Noob Question - How to Think about Firearm Selection

[jsbhike]

Everything is hearing damage loud, we lean towards 5.56, and people have been using .357 indoors for 90 years, but a thing to keep in mind with actual .357 magnum loads out of a revolver is upper end handgun perfirmance, but with centerfire rifle equivalent(or higher) decibel levels versus cartridges like 9x19 and .45 ACP.

Whether you notice that or not???

[Harryy]

There are plenty of ways to mount a light; a clamp to the barrel mount is probably the easiest.

Rock and lock is simple.

[TheHistorian]

@PeaceMakerCT

I looked at the mini-14 early on but initially decided against it because I read somewhere the “rock and lock” method required to load the magazines was not good in a stressful situation. But then I’ve also read that it’s extremely unusual for a civilian to reload (even if they should) in a self defense situation, which has me giving the mini-14 a second look

I did a cursory look on the internet-thingy and it does appear that the Mini-14 is still legal in CT, as long as it does not have deadly features like a flash hider or a pistol grip - which we all know makes the rifle 10 times more lethal. If you can still own them that is a good option.

As far as the “rock and lock” magazines, they are admittedly a bit harder than the drop free of the AR 15, but with practice that can be mastered. Remember that the AK series uses that method, and they have certainly been combat proven. The US M-14 rifle also is a rock and lock magazine.

But, as someone said, the original factory mags are the way to go - there are after-marker mags that can be hit-or-miss.

[titsonritz]

@Coal_Dragger

A red dot and a light on a Mini-14 are quite do-able

I’d go with an Ultimak, which will provide plenty of rail real estate for an optic and light. I have the exact same on one of my AKs. The same can be done with an M14/M1a.

Mini-14 and Mini-30 Products - UltiMAK, Inc.

[ChattanoogaPhil]

@titsonritz

if I were to ever need to use a firearm for their intended purpose, be it home defense, self protection on the street, full on anarchy/SHTF and could beam any weapon into my hands at the moment of need it would be hands down an AR-15.

I don’t disagree. However, the issue becomes how to “beam” my rifle into my hands the moment I need it.

Don’t misunderstand, I’m not trying to be a smartass but rather get a newbie thinking about the practicality as well as likelihood that a rifle will be where and when he needs it at that (hopefully never) unexpected moment.

[titsonritz]

@ChattanoogaPhil

I don’t disagree. However, the issue becomes how to “beam” my rifle into my hands the moment I need it.

Don’t misunderstand, I’m not trying to be a smartass but rather get a newbie thinking about the practicality as well as likelihood that a rifle will be where and when he needs it at that (hopefully never) unexpected moment.

Absolutely valid point worthy of consideration. Please note my last line of in my above post.

[TheHistorian]

@titsonritz

The 590A1 is the model that was built to meet U.S. Military Mil-Spec 3443 requirements and features a noticeably thicker, heavy-walled barrel, metal trigger guard and safety. A primary reason for this spec was to prevent barrels being dented from being banged against bulkheads onboard ships.

Thanks for the clarification. As to the OP - if you end up going with a shotgun keep this info in mind, although at the moment it sounds like you are leaning towards the Mini-14.