Need advice: AK-47 for self defense in a residential area?

Illuminaughty · Post by **Illuminaughty** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:04 pm

So here's the situation. I have a few aks, and I've been thinking of letting my parents keep one at their house to use as self defense. My parents keep putting off getting a gun even though there's been break ins in the area before. Now I would normally give them a pistol or something, but AKs are the name of the game. I don't have any shotguns, I only have 1 pistol (my carry pistol), and my FAL would only make penetration issues worse. So my question is... is giving my AK to my parents for self defense just a potential liability, or is it at least something? Would hollow points not penetrate as much as FMJ? What's everyone's advice on this? I'd like my parents to have a firearm there, and I'd like to have access to one when I stay down there (which is pretty frequently) without having to lug one down there every time. Advice?

CincinnastyKid · Post by **CincinnastyKid** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:45 pm

IMHO

I think if we had a natural disaster like Katrina, we were invaded, or had to take up arms against our own Government, an AK would be a valuable asset. For typical home defense, I think a shotgun or handgun is adequate defense.

-Kid

Post by **NavyChief** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 8:02 pm

I agree completely with Kid. A shotgun or handgun make much more sense. Having said that, I also firmly believe an AK readily available is a lot more valuable than a shotgun you might buy next week...

Illuminaughty · Post by **Illuminaughty** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 8:20 pm

The situation is as such that buying a shotgun or revolver or selling an AK to do so isn't feasible in the slightest. So its either give my parents an AK for home defense now, or maybe wait a few months to see if I can cough up a spare shotgun or revolver or something.

Even if I decide its a liablity to bring an AK down there (which I'm not thinking it is) I'd still keep an AK down there, I'd just lock up the ammunition.

Post by **NavyChief** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 8:38 pm

I don't see it as a liability - just as not the best tool for the job. Sometimes ya' gotta work with what ya' got 'til ya' can get better tools...

CincinnastyKid · Post by **CincinnastyKid** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 8:38 pm

I'd rather have an AK than nothing.

-Kid

Illuminaughty · Post by **Illuminaughty** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 8:42 pm

Thanks for the input guys.

jabeatty · Post by **jabeatty** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 11:22 pm

Illuminaughty wrote:Even if I decide its a liablity to bring an AK down there (which I'm not thinking it is) I'd still keep an AK down there, I'd just lock up the ammunition.

You've said "down there" a couple times now... are they Ohio residents, or is "down there" something more like Florida?

If out of state, you will need to transfer that AK through an FFL if you intend it to be their property or under their primary control.

Illuminaughty · Post by **Illuminaughty** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 1:56 am

jabeatty wrote:
Illuminaughty wrote:Even if I decide its a liablity to bring an AK down there (which I'm not thinking it is) I'd still keep an AK down there, I'd just lock up the ammunition.
You've said "down there" a couple times now... are they Ohio residents, or is "down there" something more like Florida?

If out of state, you will need to transfer that AK through an FFL if you intend it to be their property or under their primary control.

No, they're in ohio, just an hour or so south of me.

Glock23 · Post by **Glock23** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 12:23 pm

The 7.62x39 round will stop an intruder, but overpenatration is an issue, as with most rifles. A lot of it would depend on the surrounding area/homes. And as others before me have said, anything is better than nothing. Also, if you parents aren't gun conscious, a rifle will have an easier learning curve than a typical auto pistol and better accuracy. In the long run I would try to convince them to purchase a shotgun. Used mossberg 500s can be had for really cheap prices (around my area 120-150) in good condition. This give you a nice club, an intimidation factor to the would be robber/intruder, and much better accuracy and stopping power for a novice. My .02.

haspelbein · Post by **haspelbein** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 3:50 pm

The 7.62x39mm round does penetrate a lot, no matter if it is an FMJ, HP or SP, so overpenetration is definitely a issue. That being said: Both handgun bullets suitable for self-defense as well as buckshot will penetrate drywall. In a tightly populated residential area there is simply no substitute for hitting your target.

gunsho919 · Post by **gunsho919** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 4:26 pm

Me, I keep my Bushmaster M4 handy for homedefensive purposes. I figure overpenetration will be the last thing on my mind when Im pumping 30 rounds into some thug that has broke into my house. I also keep my Glock and Sig handy. But its just a matter of which one I get to first.

rickt · Post by **rickt** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 5:56 pm

Define "not tightly packed". In my suburban neighborhood, I wouldn't dare use my AK. Even after penetrating the BG, the rounds would still end up in my neighbor's house.

Only in a TEOTWAWKI-type scenario would I consider using it around here.

ScottyPotty · Post by **ScottyPotty** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 10:39 pm

Both handgun bullets suitable for self-defense as well as buckshot will penetrate drywall

yeah but the 7.62x39mm will go through the BG, then drywall, through the side of the house, through the neighbors house.......

the penetration/energy of a high powered rifle is amazing....

rickt · Post by **rickt** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 3:34 pm

It's a shame the Box O' Truth hasn't tested the 7.62x39 round.

http://www.theboxotruth.com/

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