I’m looking for advise on a black rifle purchase. I’m looking for a weapon that would, in a pinch be able to defend a postion from distances greater then 100 yards that would have sufficient knock-down power. Ideally it would be suited for preventing a possible boarding attempt from non-professional soldiers.
It is likely that the weapon will never be used for it’s intended purpose (I hope) but I will be shooting the weapon frequently for sport, enjoyment, and preparation. I’m presently considering an AR-10 (24 month waiting period?) or the more accessable AR-15. My concern is that that '15 will not have the power necessary. Thoughts?
15’s are more available, not as expensive, ammo’s cheaper, more accurate, faster follow up shot, lighter… if you hit a pirate across open water, he’s not going to keep motoring toward you. you really dont need “knockdown” power, you just need something light, accurate and a lot of ammo. IMHO.
I’ve heard live-aboarders being advised that defense against piracy on the open water is one of the few civilian instances in which one of the heavy distance calibers (.338 LM, .50 BMG, etc) makes a lot of sense. Assuming you can identify your target at range as hostile, keeping the bad guys as far away from you and your boat as possible is a Really Good Thing.
I’d stick with the 5.56 on the AR platform for close-in defense, but I’d also pick up a heavier rifle of a different type for open water engagements.
as long as you keep the sand out of the rollers and use decent army surplus(I know a contradiction of terms) they are very reliable. If I had to grab a 308 going out the door for shear reliability it would be a HK clone before a 308 AR.
Keep it oiled heavy for the first few hundred rounds.
Have you considered a shotgun? I do not live aboard a boay ,but I do a considerable amount of salt water fishing and my boat is almost always moving,even when anchored.I rely on a 12 gauge pump and .45 Kimber and an AK 7.62X39 for home defence.I fish for whatever swims and hunt for what ever moves.I have been scared to use something for defence that is used for prarie dogs and is not legal to hunt deer with in most stateslike the .223/5.56mm.I am a firm beliver the bigger the first hole the better,but i am no expert.
Yes I most certainily have considered a shot gun. They are ideal for use on a boat when faced with boarders that have already arrived. I also have a 45 (Kimber), a 9mm (Taurus), and a .38 (revolver) that my wife uses. My interest is in getting something that will provide accurate defense at a medium range. I’m presently thinking .223 or a .308. The .223 has the advantage of accuracy and each of repair and modification. The .308 has range and penetration as it’s advantage. Since I’m primarily looking for an effective deterent I’m thinking AR-15 (.223) because of it’s accuracy. … then again I’ve heard that "a .223 is just a pissed off .22) ??
Shooting on the water might not be the stable platform but I still think a semi-automatic .308 is better than a .223.However a rifle you are confident with and can hit a target with is better than one you can’t.I would also rely on my flares,fire them off at first sign of danger and even send a few the bad guys way.
There is not much cover against full auto rifle fire on a boat,so I can see your point in stopming the threat before gets close.Taking out the driver and the engine may be a good option.