From: ljb@parkcity.dr.att.com (BLO54620-BonhamLJ(DR2194)240)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: Rifle in Defense ( was Re: Why are there no reliable semi-auto shotguns? )
Date: 19 Nov 92 21:04:16 GMT


In article <199211171713.AA28975@cherokee.advtech.uswest.com>, kdlin@advtech.uswest.com (David Lin) writes:
|> In article <7624CA0F00001A29@UALR.EDU> hudson@ualr.edu writes:
|> #...
|> #BTW  They also have a choice in rifles of a Ruger Mini-14 or the Colt  AR15
|> #(which would you choose?).
|> 
|> This is an interesting choice. I always wonder when would one pick his
|> rifle for defense purpose, assuming he is a regular citizen and he has
|> other choices like handguns and shotguns. ( Noting the plural nouns ;)
|> 
|> When I took an AR15 shooting class from a cop, he told me the regular
|> stuff: I wish you would never have to use it for self-defense purpose.....
|> I'm wondering if you guys can give me a scenario in which I might want to
|> use a rifle instead of other weapons. Thanks.
|> 
|> David
|> -- 
|>  K. David Lin, Ph.D.              | E-mail: kdlin@advtech.uswest.com  
|>  Communication Services Research  | Defend your life with style! -- Beretta
|>  U S WEST Advanced Technologies   | Disclaimer: Only personal opinions


L.A.! Pretty much sums it up, don't you think.  Multiple assailants, itermediate
targets (glss, cars, doors, walls, etc.), ranges up to a couple of blocks, low
light, ad infinitum.  The military arms soldiers with rifles for pitched battles
against large forces in environments very similar to what I just described. 
Police carry pistols for emergency use, but when the SWAT team goes in they have
AR's, Mini-14's, H&K's, etc.  A pistol was never intended as a primary arm, it's
a back up or "just in case" weapon.  If you have been trained by Mas Ayoob and
can hit effectivly out to 100 yards with your handgun, that's probably all you'll
need.  For us less coordinated folks, a rifle is the best and easiest way to hit
at longer ranges.

Also, lets not forget that we tend to think in terms of urban, private dwellings,
when we discuss the concept of self-defense.  However, out here in the "wilds" of
the Rockies, self-defense may be required on a dark country road, in the forrest,
or the south fourty of a pasture.  Multiple assailants and heavy brush are
definite considerations and ranges tend to be longer.

A rifle or carbine can be more economical than a pistol.  They often cost less
and are more effective against large, dangerous, beasts such as bears.  The city
folk often forget that one's life can be threatened by predators with four legs
as well as those with two.  A rifle is also a little more effective in
psychological deterance than a handgun, although one should never resort to a
weapon with the intent that its presence will scare away trouble.

Basically, it boils down to properly assessing one's requirements and choosing
the right tool to meet those requirements.  I personnally believe that a well
rounded collection of rifles, pistols, and shotguns is the best way to be
prepared for what ever unpleasant surprises life brings us.

I can see your eyelids drooping, so I'll stop now.  Carry on.



Larry
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Why thank you.  Yes, those are sled dogs.|
No ma'am, I don't drive the sled,        |
I just drive the truck.                         |
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