I don't think you need an automatic or even a semi automatic weapon to defend your home against intrusion. And in this day and age where government is armed to the teeth, good luck defending yourself against them, that ship sailed long time ago. Even in the civil war when government didn't have the new weapons they have today, the confederate states eventually lost the war. I think you should protect the first amendment, that's the only thing that's going to shield your from the government.