What is the best assault rifle for civilian use/protection available in the US?

Question

I did not say home protection. Thanks for the smart answers. I already own close range weapons.

Answer 1

Rock River Arms Entry Tactical M4
DSA Arms STG 58
Galil ARM 7.62

Answer 2

"Best" is a loaded term. Naturally, the answer is "it depends." Personally, I like the AR-15 models. They are essentially the same action as an M-16 or Military M-4, but they are only semi-automatic. Today, many AR models can be purchased with a "gas piston" system. This means that a piston cycles the bolt carrier rather than the explosion of gas from the firing of the previous round. Gas Piston systems are MUCH easier to clean than the older versions. I recommend Leitner-Wise or Patriot Ordinance.

ARs typically carry a 5.56mm round (223 in civilian terms). These rounds are expensive right now due to the war, but that will all change when, and if, the war ever ends.

Many people prefer an SKS, which is the civilian version of an AK. It fires a 7.62 x 39mm round. This is a very cheap, very powerful round. Also, an SKS is inexpensive, low maintenance, and easy to find replacement parts for. Living in the world we are in, I'd prefer the AR-15 with a 16 inch barrel, predator rails, a gas piston system, and a telescoping stock. If this were Armageddon, I'd prefer the SKS. The choice is yours.

If you are willing to wait, MAGPUL Industries is making a weapon called the Masada. It will combine the best of the M-16 with the best of the AK-47. It is also a gas-piston system. It's not commercially available yet, but when it is, it will be awesome. Give it three months.

Answer 3

Well being in the US you have a very wide selection. Infact, if the assualt rifle is sold to cavilains then you can buy ti in the US. I say tryed & true your best options are something from the M16 familiy or AK family. The M16 family will cost you a good chunk of money but the if you know how to use & modify the AK family of weapons then they will be almost as good, the M16 family is more accurate than AK's but the AK's have better impact & can penetrate almost everything in an urban enviorment. Also AK's are alot cheaper. If you want cheap & fun & also highly modifyable, SKS is a good extremly cheap assualt rifle. The possibilitys are endless, their so many good choice because the gun market in the US is vast. But if you want tryed & true, cheap, highly modifiable, I say go with an AK or SKS.

Answer 4

I agree with the statement made above, you HAVE to be comfortable with the weapon. Try many diffrent options before you decide on the gun. Keep in mind there are many options. Personally I have a modified shotgun with a non lethel rounds for front door protection. Everyone who is in my house on a daily basis knows where it is and how to make it work. The amalite 15 is a great weapon for someone who is proficent, it is not hard if you are willing to learn, and it is a very enjoyable weapon to have.

Benelli shotguns and Mossberg shotguns are very reiliable weapons and easy to get in most states. There are many dealers online for diffrent parts of rifles be sure to check the mailing laws for your state befor you make a monitary decision.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

If you just want someting to keep around the house in case of a home invasion, Remington 870. Low startup cost, plenty of accessories and cheap ammo. Besides, by the time you NEED an assault rifle, there will plenty lying on the ground.

Answer 6

Many millions of people worldwide, with far more experience than Americans, have shown that the AK-47 is the best for use against personnel at up to about 200 yards. Many of our soldiers in Iraq would prefer it over the U.S. service weapons for ability to keep shooting in dirty conditions, and for the .30 caliber (7.62mm) bullet. Semi-automatic versions are readily available for civilian use in the U.S. It supercedes the older SKS, which has a 10-round fixed magazine loaded with stripper clips or loose ammo.

Police will always tell you that a shotgun is better, because it has better single-shot stopping power, and less penetration, so you take less chance of harming others in the area.

Answer 7

I like my SKS, but to be honest I wouldn't use it for home protection. Even though it is a carbine, it is still difficult to handle properly in the confined spaces of my condo. For that I'll use "Ol' Tried-and-True" my Browning Hi Power. While I do not keep the 13-round magazine fully loaded (to reduce spring wear), I still have 11 in the mag and one up the pipe. I prefer SXT 147gr. ammunition.

EDIT: the guy above me has a good idea. Come to think of it, the sound of a shotgun cycling makes most criminals pee in their pants and run.

2ND EDIT: Sorry, SKS, not SPS. My mind was on our company's "small product sorter" project.

Answer 8

Dude, if you couldn't kill a deer with a 30/30 and fired 3 shots, go to the range and practice with a deer target. You failed to hit a vital spot. or missed. My last 6 pt buck was taken with a 22 magnum. I aim for the base of the neck and disconnect his spine

Answer 9

The most important thing is that you have a gun you are comfortable shooting. I'd suggest you handle a few different types and see what you like. Personally i'm a big fan of the AR-15 platform. They are rugged, durable, accurate, and you have endless choices for upgrades and accessories.

Answer 10

Handgun. Any rifle is too large to really be used for protection. But if you want a rifle, the AR-15's are awesome.