I wouldn’t recommend any rifle for home defense.
I would rule out .223 due to over penetration.
I think the M1 carbine is a very useful close quarters gun. I like 12 gauge. Still, that 44 mag sounds like a show stopper.
I just worry about over penetration, in a close quarters environment.
Okay, the thing is, when I get back from Australia I'll be staying at my folk's place which is on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. We have six acres of heavily wooded property with about maybe less than an acre of residential space. There are woods all around, and, the property is 600ft. up the side of a mountain. I'm not worried about over penetration. I'm interested in stopping power. I can't handle a 12ga. and the carbine is my dad's so I want my own. I've looked at the Ruger .44mag and the mini-14. It' looks like I'm leaning towards the .44mag which I think I can handle.
To give you an idea of what the area looks like visit: www.drdale.com
- the camera is pointing right across the Hood Canal at the area where I live.