Have you looked at a ruger mini 14? It should have a familiar feel for you. It’s pretty basic in functionality. And as some others have pointed out, frangible rounds should alleviate your concerns for around the house.
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When I was deciding on my home defense setup, the first thing that I considered was “Where would I put this firearm in my room to have quick access, but also keep it secure” I love the AR platform for its easy to use operation, and how effective it is for self-defense. I personally chose to have my full-size handgun in a biometric vault next to my bed. It is fast to access but also secure from those who I don’t want to have access to it. For me, an AR was not viable to also keep my firearm secure. If you believe that you can set up a way that an AR would work for you, I say go for it.
The only other thing that I would add, is that if your P320 is what you carry daily and train with, it may be best to continue using that for home defense.
Regardless of wht you end up using, be sure to train and practice with it regularly.
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@Mike262 Welcome to the community, we are glad to have you here. Stay safe, Bruce and Nancy. 
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Get your self a Glock and a Micro Roni best of both worlds the micro Roni is a conversion kit the make them for other hand guns as well good luck this my two cents have a great day
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Why? Isn’t it limited to a G20
And that my friend is why I reload. ote=“NATHANIEL21, post:33, topic:69963, full:true”]
The downside to .300BO is the price & availability. Even before the panic buying. As it’s relatively new not a many companies make it yet. Particularly if you want one of the subsonic options to take full advantage of the suppression.
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Based upon your post description, I would strongly recommend the Ruger Mini 14 (223/556) all weather (black plastic light(er) weight stock with nickel weather resistant finish. Compared to the AR-15 consider the following.
PRO:
This will be familiar to you from your M14
Durability compared to AR15.
Barrel warp problem (that is still discussed) has long since been corrected in newer models rendering the Mini14 as quite accurate. (Honest eval is 100 to 200 yards for most shooters, although some will “brag” out to 400 yards).
Has non military look and is not on the radar of the Left (yet).
Comfortable strap carry.
Ruger provides numerous accessory options that are readily available. Including 5, 10, 20, & 30 round magazines.
CON:
More recoil than the AR15
AR15 magazines are easier to insert and drop (button release - straight drop). The Mini 14 has a thumb push release and an angle insert. IMHO, with a little practice this will become comfortable.
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Given the climate in DC right now, if I couldn’t get an AR-15 (i love them), I’d go for a Ruger Mini-14. Exact same gun, same magazines, same cartridges…just not modern and scary looking to DC morons.
Some rifles are probably better, but I’m a hobbyist and I enjoy the availability and pricing of .223 ammo.
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CMMG Banshee 9mm MKGS 5" midnight bronze, Holosun 503cu red dot, Veridian HS1 laser, KVP linear compensator, LAW Tactical folding adapter. Know what I mean!
I believe you mean a Cass 3 tax stamp, if it’s a full auto its an “NFA class 3 item”. Which is different from a class 3 license which is dealer in firearms license.
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Hornady 9mm critical defense ammo, I believe it’s the ftx projectile, has a lower penetration rate than comparable 9mm defense rounds. Thus, it is sure to blow a big hole with the shockwave affect of a well designed round but not continue to the neighbors wall. I’m not sure if that’s what you’re looking for but I know these rounds do what they’re supposed to do!
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Hey @DS-1, I don’t know what your budget is, but you can build it yourself for a lot cheaper.
Just Saying, let me know if you need help.
I want to start by saying Thanks for your Service, buying an AR for home defense is a big decision. One thing I suggest doing is practice a few home defense scenarios to see what will work best for you. I would also suggest buying a 22LR pistol and encourage your wife to learn to shoot.
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You got it @Richmond! I just checked it out and generally speaking your right. Only catch is there’s a list just opened up now to go back and check out.
I also made an AR-9mm and a AR-45 from the ground up,have made all my AR’s and L-10;s from 8% lowers from the ground up,how better to know your weapon that to make it your self from the group up
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Based on what you say the job is for the gun, I tend to agree with @Steven288 . I have experience with both the AR and the Mini-14, new version, and, left alone, with the iron peep rear sight and winged front, it makes an easy handling and convenient PDW and perimeter defense tool. The accuracy of the newer version I can attest too as well. Loaded with the 5 round magazine it’s as straight and basic as the 10/22, but with much more reach and power. With the right ammunition in it even the overpenetration issue is managed.
For the role you described, because of the easy handling and small, quick configuration of it, sight acquisition is very quick and easy, and it doesn’t have anything protruding from it like grips, ( or even magazines if you use the 5 rounder to start with ), to make it awkward in smaller spaces. So it is the one I would choose to augment the home defense pistol or shotgun to round out my home / perimeter personal defense. It also has that accurate extra reach over the shotgun or pistol caliber carbine, should that ever be needed. I felt no need for added optics on it in this role either, leaving it basic, simple, and reliable, basically right out of the box. Test fire, verify ammunition choice for function, and it’s ready to go.
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What’s your take on “to change or not” internals/ brands (buffers, charge handles, etc.)
Did you get an AR yet?
Basically,I buy the parts from different senders, as some do rip you off if you ck around,you will find the same name brand parts at higher or lower prices,and as for barrels i go with either 16 or 20 inch heavy barrels and as for the internal parts they are all the same but again shop around and you you can get the same quality parts at a lower Price,and as I said all my AS and L10 Lowers are 80% and I mill them out with a plunge router and I have the jigs to do so,
@Robert15 Not to put down other PC carbines out there, but I own Ruger PC9 and I agree it’s an excellent choice. It can be used for home defense since it’s not a very long piece, but it has sufficient barrel length for use outdoors for plinking, varmints, and SOME hunting. In caliber .40 S&W it may be a fair deer rifle at not too long range. It can also be dressed up nicely to look and operate as a tactical rifle.
I also have AR’s and things that go 7.62x39 lol.
You may consider shotguns also. A 20ga is more comfortable shooting than a 12ga, it has great power, and it doesn’t have an overpenetration problem using depending on the loads (it also has limited range which eliminates many down range innocent victim fears.