Editor’s Note: This photo gallery has been updated with our source, which can be read here.
The following photo gallery discusses some of the top 5 rifles for home defense, as reviewed by Christian Orr of 19fortyfive.
Rifles are typically not the go-to choice for reactive home defense scenarios. The longer length and bulk of rifles make them less maneuverable in confined indoor spaces.
Additionally, when it comes to using rifles for home defense, centerfire calibers are often criticized for their tendency to over-penetrate, while rimfire rounds like the .22 Long Rifle (LR) are seen as lacking stopping power.
Pistol-caliber carbines also offer a viable alternative in this regard.
Starting with the SKS Carbine chambered in 7.62x39mm, while this cartridge gained fame through its association with the AK-47 and is not typically seen as an ideal choice for home defense, certain self-defense-oriented loadings such as COR®BON’s DPX® 123-grain hollow point (HP), Underwood Controlled Chaos 123-grain lead-free copper HP, or Wolf Military Classic 124-grain bi-metal HP can enhance its effectiveness in such scenarios.
When considering the firearm as the base for your setup, while the Avtomat Kalashnikova (AK-47) is renowned for its reliability and toughness, the SKS carbine emerges as a better choice within the same caliber for home defense due to its improved accuracy, lower cost, simplicity, and fewer legal restrictions in certain states compared to the AK.
Nowadays, a decent SKS can cost around $400 and above.
Moving on to the M1 .30 Carbine, this weapon and its M2 variant proved their worth in WWII, the Korean War, and early stages of the Vietnam War, being favored by the USAF Security Police and U.S. Army Special Forces for their mobility, accuracy, reliability, and firepower. While the military-issue full metal jacket rounds were criticized for their lackluster stopping power, modern ammunition like the Hornady Critical Defense 110-grain FTX has significantly enhanced its performance.
Opting for the Auto-Ordnance/Kahr Firearms Group edition is a safer bet, with options including a fixed-stock version priced at $1,271.00 and a Paratrooper Folding Stock version at $1,395.00. Moving on to the Winchester Model 1892 Lever-Action rifle chambered in .357 Magnum, while the Winchester Model 94 in .30-30 caliber has long been a favorite for deer hunting in America, the .30-30 caliber is considered excessive for home defense.
The current manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Ruger 10/22 is $389.00, making it not only a cost-effective firearm but also economical in terms of ammunition expenses. Top Choice for Centerfire Rifle: M4 in .223 Remington/5.56mm/9mm: The M4 variant of the controversial M16/AR-15 stands out as a top centerfire rifle option for home defense, thanks to its compact design and the availability of frangible ammunition in .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO calibers.
The M1 Carbine presents a challenge due to its relatively high price tag, a far cry from the days when surplus .30 Carbines were easily accessible at low costs. Navigating the unpredictable nature of the used gun market, where sellers can either offer reasonable prices or engage in price inflation, can be tricky.
However, by choosing the Model 1892 Carbine in handgun calibers like .357 Magnum or .45 Long Colt, you can set up a practical and robust home defense system. The manufacturer lists the current MSRP at $1,169.99.
When considering a .22 LR rifle for home defense, the Ruger 10/22 stands out as a top choice despite the earlier reservations about the caliber. This rifle has maintained its popularity among gun owners for almost six decades since its introduction to the market, offering exceptional accuracy, reliability, compactness, and excellent handling.
These qualities enable rapid and precise targeting of threats in a short amount of time.
Despite any controversies surrounding the weapon, these advancements make it a practical choice for home protection. Additionally, for those looking to save on ammunition costs, there are 9mm pistol caliber carbine options available on this platform.
The basic edition of Colt’s M4 is priced at an MSRP of $1,099.00 according to the manufacturer. Alternatively, Daniel Defense offers the M4A1 model at $2,240.00, providing additional features and enhancements for those willing to invest more in their firearm.
