Recommend a good all-around defensive rifle (if I can't get an AR/M4)?

[scotty45]

The 12 gauge I'm getting any day from my stepdad is a Mossy 500, actually. It's a Cruiser, to be specific.

 

[Sport45]

You're set. Save your money.

Unless the cruiser is a pistol grip only. Then I'd invest in a buttstock for it.

 

[Milamber]

I'd go with a lever action if self loading rifles were banned. If not a MAS 49/56. Compact, ten round magazine. 7.5 is probably more than enough

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

The Mossberg will serve you well. It's hard to beat the versatility of a shotgun for general personal defense.

 

[gscrasher]

I haven't seen this mentioned here yet, but it is scary. This is the proposed gun ban list.

http://rense.com/general85/obs.htm

 

[swagbrdr]

I'm a big fan of the the M1A SOCOM for self defense.

1. Better knock down power, ballistics, rate of fire, and room clearing ability than a lever action.
2. It' comes stock with tritium sights.
3. Muzzle break installed to decrease muzzle rise.

Bottom line, this will make the bad guys go down much better than the standard M4. I know some will say this rifle is too expensive, but I know I'd spend the money to get the job right to protect me and my family.

I noticed the M1A/M14 is not on the list gscrasher posted. I would asume this will be on the list...

 

[Rexster]

I prefer the Mini-14 to the AR15 for general utility purposes with .223/5.56 ammo. The main reason is ergonomics; for me, the AR platform is clumsy and inefficient in its handling, and I say this as someone who used to carry an AR15 as a patrol rifle.

My hands hurt more when the weather changes, like now, so I will not type my usual several paragraphs. Similar topics abound here in this forum, in which I have posted longer replies.

Edited to add: Most of my actual, real-world defensive long gun needs are met by my Remington 870P pump shotgun, which rides with me on police patrol, and is the usual go-to long gun off the clock, too. I would not feel deprived if a pump gun were my only long gun.

 

[P5 Guy]

Get yourself another shotgun. Nothing makes for a faster reload than another gun.

 

[1 old 0311-1]

Go with a Hi Point Carbine. 10 round mags, very reliable, lifetime warranty, cheap to buy, handy length for house defense.

 

[mcdonl]

Ruger .44 carbine is pretty nice.

 

[valnar]

Vz.58 is still the best kept secret in the business. 30rd mags are probably plentiful too.

 

[Hacker15E]

I haven't seen this mentioned here yet, but it is scary. This is the proposed gun ban list.

http://rense.com/general85/obs.htm

That is NOT -- repeat NOT -- the actual current proposal.

That is a fake list from several years ago that made the scare-tactic email rounds several years ago.

Please don't spread this kind of bad information, it does not do any good for any of us.

 

[scotty45]

I was told the Cruiser has a regular stock, not a pistol-grip...whew!

I'm really interested in the Mini-14, M1 Garand, M1 Carbine (I want all 3 of them now...no worries about lost love for the M4. That love can be replaced with several quality options, it seems!), and more options to explore with slugs and the versatility of the shotgun that many of you have enlightened me with. Then there's the cool SKS that is affordable and more reliable than I once thought. I'd love that Ruger .44 Carbine and the VZ options and pretty much have a lot appreciation for the input and advice that you all have given here, so when and if I have funds to make a purchase I can refer back to this thread...the perfect reference.

However, I want lots of money now...dammit. Thanks to swagbrdr for turning me onto a new focal point of interest. I want this!



The M1A SOCOM is expensive but if I had to choose just one and could afford it (and it's legal at this highly imaginary time), I'd like one of these. For now, I'm gonna make the most of my shotgun, Colt, and 10/22 and get one of the cheaper (sub-$1000) options above if that opportunity arises and feels right in the meantime.

I am settling a car accident where I was hit but after my injuries and medical bills it all depends. Gotta pay the bills and put food on the table first.


"Often the surest way to convey misinformation is to tell the strict truth." -- Mark Twain

 

[Jenrick]

Good buddy got a SOCOM, we got it sighted, he shot a hawg and he sold it. Just didn't do it for him for whatever reason. Gun shot great though.

-Jenrick

 

[lefteyedom]

Order a Garand from CMP.

 

[breakingcontact]

The gun grabbers may not know all of the proper lingo (clips etc) but they aren't dumb.

If they come for the ARs they'll come for semi-autos such as Minis and M1As as well.

 

[Float Pilot]

If you can't find any more semi-autos,,,, A good handy lever action carbine is hard to beat.
There is also nothing wrong with an inexpensive Enfield in 303 or one of the Ishapores in 308....

I would be a lot more afraid of someone who really knows how to shoot a 10 shot, stripper clip fed Enfield,,, than some yahoo with an AK who has only shot at beer bottles 20 feet away at the dump...

 

[Bubba613]

Anothr vote for the 94 Win in 30-30. There isn't a piece of auto glass or vest that will stop it. Light, fast handling and compact. There's a reason it's survived since 1894.

 

[urbaneruralite]

I just sent an email to Mossberg telling them we need a rifle version of their 500. They should at least be able to do .357 and .44 if not .30/30 like the old Savage 170.

 

[hogshead]

Love to find some of those $150 sks's. Looks like there around $300 and up. Guess if the hordes cant get a ar, they're settling for an sk.

 

[nathan]

Get the Chicom SKS for $300 . They are proven semi auto carbines. The problem now is ammo. All were scooped up just last week.

 

[FSJeeper]

if you live in an area where your defensive tactics would be less than 100 yards, Buy a 12 gauge shotgun for less that $200 nd spend whatever you can on Ammo.

 

[witchhunter]

Another geezer for the Winchester 94 30/30. 8 rounds, no magazine to lose or malfunction. Plenty of knockdown, light, flat sided for easy carry and to conceal. Killed more than any other caliber than maybe the .22lr. Still going strong.

 

[SFsc616171]

Simple. Get a "manually-operated" lever action rifle. Get three!
A. revolver caliber - any one is good.
B. 30-30 or 35 Remington - stay with me now,
C. 45-70. If on YouTube, ol' hickok45 can make the dinger ding at 200 yards, and ding LOUDLY, think of all the opportunities you have to reach out to, beyond what the 30-30 can, um, 'hit', with a 300-450 grain bullet!

 

[HoosierQ]

I've been looking at Uberti 1873 Winchester reproductions. They come in .357 magnum. Carbines, Trappers, and long barreled Sporting rifles. They're pricey but they have a good reputation. the Winchester '73 action was renowned for being smooth. The lockup on all of those, the original "pistol caliber carbines" is good for smooth operation and a little bit shorter throw.