[China Clipper]

There are several rifles that would fit this description. I would look into:

1) AK variant, like Ak-47 Bulgarian, etc. Built to take lots of punishment, and can utilize a 30 round magazine. Pretty cheap, really, tho I understand they are ALL going up up up. It looks pretty too :)

2) Some version of the AR-16, ie, semiauto of course. There are several that make fine examples in this line, Bushmaster, Colt, etc. Can also utilize a 30 round magazine. These are truly beautiful rifles but can be a bit more complicated than the old workhorse AK variants.

Use a .223 cartridge, the AK's usually use the 7.62 x 39mm round which is very inexpensive, about $90 for 1000 rounds, that's a lot of bang for the buck! Another rifle to consider would be the old M-1, or even the older SKS. Anyone of these rifles would serve you well in a situation you describe.

Always remember, safety first, and for goodness sakes PRACTICE!

[choppersrule]

amen!!!!!!!! picked up the bulgarian about a year ago....what a gun. very rugged. i have an ar-15 as well but KISS principle is what i prefer. and as a bonus it looks very cool too. prices round these parts went up a bit on some items...but for the most part they were close to pre 9/11. i doubt they will stay that way if as we all suspect we have more attacks.

[TheLooseThread]

Thanks all for the advice on gun choice.

Usually I would pick a gun for home defense and therfor short range (ie shotgun). But I'm thinking that civil unrest means two things:

1) Longer range - you don't want the target to get the chance to get close.

2) Rugged construction - you can't run down to the gun shop to get a replacement part.

Again, thanks all.