The AR-15 is America’s rifle—plain and simple. If you don’t already own one (or several), you need to fix that ASAP. It’s one of the most versatile and enjoyable rifles to shoot, whether you’re hunting, hitting the range, or competing.
But when it comes down to it, home defense is the real reason many people own firearms. And with an AR-15, you can stretch that role even further—protecting your home, your property, and even taking care of varmints or deer-sized game with the right setup. Plus, let’s be honest—there’s nothing wrong with hours of range time just for fun.
Now, if home defense is your only priority, you don’t need to stress too much about having the perfect stock, trigger, or high-end optics. A simple, well-set-up rifle will do the job just fine. But here’s the thing—not all ARs are created equal, and how you configure yours does matter.
If you’re running an 18-inch barrel with a high-powered scope, for example, you might have a great setup for long-range shooting—but it’s not exactly ideal for defending your hallway at 2 a.m.
Quality
It is difficult to mess up the AR-15. Functional rifles are available for less than five hundred dollars. PSA, Anderson, and Radical are among these. If needed, an aftermarket trigger may be added, and optics are up for grabs. There are many choices. Then there is LWRC, Colt, Daniel Defense, and a few others. Springfield is among my favorites.
The bottom line is that the AR gives you an edge against an armed invasion of the home. The advantages in handling hit probability and often reliability in the AR versus a handgun are demonstrable. Many folks need good protection but are challenged by the handgun. An AR-15 rifle evens the odds. Gangs are comprised of individuals in packs whose sorry existence is validated by the mob mentality. They will do things in groups of two or three that an individual would never attempt.
The AR-15 offers an edge. The stock is easily adjusted to the individual’s size, build, and clothing. Forends are good in most types. You may wish to use a MagPul stock and forend, maybe a forward handle. The forward handle is more likely to snag on something in home defense. Your mileage may vary.
The question of the AR pistol comes up often. My ARs differ in set-up, but one is set up specifically for close-range use—home interior to 50 yards. That’s close range for an AR. As for AR pistols, I have fired AR pistols and given one an honest try for several months. Sure, they are easy to use, and the good ones are reliable. Here is what I find. The AR and the .223 cartridge get their effect from high velocity.
The 55 to 62-grain loads I use in the home defender break 2,700 to 3,000 fps. The short-barrel pistol with the same ammunition is cut to 2400 fps. Muzzle flash and blast result from powder that isn’t burned in the short barrel.
The powder burns outside the barrel, presenting a tremendous muzzle signature and blast. This results in deafening noise. Sure, a suppressor solves that problem, but most shooters don’t have the funds to invest in a suppressor.
I prefer the 16-inch barrel gun.
For many years, the 18-inch barrel riot shotgun was the gold standard for home defense, and we got along fine. In fact, the half dozen or so shotgun defense incidents I invested over 20 years or more in uniform all involved a full-size sporting shotgun.
We go with what we know and simply shoot the threat. The 16-inch carbine is a useful home defender given training and is a fine all-around choice for emergency use.
The .223/5.56mm caliber is proven
Bullets fragment and create a void in tissue, something that no handgun may achieve. The chances of overpenetration are limited. A .223 JHP penetrates less home material than most 9mm and .45 handgun loads.
There is little incentive to choose any other caliber. The .300 Blackout is acceptable, but based on economy and proven performance, I chose the .223. For home defense, the 9mm AR is a thought. It certainly beats any handgun.
If I go the 9mm route, I would prefer a small folding carbine such as the S&W FPC, but that is beyond the scope of this report. The 9mm gains a modest amount of velocity in a carbine barrel. Hit probability is increased dramatically with the AR, and the 9mm is acceptable in firing ranges that prohibit full-power rifle cartridges. Even with FMJ loads, the .223 is a proven caliber.
Two factors limit the need for follow-up shots: you are more likely to connect with every shot with a rifle, and you are more likely to stop the threat with a single shot than with any handgun round. Both personal and public safety are served with the AR.
So- we have a reliable AR-15, carbine style, in .223. What’s next?
Let’s consider the environment in which you will be using the rifle.
Defensive actions seldom take place in total darkness, where there is some ambient light. If you have an MLOK forend, mount a combat light. A mounted light is good to have. For rapid target acquisition, the AR should have a red dot. Fast, reliable, and offering excellent hit probability, the red dot is the go-to choice for an AR.
The red dot offers a greater field of view as the shooter fires with both eyes open. Peripheral vision is an important part of situational awareness. My latest AR set up for home defense features a Riton ARD– affordable and useful.
If you wish to set up an LWRC with an Aimpoint, of course, do so. But for the budget-minded, well, we all have a budget, large or small. Good and inexpensive is often possible.
Some ARs still rock the old-school military-style forend. If you’re into nostalgia, that’s totally fine. But if you want to mount a combat light—or any other accessories—you’ll need something more modern, like a rail system. The two most common options? Picatinny and M-LOK. Shooters have strong opinions on both, but there are some key differences to consider.
Picatinny rails are tough, reliable, and widely compatible, but they come with some trade-offs. They’re heavier and can be pretty rough on your hands unless you cover the unused sections. On the flip side, M-LOK is a slot-based system that’s lighter, smoother, and more streamlined. Instead of a bulky rail, M-LOK attachments lock in with an internal rotating lever, keeping things low-profile when you’re not using accessories.
Personally, I prefer M-LOK—it’s more comfortable for bare hands, which is what you’re likely using in a home defense situation. Both systems work, but if you’re looking for a setup that won’t tear up your hands and still gives you solid mounting options, M-LOK is the way to go.
So what is the best AR 15 for home defense?
We use black rifle or AR as a generic term. Some are much more refined than others.
In short purchase the best rifle you can afford, the best red dot you can afford, and practice.
Train with affordable ammo and use the best for home defense. It is really that simple.
Where To Buy
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