Long range home defense?
- Thread starter tahoeguy
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bill larry
Member
Whatever you got should do just fine. 
Outlaws
Member
One that works.
R.W.Dale
Member
Just remember that Long range home defense? is typically called murder
U.S.SFC_RET
Member
What you need is a good, dependable rifle to keep em off of your back. Think of it. It doesn't need to be all that high powered either. Should be a gun that nock the snot out of you every time you shoot it. 30-30 lever action is a good start, it's easy to shoot and accurate. Makes a big boom and scares the daylights out of the receiving end. They will choose a softer target. Shotgun for close in and a decent rifle to keep em off.
Outlaws
Member
nm
Just speaking relaistically, I'd bet that your Remington 1100 loaded with slugs would do the trick at as long of a range as you'd ever need. I don't speak from any personal experience, so take my advice for what it is worth, but generally the feeling i have gotten from reading and researching the matter, is that it's unrealistic to think you'll be shooting anybody at distances greater than 100 yards.
Don't Tread On Me
Member
Using a rifle/carbine isn't just about long range. It is also about ease of use and terminal performance.
Even at <25 yards, a range that is pistol turf...a rifle is easier to hit with, and will do more damage.
The furthest stretch down the street I can see where I live is 265 yards, measured with Google Earth.
Would I need to make a shot that far? I seriously doubt it, as it wouldn't constitute self-defense. That is discussed here on THR extensively.
However, in a lawless society/chaos - who cares. What matters is what you consider to be a threat.
Also, you don't need a completely Rambo setup. The vast majority of threats will be scared away or deterred by either the sight of a firearm, or the sound of gunfire. Just like the whole concealed-carry "mousegun" debates....I don't know of ANYONE (other than soliders on a mission) that willfully and sanely runs toward gunfire.
Having heard gunfire nearby in an urban setting, it has the same effect as turning the lights on in the garage or shed and watching the roaches scatter. People run, scatter and hide. So, these guys that actually load up 6-10 30rd magazines and put them into a chest rig are ridiculous.
My weapon of choice is a Saiga, in stock configuration. I don't want electronic optics or glass. Just steel sights. I want a dirt simple, nearly fail-proof setup. That's what counts.
Even at <25 yards, a range that is pistol turf...a rifle is easier to hit with, and will do more damage.
The furthest stretch down the street I can see where I live is 265 yards, measured with Google Earth.
Would I need to make a shot that far? I seriously doubt it, as it wouldn't constitute self-defense. That is discussed here on THR extensively.
However, in a lawless society/chaos - who cares. What matters is what you consider to be a threat.
Also, you don't need a completely Rambo setup. The vast majority of threats will be scared away or deterred by either the sight of a firearm, or the sound of gunfire. Just like the whole concealed-carry "mousegun" debates....I don't know of ANYONE (other than soliders on a mission) that willfully and sanely runs toward gunfire.
Having heard gunfire nearby in an urban setting, it has the same effect as turning the lights on in the garage or shed and watching the roaches scatter. People run, scatter and hide. So, these guys that actually load up 6-10 30rd magazines and put them into a chest rig are ridiculous.
My weapon of choice is a Saiga, in stock configuration. I don't want electronic optics or glass. Just steel sights. I want a dirt simple, nearly fail-proof setup. That's what counts.
RTFM
member
Repeating what others have said so far.
Shotgun GOOD!
Stepping up to rifle.
Suggest:
Lower $ SKS, AK, SU-16
Mid $$ AR-15, FN-FAL, M1A
High $$$ -- ? --
Shotgun GOOD!
Stepping up to rifle.
Suggest:
Lower $ SKS, AK, SU-16
Mid $$ AR-15, FN-FAL, M1A
High $$$ -- ? --
nwilliams
Member
Can't say it much better than that!
I wouldn't let it keep you up at night
DMK
Member
Best is subjective. However, I don't think anyone could convincingly argue that it's a bad thing to have a Garand, SKS, M1A, or AR in the toolkit.
I keep a Garand and a FAL handy both loaded and zero'd with Hornady 155gr. TAP.
I have no ideas about shooting anything or anyone at more than 25 yards or any other distance, but it makes me feel better to have the firepower on hand just in case. A rifle like that turns most cover into mere concealment. I'm sure in a Katrina type situation a man with a FAL or Garand would be a pretty strong deterrent and a good argument to just move along down the road, looking for trouble somewhere else.
I keep a Garand and a FAL handy both loaded and zero'd with Hornady 155gr. TAP.
I have no ideas about shooting anything or anyone at more than 25 yards or any other distance, but it makes me feel better to have the firepower on hand just in case. A rifle like that turns most cover into mere concealment. I'm sure in a Katrina type situation a man with a FAL or Garand would be a pretty strong deterrent and a good argument to just move along down the road, looking for trouble somewhere else.
Bartholomew Roberts
Member
A shotgun can be a very versatile and powerful weapon. From a self-defense perspective, you might be better off spending the money on formal training to learn to use that 1100 to its maximum potential.
On the other hand, if you want a self-loading, detachable magazine rifle - it is probably better to buy sooner rather than later. In that case, there are a lot of good options out there and any secondary/recreational uses and your budget will be the primary things that drive the purchase.
On the other hand, if you want a self-loading, detachable magazine rifle - it is probably better to buy sooner rather than later. In that case, there are a lot of good options out there and any secondary/recreational uses and your budget will be the primary things that drive the purchase.
Don't Tread On Me
Member
If some gang/thug/criminal types are firing in my general direction, that constitutes a lethal threat and deadly force is, in my view, justified as a response. A centerfire rifle cartridge can go 250 yards, through my wall, and kill someone inside. It is my right and responsiblity to stop this threat.
And, I'm not a big advocate or believer in the whole long range defense thing, but you cannot write it off as an impossibility.
You can be all the arm-chair lawyers (wait, lawyers work in chairs...) you want, I doubt you'd think it is murder if someone is shooting at you.
And, I'm not a big advocate or believer in the whole long range defense thing, but you cannot write it off as an impossibility.
You can be all the arm-chair lawyers (wait, lawyers work in chairs...) you want, I doubt you'd think it is murder if someone is shooting at you.
22-rimfire
Member
Get yourself an AR, SKS, or AK clone. That is what they were made for.
Be careful defining threats. You better have some bullet holes somewhere to indicate you were in fear for your life. Otherwise, it is likely to be called MURDER.
Be careful defining threats. You better have some bullet holes somewhere to indicate you were in fear for your life. Otherwise, it is likely to be called MURDER.
The scenario, as it was originally defined, was anarchy. For example, in a recent speech Newt Gingrich said our government needs to have a plan of action in the event that Atlanta, Boston and San Francisco dissapear tomorrow! I'm taking that one step further and am forming a personal plan for that eventuality.
Outlaws
Member
Right on. Don't let anyone tell you long range isn't something to consider.
I am a firm believer that there is nothing wrong with having a stockpile of ammunition, but I also realize that if you have a situtation (inside this country) where you need more than a couple hundred rounds, you flat out will not live through it anyways. What you need is an uparmored motorcycle, full body armor, an extra gallon of gasoline (in a bullet resistant container), and an emergency supply kit so that you can head for the hills ASAP. S-has-HTF and you don't want to be here for it.
deerslayer79
Member
Long Range defense.
I bet you my 7mm Weatherby mag shootin 150gr nosler ballistic tips would leave a mark,from 150yds in I would use my 12 gauge Ultra slug hunter,using lightfields,it's laser accurate.I don't own a pistol,yet,but my 835 mossy with 3.5in 00buck should suffice for now.
I bet you my 7mm Weatherby mag shootin 150gr nosler ballistic tips would leave a mark,from 150yds in I would use my 12 gauge Ultra slug hunter,using lightfields,it's laser accurate.I don't own a pistol,yet,but my 835 mossy with 3.5in 00buck should suffice for now.
tubeshooter
Contributing Member
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Long range depends a lot on what your living setup is. Are you in a condo, or are you working with several acres?
Just saying that to say that for some, it's not inconceivable to think of someone trying to engage you on your homefront at say.... 75, 100 yards. I know some people in rural areas with very large front &/or back yards.
So I would say everybody wondering about such a thing isn't necessarily just foaming at the mouth to pop somebody at range for the h3ll of it.
[EDIT: To answer the question, if I were in the market for something like that.... almost anything will do - I personally would probably go for something with intermediate power/range if I were starting from scratch. Something in 7.62x39, .30-30, pistol-caliber carbine or maybe .223. Along those lines.]
Just saying that to say that for some, it's not inconceivable to think of someone trying to engage you on your homefront at say.... 75, 100 yards. I know some people in rural areas with very large front &/or back yards.
So I would say everybody wondering about such a thing isn't necessarily just foaming at the mouth to pop somebody at range for the h3ll of it.
[EDIT: To answer the question, if I were in the market for something like that.... almost anything will do - I personally would probably go for something with intermediate power/range if I were starting from scratch. Something in 7.62x39, .30-30, pistol-caliber carbine or maybe .223. Along those lines.]
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ArchAngelCD
Member.
If you are looking for a defense plan then IMO:
Very long range, a 30-06 with a scope.
Long range, an AK-47 or a AR of some type and a WWII era infantry rifle.
Close up, a shotgun with a lot of 00 buckshot.
Also, a good handgun in .45 auto or .357 Mag.
(You might want a .22 LR on hand for small game if you want to eat)
Very long range, a 30-06 with a scope.
Long range, an AK-47 or a AR of some type and a WWII era infantry rifle.
Close up, a shotgun with a lot of 00 buckshot.
Also, a good handgun in .45 auto or .357 Mag.
(You might want a .22 LR on hand for small game if you want to eat)
10-Ring
Member
During the Hollywood riots several years ago, I found my shotty & P7M8 came to the forefront in terms of what guns I needed.
Since then, I've added an AR & an M1A to the collection. In the urban setting of SoCal, I don't see the need of being able to reach out more than 100 yards or so, so I'm good
Since then, I've added an AR & an M1A to the collection. In the urban setting of SoCal, I don't see the need of being able to reach out more than 100 yards or so, so I'm good
telomerase
Member
I had some friends go through the CA riots. They were mighty happy to have their ARs... just because a fight starts close doesn't mean that it won't bring more enemies from farther away.
And how is everyone so sure that no one will ever just start shooting at them from long distance? Are you all absolutely sure that there are no Islamic terrorists? Even if there weren't any real independent terrorist groups before the Iraq invasion, there might be some now. And then there's the people who pay for all this terrorism... oh wait, that's us.
Anyway, pistols and shotguns may be fun to play with, but if we ever are in a real fight they aren't much use. Even those silly bank robbers in CA were able to walk right through hundreds of shotgun and pistol rounds (OK, I don't know exactly how many hit, but some) with their improvised armor.
Now for real controversy: scope or no scope? I say low power scope... yes iron sights can hit someone hundreds of yards away, but will it be the right person? You can't focus on the iron sights and the target at the same time.
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