Author Topic: Home Defense ... Bayonets? (Read 787 times)

Halo · « **on:** October 11, 2006, 12:16:45 AM »

After all the other gun threads, you knew this was coming: bayonets, smart or dumb move for home defense?

In accessorizing my favorite gun, the M1 carbine, I came across ... bayonets. Hmmm. Having never owned a true military combat gun before, I was nevertheless taken aback at the idea of putting a bayonet on my M1.

Then I thought, why not? Not at the firing range, not anywhere else in public, but in the home, why not?

I found an M4 bayonet at a local gun show. Brought it home, and it was easy to affix to the M1. Clicked right on, just like the movies.

Looks like all business. Very serious. No fooling around. One objection to long guns for home defense, even carbines or short shotguns, is an intruder can grab the barrel easier than a handgun barrel.

A bayonet surely would make that much more iffy.

Psychologically, the bayonet freaks me out. I assume it would have a worse effect on any intruder. Just another whole level of deterrence.

Makes me uneasy to see bayonets anywhere, even pics and movies, because they imply that primitive bloody hand to hand combat is near.

Couple gun threads advocate bayonet on home defense combat gun. Makes sense to me. I have my M4 bayonet mounted (and sheathed -- quick and easy to remove) on my M1 carbine.

I think if I lived on a farm or ranch with critters around, I'd be tempted to carry the M1 carbine with the bayonet attached. Overkill? Maybe. But more important, maybe not.

On the one hand it looks goofy, like some dweeb going for macho. On the other hand, it ups the defensive ante.

Okay, so have you ever for any non military or non law enforcement reason had a gun with a bayonet mounted on it? Does it seem like a good idea in any circumstances, including kept in a closet for home defense?

Have you ever used a bayonet or wished you have one?

Or do you think no home defense gun should ever have a bayonet?

Saintaw · « **Reply #1 on:** October 11, 2006, 12:18:23 AM »

I'm starting to wonder if you are about to open a gun shop or something?

I'd go for the butter knife myself.

rpm · « **Reply #2 on:** October 11, 2006, 12:21:18 AM »

I'd rather have a machete or Bowie knife.

Halo · « **Reply #3 on:** October 11, 2006, 12:21:38 AM »

Naw, no gun shop. But the more I think I know about guns, and the more I research them, the more I realize I don't know.

rabbidrabbit · « **Reply #4 on:** October 11, 2006, 12:23:10 AM »

nothing like the spirit of the cold blue steel.

I know of a few instances of people getting killed by bayonets in training because they got clumsy. That would be your downside.

On the upside, there are few things that command attention more than a fixed blade. Just like a laser floating on the chest of the sound of a racking 12 guage.

Mace2004 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 11, 2006, 12:31:19 AM »

A long gun is not the smart choice for home defense so I don't think I'd condone adding a bayonet to it. A handgun, probably a .45 is overall the best choice for several reasons including the one you mentioned, a long gun can be grabbed. Biggest problem though is it's tough to swing a rifle around...especially if it's a foot and a half longer due to a bayonet. Another big problem is that any rifle will penetrate several walls if fired, not a great idea if your kid is sleeping in the next room. The way I see it, I'm not interested in scaring or intimidating an intruder. If an intruder gets into my house my only plan is to take him down and the best and safest choice is a .45. It's easy to handle, dosn't penetrate walls (much), has good close range stopping power and has multiple shots. If I want to intimidate someone I can always rack the slide, that's guaranteed to get his attention. In a dark house in the middle of the night it's a scary sound.

nirvana · « **Reply #6 on:** October 11, 2006, 12:32:46 AM »

Having no real experience with the M1 or how long the bayonet is, if you can navigate through your house it's be fine. Like you said, i'm sure it'd be a good psychological weapon and if you were to run out of ammunition you still have a back up that is a good little ways from you.

Tarmac · « **Reply #7 on:** October 11, 2006, 12:40:15 AM »

Why an M1 carbine for home defense? Obvious disadvantages are length, relatively poor stopping power, and overpenetration. If you're going to go with a long gun, a 12 guage seems like it would be better as it's got more stopping power and shot is less likely to overpenetrate. But any handgun would be just as effective. The primary advantage of a rifle/carbine is its long range... things that aren't really needed in home defense.

A bayonet on a shotgun could have its uses for home defense, though.

Excel1 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 11, 2006, 01:12:30 AM »

A Mosberg 590 with a fixed bayonet has got a wicked look and some serious deterance value... no offense Halo but the M1 carbine even with a bayonet is cuddly in comparison.

Only thing is, I wouldn't pay the $200 that the bayonet costs in NZ.

Pei · « **Reply #9 on:** October 11, 2006, 03:11:15 AM »

"The cold steel! They don't like it up 'em!" - LCpl Jones

Excel1 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 11, 2006, 03:27:36 AM »

That has to be a line from Dad's Army

Haven't seen it in years but still one of my all time fav programmes

Tac · « **Reply #11 on:** October 11, 2006, 03:55:30 AM »

home defense?

FLASHBANGS baby.

pop one every 4 seconds and nobody is touching you.

Bluedog · « **Reply #12 on:** October 11, 2006, 03:57:33 AM »

A torch (flashlight), or laser attached in the same place would be far more practical wouldn't it?
I mean, if it comes to the point where the bayonet actually becomes a useful tool for home defence, rather than 10 inches of hassle, the weapon it is affixed to has obviously proved to be a miserable failure.
If it comes to that point, your best bet is to ditch the longarm and use the bayonet as a fighting knife.

A brilliant light in the face, or a red dot proclaiming your lack of the need for a split second to aim would scare me a lot more than a bayonet would.
It would also make me easier to see and hit.

Excel1 · « **Reply #13 on:** October 11, 2006, 05:42:59 AM »

I agree, a bayonet on a long arm wouldn't be ideal in a home defence situation, but I can still see a use for it.

If you shoot first and then use the bayonet when the threat is lying dead on the floor it may be an aid in trying to convince the cops that you tried to use equal or at least a minimum force (say a bayonet wound to the gut) but were then forced to use lethal force.

It would just be another twist on the scenario of putting a round into the intruder then one into the ceiling.

I know the concept sounds warped, but consider this: in NZ, where in law, there's no such thing as justifiable homicide and if you kill in self defence you had better not be better armed than the other guy cause if you are then a manslaughter trial is in your future.

It wont make any difference whether it's one, two or three, scrambled brained, meth addicted, machete/knife/bat/iron bar armed home invaders that smashed their way into your home, if you shoot them, even if you have absolutely no choice in order to protect your family and yourself... your in a world of chit.

SuperDud · « **Reply #14 on:** October 11, 2006, 06:55:54 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Excel1
A Mosberg 590 with a fixed bayonet has got a wicked look and some serious deterance value... no offense Halo but the M1 carbine even with a bayonet is cuddly in comparison.

Only thing is, I wouldn't pay the $200 that the bayonet costs in NZ.

I got one of those(without bayonet). I think the racking noise alone would be enough to make anyone run, long before it had to belch any fire. As for it going through walls and such, you just gotta get the right kinda ammo. 8 shot I hear is ideal for home defense because it won't pass through walls plus it has an insane amount of tiny pellets in it. I know a .45 handgun isn't something to laugh about. But for me, I can't think of anything that'll put the fear of God into someone more than that monster pointed at them.