M1a for Self-Defense?

[giants1]

I'm planning ahead for future gun purchases and am interested in an M1a, both as a momento of my father's service during WW-II (albeit an M1 Garand in 30.06) and for self-defense. Plus, they just look cool! I also don't have a main battle rifle.

However, I'm struggling with the M1a for self-defense and wanted your thoughts.

I'm an urban dweller with houses on either side and no plans to bug out to rural areas in an SHTF scenario (but we all know what they say about plans).

I've seen some YouTube videos and read SHTF posts about the benefits of having an M1a in .308, but pretty much it seems only for hunting and sniping/counter-sniping at a distance. I understand that those cartridges are REALLY loud indoors, particularly when muzzle breaks are installed, as is the case with Springfield Armory M1a sold in California, where I live. That and over-penetration of the .308 from what I understand makes the M1a/.308 not ideal for home defense.

As to self-defense at a distance, say counter-sniping (which the LGS suggested), I'm thinking that hiding well and/or getting out of the situation would be the better strategy vs. counter-sniping, or just using a scoped AR-15. I realize that there's only so much one can do, preparing for more likely scenarios is better, and that it's impossible to prepare for every scenario; I'm thinking that counter-sniping would be highly unlikely, the 1990s Balkans civil war notwithstanding.

What are your thoughts?

 

[murphydog]

I think a .308 rifle would be excessive in a typical urban/suburban defense situation. A .223 (or 9 mm) carbine may be a good alternative. Good luck with your decision.

 

[RCL-09]

I cannot foresee any self defense situation in which an M1A would be beneficia/useful unless it is the only firearm you have.

Large, heavy, cumbersome inside a dwelling, stout recoil, loud, too much caliber for the situation.

Soo many other options. I'd say just buy the rifle and have fun with it. But urban SD, no.

 

[waffles]

I think you're right in assuming "counter sniping" is a bit of a goofy selling point.

I can't see any reason to buy an M1A over an AR (or mini14/other more California appropriate options) if self defense is your main concern.

They are damn cool though, and buying a gun because it's cool is cool itself. I've enjoyed the M1As I've used, and if i had the spare cash I wouldn't mind having a classic m14 patterned M1A.

 

[robertrwalsh]

Unless you live in a house with bullet resistant walls I would say NO.

 

[pantannojack]

A M1A out of the box needs extensive accurizing. After that they can kick anatomy out to 600 yds and beyond.

 

[mrmike7189]

get a Mini 14

the Ruger Mini 14 was cloned after the military M14 , so it has a Garand style action and can be had with a classic real wood stock. thats what I would get...........and i did!

 

[RCL-09]

A M1A out of the box needs extensive accurizing.

Have 2 now, owned several over the years, shot many more, and I have never seen that.

What kind of accuracy out of the box are you seeing?

 

[BAM-BAM]

the Ruger Mini 14 was cloned after the military M14 , so it has a Garand style action and can be had with a classic real wood stock. thats what I would get...........and i did!

Mine; an early (2008) NRA Model with the 16" heavy tapered barrel, has a 1-3 Weaver shotgun scope, Hogue ghillie green (came with a black) stock, paracord sling...... and ..... a 10 round (almost flush fit) magazine. Very untacticoool looking from any distance. Extra mags are 20rd factory.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Different guns for different purposes. My M14 semiauto clone has a GI match barrel and a relieved flash hider; I've shot it at 600 yards; it has been on the money. If you want more punch at extended distances, it fills the bill. For closer work, an AR-15 or M1 carbine might be more practical.

This rifle, by the way, was purchased in 1969 as the Mark IV from AR Sales, an early provider of M14 clones using mostly military parts, and has an issue fiberglass stock.

John

 

[Frailer]

…
What are your thoughts?

My thought is you might be trying a little too hard to justify purchasing a gun you want. I know I’ve done the same thing, as I suspect most of us have.

If you want the gun and can afford it, buy it. OTOH, if you feel the need for a rifle for self-defense purposes in an urban area, there are several better choices.

 

[zonker5]

Urban self defense is close in, not at a great distance. My preference indoors is a 20 gauge semi-auto shotgun, outdoors I'd go with an AR.

 

[Marshal Tom]

In your situation, I would opt for an M-1 carbine or a .9mm carbine. Perfect for what and where you are talking about.

 

[Hair Trigger]

I'm planning ahead for future gun purchases and am interested in an M1a, both as a momento of my father's service during WW-II (albeit an M1 Garand in 30.06) and for self-defense. Plus, they just look cool! I also don't have a main battle rifle.

However, I'm struggling with the M1a for self-defense and wanted your thoughts.

They do look cool, and they are nice to shoot, but as a home defense weapon it may well be the worst choice you could make, unless you live in an isolated location with no background (other houses, roads, vehicles and people) to worry about hitting. It would make a good stand-off rifle, to keep the riff-raff beyond a couple hundred yards away. They are heavy and somewhat cumbersome, two reasons the military changed to the AR in the early 1960's. The cartridge is powerful, and can penetrate several walls in a house and still wound or kill what's on the other side, so a crowded neighborhood is no bueno. I agree with RCL-09 below. They are fun to shoot.

I cannot foresee any self defense situation in which an M1A would be beneficia/useful unless it is the only firearm you have.

Large, heavy, cumbersome inside a dwelling, stout recoil, loud, too much caliber for the situation.

Soo many other options. I'd say just buy the rifle and have fun with it. But urban SD, no.

A M1A out of the box needs extensive accurizing. After that they can kick anatomy out to 600 yds and beyond.

It depends on what model you get to a large degree; I have a Loaded M1A, it has the National Match barrel and I can shoot 1-1/2 MOA all day long with it, out to 800 yards (mine is scoped). The National Match and Super Match models are even better. It also helps accuracy to load your own ammo, powder load and bullet weight can mean a lot in this rifle.

No way would I use one for home defense. you want something light, quick to the hand and maneuverable, with a load that won't penetrate multiple walls. I keep a .45 1911 for that purpose.

 

[luvsmiths]

I think that if the guy who is in your house that shouldn't be, has 6 friends in all your neighbors houses at the same time, facing the same direction as the shot you need to take, this would be the perfect Rifle to take all 7 of them out at the same time, with that one shot.

 

[Triathloncoach]

Get a M1A SOCOM. With a 308 you just need to hit the bad guys. Although my home defense gun is a SBR 300blk with a 7.5” barrel.

 

[67tempest]

I vote for a Remington 870 12 gauge pump with an 8 shot tube loaded with OO buck. Inside a house an M1A is way too much gun in my opinion.

 

[Birdhunter6]

I love my M1A, but it's not a realistic self defense tool for me.

20 ga pump, PCC in the caliber of you defensive handgun, Mini 14, 5.56 AR or M1 carbine? A better case can be made for any of those, as stated above. My vote would be for the 20 ga pump or the PCC.

If you want an M1A get one. I shoot mine from 100 to 400 yards with iron sights, mostly at steel. It's great fun. I shoot groups with it maybe once a year just to prove my old eyes still can.

I would not spend money on the M1A before I had a practical defensive long gun. Planning for worst case, which one do you think would allow you to transition between multiple targets at close range?

 

[Heinz]

What self defense are we talking about? In your home and on your immediate property, a handgun caliber or a shotgun is excellent for self defense. If you are going into some kind of assault defense in an urban environment, that surely is not self defense. And in the latter situation I would like something that can kill through a car or a concrete block wall. Just do not point an M1 at something you do not want to kill, and that includes whatever the target is standing in front of.

 

[Univibe]

Against bears, sure.

For bad guys? Use carbine in 5.56 or 9mm