Want to retire and replace my Carbine

[LibShooter]

My home defense rifle is a Universal M1 Carbine. It shoots well but I want to retire and maybe hang it on the wall. It was my Dad's gun. He gave it to me and is full of memories and sentimental value. Also, I'm starting to see some of the misfire problems other folks have seen with Universals. And in these ammo poor times, .30 Carbine is very rare.

Anyway, I need a rifle for protection from 2 legged varmints, coyotes in the goat pasture and the occasional rabid raccoons.

Anyone have advice on a rifle with the handling and feel of the Carbine? Mini-30 or Mini-14?

Or maybe I want a lever action?

I've never been a fan of AR/AK type rifles, but maybe that's the answer.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I've heard the new mini 14's have decent accuracy and they usually work.

 

[VegasOPM]

Mini-14 is a good choice, Ruger .44 Carbine (stoked with 180's) or a Winchester 94 Carbine in .357 (stoked with 158's) or .44 mag would also work for the job. I use a 16" Winchester carbine for my travel trailer defense gun and have never felt under-gunned. 8 rounds of .357, plus 8 more on an ammo cuff.

The lever guns just seem to fit me like a glove. Quick handling and I can cycle it as fast as I can get back on target.

 

[FJ40INTOW]

I have a mini-14 and a mini-30.

If I had to chose one over the other i would take the 14.

 

[TheVirginian]

It probably just needs a new spring, a fresh magazine, a good cleaning and polish. If you just want something new, you might like a lever gun. I am comfortable with my Model 94 in .44 and I don't think that much could stand in its way.
-Bill

 

[sarduy]

Saiga .223

 

[Cohibra45]

Ruger Mini in 6.8 SPC!!! Best of all worlds. You might want to reload for lots of shooting, but, it can and will cleanly take most deer sized game well beyond 300yds with the right bullet and loads!!!

 

[Float Pilot]

Go buy a used $250 Remington 870 police shotgun. Preferably with some sort of irons sights for slugs.

Then buy a bunch of 2-3/4 inch buckshot ammo and some Brenneke slugs.

With the left over money, fix the Carbine and make a nice display rack to honor your dad.

 

[SHvar]

Id keep the carbine like you said for sentimental reasons and pick up either a mini-14 if you like them, or one of the other good semiautos out there. The AR is definitely more accurate than the mini 14, but right now is alot more expensive.
Ive heard now of people who really like the SU-16 by keltec, but I dont know much about it myself.

 

[Zundfolge]

The AR is definitely more accurate than the mini 14

If the primary role for this gun is home defense, just how far away do you plan on shooting these two legged critters?

I don't care for the mini 14/30 and much prefer the AR, but the Ruger is going to do pretty much exactly what you're asking it to do (and if you like it then there you go).


Now if you're wanting to go inexpensive, an SKS wouldn't be a bad choice either.

All of them are going to be heavier and bulkier than your M1 Carbine ... that little KelTec is another good choice because of weight (but my guess is you want a wood stocked gun. Am I right?).