Is the AR15 or a any Semi Auto Rifle a Must for me?

[PTAGP100]

Hi Everyone, I just want to get you guys point of view. I dont want to create a Flame war.
I bought my first firearm back in 2017, its a Ruger GP 100 357 magnum(taught me a great deal about basic marksmanship especially trigger control). I thought that was the first and only firearm that I would want and need. Then 2018 came I read somewhere the saying 1 is none and 2 is one so I decided I needed a 2nd firearm. My thought process was I needed versatility and I needed something that would make me learn another weapon platform so I decided for the Glock 20sf a semi auto which i am able to use 10mm with a conversion barrel im able to shoot 40sw and 22lr(made me learn how to remedy malfunctions).
Just before Covid struck I bought another firearm and really thought this was the last purchase ever, I got a Stainless GP 100(just a safe queen and no plans of shooting it)
Now fast forward Covid and the Riots and increased attacks on Asians like me. I got scared ****less and wanted increased firepower so I scrambled for a semi auto shotgun got me a 1301 Mariner a few months ago. I have just taken it to the range one time and OMG I fell in love with the holes it made, lol. At this point I feel all I have will suffice for my self and family defence needs and also for range target shooting needs.
I apologize for the long story and rambling.
My big question is am I missing something for not having an AR 15 or any other semi auto rifle?
Am I undergunned? For home defense purposes?
I have shot an M16A2 back in basic Ft Jackson 2002 and qualified sharpshooter. That was the first time I handled a firearm(i was born and raised in the Philippines). And that triggered my fascination and love for firearms btw.
I am on a very strict budget so that holds me back from owning one or even purchasinganother firearm ever.
Again im sorry for the long story and rambling, lol.

[Garbcollector]

For home defense a good pump action 12 gauge shotgun will work fine

[Divernhunter]

buy what YOU like and not what others think you should have.
That said a rifle is nice to have. not really required for home defense. A 22RF is cheap and you can shoot it a lot with out spending a bunch on ammo. A 223/5.56 is also usually cheaper than most other rifle center fire cartridges and they are chambered in all sort of actions. There are other 223 chambered semi-auto rifles besides the AR15. The mini 14 is one and a lot of fun to shoot. Bolt actions are also good and usually cheaper and often more accurate.

Mostly you are missing fun by not having a couple of rifles----one being a 22RF. A 22RF is also a good choice for a pistol for practice and fun.

[PTAGP100]

Thanks for the inputs Garb and Diver!!

[ComBlocAddict]

Assuming you are in a normal urban or suburban environment, a handgun is typically sufficient for most encounters. However, I would feel a little nervous about the capacity. I can live with 10 rounds, maybe even 8 if reloads are fast, but 6 is not ideal in my mind. However, 99% of HD encounters you’ll be fine with 6 rounds.

Your shotgun is PLENTY from a ballistic point of view. Being a semiauto eliminates some of the downsides of a shotgun (most people will make mistakes with a pump under pressure). A mag extension can get you a few more shots before running dry. While I am very capable of fast reloading under the pressure of a tactical match, I would not plan on having the presence of mind to do it in a real situation. Tossing a cheap shotgun card on the side so you have a few shells handy won’t hurt anything.

So, no, you don’t need an AR for HD. During the BLM protests last year people got freaked out and started thinking about how they would defend against a large group. That’s a different scenario and there’s a lot more to it than just weapons. But unless you’re in an urban area you can ignore it.

[koto0188]

A good rifle is always a good idea to have. Since you are on a strict budget I would say to build it. You can buy a part here or and a part there and build it over a period of time. Fun project, great way to learn the platform, I recommend everyone have at least one rifle

[PTAGP100]

Thanks and your spot on, I do worry about capcity! I do have the Glock 20sf for a 10 round capacity but im still more comfortable with the heavy trigger pull of my revolver(training issue). I will switch to my Glock as my HD when I get a formal handgun training.

[PTAGP100]

A good rifle is always a good idea to have. Since you are on a strict budget I would say to build it. You can buy a part here or and a part there and build it over a period of time. Fun project, great way to learn the platform, I recommend everyone have at least one rifle

Im not gonna lie, i lack man skills, lol. I might jack that up if I build it myself.

[Fishslayer]

For home defense a good pump action 12 gauge shotgun will work fine

^^^ This. More practical.

If budget allows, nothing wrong with 30 rounds of green tips on tap though.

[PTAGP100]

^^^ This. More practical.

If budget allows, nothing wrong with 30 rounds of green tips on tap though.

Sir l thought standard capacity mags are banned again?

[plumbum]

Do you need one? Probably not.
Do you want one? Maybe?
Should you have one? Yeah...

I assume you mean a semiauto centerfire "battle rifle". Because everyone needs a 10/22, but it isn't exactly a defensive rifle (with some specific exceptions).
For me personally, I've long been more of a fan of defensive shotguns over defensive carbine for SHTF, plus I had some cheap SKS and 9mm carbines - I just never got into AR's. They're just 'meh' for me (but I do have a few now, because why not.)

An AR clone in .22 LR is a great alternative if you want to train, but don't feel the need to throw money at .223 cases. Ruger PC Carbine is also a good alternative.

[musick]

Need? No.

I see firearms like a golfer sees clubs, different tools for different situations and I want the right tool for the job at hand. A semi rifle is something I don't want to be without.

[PTAGP100]

Do you need one? Probably not.
Do you want one? Maybe?
Should you have one? Yeah...

I assume you mean a semiauto centerfire "battle rifle". Because everyone needs a 10/22, but it isn't exactly a defensive rifle (with some specific exceptions).
For me personally, I've long been more of a fan of defensive shotguns over defensive carbine for SHTF, plus I had some cheap SKS and 9mm carbines - I just never got into AR's. They're just 'meh' for me (but I do have a few now, because why not.)

An AR clone in .22 LR is a great alternative if you want to train, but don't feel the need to throw money at .223 cases. Ruger PC Carbine is also a good alternative.

Yup you nailed it my question is about a main Battle Rifle. AR's, M1A, Galil etc...i really dont want to invest on a Pistol Caliber Carbine.

[PTAGP100]

Need? No.

I see firearms like a golfer sees clubs, different tools for different situations and I want the right tool for the job at hand. A semi rifle is something I don't want to be without.

Like an insurance Policy, id rather have it and not need it than need it and then not have it.
When I can afford to buy one, i might get one...... but for the time being
Do you think a semi auto shotgun like my 1301 be a decent substitute for a semi rifle?

[evlblkrfl]

Btw...you don't need a conversion barrel to shoot .40 out of a Glock 20. Just load the magazine and shoot it as is....