glenn1: Believe it or not, our home defense weapon (i.e. hapless burgler inside the house) is a shotgun. Reason is our daughter is in the other room. I have a couple of older wheel guns (love 'em for that reliability), but worry about a bullet penetrating the drywall.
I too am from a military background. Only fired the M4 once before I retired. It's pretty cool and fairly accurate. Seemed the flight of the round dropped more than a '16A2 though.
Yes, M24! I fired her once at ANCOC at Fort Benning in 1993. Shot very well. I was impressed! Man, I was hitting silhouettes out to 500 meters. No cheek piece either. Just picked it up and commenced firing. Hadn't even held the weapon before. Smooth and sweet!
That was a real cool demonstration shoot for senior NCOs. Also fired the .50 cal sniper rifle that day. Not much kick, but the blast just shocks you so much. What a killer rifle! I can see why SF/Rangers/USMC Recon/Delta Force use it. It'll take out nearly anything, including wheeled vehicles.
But, you know, that old M21 was a beauty. Solid. 20 round mag also made you feel a little better even though the idea is one shot, one kill.
I love those old .38 Detective Specials. Super reliable. Fits well in the hand. Good to have around as you know it's gonna work when needed.