I conceal carry a Beretta Tomcat in .32cal loaded with Glaser Safeties mixed with Hydra-shocks when I’m home. I’m talking about a defensive carbine style long gun. I’ve shot my dad’s M1 carbine which I like, but it’s his. I want my own. That’s what the original question was. Which of the three would be the better brush gun. When I’m home in the states here’s where I live, the area that is. The view is looking across the water to my area. http://www.drdale.com
Ohhh...
When you said between a carbine, 44mag or 12 gauge I thought 3 different kinds of home protection weapons.
The Ruger 44mag carbine uses a rimmed cartridge intended for a revolver not semiauto and is prone to jam. If a 12 gauge too big for you to handle I would go with the Mini14. But we are all AR15 enthusiasts and familiar with its reliability and ease to shoot. The AR15 shoots a .223 like the Mini14 but is more compact, lighter and easier to accessorize IMHO.
If those are your only choices the Mini14 would be my recommendation but not before an AR15 for a ranch rifle.