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5 Best Semi-Automatic Rifles for Your Home

Best Semi-Automatic Rifles
AR-15. Image: Creative Commons.

In defending home and hearth from varmints and pests (both two and four-legged), a handgun is nice, but a good semi-automatic rifle is a gamechanger.

The ability to put multiple rounds on target accurately and in short order, at a distance, can often mean the difference between life and death (for you or your livestock) or whether there is dinner on the table. There are many excellent options available, and I will recommend what I consider the best semi-automatic rifles today.

Ruger 10/22

The first rifle on my list is the venerable Ruger 10/22. Designed to mimic the size and weight of the historic M1 Carbine, this compact weapon has made a name for itself as one of the most accurate, reliable, and affordable .22s on the market.

It works great for small game hunting or propped by the back door for varmints, and with a 10-round magazine, it can handle self-defense in a pinch. There is also an endless list of aftermarket accessories available, so you can customize your rifle with ease.

AR-15

Next is the AR-15, which is probably the most recommended and purchased rifle for defending the home.

The semi-auto variant of the military’s M16 / M4 series, the AR-15 can provide accurate fire out to moderate ranges and is powerful enough for deer and larger predators like coyotes.

Infinitely customizable and available in a variety of calibers from .22 LR to .50 Beowulf, there is an AR to fit your needs.

AK-47

At this point, the AK crowd will usually pipe up, and yes, that rifle is next on the list.

Probably the world’s most popular weapon, the reliable AK-47 brings enough horsepower to the table for deer and hogs in the brush, in a compact package that also works well for home defense.

On the current market, the cost of its 7.62×39 ammunition currently averages half the cost of the 5.56×45 needed to feed the AR-15, making it an attractive option right now.

Speaking of which, if you’re looking for a 7.62×39 optic, then I recommend reading my best scopes for 7.62×39 rifles guide.

Ruger Mini-14 and Mini-30

I would also be remiss not to mention the Ruger Mini series of rifles.

Chambered in .223 Remington and 7.62×39, these solidly built carbines serve as reliable utility weapons with little fanfare.

Based on a miniaturized version of the battle-proven M-14, these rifles are durable in the extreme, and their traditionally styled stocks make them a welcome option in locals where a cosmetic feature ban prohibits rifles with a protruding grip.

PTR-91

My final recommendation is a bit of a heavier offering. The PTR-91 is the U.S. built version of the Heckler & Koch 91/G3 rifle; a roller-delayed blowback design proven in combat world-wide.

Available in 7.62×51 NATO, this beast can handle big game like elk and threats at a longer range than the other rifles on this list. Magazines are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. The rifle comes with adjustable sights and a built-in rail for mounting an optic.

The rifle is the tool of choice for trouble, and serious trouble requires a top-quality weapon. The rifles listed here are up to the task if you are. Good luck out there.

Richard Douglas is a long-time shooter, outdoor enthusiast, and technologist. He is the founder and editor of Scopes Field.

Written By

Richard Douglas is a long-time shooter, outdoor enthusiast, and technologist. He is the founder and editor of Scopes Field, and a columnist at The National Interest, Cheaper Than Dirt, Daily Caller, and other publications.

5 Comments

5 Comments

  1. Michael

    July 6, 2021 at 5:16 pm

    Fantastic list! I have 3 out of 5 of these (don’t have AK 47 or Mini 14) – but the Ruger Mini 14 is next on my wishlist.

  2. Zachary Tomlinson

    December 15, 2021 at 7:56 pm

    I totally agree that you should consider the stopping power of a firearm before purchasing one for self-defense. I heard that my friend wants to beef up his home’s ability to repel threats such as intruders. Maybe stocking up on rifle ammo for a compatible rifle could help him with this.

  3. Dana Liveston

    February 17, 2022 at 4:13 am

    I think military style automatic fire arms are what’s behind all the gun violence in this country.And I think any normal citizen in this country deep down inside believe this to be true.Do the math.

  4. Aman Sharma

    August 10, 2022 at 12:52 am

    I really like the rifles on this list! I’m looking for a semi-automatic rifle that I can use for home defense and hunting. I think I’ll be checking out some of these options!

  5. Dealer License Nevada

    January 18, 2023 at 8:39 pm

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