In that case I would recommend an AR-15.. problem is, getting one.

The AK platform is useful in this regard as well, just do not expect that it is going to be accurate. they are not and never will be.

My first recommendation would be a 16" AR-15.. mainly because of the availability of mags ammo and extras.. although it makes no sense to turn a light fast handling carbine into a heavy carbine with a ton of shit hanging on it.

KISS keep it simple son.

After that I would look at the Mini series of carbines, ruger has done a good job on them and i use a mini-30 pretty regularly for shooting hogs out to 300. They are a short range carbine that can be used in a defensive role if needed.

Full size .308 (7.62x51) battle rifles are heavy, expensive and hard to feed.. The FN-FAL or FSL is a fine battle rifle.. but it also weighs ten pounds and will take you some time to get used to.

After that you have therifles that you might be able to get today.. i do not feel undergunned with a model 94 winchester in 30-30 or a pistol caliber 92 carbine.

neither of them look like "evil black rifles" either and are fast handling and hard hitting.

I have both.

You may be able to find a 94 and the ammo is abundant.

Bolt actions take a lot of practice and skill to operate, quickly and accurately.

A 12 ga. shotgun in a 20 inch barrel might be an option as well. Look to remington.. i have had mossbergs fail on me and shoot #4 or 00 buck. Do not use birdshot as a defensive load.

No matter what you get, make sure you get enough ammo to practice with and be PROFICIENT.. that is not two boxes and you have one and a half left.

you need to develop skill and good habits.. that is going to take no less than several hundred rounds.

Good luck!