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?

[wardaddy]

the closest loaded one....bet someone already said that.

I would go for a 30 caliber lever action carbine....less likely to fail and ammo common...rugged...Marlin makes a slew of em...for normal home-ranch defense

with decent glass naturally

if you expect government forces then you might ought to kick it up a notch to a black gun and you can choose tween 20 or 30 calibers from a variety of makers from East Bloc to High Tech "sand bag required" stuff

[mad_as_he$$]

I agree completely. In house I have even heard of 6's bring effective. On the street a few more pellets would be helpful. I like the idea of mixing them up. 00 then 7 1/2 great idea!

[Bear_Slayer]

Thanks. The local store had a good deal on #7 so I bought it, but I'm sure something a little bigger is better for defense.

[Bear_Slayer]

Smaller shot, passing through interior walls is, in my opinion, safer than .32 caliber 00 passing through those same walls.

[Bear_Slayer]

Makes sense.

[marktwain]

"Can a noncitizen own a firearm here in the US?"

Yes, of course. Now to answer the question, May a noncitizen own a firearm legally in the US?

Yes, with a few caveats. If you can show that you have a hunting license or an invitation to a competition (usually easily available from your friendly neighborhood gun club or sporting goods store) then you can possess a legal firearm in the U.S. in most jurisdictions. If you have a green card, you can purchase firearms directly from a Federal Firearms License holder, and the same regulations apply to you, pretty much, as to a citizen.

[Bear_Slayer]

Thanks. That was very informative.

SOmeone else recommended #4 shot for home defense. Any test done on it for reliability w/o passing through walls?

[humblegunner]

I would forget about a rifle and go with any good 12 ga. pump (loaded w/00 buck) and a sidearm.

Sure.
Who cares about targets 100 yards out anyway.

[chris1]

And that's a good thing????? A deadbeat who didn't pay his car note gets to murder a guy doing his job>???

[FFIGHTER]

In Texas you can use deadly force to protect property. Cite:
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/PE/content/htm/pe.002.00.000009.00.htm

[chris1]

I read the statute. It is different than many jurisidictions.

However, I do not agree at all with the guy shooting the repoman as being justified. The person was a deadbeat bum and was not protecting his property. Its the bank's property until the debt is paid.

[FFIGHTER]

That is true. I'am a little familiar with the case. The incident took place at night, the shooter was an off-duty sheriff. There was an exchange of words, dispute. It was very gray, all the way around. There has also been some changes to when, how autos can be reposed, to avoid such incidents.

[Bear_Slayer]

I just looked at one today in 9mm. I really want a glock, but the hi-point is more my budget.

Do they have the craftmanship/reliability I need in a handgun?

[yarddog]

I have never fired one of the hi-points but know a dealer who, before he died sold a lot of them. He said they were accurate and reliable and the price is right.

On the negative, they have poor triggers and don't instill much pride in ownership. They do look a little rough.

I think you would be better off buying a surplus gun or used one. Some of the less well known guns which are inexpensive but still high quality are the Hungarian copies of the Browning HP, the Argentine made authorized Browning copies are great, I mean really good. Also the Argentine Bersa's.

[Ranxerox]

I just looked at one today in 9mm. I really want a glock, but the hi-point is more my budget.
Do they have the craftmanship/reliability I need in a handgun?

I would do a lot of research on Hi Point before buying anything. Unfortunately, you do get what you pay for, particularly with mechanical things like guns. If price is your primary issue, I would look at the CZ line of handguns. They are of good quality and reliability for a good price. For long guns, check out Savage.

[Bear_Slayer]

On the negative, they have poor triggers . . .

I noticed that the trigger looked cheap, like it would break easily.

I really like the glock -- I think I'll hold out for one.

[yarddog]

Glocks are good guns and generally at good prices.

[Shooter 2.5]

.

[LIConFem]

From the original post: "...but I feel I need a good rifle for neighborhood defense outside -- just in case somebody wants to torch some cars. "

Are 100+ yard targets really a practical concern in the average neighborhood? Aren't you more likely to have to defend within a much smaller radius around your property?

[ExGeeEye]

effective out to 350 meters or so

Surprised me :)

OTOH I never tried it at that range.

I don't mind the sights, but if I were to want to use it at a distance, I'd want a scope.

When serving, I was routinely able to score between 33 and 38 with my -16 (which meant that I kept two marksmanship medals in my "Class 'A' Stuff" box, so I could wear whichever was my current qual) but wished could have a scope for the beast.