JWarren:
As for the SHTF scenario (somebody should create a permanent forum), if a person in a city or suburb sees a clear threat nearby and needs to pull a gun on somebody (earthquake, bad natural disaster, riot, electrical system sabotage..), wouldn't a Ruger mini 14 (.223), 30, or any similar weapon be pretty reliable and have enough accuracy for self-defense out to about 50-100 feet, unless people are shooting from inside/behind a solid obstacle, moving car (infantry tank tactics), or wearing body armor?
You guys must be assuming a distance up to hundreds of feet.
With No open land etc to defend from distant intruders holding/firing weapons (carrying knives/baseball bats etc), I have trouble understanding the need for the better accuracy, with no police/combat military background.
Bought my first Mini 14 a few days ago. So far very reliable, and is a used gun, but that barrel gets pretty hot really fast.
I would find it very interesting/educational to read about more street situations after Katrina.
Off topic (maybe), but just ordered two Mosin Nagant bolt-action rifles (91 and 44) today! My first real combat rifles.
M-1 carbine will be weeks in the factory, I suppose.