Triangle Tactical Podcast and Blog on Guns, Gear, and Competition Shooting
While surfing the web earlier this morning I came across a forum post (I’d link to it, but I can’t find it now) where someone asked about using a .30-30 lever action rifle for home defense.
I’ve always been a fan of the lever guns. My first gun that was actually mine was a Winchester 94 in .30-30, that my dad bought me for deer hunting. I’ve referred to it as the “poor man’s assault rifle” many times and I wouldn’t feel under-gunned with it in a home defense situation.
I was surprised while reading the forum thread this morning seeing so many people advocate against using the .30-30 lever gun for home defense. In my opinion, it’s a great cartridge (very similar to the 7.62×39 ballistically) and with some practice shooting it fast isn’t hard. The only real downside I see is reloading it is slow and cumbersome, but if it’s what you have, it certainly beats a sharp stick and harsh words.
What say you?
Anyone who thinks that a .30-30 lever action rifle is NOT one of the most effective firearms ever made is just rock stupid.
I think it’s an awesome gun and an awesome round. But for self defense, I tend to be a bit lazy.
I’d much rather go, “bang, bang, bang” instead of, “bang, click-click, bang, click-click, bang.”
But that’s just me. 😀
Your average lever-action rifle is about the same length as your average short-barrel pump shotgun (the neighborhood of 39 inches), which I’d suggest offers an edge to the M4, which is a good 6″ shorter. I have had the chance to practice clearing a house, and it’s one instance where size actually matters.
Also don’t know if frangible 30/30 is available, but if you’re concerned about over-penetration, and M4 and shotguns both offer low-penetration alternatives (I know of your deep love for birdshot, but there are plenty of steps between 00 buck and size 8 birdshot).
Given how amped people get in real-life defense situations, “shoot what you know” is probably better advice than hair-splitting the differences in weapons.