Rifles for home defense?

[NIA]

I have a Rock River 223., a JLB-PTR91 308. H & K clone, sig226, sig 220, sig pro 2020. What is the best for self defense if some one breaks in? Are shot guns better than rifles and pistols against home invasions.

[xrocket]

My opinion .... Shotgun is the best HD firearm. Very versatile with any number of light to heavy duty loads which can be set up for all frames and builds to accommodate anyone. Most importantly, loads can be selected for light penetration in case of concerns. A shotgun will also provide you with good field protection away from home and can be used to feed you in a survivalist mode.

Good shooting

[Tanzer]

Depends on many factors. Which of those rifles is less likely to go through the BG, then the wall etc? Seems a 308 is a mite stout unless you live in the country. Both rifles and shotguns can be clumsy getting out of the bedroom and down the hall, which is why I would recommend a handgun.
Between rifle and Shotgun I'd go with the latter. Especially a pump or semi with the shortest barrel allowed. They'll be telling you that there's no need to aim - That's just wrong, but they are more forgiving if you're not dead on and hence, an easier aim.
That's just my opinion.

[Night Watch]

You want something you can engage with at close range without going completely, 'flash blind' or nearly deaf in the process. It, also, has to be short barreled in order to allow you to aim and fire quickly in any direction - regardless of how confined the space might be.

For many years I kept a long barreled S&W Model 41 with 3 magazines by my bed; but, in those days, we slept upstairs; and I would have probably engaged in the hallway or, at least, on the second floor of the house. May not sound like much of a pistol; but, I assure you the contents of one of those magazines flying down the hallway would give anyone pause; and, at in-house distances, I wouldn't have been missing.

Today, we live in a ranch-style home; and, I have to worry about things like being engaged by someone from outside the building. You know, like my neighbor who was recently shot 5 times through his dining room window at 1:30 in the morning! The cops told me I didn't have to worry, though. Apparently it was some sort of private, 'drug beef'. I guess I should be glad the shooter(s) got the right address, huh!

In this kind of situation your short barreled tactical rifle, and lots and lots of ammo stuffed into a high capacity magazine are ideal self-defense tools - especially if you're lucky enough to have a, 'can' on the end of the barrel. You should always keep a semi-automatic pistol within easy reach in order to, 'fight to the rifle' or shoot out any interior lights that might prevent you from moving.

It's a big advantage to preplan your points-of-engagement in order not to take out any of the neighbors along with the BG's. (I like stairways and hallways.) Having one or two Pit Bulls, also, doesn't hurt your chances of survival!

[Mannlicher]

There will be almost as many different answers as there are respondents. Many have valid reasons for their choice, more just parrot what they read online.
I like an AR, and use a Bushmaster shorty A2. Based on where I live, my home, property, family and skill level, this is the best choice for me.

[Manedwolf]

Shotgun first, carbine second, .45 auto third, I think.

.308 is just insanely overpowered. Not only will you not have any eardrums left, but the round would likely continue on into the neighbor's house.

[Erik]

Another "shotgun, carbine, auto" fan for home defense.

[Dwight55]

1) .45 auto laying on the nightstand with one extra mag

2) 12 ga semi auto 7 shot: 3ea #4, 2 ea 00 buck, 2 ea slug, . . . 5 slugs on the stock: it's 12 steps away in an open gun safe

3) wife and son both have handguns, . . . son has 870 and KNOWS how to use it also.

I am very comfortable with the handgun being the first presenter in an altercation. Unless of course it is the Russians or the Zombies, . . . then I'm in trouble anyway

In answer to the "what is best" question, . . . I would not use a rifle (personal choice) because it is far too unweildy in the type of close encounter of a house, . . . whereas a handgun is more than adequate in proficient hands.

May God bless,
Dwight

[AK103K]

I'm on the rifle side of the fence. I prefer my shotguns for hunting and clays.

Rifles are generally lighter and smaller, easier to handle, easier to load quickly and easier for most anyone to shoot over a shotgun. I also prefer the penetration it offers.

My first choice is a red dotted AK in 7.62x39, but a red dotted AR also works.

[DougO83]

but I like my 30-30 Marlin. It has killed nearly every deer I have shot over the past 12 years, so I feel I can depend on it for HD. I do keep the Mossy by the bed and the .38 in the nightstand. My house has plenty of weapons to choose from with four gun nut...errr...ummm...."firearms enthusiast" roomates.

[Ruthless4christ]

I would never use a rifle for home defense unless I thought I was going to be either defending my home from drivebys or multiple armed subjects. In situations like this an assault rifle would be king, but in America how often do we face these threats. Keep the rifles in the closet for doomsday, and have your shotgun polished for gangbangers.

[AK103K]

In situations like this an assault rifle would be king,...

in ANY situation, an assault rifle is king, especially a REAL one.

[Ruthless4christ]

too true my friend. now of course if you could manage to get an RPG...

[SundownRider]

I like my AO M1 Carbine. Short, light, handy as heck and powerful enough to discourage anyone from pressing their attack. I know, some don't like it, but I do and what I decide is best for me is what counts.

[Tanzer]

Look, anything is better than chuckin' shoes. What works best for you? Just remember; If you can't hit your target, you might as well be holding a rubber chicken.

[Para Bellum]

If I had the time, I'd use my Steyt AUG for HD: very short and handy, yet a 1in9 20" .223:



Being pretty skilled in martial arts I would however use the handgun in close qarter combat. It's more handy if you have to grab kids on the way out etc...

[281 Quad Cam]

The AR is a great choice for a home defense rifle.

Completely reliable with quality ammunition, small size, balanced and easily pointable, able to unload up to 30 rounds of a competent man-stopping cartridge in fast succession, nearly eliminates the realistic need for a reload, penetration concerns addressed.

[Silentarmy]

Or you could combine the AR and Shotgun...
.50 Beowulf loaded with 400 or 500gr SP. Subsonic yet still the muzzle energy of a 7mm Mag at close ranges!

[281 Quad Cam]

The .50 Beowulf provides you with an incredible amount of firepower. The only issues in a home defense scenario become over penetration and reliability. An argument about reliability will prove to be a wash, but needless to say it has the energy and mass required to exit the average home and enter a nearby one. Perhaps enough to exit that home and enter a 3rd!

[45Marlin carbine]

I keep my Makarov velcroed to bedpost. SXS 12 ga in near corner. Marlin Camp .45 w/10 rd mag (I have practiced hip shooting with, and fast point-and-shoot) on wall hook. the 'big boys' are there if I have to step outside I live 150 yds off pavement, no close neighbors.

[SGT. SHLITZ]

If you can't hit your target, you might as well be holding a rubber chicken.

Don't knock the rubber chicken. Fill it with quarters, and you have a primo close quarters weapon. Of coarse, a Garand or AK is better...

[Yellowfin]

Whichever one you handle the fastest and most accurately. What can you use in your sleep? That's about what you'd be looking at. To me, a rifle or carbine of some description wins every time.

[Dallas Jack]

I use a shotgun with buckshot for home defense. A pistol for CCW.
Dallas Jack

[kris&bela]

I never thought of that, I do have a 16" AR and a M1Carbine.I would prefer the M1Carbine coz it's has paratrooper stock , a way shorter than my 16" AR or I'll just stick w/ my pistols.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

How come NO one on the page mentions that the best gun is one that you have trained with in the tactics and methods to defend the house?

Discussing which gun and load is rather silly. A quality handgun, rifle or shotgun will do the job against the majority of situations IF you know what you are doing.

That's rarely mentioned as folks rather talk the technobabble about guns. I remember an Insights class where the instructor shut down such a discussion in favor of mindset and tactics.

The answer is training is more important than the range of weaponery discussed here.

A trained person with any of the following: 9mm, 12 gauge or AR is better off than the untrained with the technoblaster.