The appearance of a weapon impacts jury's perception...

[Savago]

And can both increase the odds of a 'guilty' verdict as also the *length* of sentence.

Good content by the TFB channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gUcF5KhtQM

I guess is time to buy a Mini-14?
 

[Savago]

Since I mentioned the Mini-14, I guess is fitting to post one of the first reviews of it, by Jeff Cooper in mid 70's:

[Jess from VA]

I tried my first court martial under the tutelage of the chief trial instructor at the USAF JAG school.  

He was neither kind or forgiving and always had harsh criticism.  Lots of fun.  He was a smart cookie however, and got the Air Force to put him through Harvard law school.  

The case was a simple one of a security policeman who assisted in the theft of two USAF model 15 S&W revolvers.  I have to admit his use of the revolver in his cross exaimation of the defendant was good;  He had him stand up and show the jury how he hid it under his BDU uniform.  Conviction.

Trial participants who point (or cover) even unloaded firearms at the jury (or others), are idiots.  

The Mini 14 was not one of Ruger's better firearms, and I had friends who couldn't sell them off fast enough.  If you will shoot 5.56 NATO, get an AR.  The mini 30 (7.62 X 39) wasn't much better.  

But there are many fans.  

If you like the Mini 14 action, get a good shooting M1 Garand.  Good shooters used to be $4-500, but those days are long gone.

[Savago]

@Jess: I considered a M1 Garand, but it is pretty hard to find a good one for an affordable price in this days.

One part of me appreciates AR style rifles (i.e. superior to cheap commie AKs), but I don't like the fact that they became a fission point in the current culture wars.

A possible compromise would be a Galil Ace Gen II which is nice, but they are quite pricey and very few are Cali compliant. Perhaps something odd like a HK SL8 could work for my circumstances.
 

[Willow]

It seems defense of use was implied.  That would be either home or personal safety defense.

As a home defense weapon, an AR is not a good choice unless one lives on a multi acre estate in the countryside.  A shotgun is the best home defense firearm as it does not project rounds into neighbors' domiciles and kills at close range with minimal aiming.

[Chrisj CMA]

I too agree that for home defense a shotgun can be a better choice than an AR. However, and this is a big however. In both a shotgun and an AR, caliber and ammo type is critical. A maximum power 12 ga shotgun with 00buck or slugs can be an over penetration risk like an AR with, say 5.56 nato size rounds or larger.

Inside the house a 20ga shotgun is probably better but not with light birdshot unless choked tightly and aimed well.

An AR chambered in 9mm with a large capacity mag would be better than any shotgun with the wrong ammo.

Every situation is different, if you are going to arm yourself it is on you to know the capabilities of the weapon you choose and the risks. And above all to be proficient with that weapon.

[Jess from VA]

A simple 2 3/4" shell in OO buck pushes 9 32 caliber pellets at over 1300FPS from an 18.5" bbl riot gun.

That's like hot .357 magnum load velocity (though they're heavier).

They will exit your house and enter the next house. 

You need not go to a 20 gauge for home defense, but you do need to go to a lighter load (like 7.5 oz dove shot).  At inside your house distances (in or out of the house), the shot will hardly spread out at all and is a highly effective man stopper. 

Inside the house, this will do the job.  Outside maybe not. A standard 1.125-ounce 12-gauge load will have about 394 size 7.5 pellets, 1300 FPS velocity, with a max range of around 50 yards (but spread way out).

[0leman]

I agree on shotgun with bird shot.  You figure you are going to be shooting at something less that is less than 5 yards away.  The shot will not open that much.  AND it won't go thru your walls and into your neighbor's house.  I would also go with a pump as appose to an auto shotgun.  Less chance of a hang up, plus the sound of a chambering round is rather defining.   

[Jess from VA]

Additionally, you don't want any sling on a home defense shotgun.

Too many chances of hanging up on a doorknob, staircase railing, furniture, yada moving through the house.

If you want an ammo bandolier with you, carry it around your waist or over your shoulder (not on a sling).


I load with smaller shot, but my shell carrier has 2 smaller shot, 2 OO buck, and 2 slugs (for variety).  Loaded up and down in different colors.



The old adage about racking a pump to scare a perp must be balanced against giving your position away (just like leaving your light on)

[Chrisj CMA]

Small one is a 20 ga 18” with #3 buckshot inside protection

Big one is 12 ga 28” 3 1/2” chamber magnum loaded with 3”  #1 buckshot. Outside protection

[Chrisj CMA]

This has also become a favorite. I think it’s ideal for the the campsite or outside property. Not really for indoor use unless desperate. Loaded with 10 rds .357 magnum 158grn JSP