Does anyone else Not own a semi-automatic battle rifle?

[redneckrepairs]

Unless you're looking for home defense, having a battle rifle to defend freedom against a corrupt government isn't going to do you much good. All you'd be able to do is make a last stand.

If you want to defend freedom, you would be better off spending your battle rifle money on donations, letter writing, or organizing your neighbors and friends for political change.

Waiting until the point where you need to shoot at your own countrymen is too late.

IMHO it is already late , see
http://westernrifleshooters.blogspot.com/2008/06/and-so-it-begins.html

Go buy your rifle , do it now if you suspect you may ever want/need one . I do not advocate anything beyond ownership of any firearm i choose to ( including what is now class 3 " firearms " such as suppressors ) assuming i am able and willing to pay the " tax stamp " . For the record i own no NFA items because i refuse to pay the tax sircharge lol . However if you want one get one , not only is there the chance of prices going up ( look at what happened to full auto when they closed the regestry ) but simply buying one sends a message in a sense . Dont forget " standard capacity " mags such as lots of 20 or 30 rounders for your chosen rifle also . Advocate ( via donations and letters ), and ADVOCATE with your billfold even if it only goes into your closet/gunsafe /buried stash ( depending on attitude and " paranoia " lol ) for a time .

 

[Picard]

Personally, for the end-of-the-world scenario I think my pile of handguns and rifles each fully loaded and accompanied by all my spare mags and speedloaders would match the effectiveness of a battle rifle. But I hope never to find out whether I'm right or wrong!

Remember that you can only hold one rifle at a time. You may have 50 guns, but your only get to use your best one when the SHTF, especially if you have to be mobile with it.

 

[Joseph85]

We had a thread on this forum recently titled "What's your favorite battle weapon?" for which I went against the popular opinion here on the The High Road. I don't believe a battle rifle offers a practical defense against a corrupt government. Rather, I believe owning these weapons as a civilian is largely symbolic.

To summarize, in that thread I wrote:

By my interpretation, the 2nd Amendment and ownership of battle rifles or other firearms offer not a practical defense against a tyrannical government, but rather, a symbolic and moral scale with which to judge if we're still a free nation.

A firearm is a symbol of self reliance. For the government to interpret the 2nd Amendment to protect an individual right to own that symbol is a reassurance of who's in charge. For the government to interpret the 2nd Amendment to protect the government's (i.e. the National Guard) right to own that symbol is an assurance of the government being in charge rather than the people.

I believe the greatest battle weapon to be the hearts and minds of the American people. That the American people continue to believe in God, liberty, self reliance, and hard work rather than the misplaced belief of government in place of those beliefs and values.

By "moral scale" I mean the frequent connection between a party's or administration's interpretation of the 2nd Amendment and its stance on a number of other important issues. It also works for an individual and his or her stance on other important issues.

For example, someone in the thread I'm quoting from mentioned the Patriot Act. I made the following connections:

You mention the Patriot Act. The chief advocate of the Patriot Act is George W. Bush, a man who has repeatedly said he would sign the Assault Weapons Ban should Congress pass the bill. It's clear that President Bush does not interpret the 2nd Amendment to protect an individual right to own firearms.

Another man on this same issue is Ron Paul. While I'm not a "Paulite," Dr. Paul is right on a number of issues including security, taxation, education, and the interpretation of the 2nd Amendment as an individual right. Dr. Paul as a Congressman voted no to reauthorizing the Patriot Act.

Another man on this same issue is Barack Obama. Obama as a Senator voted yes to reauthorizing the Patriot Act. Even more disturbing is that this man is for a large expansion of government power with a government run heath care system and increased taxation. On the issue of gun control, Obama advocates a ban on handguns and semiautomatic firearms. I think it's safe to say Obama's interpretation of the 2nd Amendment isn't the same as Dr. Paul's.

While it may seem odd to include the names George Bush and Barack Obama in the same sentence, both of these men are for an expansion of government power. Hillary Clinton and John McCain are no different in this regard. Not one of these individuals interprets the 2nd Amendment as an individual right and they all advocate gun control. The one man that does interpret the 2nd Amendment as an individual right is, not surprisingly, for a reduction of government power.

To put it simply, if you're not interested in owning a symbol, don't buy one. You can express your patriotism in other ways. Namely, by voting and getting involved in politics in your community.

 

[redneckrepairs]

I don't believe a battle rifle offers a practical defense against a corrupt government. Rather, I believe owning these weapons as a civilian is largely symbolic.

I agree wholeheartedly, however i think " symbelisim (sp)" counts . Out where i live the good old deer rifle has a lot more to offer than any of the " go fast " rifles for almost any use . I would likely choose my bolt action savage scout as a " go to " rifle , but i might well tuck a couple of loaded fal mags in too just because they would be robust ammo carriers lol .

 

[toivo]

When people talk about "military calibers" these days, I always assume they mean .223 or 7.62x39. Nowadays, "military" seems to mean AR or AK variants. I know that .308, .30.06, etc. are military calibers, but I don't think that's what he meant. Besides, he might be a bird and small game hunter. Anyway...

No reason to buy a gun you don't really want out of "reverse political correctness." It's all about freedom, IMO. Own what you want.

 

[scotjute]

My bolt-action rifles are 6.5x55.
Up until about 10 yrs. exclusively used 12 gage or .22 rifle for hunting. 12 gage seemed to do everything needed. Once I left Louisiana for Tx., the need for longer range became apparent. 6.5x55 has extended my range considerably. I have recently added a .22 mag lever gun and pistol, but that's just rimfire.

 

[cerberus65]

Remember that you can only hold one rifle at a time. You may have 50 guns, but your only get to use your best one when the SHTF, especially if you have to be mobile with it.

True, but I can carry several holstered handguns and reloads in addition to that rifle. Here's hoping it never really comes to that, though...

 

[SSN Vet]

I know I need a semi-automatic battle rifle to defend freedom and home if the need should arise

who's manifesto did you get that from?

IMHO a more likely scenario would be a completely bankrupt government that borrowed, splurged and taxed the nations economy down the toilet, leaving itself unable to uphold law and order for lack of resources.

Something will fill the power vacuum....groups such as ethnic malitias (the "new" Black Panters are already up and running with Farakahn & co. chearing them on), organized crime such as drug cartels, and gangs will be the likely candidates.

What will make the difference will not be what caliber battle rifle you have or whether you have a semi-auto or even a full-auto, but rather, whether you are affilitated with a group that is willing to organize for community and regional defense.

 

[TexasRifleman]

nvm, wrong name, confused myself

 

[scotjute]

SSN Vet, that part was a tad "tongue in cheek", an attempt at a little humor mixed in with seriousness. Suppose the gist of it is if one has a scoped deer rifle and/or shotgun is the semi-auto "battle-rifle" (.223, .308, etc) really needed? There probably isn't just one right answer, but sometimes the different points of view can be enlightening.

 

[buck00]

I know I need a semi-automatic battle rifle to defend freedom and home if the need should arise, but I really don't want the hassle and expense of acquiring one and keeping it up.

Why say no when it feels so good to say yes?

Why don't you join the team and come on in for the big win?

 

[scythefwd]

Texasrifleman,
30-30 bolt guns aren't as rare as you think. There is was a springfield model 840 30-30 bolt on gunbroker for less than 300 a little while ago. Are 30-30 bolt guns really that rare? Mine came to be by accident (came with the two mentioned below)

I have two semi auto service rifles. Both were given by a family member to me when I was looking for a hunting rifle, one an SKS, the other a garand.

 

[Seafarer12]

I use to have an AR but lost interest. Only semi auto rifle I own now is a 10/22 and I am even thinking about getting rid of it or atleast the bull barrel on it.

 

[MedWheeler]

Closest I've got..

.. is my 10/22, which I've had since 1986. I keep it up; it still looks new. It is slung, scoped, and has a loaded 30 round 'naner mag in it right now.

 

[SoCalShooter]

Well if you shoot 30-06 you should get a garand. If you shoot 308 get an m1a if you shoot .223/5.56 you should get yourself an ar.

 

[Lucky Strike]

I really thought I wanted one and was REALLY REALLY close on placing an order on a Rock River Entry Tactical but then i came to the conclusion that I just likely wouldn't shoot it that much for me to justify the cost and bought a EAA Witness Elite Match .45 and a Ruger Single Six with the money instead.

I'm actually going to buy a semi auto rifle tomorrow but it's a 10/22

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I don't think you need anything at all. I think being a hunter, you will be *plenty* proficient with your 6.5x55 turnbolt to solve any problems presented to you, that may be solved with hot lead. Probably more proficient that a lot of folks with semi-auto rifles that can't hit anything with them. No, I think your reasoning to stick with the guns you have is perfectly sound - they will be *excellent* SHTF rifles, in the unlikely event that that happens. Skill and familiarity count far more than raw follow up shot speed, in effectiveness.

Having said that, (a) I can't answer your original question until you define the phrase "battle rifle", but (b) Yes, I do *personally* feel the need for one or more semi-auto, detachable mag fed rifles - have two at present, and plan to add 1-2 more. I want a KelTec RFB and/or a Robinson XCR.

Why don't you join the team and come on in for the big win?

And then there's also THAT school of thought - can't argue.

 

[Huddog]

I buy what I enjoy. The fact that it includes semi-auto is just what it is. I am not a hunter so hunting rifles do not interest me. Buy what you want, each and every purchase is a strike at the Gun Control Crowd.

 

[meef]

I don't have any freaking battle rifles.

Not one.

I do happen to have a few semi-auto rifles that are chambered in the same caliber that various military organizations use.

Battle rifle; assault rifle.

 

[grimjaw]

Does anyone else struggle with these decisions and doubts?

Not really. I like shooting semi-autos, I just don't like feeding them.

jm

 

[jdc1244]

SKSs and AKs are just plain fun to use, whatever category you want to put them in or call them. They and their ammo are not overly expensive. I love the classic reliable designs – they’re remarkable machines. I also have bolt action rifles I enjoy a great deal.

As already noted buy what you enjoy – ‘need’ doesn’t need to be in the equation.

 

[chauncey]

whatever you get, it should be after considering the following:
1. it should be a rifle you enjoy shooting. if you don't like shooting it, you won't practice, and it won't do you any good when you need it. this is a consideration for 7.62x39, because if you are used to the accuracy you get out of hunting rifles, you are going to be disappointed!
2. it should be a rifle with open sights. scopes and optics are great, but unless it's a military-grade scope, it won't take the abuse. if it takes batteries, that's one more thing you need to stock up on. one problem with hunting rifles, is that very few of them have decent open sights, if any at all. almost none of them have peep sights, which is the mainstay for open-sight target shooting (imo)
3. it should be a mechanism you are familiar with. a Brit soldier with a bolt-action Enfield was apparently a force to be reckoned with. I personally can't action a lever quickly, to save my life. if you shoot bolts a lot, get a fast bolt. same concept for pumps, levers, etc.
4. If you aren't willing to spend the $$ on mags, don't bother getting a semi that depends on them. a semi-auto with no mag is a really inefficient single shot
5. don't buy something you can't afford to shoot, a lot. this is a big consideration for 308, right now.
6. get something durable. this is the biggest distinction between a military-grade rifle and a hunting rifle. I did things to my M16A2 that would have destroyed my 7600, and the M16 is one of the lightest built military rifles out there

IMO, if you want to spend $100, get a Mosin and replace the sights with peeps (not sure how). if you have $200, get a No 4 Enfield (has peep sights), or get an SKS and replace the sights. if you have $500, join the CMP and get a Garand. all of these rifles are legal for hunting somewhere in the US, and the first two, pretty much everywhere you can use a rifle.

if you have to have a hunting rifle, get a Remington pump. I think some now come with peep sight options. Savage also made bolt-action scout models with peep sights, although the one i had couldn't keep up with my Enfield, accuracy wise.

 

[redraidermgr]

I can defend freedom and democracy just fine with an old bolt gun. When I have the money and time for a semi-auto battle gun I may get one. It is all about the freedom of choice and right now I dont need a battle rifle.

 

[qwert65]

I don't have a semi-auto rifle, just not my thing.
I always figured if the SHTF there will be plenty lying around....

 

[Pigspitter]

The closet thing I have speed wise is a Lee-Enfield. But only one real gun is a "battle rifle" the supreme war pike aka the Mosin Nagant.