Ultimate Home Defense Rifle Opinions

[CAMPMEAT]

Interesting thoughts on the low key rifle and after the shot repercussions. I would never shoot at any threat or person unless my life or a family members life was truly at risk, meaning there would have to be multiple shots fired in a long range incident. So I would think there would be ample proof of the need for lethal action, and at that point I would hope it wouldn't matter what the rifle looked like....But I get it, some people only know what they see on tv!

I like the setup shown, and think it would be functional?

Thanks,
H&F

This is normal on this forum, for the goodie two shoes to pick apart any question a person asks. Get used to it, they probably voted for HITLERY too.

[Lefthook]

Interesting thoughts on the low key rifle and after the shot repercussions. I would never shoot at any threat or person unless my life or a family members life was truly at risk, meaning there would have to be multiple shots fired in a long range incident. So I would think there would be ample proof of the need for lethal action, and at that point I would hope it wouldn't matter what the rifle looked like....But I get it, some people only know what they see on tv!

I like the setup shown, and think it would be functional?

Thanks,
H&F

This is normal on this forum, for the goodie two shoes to pick apart any question a person asks. Get used to it, they probably voted for HITLERY too.

Yeah, I wouldn't want to upset anyone with my scary black rifle. Who knows what firearms I have inside my home?

[superdown]

There's a difference between home defense and ranch rifle, if you want a "Ultimate Home Defense Rifle" give up the idea of shooting coyotes at 300 yards.

Totally agree.

I also agree that a 12 gauge is the best home defense firearm.

This is the exact same shotgun i have at the ready but i also installed a six round side saddle so it's got a total of twelve rounds of  3" 00 buck i keep the chamber empty for two reasons first being safety and second being the Racking sound i hope will make an impression.I also have a 300blk AR with a 1-4X Leupold next to it for longer range and if my wife or someone else can be armed also.

gotta disagree with the thought of keeping the chamber empty--50/50 on the "safety" aspect--i can somewhat understand if you have people in the house that you wouldn't feel comfortable with around a loaded weapon with the safety on but racking a round for the sake of an "impression" will just give your location away to the bad guy...if the situation has escalated to that point the only thing i want the bad guy hearing is the harps playing at the pearly gates and them getting on the elevator that only stops at the bottom floor

I would take cover before i made any noise and we all know that the racking of a shotgun is one of the most recognizable sounds in the world and i would want to avoid shooting another human being at all costs short of mine or my family's life.Another thing the sound of the shotgun will do is get the intruder to turn towards you so you don't shoot them in the back.To each his own 

[jasnt]

12ga if you want true home defense.

hard to beat a shoty for HD

[Lefthook]

Stardard AR in 556. Frangible home defense rounds, 55gr varmit rounds for yotes and paper.

 Problem with that is rounds going through the walls.

I'm pretty sure frangible home defense rounds are designed to disintegrate upon impact. This stops over penetration making them one of the safest rounds used for lethal force when discharged inside a home.

[Yondering]

I'm pretty sure frangible home defense rounds are designed to disintegrate upon impact. This stops over penetration making them one of the safest rounds used for lethal force when discharged inside a home.

There are no "safe" rounds for home defense; if it draws blood, it will go through most household walls. Period.

[Yondering]

I would take cover before i made any noise and we all know that the racking of a shotgun is one of the most recognizable sounds in the world and i would want to avoid shooting another human being at all costs short of mine or my family's life.Another thing the sound of the shotgun will do is get the intruder to turn towards you so you don't shoot them in the back.To each his own 

Other than a brick chimney, there is very little "cover" in most homes; it's all concealment. There is a very big difference, and not understanding it can get you killed.

This thread is getting pretty silly with all the uneducated guessing about what one would do and what might happen afterwards. Guys, if you're interested in defending yourself and your family, get some training from a reputable professional organization staffed by people who have actually been there and done these things. NRA safety classes don't count.

[HuntandFish]

Thanks everyone for your input, I was of course looking for information specific to building a rifle and any tips and tricks associated with buying parts and thoughts on different rifle platforms. I am more than confident in my ability to protect my family....

Just trying to figure out what parts to order myself (or tell my wife to order for me) for Christmas, I heard Santa needs a few weeks notice to mill uppers and lowers;)

Regards,
H&F

[mountainman]

I'm pretty sure frangible home defense rounds are designed to disintegrate upon impact. This stops over penetration making them one of the safest rounds used for lethal force when discharged inside a home.

There are no "safe" rounds for home defense; if it draws blood, it will go through most household walls. Period.

homework needed, as there are many loads designed to not over penetrate through interior wall's...

[brew]

There's a difference between home defense and ranch rifle, if you want a "Ultimate Home Defense Rifle" give up the idea of shooting coyotes at 300 yards.

Totally agree.

I also agree that a 12 gauge is the best home defense firearm.

This is the exact same shotgun i have at the ready but i also installed a six round side saddle so it's got a total of twelve rounds of  3" 00 buck i keep the chamber empty for two reasons first being safety and second being the Racking sound i hope will make an impression.I also have a 300blk AR with a 1-4X Leupold next to it for longer range and if my wife or someone else can be armed also.

gotta disagree with the thought of keeping the chamber empty--50/50 on the "safety" aspect--i can somewhat understand if you have people in the house that you wouldn't feel comfortable with around a loaded weapon with the safety on but racking a round for the sake of an "impression" will just give your location away to the bad guy...if the situation has escalated to that point the only thing i want the bad guy hearing is the harps playing at the pearly gates and them getting on the elevator that only stops at the bottom floor

I would take cover before i made any noise and we all know that the racking of a shotgun is one of the most recognizable sounds in the world and i would want to avoid shooting another human being at all costs short of mine or my family's life.Another thing the sound of the shotgun will do is get the intruder to turn towards you so you don't shoot them in the back.To each his own 

so let me get this straight...you have an intruder in your home...you have identified him/her as a threat to your life or your family's life ...that intruder is walking away from you down a hallway toward your children's bedroom-not leaving your premisis...you purposely rack an empty shotgun so they can turn around so you don't shoot them in the back ?  that's crazy...if it were me and i felt a threat to my life or my family's life i would blast that person with no regard for the direction that they are facing.  what would you do if you hear a commotion in your house and walked in to your childs room and a bad guy is facing away from you threatening your child with a knife ?  would you wait until that person turned around to shoot them in the chest ? imho there is no difference in shooting someone in the back or front if they are IN MY HOUSE AND POSING A THREAT TO ME OR MY FAMILY...in that instance i would much rather be judged by 12 than have myself or my children be carried by 6

[Yondering]

Thanks everyone for your input, I was of course looking for information specific to building a rifle and any tips and tricks associated with buying parts and thoughts on different rifle platforms. I am more than confident in my ability to protect my family....

Just trying to figure out what parts to order myself (or tell my wife to order for me) for Christmas, I heard Santa needs a few weeks notice to mill uppers and lowers;)

Regards,
H&F

Your 300 yard goal is very easily obtainable with either a 5.56 or 300 Blk. Are you thinking of an SBR or pistol, or wanting a full length (16"+ barrel) rifle? Either can meet your needs, as 300 yards really is not that far. A 16" rifle will be easier to shoot at distance of course and be a much better coyote gun, with the disadvantage of maneuvering around corners in your home.

For short barrel AR pistol or SBR:
- 5.56: I'd go 10.5" barrel, but no shorter. Carbine length gas system,and think about suppressor mounting options.
- 300 Blk: 9" barrel minimum, and pistol length gas system. All standard AR15 parts other than the barrel.

For a full size rifle, most any decent quality barrel in either caliber will meet your needs. If you choose 300 Blk, I recommend a pistol length gas system even with a 16" barrel; this makes the rifle more reliable in running both super and subsonic loads in the same setup, which you should be able to do. I would also plan on adding an adjustable gas block on a 5.56 barrel, as most of them are a little over-gassed these days.

Do you have any more specific build questions?

[Yondering]

I'm pretty sure frangible home defense rounds are designed to disintegrate upon impact. This stops over penetration making them one of the safest rounds used for lethal force when discharged inside a home.

There are no "safe" rounds for home defense; if it draws blood, it will go through most household walls. Period.

homework needed, as there are many loads designed to not over penetrate through interior wall's...

You are the one needing to do your homework. Just go shoot some building materials, it's not rocket science! If you really believe you can buy rounds that won't penetrate household walls, I've got some other things to sell you!

[Mudman]

Best rifle is a good dog.  Guns don't fire when nobody is home to pull triggers.  Hmm....

[Lefthook]

I'm pretty sure frangible home defense rounds are designed to disintegrate upon impact. This stops over penetration making them one of the safest rounds used for lethal force when discharged inside a home.

There are no "safe" rounds for home defense; if it draws blood, it will go through most household walls. Period.

homework needed, as there are many loads designed to not over penetrate through interior wall's...

You are the one needing to do your homework. Just go shoot some building materials, it's not rocket science! If you really believe you can buy rounds that won't penetrate household walls, I've got some other things to sell you!

Yondering, it's all relative. How safe is it to let an intruder, especially an armed intruder enter your home and you go after the armed intruder without a firearm because firearms aren't "safe" to use in a home? I would hate to be one if the people you are trying to protect.

You summarize that "All firearms aren't safe for protection in a home because of the weak materials used to build houses". With that reasoning you are implying that a .300 Win Mag is equal to a .22 short when fired inside the house. That simply isn't true. There are personal protection rounds designed to protect you and your loved ones if the need arises inside your residence.

Firearms deserve respect regardless, from the range, out in the field, at home cleaning them and when they are used for protection. A person should maintain a safe procedure when operating a firearm even if operating a firearm is inside the home.

With the proper weapon, cartridge designed for the job, some intense research and proper training, even you could figure out the safest way to protect yourself and those closest to you. Even if the unthinkable occurs inside your home.

[Fl0und3rz]

Thought this video was interesting regarding penetration differences between the Lehigh Penetrators versus standard hollowpoints, that is if you are attacked by two ballistic gel blocks.

Standard hollowpoints seem sufficient without going exotic.