Is an AR-15 Appropriate for Home Defense?

[Tallbear]

Is an AR-15 appropriate for home defense? That’s a really big question, isn’t it? Way too big a question for a single article to address in adequate detail. So we’ll look at one issue at a time.
First, since AR-15 rifles cause all nature of mainstream media histrionics, we’ll consider the “high-power” issue, which in a practical sense, translates to penetration. If you torch off a .223 Remington or 5.56mm round indoors, will the building explode? Listening to the news, you might think so.


http://www.outdoorhub.com/stories/ar...9&utm_content=

[moose67]

Absolutely with the versatility the AR15 offers, who says you need to have it in.223/5x56 you could go with a 9mm 10mm .40cal or .45acp for home use would think the purpose would be the amount of fire you could lay down, not necessarily the caliber used.

[GreaseMonkeySRT]

My ear drums are throbbing just thinking about lighting off a 5.56 round indoors without hearing protection.

[Sgt 45]

Yes, it's a very capable weapon. Noise is an issue therefor a suppressor might be in order. Time to repeal NFA 1932.

[elwarpo]

I would avoid a rifle caliber bullet for home defense, unless you live alone and have no neighbors within a mile. Over penetration is way too much of an issue.

Positives
lots of firepower
long guns are more instinctive for pointing than pistols
good hand to hand weapon close in (club)

Negatives
Weapon is longer than a pistol so more difficult to use in tight spaces
over penetration of most calibers
needs 2 hands to operate

[GreaseMonkeySRT]

I would avoid a rifle caliber bullet for home defense, unless you live alone and have no neighbors within a mile. Over penetration is way too much of an issue.

Positives
lots of firepower
long guns are more instinctive for pointing than pistols
good hand to hand weapon close in (club)

Negatives
Weapon is longer than a pistol so more difficult to use in tight spaces
over penetration of most calibers
needs 2 hands to operate

If you have a smaller house with tight rooms/hallways, pistol is the way to go. I think a nice shotgun with 00 buck in a large open concept style house would work well in that environment.

[Donzie]

I would avoid a rifle caliber bullet for home defense, unless you live alone and have no neighbors within a mile. Over penetration is way too much of an issue.

Positives
lots of firepower
long guns are more instinctive for pointing than pistols
good hand to hand weapon close in (club)

Negatives
Weapon is longer than a pistol so more difficult to use in tight spaces
over penetration of most calibers
needs 2 hands to operate

Plenty of loads out there will penetrate less than 9mm ball ammo.

[10x25mm]

The M4 style carbine with its adjustability, light weight, low recoil, and close spaced controls is simply ideal for many women who are not confident in their handgun skills. The M855 5.56mm round is ideal for dealing with vehicular borne problems, but the same penetrating capability makes it a hazard in a close packed house/neighborhood. The pistol caliber conversions work well (I have a 10mm Olympic upper ) and offer an excellent alternative. Ultimately, you have to consider the safety of your backstop, even in defensive situations - and even with a pistol or pistol caliber carbine.

[thatguy423]

All you need is a double barrel shotgun.. 2 through the door..

[cmr19xx]

Interesting article. I was a little surprised by the results.