An AK47 for home defense? YIKES!
A 7.62x39 122-grain JHP (typical Russian round used in most AK variants), fired at close range, is going to pass through a man, through the house framing, and end up somewhere “out there” beyond the shooter’s sight.
I have several firearms, including an AK-47 - but there is no way I would use that rifle for home defense. I just might end up wounding or killing an innocent neighbor.
A Remington 870 12-gauge, loaded with OO or OOO buckshot, is the weapon of choice for home defense.
A 45 ACP will do as well; but, notwithstanding the hype of “1 shot drop,” it’s no easy thing in using a pistol to take down an intruder - unless you are exceptionally well trained.
The 870 has some design issues, exacerbated by quality problems in recent production guns, that mean it is possible for the 870 to jam to the point that you will have to disassemble it to fix it.
There’s also the short-stroking issue endemic to all pumps.. which is why more and more militaries and police entities are moving to semi-auto shotguns. The Army is replacing all their pump guns and the Marines have just about finished replacing all theirs.
The 45 is good and the 9 mm is good. The 357 downloaded is good. But ammo selection and how close neighbors and your family are is a real wild card. If the bullet doesn’t hit anything but Sheetrock insulation and vinyl or aluminum siding it’s off and flying. Best thing is nothing ever happens. But I think it’s wise to assess your surroundings and make good choices. It’s a very tough call and no one item solves everyone’s problems. Threat assessment and studying, then preparation is important. Each to his own, I suppose.
“A Remington 870 12-gauge, loaded with OO or OOO buckshot, is the weapon of choice for home defense.”
I agree with the 12 ga, but it should be loaded with #2 or #4 shot.
OO buck is for shooting something 50 yards away, not in your house.
“A 7.62x39 122-grain JHP (typical Russian round used in most AK variants), fired at close range, is going to pass through a man, through the house framing, and end up somewhere “out there” beyond the shooter’s sight.”
Umm, not quite as powerful as you’re depicting it. Ballistics of an AK-47 round is about the same as a Winchester 30-30. While both are powerful to take down intruders at close range neither are as powerful as you describe.
Story was, he retrieved the AK from a closet after being confronted. The right weapon for self defense is the one on hand during a “contingency”.
An AK47 for home defense? YIKES!”””
Maybe not too much firepower for MEMPHIS.
I had one set up for home defense for years, but I recently found something I like better: a Winchester 1897 with the "trench gun" length barrel. There are a few places that tune up the old Winchesters (and the Canadian/Norinco clones) for Cowboy Action shooters.
The '97 has a feature that appeals to me beyond the haze of nostalgia: you can keep a round chambered, but lower the (external) hammer to half-cock. Thus, it can sit in the closet for extended periods, without leaving the action cocked (or having to give your position away by chambering a shell). Just ease the hammer back and you're ready for action.
An added bonus: To cops and prosecutors, the 1897 looks like an "old man's gun" or antique, quite different from the pistol-gripped tactical stuff. Perception is reality, etc.