If you're considering self/home defense - an AR-15 or pistol with 30-100 rounds of ammunition is enough.
Doesn't that depend on what your 'neighbors' have? And (if so,) how do you know what they have?!?
Besides, as other have said, weapons are useless w/o knowing how to use them.
It doesn't really matter what your neighbors have. An AR-15 is an effective firearm for home defense (see the quotes and link further down).
And I 100% advocate for training. If you pick up a firearm, meet with a reputable instructor,train, and learn the proper use/function of the firearm. Relevant resource here:
http://www.recoilweb.com/a-training-roadmap-one-instructors-suggestions-37199.htmlNot to mention the fact that the odds of you being in a situation to use a firearm in self defense are so small its hardly worth the cost of owning a weapon at all ;)
Except for when that event actually occurs, and the cost of not owning a firearm is potentially your life, or the life of your loved ones.
Some may feel self defense isn't something they wish to concern themselves with due to the low probability of needing to. Personally I view it like insurance. I probably won't need to defend myself, but if I do I'd rather have the means than not.
BTW.....a 10 gauge shorty is the only weapon Id use for self defense.
I'll take an AR-15 every time. And most well known/respected firearms trainers (most of which are ex LEO/military SF) would do the same:
Matt Graham of Graham Combat
"Nine out of 10 times I’m gonna take a carbine. The 10th time I’m going to use my pistol to go get it. In the theory of bring enough gun, carbine trumps pistol every time. Everything you can do with a pistol, you can do with a carbine but you have greater lethality. All penetration tests support a carbine, it’s just a better platform."
Kyle Lamb of Viking Tactics:
“I tell ya Dave, my first choice for home defense would be a rifle for sure, an AR. One, it’s very maneuverable. If you don't feel you can maneuver with a carbine you just need some training. I run a 16” gun all the time and have no problem moving it around. Two, you have more firepower, with 30 rounds in the mag—and yes, I run 30 rounds in my 30 rounders."
Matt Jacques of Victory First
"A rifle is a very viable home defense weapon—provided you have the proper training."
Larry Vickers - Vickers Tactical
"I would disagree with that [the assertion that a rifle you should not use a rifle for self defense in the home]. Everybody shoots a rifle better. It takes a much higher level of skill to use a handgun efficiently; achieving proficiency with a rifle is substantially easier than with a handgun. That alone trumps any lack of maneuverability. If you have access to a rifle, that should be the first thing you grab. The bottom line is, you’re better off with a carbine with a red dot and a magazine that has roughly twice the magazine capacity of that of a handgun. You’ve got a lot more going for you with a long gun than a handgun."
Pat Rogers
"The 5.56mm carbine (don’t even consider 9x19mm or .40cal long guns to be carbines), especially the AR Family of Weapons is ergonomic, extremely reliable, and carries a sufficient amount of ammunition on board. Even with a 16” barrel it is easy to use within residences. Cops and military do that everyday, and under extreme circumstances. It is certainly shorter than a shotgun with an 18” barrel. It is the easiest of any of the commonly available weapons to manipulate or shoot."
"Let’s put this to rest right now. Rifles are not only a suitable arm for the “defense of hearth and home” they are (all things being equal) the best arm for it."http://www.breachbangclear.com/the-truth-about-rifles-for-hearth-and-home/
