I wouldn't suggest a rifle for a home defense gun.Because if you miss and sometime you will get a pass through,what happens if that bullet goes through a wall and hit someone in the other room(wife or kids)?It could even go into the next house.But if you live in the middle of nowhere and by yourself,i'd say go for it,but why not a shotgun loaded with a double aught buck?Stops anyone at close range alot quicker than a rifle will anyday.