As of right now, the Mini-14 and M1 Carbine are in the lead, with the Ruger PCC9 (or .40) a close second.

The Ruger PCC9 just might win because it'll be the cheapest, and honestly, the gun is likely just going to sit in the safe. $2000 for a Fulton Armory M1 is tempting, but only if I'm justifying it has a heirloom gun for the kids one day.

Actually it was my understanding that the CX4 is considered a thumbhole stock and not an actual traditional pistol grip since the pistol grip section is linked to the stock and not separate on its own but my bad if my impression was incorrect for CA. Even if it was not acceptable as is, I believe there is also a wrap available to cover the hole, but not sure if that currently works for California. What a PITA!

The Kel-Tec RDB-S and RDB-C models fit your criteria.

Ruger Mini-14 223 / 556 would be my choice for the lil gal.

One last comment to consider - well two...

1 - If possible allow her to handle the Ruger PCC because as others here have said - it is heavier than most think and most of that weight is in the all steel receiver...I have one and it is my wife’s primary complaint when we pull it out to shoot the pistol carbines....I end up shooting the Ruger after she grabs my PSA - AR9...

2 - With the Shot Show less than two weeks away you might want to hold off to see if any companies announce a variant of a current offering in 40cal.....(like Ruger)

Just a couple of suggestions to consider...Mark

I wouldn't waste my time with a pistol caliber in a rifle. If it's come down to my wife fighting for her life, I would want a rifle caliber. I would go mini-14/mini 30.

quote:

Originally posted by sigarmsp226:
One last comment to consider - well two...

1 - If possible allow her to handle the Ruger PCC because as others here have said - it is heavier than most think and most of that weight is in the all steel receiver...I have one and it is my wife’s primary complaint when we pull it out to shoot the pistol carbines....I end up shooting the Ruger after she grabs my PSA - AR9...

2 - With the Shot Show less than two weeks away you might want to hold off to see if any companies announce a variant of a current offering in 40cal.....(like Ruger)

Just a couple of suggestions to consider...Mark

Probably a good idea to wait until the shot show is over. Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
As of right now, the Mini-14 and M1 Carbine are in the lead, with the Ruger PCC9 (or .40) a close second.

The Ruger PCC9 just might win because it'll be the cheapest, and honestly, the gun is likely just going to sit in the safe. $2000 for a Fulton Armory M1 is tempting, but only if I'm justifying it has a heirloom gun for the kids one day.

a Fulton M1 Carbine will likely never be a collectable,

for that kind of money, you can get a mixmaster USGI one, and have a good gunsmith go thru it , and have cash left over for ammo/accessories

quote:

Originally posted by sigNull:
The Kel-Tec RDB-S and RDB-C models fit your criteria.

Good point -- I haven't actually had any experience with either, but the RFB of the family is on my to-be-seriously-considered list.

The only drawback with the M1 is that ammo is less common than .223 or 9mm.

I'd pick the Mini 14, myself.

And, is that how you introduce her? This is Jane, my little tactical liability?

As mentioned, I like the idea of an M-1 Carbine or the new Ruger PC carbine. Another idea is a Winchester Model 73 in 357 Magnum. Its not semi-auto but it fits your other criteria. On the other end, how about a Beretta Cx4 Storm? It looks like something out of Battlestar Galactica but you can get it in 9mm and 40 S&W.

I am firmly in the Mini 14 camp. I love the M1 carbine, own a few. But for parts, ammo, everything else availability, the Mini wins hands down. The Mini is also easier to adapt to modern optics if you so choose. To me (5'4", 150lbs) recoil is the same. I wouldn't hesitste to use the M1 in the self defense role if it was all I had, but if I also had a Mini that would be my choice.

This is Mini 14 all day everyday and twice on Sunday.

Parts check
Reliability check
Light and handy check
Non scary check
Rifle caliber check
Cheap to shoot check
MOA (minute of asshole) check
History check
Customer service check

Is it an AR15 or other combat derived rifle? No. Is it far more than adequate for ANY practical self defense need this side of war or invasion. Hell yes.

They shoulder and feel great too.

quote:

Originally posted by cslinger:
This is Mini 14 all day everyday and twice on Sunday.

Parts check
Reliability check
Light and handy check
Non scary check
Rifle caliber check
Cheap to shoot check
MOA (minute of asshole) check
History check
Customer service check

Is it an AR15 or other combat derived rifle? No. Is it far more than adequate for ANY practical self defense need this side of war or invasion. Hell yes.

They shoulder and feel great too.

Parts are available for the mini-14?


I think a Fightlight SCR would be the best option. Easy to swap AR uppers. The most readily available spare parts and accessories. Best optic mounting options. Ubiquitous magazines.

quote:

Originally posted by cslinger:
This is Mini 14 all day everyday and twice on Sunday.

Parts check

Yep. If something breaks on your Mini-14 during the societal collapse scenario the OP has posited, all you have to do is just ship it back to Ruger, and in 4-6 weeks they'll replace any broken parts and get it back to you.

(Ruger won't sell you most spare/replacement parts for the Mini-14. They want it sent back to them if something breaks.)

quote:

History check

Does it really, though?

quote:

They shoulder and feel great too.

On that we can agree.

Mini-14 for the win

Second choice would be a ruger 44 mag carbine

quote:

Originally posted by jhe888:

And, is that how you introduce her? This is Jane, my little tactical liability?

Basically, yes

quote:

Originally posted by Holger Danske:

quote:

Originally posted by sigNull:
The Kel-Tec RDB-S and RDB-C models fit your criteria.

Good point -- I haven't actually had any experience with either, but the RFB of the family is on my to-be-seriously-considered list.

The RDB-C calls to me even though I don't live in a restricted state. If I did live in CA I'd have one for sure. or is it "fer sure"

Another consideration that perhaps escaped your sights is a featureless AR15, there are a large number of options on stocks, grip substitutes, muzzle brakes, etc. Pros- still uses the AR platform, magazines, parts, etc., making availability of parts almost endless. 5.56 ammo. More customization compared to the Mini 14. No bullet button needed. Can be converted back to "normal" if stuff really hits the fan. Cons- Still has a tactical aesthetic. More likely will have to built from scratch. Dirtier operating system than Mini 14. Will cost more than a used or even new Mini 14.

I like the idea of the M1 Carbine for this application, but ammo will be more readily available for the Mini-14 or the featureless AR-15. Parts are more readily available for the featureless AR. It can be fired by a twig of a girl (or a young lady; don’t let your young wife see the title to this thread!). It can also be easily converted to have some of those “evil” features in the event of need in the breakdown of all law and order.

If it were my choice, I’d go with the featureless AR-15.

Good luck with whatever you decide and pray that it never comes to the situation where you need to use it for the purpose outlined in the OP.