Practicality of Full Power Rifles for Home Defense: A Comprehensive Analysis
Honestly, full power rifles are not very practical for home defense considering one major issue that arises: overpenetration. If you shoot and miss, the bullet can travel through your walls, out of your house, and into the neighboring homes. Most homes are constructed of drywall and insulation, which are considered concealment rather than cover. You definitely don't want to blast at an intruder and hit someone in the other room, or worse, hit the neighbor's house. This scenario would lead to a massive legal headache. Therefore, it's a safer and more practical choice to use intermediate cartridges like 5.56 or .223.
Intermediate Cartridges vs. Full-Powered Cartridges
Intermediate cartridges such as 5.56 or .223 can still penetrate drywall but will lose their energy and keyhole faster than a full-powered cartridge like a .308. The key is to find the right ammunition that won't endanger your neighbors or yourself. The ammo can range from subsonic frangible to full-bore FMJ, depending on the construction of your home and the regulations in your area.
The Role of Suppressors in Home Defense
While not strictly necessary, a suppressor can greatly enhance home defense. Not only does it reduce the damage to your hearing when firing supersonic rounds, but it also virtually eliminates the muzzle flash, preserving your vision in a situation where you need it most. A quieter and less visible weapon can provide a significant advantage in fending off an intruder.
Choosing the Right Rifle for Home Defense
If you do intend to use full-powered rifle cartridges, it's important to consider the type of rifle you choose. Lever action or semi-automatic rifles are great options as they can fire quickly and efficiently, allowing you to respond to threats more effectively. However, comfort and accessibility are crucial. It's important that the weapon is relatively easy to use and something you are comfortable using. This ensures that you can operate the rifle effectively during a crisis.
The primary problem with using full-powered rifles is overpenetration, especially if you have loved ones in the house. Unless you live in a concrete bunker, that bullet will likely sail straight through the house, potentially hitting someone you don't want to. In this scenario, it's often better to use a shotgun loaded with birdshot. The size of the shot doesn't have to be too small, but larger shot sizes will likely penetrate more. For a detailed analysis, you can watch the video by Paul Harrell titled, "Birdshot in your Home Defense Shotgun." If you are interested in using a shotgun for home defense, this video is highly recommended.
However, if you are not concerned about overpenetration or heavy recoil, and you have a fast-firing rifle that you are comfortable using, there's no reason you can't use a full-powered rifle for home defense. The key is to find a balance between effectiveness and safety. By understanding the potential risks and choosing the right tools, you can enhance your home defense strategy and stay prepared for any situation.