Recommendations for a good home defence semi auto

[delta6]

AR15
Screw using a shotgun.

Even if I don't hate my neighbors?

Interesting test... YMMV
https://how-i-did-it.org/drywall/results.html

 

[XJThrottle]

Nice results for the Vmax, but...

I'd bet 99% of people with an AR only have FMJ, maybe some MX855 too (all I have). Neither of which were in the test.

I hope that none of my neighbors choose an AR because of this. They should be thankful that I don't.

 

[XJThrottle]

The strongest selling point for me using a shotgun is that in a situation that this would be needed your adrenaline is pumping, you're probably a little "fuzzy" from just being woken up, and it's most likely dark. Your ability to effectively aim is drastically diminished.

With a shotgun you are only needing to point, not aim.

 

[Tim McBride]

AR15
Screw using a shotgun.

Even if I don't hate my neighbors?

The majority of the testing I've seen shows 5.56 FMJ penetrates less sheets of drywall then buckshot.
5.56 has a tendency to yaw after penetrating, causing it to have less over penetration in a standard residential setting. This is why the FBI gel standards has a min and max distance for acceptable ammunition.

Even aside from this, most worries about over penetration in a residential structure are over hyped.

 

[Tim McBride]

With a shotgun you are only needing to point, not aim.

At most residential distances shot spread is not extreme. Further, the last thing you want for buckshot to be effective is extreme spread. A proper barrel/choke/load set up should keep your shot pattern into a roughly fist sized group.

 

[Tim McBride]

The AR is an easy choice for me. 30 years or so using one. 20 years shooting and training on one regularly. Compared to my shotgun that I just get out for one match and quail season only.
On top of that ergonomics, recoil, and 30+ rounds on tap.
For ammo I use 64gr Federal Fusion for my HD gun.

None of this means that a quality 12g with a proper load isn't effective when needed.

 

[Hateter]

Pistols are just the best weapons for home defence.
Pistols have several advantages in a home-defence situation. Pistols, with the exception of the 1911A1, generally carry twice as many bullets, though this also depends on firearms laws in the user’s state. (California, for example, only allows ten-round magazines in handguns and pistols.) Pistols can also be reloaded with taking the user’s eyes off the threat, with the handgun still pointed downrange.

 

[17-21-23]

Mossberg SPX

 

[Crippledtrigger]

You gotta practice with a shotgun. I mean loading as you go. You have 7 thor's hammers to send down range and if you need more... you gotta load as you go or at least be prepared to have more than 7 rounds.

Me, I have a mossberg 590A1, it actually is thor's hammer. Seriously it weighs a ton and will make a good hammer if it runs dry. Plus I got a pointy thing to go on the end.

 

[fredcdobbs]

Remington 1100

 

[Rock Hardson]

Benelli M1

 

[glock holiday]

Low budget= mossy 930 spx
High budget= benelli
Pick 1 and your done