normal hunting riffles

[__samIam_zhunter]

I was reading, that a riffle would not make a good home deffense weapon to have against zombies. WHY? (because I have a British 306)

[Oracle]

Probably because you'd have to work the bolt before every shot, and it's difficult to do that and deal with multiple attackers (as is likely in a zombie attack). However, you probably have a Lee-Enfield .303, which is one of the fastest bolt-actions out there. If I could only have a bolt-action rifle in a situation like that, I'd want one of those.

That being said, I'd rather have a good semiauto rifle in that situation, or, if I couldn't have that, a good pump or semiauto shotgun.

[RealityDeviant]

For one, rifles are louder than most handguns. If hearing is a greater factor for zombies than anticipated, firing a rifle would be like giving them a beacon to home in on.

Bolt-action and single-shot rifles are also far slower than you might like in that situation. A semi-automatic would be useful, but I understand that they require more maintenance than other rifles. It’d be a good idea to have a rifle with you, but I doubt that they’d work best as primary weapons.

[Oracle]

I'd actually prefer a carbine-sized rifle firing an intermediate cartridge (like and AK-type rifle in 7.62x39 or 5.45x39, or an M-4 type rifle in 5.56x45). The reason for this is that they have much greater range than a handgun, are much better ballistically. They are also easier to aim, due to the distance between the front and rear sights (the greater the distance, within reason, the easier the firearm is to accurately aim).

I think handguns are great, but they are best as backup weapons in an emergency, and a gun that you have on you at all times.

[Mugwug]

Nothing wrong with the old SMLE, it's an excellent rifle. Served commonwealth forces well for over 50 years.

British infantry in World War I were trained to fire 15 aimed rounds a minute with this rifle, and the volume of fire put down by BEF troops in the openning days of the war was often mistaken for machine gun fire by the Germans.

The obvious downside to the rifle is that it has to be cycled manually, the cartridges it fires are fairly large (both .30-06 and .303 British are bigger than .308 NATO) and the overall length is fairly long.

The positive aspect is that you are less likely to "spray and pray".

As for reliability... the SMLE is one of the most simple firearms out there, very few moving parts and tough as an ox. Its been field proven in the worst possible conditions, and a butt stroke with it is likely to do a zombie skull serious harm.

[Jynx]

Try a ruger mini or 10/22. Failing that, get an SKS, ridiculously easy to maintain (if you choose to, i'd wager you could own it all your life and not have to clean it if you didn't want to)

[SMERSH]

I was reading, that a riffle would not make a good home deffense weapon to have against zombies. WHY? (because I have a British 306)

where did you read that?

[RealityDeviant]

It's been awhile since I fired a Lee-Enfield. Most fun I've ever had with a bolt-action rifle, though.

I suppose they would work somewhat well, if you know how to handle one. Of course, if the zombies happened to be fast (as in the "Dawn of the Dead" remake or "28 Days Later"), then you might want to forget about having a bolt-action rifle as a primary weapon.

[Mugwug]

I've got a No.4 Mk1 in my gun cabinet, dependable rifle. Would certainly not be my first choice in a SHTF situation, but it's better than no rifle.

[multipass]

Me and my dad were discussing the other day if we should join a gun club and get an old .303since they are very good. Brilliant to train with (yeah they are heavy buggers but all the better to train with them). They are fast to rechamber and as long as you are quick on the bolt you could empty a clip in seconds. Add a scope and you have a brilliant long range rifle.

[__samIam_zhunter]

oops! i meant 303 instead of 306.

[Mr_Fubar]

When the SHTF My Mauser and Mosin are coming with me. But Im leaving my Arisaka its cool and all but zombies arent worth $2.25 per round.

[Nightside_Eclipse]

A rifle isn't good for home defense because the projectiles it fires tend to keep goin once they hit something.

NOT good in an urban setting.

[FFEMT917]

For me I have a Rem. model 700 308 and I love it for mid-long range sniping.

A bolt action rifle can be a great advantage when defending your home. If you can get an access put in to your roof through your ceiling. You can get on top an snipe out zombies at a distance.

[Coal-Cracker]

I was reading, that a riffle would not make a good home deffense weapon to have against zombies. WHY? (because I have a British 306)

I guess that depends on the situation.
If I were in a home invasion situtation at relatively close range, I would definately want a shotgun for defense. Use a rifle if you absolutely have to, but I think the majority of us over-estimate our ability to hit a fast (or even slow) moving target with a single projectile (especially under intense stress).

[captain_violence]

This is my opinion,but the only use for a bolt action rifle is for some long range zombie head bustin' action If you want some close range action get a shotgun.

[Pegasus_Shoulder_Flash]

::pats his SMLE Mk III::

I should have gotten the bayonet at the same time...but I didnt cause..well...Im poor.

Yes, these are absolutely wonderful rifles. Very reliable.

[Drakich]

I have a Lee-Enfield jungle carbine.

I would recommend getting one of the Indian .308's though.

.303 is expensive to shoot unless you reload. Or at least, it has been for me. Haven't found a place that carries cheap surplus .303.

[ProZombieHunter]

I actually prefer bolt action over semi-automatic as far as ranged shooting goes; In most instances, the bolt-action will provide greater accuracy...

...Plus you don't have the clinking sound of your brass bouncing around as the spent shells get ejected, unless YOU personally eject your shells like a madman, working the bolt as hard as you can.

The real setback here is that you can't fire overly rapidly, but if you're shooting at what I feel to be the proper range for a rifle, you shouldn't need rapid fire. Use a shotgun when you're surrounded.

Plus, firing a semi-auto too fast, regardless of whether or not you fall into the 'spray-and-pray' syndrome, will walk your aim skyward.

[Coal-Cracker]

I actually prefer bolt action over semi-automatic as far as ranged shooting goes; In most instances, the bolt-action will provide greater accuracy...

...Plus you don't have the clinking sound of your brass bouncing around as the spent shells get ejected, unless YOU personally eject your shells like a madman, working the bolt as hard as you can.

The real setback here is that you can't fire overly rapidly, but if you're shooting at what I feel to be the proper range for a rifle, you shouldn't need rapid fire. Use a shotgun when you're surrounded.

Plus, firing a semi-auto too fast, regardless of whether or not you fall into the 'spray-and-pray' syndrome, will walk your aim skyward.

You are correct that "most" quality bolt actions will be more accurate than "most" quality semi-autos. But the gap is lessening. A perfect example is the AR15 platform. A stock 20" HBAR AR will outperform just about any milsurp bolt-action rifle you will find nowadays. Many ARs will shoot sub MOA out of the box - if you do your part. With some minimal tuning, the AR can do amazing things. Just look at what David Tubb has been doing for years in National High Power Competition at Camp Perry. Not to mention the Army as well as the Marine Marksmanship Unit's domination in these events - with ARs.

So while you get more than adequate accuracy, you also get the benefit of not having to break your hold and leave your sight picture to fire a follow-up shot. This is where the real benefit of the semi shows.

Plus the added magazine capacity.

If you are firing a semi that fast your shots are walking upwards, well you need better fire discipline - not a more archaic rifle.


- just playin' devil's advocate.

[jamoni]

Try an experiment: Stand in a hallway with your rifle. Now turn around and aim the other way as fast as you can. Try the same thing with a pistol. Now you know why a rifle is a bad home defense weapon.

[Pegasus_Shoulder_Flash]

Try an experiment: Stand in a hallway with your rifle. Now turn around and aim the other way as fast as you can. Try the same thing with a pistol. Now you know why a rifle is a bad home defense weapon.

Yea, but a pistol is a point-blank weapon. Your best bet for defending your home is a pump-action 12 gauge shotgun, preferrably the Winchester Marine Combat Shotgun. When you pull the slide on that monster, any potential crook is gonna run for his life. Nothing can mistaken for the sound of that action....and it produces pure terror.

Your first shell should be double-aught buckshot and the second slug. Reason being: your gonna be scared half out of your wits most times before shooting...best to get something that sprays. The second shot, if necessary, is going to be a lot more accurate.

Pity the poor scumbag that decides to chance it with a shotgun wielding homeowner.

[bgaesop]

When you pull the slide on that monster, any potential crook is gonna run for his life. Nothing can mistaken for the sound of that action....and it produces pure terror.

That is very true. I was on the remington (I think) website the other day, and it has background noises playing while you're there, and it was going (all soft and soothing) slow classical music, goose noise, dog barks, kind muted of echo-y shot, SHOTGUN COCKING, and that last part terrified me. I practically shat myself, it's so creepy.

[Coal-Cracker]

...When you pull the slide on that monster, any potential crook is gonna run for his life. Nothing can mistaken for the sound of that action....and it produces pure terror.

People have those movie images of shotguns literally blasting people backwards through windows. Most people believe it's true, so use Hollywood to your advantage. A friend of mine is a prison guard at a local state prison. They are trained in a crisis/riot situation to simultaneously rack their slides for the psychological/fear effect it gives.

Your first shell should be double-aught buckshot and the second slug. Reason being: your gonna be scared half out of your wits most times before shooting...best to get something that sprays. The second shot, if necessary, is going to be a lot more accurate.

Pity the poor scumbag that decides to chance it with a shotgun wielding homeowner.

Just make sure what is behind that "scumbag" should you decide to use a slug (or even 00 Buck). Overpenetration is an issue and your neighbors may not appreciate a hole through their television, family dog, or (God forbid) son or daughter.

At those kinds of distances, you would be fine with #7 or 8 Bird Shot if overpenetration was a big concern. It'll still hit hard as the shot cone hasn't expanded a great deal. Center of mass hit and they won't get up anytime soon.