M1 or AR 15

[lboos]

The way this country is going today, rioting, burning down buildings, trying to cut back on the police in some states, trying to do away with you owning a gun etc. and if things go wrong in Nov. all this could be coming to a town near you.

I told my good friend I was thinking about buying an AR-15 for home protection with all this crap going on, he told me that I already own two carbines, a M1 and a M1A1 [both in good condition] and have plenty of ammo. for both and that buying an AR-15 would be a waste of money in his opinion. what do you guy's and gal's think ?
Just thinking.

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[mmppres]

Your M1 in carbine with an plenty of ammo that you can work well is a plus for you. Tring to learn a new firearm is tough, Stick with what you know. Maybe pick up a home defence shot gun. JMO

[browningautorifle]

With only the choice of those two, there'll be plenty of AR ammo and parts, mags available for a long time. Carbines? Not so much.

[Low & Slow]

Opinions are like..., well you know, everyone's got one. Here's mine. You're probably well set already with what you have, but an AR is a very good tool. The whole family can be brought up to speed very quickly, and even Granny can handle an M-4gery. They are very reliable, bits and mags abound. More ergonomic than an AK. Over- penetration with M193 ball is minimal. Effective range from bad breath to over 250 yards. Plenty of ammo is accessible at good prices, and you can pick up a perfectly suitable AR now for $500.00 or so. Cheap red dot sight, and you're good to go. They're also fun as hell to shoot. Don't know about anybody else, but I'd drop a few bucks and pick up the AR.

[Singer B]

Since this is for home protection, you are talking about encounters of 3 to 15 feet. Let's compare both rifles:

Caliber: both calibers will be effective at that range for home defense

Weight: on average, the M1 weighs less than the AR

Capacity: both can utilize 30 round magazines. ARs can utilize magazines
with even higher capacity

Handling: due to its light weight and balance, the M1 is, IMO, the better natural pointer of the two rifles

Sights: the AR was made for red dot sights so it gets the advantage (even though you can mount one on an M1 also)

Muzzle flash/recoil/noise: this is a significant factor in home defense. If you have ever fired an AR in an enclosed room, you know that it is not the most pleasurable experience. I think the M1 would produce less recoil, flash and noise indoors.

Personally, my 6.5 pound custom AR with a red dot sits next to my bed with a 30 round magazine. I have trained extensively with it during my LE career. It is a weapons system that you need to train with to be proficient.

For my friends, especially those who are elderly or have limited firearms experience,I always recommend the M1. They can store it with the bolt open to cut down on accidental discharges and it is quick and easy to put into battery. It is a natural pointer which makes it extremely effective since most people in a home defense situation rarely use their sights. It is also easier than a handgun to point, aim and fire.

Bottom line, the most important thing is putting rounds on target, and you will do that best with the weapon you are the most comfortable with. You can't go wrong with either one as long as you are proficient with them and I would have complete faith in both.

[Surpmil]

An academic debate on this side of the line, but in a home defence weapon I would put a lot of importance on reducing flash and bang to a minimum: a short can on a short barrel. That way you don't blind or deafen yourself and can be better aware of what is going on where. And family members etc. will be better able to tell friend from foe.

[Daan Kemp]

Go with what you are familiar with and already have a lot of. The M1 is simplicity itself, easy and natural to handle, little recoil, 'non-threatening' but serious enough. Suitable for the small ones, elderly, and inbetweens. With what you have it should last you a lifetime.

AR will be new, IMHO more finicky, everybody will have to learn how to use the new one, additional cost, impressive blast and noise, over penetration I believe. Although it is available everywhere, ammo by the ton[?], awesome additions available, etc. I would use the tried and tested over the new.

Use the money for more M1 ammo and practise.

[Ovidio]

I'd go with the oldies.
You would also be much less at risk of getting them confiscated or outlawed if the anti-gun id...ots should prevail.
Also, in case of use, you'd not be caught with a "scary black machine gun", making your position a lot more bearable...

[lboos]

I have always had a Glock around for that bump in the night, always thought it would be more then enough protection, but when I saw that film clip on the news of that couple in St. Louis with there home being surrounded by that bunch of rabid sewer rats and "no police" in sight, it got me to thinking, I'll bet that couple never thought it would happen to there home, just glad the both of them thought that far ahead. wonder what would have happened if they did not have there guns ? I think I know.
Bad things can happen over night, we've all seen it on the news every night, I hope this Country will soon get back to law and order, untill then I will start thinking about better ways to protect my family and home, I'm not sure a Glock is enough any more.
Thank's for all the great advice, I'm sticking with my M1's.

[Ovidio]

I second your decision!
Sooner or later, even though I don't like semi-autos, I'll get myself a Carbine!