200 on most rifles.

 

[Maelstrom]

For the price range you're looking at, I'd consider ditching the semi-auto requirement and think about getting a lever or bolt gun.

If you're shooting at distance, unless you're hunting another sniper, the need for a repeater isn't there. Why do most military and police sharpshooters use bolt guns? Because a great bolt gun costs half of a great auto. Don't believe me? Look at the price of a PSG-1.

 

[proplinker]

Your choice is limited only by your billfold... AR's start at $900. but can be chambered in almost anything. the Garand or maybe the M1 carbine they should be in your price range. When you say long range is that 200yards or 1000yards?

 

[Kleanbore]

Long range + Self Defense = Oxymoron. Long distance? Escape and Evade.

Probably true in the vast majority of cases. It would be very difficult to argue that one was in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm and that deadly force was immediately necessary if the assailant were at "long range."

The Texas tower shooting, which I remember well, has been mentioned. Yes, civilians went and got their guns and came back and engaged Whitman.

What did that have to do with self defense? Nothing at all.

Citizens who had not been armed got their guns and came back. Proper action? I think so. Would I have done the same thing? Yes indeed. But I would not have been defending myself. I could have easily stayed away.

At that time the police were not well equipped to take out Whitman, and the armed citizens on the scene were indispensable. Would that be true today? Not where I live. Today our police have AR-15 rifles and sniper rifles, and they are trained to use them.

I suggest that it would be unlikely that someone on the scene could leave, get his rifle, return, and engage before the police had things under control. At that point it might be a lot wiser to let trained, authorized, and indemnified peace officers handle things. After all, everything that goes up (and is not stopped by anything) must come down, and the civilian shooter is liable for the results.

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

Lets face it, he like many others here is is really asking....

The scenario he is prepairing for may include civil unrest, armed conflict, etc. It's just not polite to ask......"What do I need to defend myself from a the government and/or group of crazies.....like you?" Because you all can apparently shoot a gnat off a dogs @$$ from 1000 yards.

That's just not P.C.