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A few weeks ago, we did a roundup of features that we would like to see on a good home defense rifle. To restate the role of this weapon, we are envisioning our rifle to be primarily used in a medium range sort of environment essentially, we want to engage threats inside of 300 meters, and to recap, we don t want to shoot threats within the home due to over penetration, rather, we want to engage targets that are on the property. We had numerous readers write us and ask us regarding the legality of this tactic, so now is a good time to restate what our thought pattern is. LEGALITIES OF SHOOTING THOSE ON YOUR PROPERTY While each state has varying laws on what constitutes justifiable homicide, the overwhelming consensus is that there needs to be an imminent threat to life in order to justify deadly force. Note that we did not say an imminent threat to property; few states allow homicide as a means of protecting property, and really, you need to ask yourself whether someone needs to be shot dead for attempting to break into your car or something along those lines. But there is one important caveat that we want to restate when we say things like engaging outside threats from your home we are speaking of a societal collapse scenario! There are no rules in scenarios like this; no laws and no police. These could be nationwide scenarios or they could be localized as in the post Katrina looting and the 1992 Los Angeles riots. When we 3
make a recommendation on a rifle, we are speaking strictly from a battle and efficiency standpoint rather than a legal one. The right thing to do, in our opinion, is to delineate between scenarios. You more or less have the right to shoot an intruder dead who happens to be inside your home in all 50 states. Conversely, should you spot an intruder on your property, the best thing to do is to arm up, cover the crook, and summon the police. Let them deal with the gray areas, at least while they can still respond. Consult an attorney regarding the laws in your state. So with that in mind, let s look at the ideal home defense rifle for engaging these threats inside of 300 meters. Again, we were after a gas operated, magazine fed rifle that was chambered in a military caliber. Here s what we chose: AR-15 The AR-15 is the iconic American battle implement and is one of the most recognizable rifles on the planet. Invented in the mid 1960s and in use by military forces worldwide ever since (as the M16), the AR-15 moniker represents a type of rifle; note that 4
few if any rifles are actually branded as AR-15s. Think of the term AR-15 like you would Kleenex; at one point there was an original box of tissues entitled as such, but now there is one original and millions of copycat brands that s the AR-15. The clones are just as good as, and in some cases, better than the original, so fear not. Specifications: Caliber: 5.56 NATO originally, although there are literally dozens of calibers available due to the fact that the uppers are interchangeable. Weight: Depends on the configuration, but count on about 7 pounds in a carbine (14.5 barrel length) configuration. Barrel length: Most common in a 14.5, 16 and 20 barrel although there are both shorter and longer barrels available. Muzzle Velocity: 3200 feet per second Effective Range: 600 meters Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds What we like: If LEGO and a rifle had a baby, it would look like an AR-15; this platform offers more customization options than any rifle on the planet, bar none. An AR-15 is split up into a lower receiver, which contains the fire control group, pistol grip, butt stock, and magazine well, and this is the serialized part and thus the actual firearm. The upper receiver contains the bolt carrier group, ejection port, 5
barrel, hand guards, and sights, and thus the AR-15 series of rifles is the only rifle we know of that you can purchase a single lower receiver and then a series of upper receivers to shoot any caliber you like. The possibilities are practically endless due to the modularity of the platform. We love the AR-15 platform so much that we recommend that you stop reading right now and just go buy one! Pros: Modular Extremely accurate Interchangeable with literally billions of parts Cons: Finicky in dirty or dusty conditions; needs frequent cleaning 5.56 NATO lacks punch in some situations Can get relatively expensive depending on the manufacturer AR-10 If you took an AR-15 and scaled it up to shoot a.308 Winchester (7.62 x 51) cartridge, you d have an AR-10, and that s all an AR-10 really is. We won t go into as much detail on the AR-10 as 6
it s basically the same thing as the AR-15, but it very much deserves a closer look if you want an AR pattern rifle but want more range and more punch. Caliber:.308 Winchester (7.62 x 51 NATO) although there are other calibers out there. Weight: Depends on the configuration, but count on about 8.5 pounds Barrel length: Most common in 16 and 20 barrels although there are both shorter and longer barrels available. Muzzle Velocity: 2690 feet per second Effective Range: 900 meters Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds What we like: Features the same modularity as the AR-15, although with far fewer choices out there since the big 10 can get relatively pricy. A hard hitting semiautomatic rifle that is the answer for you, if you need to have an AR in.308. Pros: Highly accurate Solves the 5.56 is too wimpy problem rather effectively Long range 7
Cons: Weight; heavily loaded AR-10s with long barrels will crack ten pounds easy Expensive; a custom AR-10 is among the most expensive rifles you can purchase Still has the same sorts of aversion to dust and grime as the AR-15 AK47 Few rifles are as instantly recognizable as the AK47 and the thousands of variants made globally by all sorts of countries. Mikhail Kalashnikov s design is still running strong today, nearly 65 years after he introduced it and it shows no signs of slowing down. Cheap, durable, and easy to operate, the AK has half the controls you ll find on an AR. Caliber: 7.62 x 39 originally, although there are variants out there in 5.56 Russian Weight: Approximately 7 pounds Barrel length: 16.3 Muzzle Velocity: 2350 feet per second Effective Range: 400 meters Magazine Capacity: 30 and 40 rounds 8
What we like: The AK looks like the plow it was pounded from. It s a low tech farm implement that happens to shoot bullets, and its ability to continue doing so in the most inhospitable conditions is legendary. The AK laughs at mud, rain, snow, and dust. On the downside, since most models have a stamped metal receiver, customization is really not possible except for on external bits you can tack on. Not modular in the AR sense whatsoever. Pros: Legendary reliability Cheap 7.62 x 39 packs a punch that the AR can t match at short ranges Cons: Legendary inaccuracy at anything over 300 meters Not modular like an AR Magazine changes take longer compared to the AR because of the way an AK s magazine retention system works FN-FAL Series Originally a Belgian battle rifle that was built under contract in 9
several countries, the FN-FAL served as the main battle rifle for a variety of Commonwealth countries, one of which was Britain, which developed the rifle into a similar variant, the L1A1. As with the AR series of rifles, the FN-FAL isn t called that in the models you can purchase on the street and refers to the military version. Caliber: 7.62 x 51 NATO Weight: 10 pounds on average Barrel length: 21 is the most common Muzzle Velocity: 2756 feet per second Effective Range: 800 meters Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds What we like: The FN FAL shoots the very effective.308 cartridge with the minimum of fuss. It s inherently reliable although heavy, but hey, 90 countries that have used this thing for half a century can t be wrong. Pros: Tank like construction and durability Hard hitting.308 caliber round Battle proven globally 10
Cons: Tank like weight and overall size Expensive when compared to similarly chambered rifles Not many customization options Heckler and Koch 91 (HK91) Like most German made products, the HK91 and its slew of variants are over engineered, highly precise, accurate, and expensive. The HK91 is the semiautomatic version of the iconic HK G3 battle rifle introduced in the mid 1950s. The HK 91 is a handsome rifle and an excellent alternative to an FN FAL. Caliber: 7.62 x 51 (.308 Winchester) Weight: 9.7 pounds Barrel length: 17.7 Muzzle Velocity: 2600 feet per second Effective Range: 800 meters Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds 11
What we like: Super accurate and ultra reliable, the HK91 is a rifle that won t fail you in the toughest of times. There s a reason why this design was adopted by the militaries of over 50 countries. Pros: A little more compact than an FN FAL Punchy.308 round Amazing engineering and reliability Cons: Ultra expensive Still relatively heavy, especially compared to an AR Did we mention it was expensive? Ruger Mini 14 / Mini 30 The Ruger Mini 14 and Mini 30 are two similar rifles that are chambered in.223 Remington and 7.62 x 39 respectively. They re the only rifles we recommended that have very sparingly been used by military forces and were never intended to be used in combat, although they do draw many of their design features and pedigree from the iconic M14 rifle of the Vietnam era. 12
Caliber:.223 Remington (Mini 14) and 7.62 x 39 (Mini 30) primarily, although 6.8 Remington SPC chamberings are available on the used market. Weight: 6 pounds 6 ounces Barrel length: Most common in a 16.12 and 18.5 barrel although there are both shorter and longer barrels available. Muzzle Velocity: 3200 feet per second Effective Range: 600 meters Magazine Capacity: Varies, but up to 30 rounds in conventional magazines and more in drums What we like: The Mini rifles made by Ruger are sporting rifles and as such, they don t look all black and evil to politicians even though they fire off the exact same rounds as the AR and AK series rifles, and in some cases even use their magazines. Although they are not battle proven, there are still tons of them out there in existence, and they are stout and reliable rifles. Pros: Non-scary, fly under the radar appearance Does everything an AR or AK can, essentially Reasonably priced 13
Cons: Not originally intended to be a military rifle and not battle proven. Used by a handful of nations in mainly police and paramilitary applications Not much in the way of modularity or customization options compared to ARs Proprietary parts system common only to other Rugers CONCLUSION Any of the rifles we ve suggested here would make a great home defense rifle. Which one you select will be up to you; your needs, budget, and let s face it your love for the look of the rifle will play a big part in which one you pick. We re happy to recommend any or all of them. 14