When talking about the best AR 15 for home defense, there’s really no simple answer.
What we do know is that the AR-15 rifle can definitely be personalized into a true home defense platform for indoor fighting. It’s adaptable, tactical, and really powerful if customized with the proper gear.
But, how to really kick it up a notch and build an AR-15 rifle for home defense?
In today’s discussion, we’ll highlight the most important things to consider when structuring your own personal home defense AR 15 setup and show you how to build an AR-15 for home defense.
Why Use AR-15 For Home Defense?
There are lots of reasons why AR-15 rifles are suitable for home defense.
A small centerfire rifle caliber like the 5.56 packs a punch while still being balanced enough not to pierce through walls and do unnecessary damage to your property.
But, that’s not the only reason why the AR 15 home defense platform works like a charm. It’s the magnified customization options and countless aftermarket opportunities.
You can get yourself a good stock, sights, buttstock, trigger, and grips, and you’ll have yourself a powerful machine that delivers excellent stopping power and accuracy.
Besides that, there are also characteristics like a lightweight and ergonomic feel, many pistols and short-barreled types to choose from, as well as an unbeatable affordable price tag on lots of models.
Indoor Combat & Home Defense Challenges
The best AR 15 caliber for home defense is nothing without proper maneuverability. Home defense with an AR-15 rifle comes with its challenges.
Be mindful of these factors when using an AR-15 home defense platform:
Lack of lights: Having no lights or luminescent optics on your rifle can be disastrous. Burglars operate more throughout the night than day, and a simple light flash will scare them off. This beats wasting bullets, no doubt.
Avoid snagging parts: You shouldn’t use aftermarket parts for your AR-15 rifle that can snag easily to walls, drapes, and other jagged objects in your home. Remember to customize for maximum tactical performance. Anything that decreases your mobility should be taken out of the equation, and this means going for a less-jagged build on your AR-15.
Unnecessary damage: In the scenario that you really need to open fire, the 5.56 caliber can really do heavy collateral damage that can penetrate through walls. Never put your trust in overpowered bullet types when home defense is in question, especially if you live in apartment blocks.
What To Consider When Building a Home Defense AR-15: List of Recommendations
Best Caliber for a Home Defense Rifle
Choosing a proper caliber can be difficult when an AR 15 setup for home defense is in question.
What’s important is that you keep your attention on the 5.56 NATO rounds, and the .300 Blackout (or .300 BLK). Both the classic 5.56 and the luxury item .300 BLK have their own unique characteristics that make home defense a breeze, especially in CQC, or close-quarters combat.
The .300 BLK has much better stopping power than the 5.56, but it’s definitely more expensive, so it entirely depends on your budget.
Additionally, you will also need to opt for a more balanced round for home defense, so your 5.56 is definitely your best bet.
Parts to Consider When Building a Home Defense AR-15
The 5.56 is a great round that doesn’t over-penetrate, and it’s arguably the best for home defense and tight-corner maneuvers.
However, there’s still the issue of shot placement and optimizing your ergonomics. This is where your aftermarket considerations play a major role.
Let’s check out the parts that can help you craft the best home defense AR-15 platform to keep your property safe.
Lights
There’s no AR-15 home defense rifle without a proper light.
When self-defense is in question, you will almost always find yourself in low-light conditions. So, it’s crucial that you have a properly sized flash that can illuminate and possibly scare off would-be burglars.
We recommend the Arisaka which offers solid durability, brightness, and an excellent price tag. Military-grade lights can be costly, so the Arisaka might be your best bet within the 325 lumens and 23,000 candela light power that can reach up to 100 meters!
Red Dots
Red dots are arguably better than iron sights. However, it’s not worth it when your red dot sights are difficult to control or offer tedious sight in dim conditions.
For the ultimate close-quarters aiming solution, the SIG Romeo 5 Red Dot with 10 illumination settings (8 daylight and 2 night vision) has your back.
It’s characterized by a motion-activated illumination system that preserves battery, along with a Picatinny interface and a waterproof surface that can give you an excellent tactical edge.
Barrel Length
A 5.56 caliber is better than a .300 BLK when you’re using shorter barrels like 10.5-inch AR-15 barrels, or even SBR configurations.
For home defense, tighter spaces means shorter barrels. That being said, there really is no “best size AR-15 for home defense”, only your own personal ergonomic feel is what matters.
Muzzle Device
Muzzle devices like flash suppressors and compensators can help with adding stability and better handling when firing your AR-15. Managing your recoil is a breeze when you have the proper muzzle device.
The NOX Muzzle Device from Sons of Liberty Gun Works can be an excellent choice for controlling your rate of fire.
Conclusion
As you can see, customizing your AR-15 rifle for home defense can be a very rewarding undertaking as you approach the tactical route.
With personalized tweaking in mind, you can turn an AR-15 rifle into your very own home defense AR 15 platform that offers decent maneuverability.
With a good barrel, grips, stock, and sights, it’s important that you make the AR-15 rifle your very own extension. But, most importantly, you’ll also need to practice with your new setup.
Once you have the setup and practice in order, only then you’ll see your rifle’s true potential, and there’s no better way to enhance your platform than with Mid State Firearms.
Stay safe, and shoot straight with your AR 15 build for home defense!