best defensive rifle ?"

mjmoore · July 27th, 2009, 09:26 AM

I would like everyones opinion on a good defensive rifle.
I am not intersted in using a scope , so it needs to shoot
flat out to around 100 yds.
I am looking into a Ruger mini 14 ranch style in a 223 but
have not made up my mind , just want a good shooter that
I can get some high capacity mags for.

jwhite75 · July 27th, 2009, 09:38 AM

The newer mini 14s are good but some of the older ones were lacking in the accuracy department. The Ruger Pistol caliber carbines are pretty nice too from what I hear. I like some of the offerings from Kel-tec, and they seem to be reasonably priced and reviews are good. These look very nice and take AR mags...
Kel Tec
Kel Tec

edr9x23super · July 27th, 2009, 09:47 AM

Ar-15 hands down.

No other rifle can be as customized or if you prefer a meatier caliber (like .308, 6.8spc, etc) the top end can be changed in minutes. Also availability of magazines makes it a factor. Easily the most versatile platform out there right now...

OPFOR · July 27th, 2009, 09:51 AM

The AR is King, with the AK being a tough but ugly pretender to the throne.

retsupt99 · July 27th, 2009, 10:07 AM

A .22 mag rifle will get out there...

It's why I got my Henry lever action .22 mag.

whamonkey · July 27th, 2009, 10:39 AM

For HD a shotgun is tough to beat but for a CQB rifle an AR is king. One thing, you'd better get some earplugs because if you think .223 is loud OUTSIDE get ready for a surprise. Ouch.

jwhite75 · July 27th, 2009, 10:48 AM

I have an AR and agree with all previous posters...you sounded like you were looking for more value and substance than a black rifle per se. I was simply aiming at the best bang for the buck.

TSKnight · July 27th, 2009, 11:01 AM

I have two that I go to for defense depending on the situation.
Ruger Mini-14: .223, high ammo capacity, quick reloads, good 'varmint' rifle. Have taken many coyotes with mine over the years.
Puma lever action carbine: 45LC, less ammo capacity and slower reloads, better stopping power close range, lighter/easier to handle than the mini. Have taken total of 4 coyotes, none got back up from the first shot. Cannot say that for the 223.

That said; the AR platform is definitely the king, most will shoot rings around a Mini-14. I'm just partial to the feel of wood.

In response to the .22Mag: IMO
I wouldn't stake my life on a .22 rimfire unless there were NO other choice. They have their place, but not as a defensive rifle. (I have a mouse gun that I carry when unable/impractical to carry/conceal anything more substantial.)

TerriLi · July 27th, 2009, 11:04 AM

Best defensive rifle is the one you are best with.

mjmoore · July 27th, 2009, 11:12 AM

I have a mossberg 500 and several pistols for in home defense .
I am looking for something that will get their attention as they start up my driveway ( aprox 70 yards ).
Needs to be a good head for the hills weapon also .

July 27th, 2009, 09:26 AM	#1
mjmoore Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: alabama Posts: 259	best defensive rifle ?" I would like everyones opinion on a good defensive rifle. I am not intersted in using a scope , so it needs to shoot flat out to around 100 yds. I am looking into a Ruger mini 14 ranch style in a 223 but have not made up my mind , just want a good shooter that I can get some high capacity mags for. __________________ " They couldn't hit an Elephant at this dist....." Last words of Gen. John Sedgwick Union Commander

July 27th, 2009, 09:38 AM	#2
jwhite75 VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,306	The newer mini 14s are good but some of the older ones were lacking in the accuracy department. The Ruger Pistol caliber carbines are pretty nice too from what I hear. I like some of the offerings from Kel-tec, and they seem to be reasonably priced and reviews are good. These look very nice and take AR mags... Kel Tec Kel Tec __________________ Friends don't let friends be MALL NINJAS. "May God have mercy on my enemies...because I won't." -Gen. George S. Patton.

July 27th, 2009, 09:47 AM	#3
edr9x23super Distinguished Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 1,735	Ar-15 hands down. No other rifle can be as customized or if you prefer a meatier caliber (like .308, 6.8spc, etc) the top end can be changed in minutes. Also availability of magazines makes it a factor. Easily the most versatile platform out there right now... __________________ "Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined". - Patrick Henry

July 27th, 2009, 09:51 AM	#4
OPFOR VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: DC, for the moment Posts: 2,760	The AR is King, with the AK being a tough but ugly pretender to the throne. __________________ "It makes no difference what men think of war, said the judge. War endures. As well ask men what they think of stone. War was always here. Before man was, war waited for him. The ultimate trade awaiting its ultimate practitioner. That is the way it was and will be. That way and not some other way."

July 27th, 2009, 10:07 AM	#5
retsupt99 VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 22,739	A .22 mag rifle will get out there... It's why I got my Henry lever action .22 mag. __________________ "That I cannot do." "Give this to, uh, Clemenza. I want reliable people, people who aren't going to be carried away. After all we're not murderers in spite of what this undertaker thinks." *********************************** NRA Life Member

July 27th, 2009, 10:39 AM	#6
whamonkey Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Spring Hill, Tn. Posts: 314	For HD a shotgun is tough to beat but for a CQB rifle an AR is king. One thing, you'd better get some earplugs because if you think .223 is loud OUTSIDE get ready for a surprise. Ouch.

July 27th, 2009, 10:48 AM	#7
jwhite75 VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,306	I have an AR and agree with all previous posters...you sounded like you were looking for more value and substance than a black rifle per se. I was simply aiming at the best bang for the buck. __________________ Friends don't let friends be MALL NINJAS. "May God have mercy on my enemies...because I won't." -Gen. George S. Patton.

July 27th, 2009, 11:01 AM	#8
TSKnight Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: MN Posts: 44	I have two that I go to for defense depending on the situation. Ruger Mini-14: .223, high ammo capacity, quick reloads, good 'varmint' rifle. Have taken many coyotes with mine over the years. Puma lever action carbine: 45LC, less ammo capacity and slower reloads, better stopping power close range, lighter/easier to handle than the mini. Have taken total of 4 coyotes, none got back up from the first shot. Cannot say that for the 223. That said; the AR platform is definitely the king, most will shoot rings around a Mini-14. I'm just partial to the feel of wood. In response to the .22Mag: IMO I wouldn't stake my life on a .22 rimfire unless there were NO other choice. They have their place, but not as a defensive rifle. (I have a mouse gun that I carry when unable/impractical to carry/conceal anything more substantial.) __________________ Democracy: Two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for dinner. Freedom: A well armed lamb contesting the vote.

July 27th, 2009, 11:04 AM	#9
TerriLi Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 832	Best defensive rifle is the one you are best with. __________________ I know not what this "overkill" means.

July 27th, 2009, 11:12 AM	#10
mjmoore Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: alabama Posts: 259	I have a mossberg 500 and several pistols for in home defense . I am looking for something that will get their attention as they start up my driveway ( aprox 70 yards ). Needs to be a good head for the hills weapon also . __________________ " They couldn't hit an Elephant at this dist....." Last words of Gen. John Sedgwick Union Commander

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