Good Rifle For Auto Defense? (Vanity)

11/08/05 | JoeGar

[JoeGar]

I have a SIGARMS P239 .357 SIG for concealed carry and inside-the-home defense, but I feel I need a good rifle for neighborhood defense outside -- just in case somebody wants to torch some cars. I'd love an M1 Garand -- just to hear the ka-ching when the clip ejects -- but it's too expensive. The Ruger Mini Thirty looks interesting. What are your suggestions?

[Young Werther]

If the Autos are so pugnacious, especially the SUVs (according to Rush), then a rifle is not the answer. An RPG or other armor piercing shell is in order. Did you now that the bazooka shell was invented by Robert Goddard?

Did you know that when Robert Goddard was in college he blew up the Physics Lab with one of his rocket motor experiments? Did you know that von Braun credited Goddard with helping in the development of the V-2 because Goddard was unrecognized in the US but feervently read by the German Rocket Society.

[yarddog]

So, if a guy comes and writes graffiti on your house you can shoot him dead???? That is not the law anywhere.

I think graffiti artists are among the worst. At least they should be shipped to Singapore for a good caning.

[Al Gator]

Nah, you shoot those guys with ROCK SALT.

Let me tell you. You know you been SHOT, it BURNS LIKE A MUTH******ER, you really do think you're gonna die, and in two days you're covered in scabs that itch like hell.

I don't know first hand of course, but I been told...

[jpsb]

M-14 bump, finest rifle ever, but hard to find for under $1500.00. For auto use I would think a carbine, maybe a M1 carbine would be fine, a long rifle is hard to use or store for quick access in a car.

[rlmorel]

I just paid $450 for my Garand from CMP last April...

[Trailerpark Badass]

American law does not permit deadly force to protect properry alone, including your home if the person is unarmed and not threatening you physically.

"American law??"

[Designer]

"All this armchair bravado amuses me."

Exactly! Range shooting is one thing, and it is highly recommended, but if anyone thinks they need to kill some thugs burning a neighbor's car, think also about spending the rest of your life in prison. Wife and kids destitute, family mortified, perp's family living on easy street.

[saminfl]

Just curious.My father in law passed and I became the owner of his Model 94, .32 caliber. Do they still make amo for that model ??Thanks .

Yes they do. It is a little hard to find, but I bought a hundred rounds for mine off the internet with no problem. My 94 was made in 1951. I just got it last January.

[BigCinBigD]

Oops I did mean in 30-30.

[dljordan]

Springfield Armory SOCOM M1A.

[javachip]

I second (or whatever # we're up to) the recommendations to check out the Civilian Marksmanship Program (www.odcmp.com) if you're interested in an M-1 Garand. A rack, field or service grade should do what you want for about $400 - $500.

However, in my not so humble, non-expert, worth what you've paid for it (0), opinion, the Garand is not the best choice for what you've described - my first choice would be an AR-15 carbine. If budget is very tight, the SKS has a reputation of being a reliable, no frill rifle and the Yugo's can be found for under $100.

[eastforker]

American law does not permit deadly force to protect properry alone, including your home if the person is unarmed and not threatening you physically.
It does by God here in Texas.

[BigCinBigD]

I believe so but you would have to order it from a dealer most likely. I would spring for a new 94 in "30-30", the ammo is cheap and can be found every where. plus a lever gun wont scare the sheep near as bad. ;)

[WV Mountain Mama]

Instead of being concerned with the cost of the rifle, maybe they should spend a bit more time estimating the cost of their attorney's fee for shooting a guy taking action on the car of a neighbor. I am willing to bet the cost of the auto insurance policy is MUCH cheaper.

[CodeToad]

"Auto defense", as in to defend against car burners or to have in a car? In a car an M-4 variant works really well.

[C-Note]

The best bang for your buck would be the Hi-Point carbine. It comes in 9mm and .40. Cheap light and accurate. And you don't have to worry about over-penetration.

[BigCinBigD]

You can use deadly force in Texas at night to prevent theft of property or criminal mischief.

[eastforker]

Well thats what you get for living in NYC.

[Atlas Sneezed]

Get a copy of Boston's Gun Bible from JavelinPress.com for the most thorough evaluation of battle rifles and battle carbines that I've ever seen.

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This is the best possible advice.

[aCDNinUSA]

Can a noncitizen own a firearm here in the US?