chaim
Member
A lot has been written about this caliber for home defense. Many experts claim lower overpenetration than even many handgun calibers, along with good short distance stopping power, making it a great home defense choice. I don't want to argue the effectiveness of the round for this purpose, I am sold. I have been in my parents' house so the distance between houses is just enough that I felt OK with a 12ga with 00buck for my home defense long gun choice. However, I'm moving to an apartment- to lower overpenetration issues with a 12ga you have to go to shot weights that are too light for my comfort (maybe #4 buck will work out). So, I think I may start saving for another .223/5.56 carbine or rifle and just use the shotgun until I get the new carbine (late fall/early winter target date but waiting until tax refund time isn't unlikely either).
Some considerations:
-It is for home defense so I definately want it in semi-auto or a lever rifle (the Browning BLR has a box mag so spitzer/pointed rounds, like the .223, is safe, but I haven't checked to see if they chamber it in .223). A bolt rifle in a scout rifle configuration may work for this use, but speed may be an issue (I am not very experienced with bolt rifles). Still, you may be able to convince me on that particular configuration so I'm open to hearing any benefits I'm overlooking.
-I will be living in Baltimore City where even the most clear cut self defense cases in your home will probably result in charges. Baltimore City juries aren't going to be particularly knowledgable about guns. So the more PC it looks the better (i.e. no ARs, wood furniture, a lever rifle is probably a plus if it can fit my price range).
-I am a teacher, I am moving in Sept and have a lot of furniture that needs replaced (I've been living with my parents too long and storage didn't agree with some of my furniture, especially the upholstered items) so I have a lot of one time expenses coming up. I may not have a lot to spend on the rifle. Definately, it has to be under $1K, and preferably more like the $450-700 range.
-I am open to other caliber suggestions, within reason, but don't try to talk me out of my belief that .223/5.56 is a great caliber for my needs. If you know of another caliber that will be good for stopping an attack without too much overpenetration (thin apartment walls, I don't want to hit my attacker, have the round exit and then have sufficient energy left to go through the wall and hit a neighbor). I am partial to revolver caliber lever rifles, but I am worried that .357mag and certainly .44mag would have too much overpenetration for my situation out of a revolver, so out of a long gun it certainly is an issue.
Some considerations:
-It is for home defense so I definately want it in semi-auto or a lever rifle (the Browning BLR has a box mag so spitzer/pointed rounds, like the .223, is safe, but I haven't checked to see if they chamber it in .223). A bolt rifle in a scout rifle configuration may work for this use, but speed may be an issue (I am not very experienced with bolt rifles). Still, you may be able to convince me on that particular configuration so I'm open to hearing any benefits I'm overlooking.
-I will be living in Baltimore City where even the most clear cut self defense cases in your home will probably result in charges. Baltimore City juries aren't going to be particularly knowledgable about guns. So the more PC it looks the better (i.e. no ARs, wood furniture, a lever rifle is probably a plus if it can fit my price range).
-I am a teacher, I am moving in Sept and have a lot of furniture that needs replaced (I've been living with my parents too long and storage didn't agree with some of my furniture, especially the upholstered items) so I have a lot of one time expenses coming up. I may not have a lot to spend on the rifle. Definately, it has to be under $1K, and preferably more like the $450-700 range.
-I am open to other caliber suggestions, within reason, but don't try to talk me out of my belief that .223/5.56 is a great caliber for my needs. If you know of another caliber that will be good for stopping an attack without too much overpenetration (thin apartment walls, I don't want to hit my attacker, have the round exit and then have sufficient energy left to go through the wall and hit a neighbor). I am partial to revolver caliber lever rifles, but I am worried that .357mag and certainly .44mag would have too much overpenetration for my situation out of a revolver, so out of a long gun it certainly is an issue.