Some thoughts about using an AR15 for home defense

[UnSafe]

I wouldn't use Milspec ball 55 or 62gr ammo for 5.56/.223 HD. Why leave wounding potential on the table when you could shoot JSP, tipped HP or JHP (Designed to open, not JHP target ammo)? As for expecting Milspec ammo to "Tumble" and break into two or more segments, (Which is actually to yaw or rotate off centerline axis and hopefully fracture at the cannelure or midsection), meh, it's a hope and a wish, both of which suck. There's no promises with close range, high velocity FMJ wounds. Torso wounds may offer enough distance to make dramatic upset and tissue damage likely but like the above post describes, extremity wounds not involving bone or large vessels can be like "Icepick" wounds.
Speer GD 55gr JSP, Hornady TAP and many other duty type ammo versions are going to optimize the wounding potential.

As far as pistol vs. carbine for any kind of defense, if there's space and arms to use a carbine, I'd be all over it. Two handed aiming of a longer & more stable object, tremendous muzzle blast of a short barreled AR, ammo/ velocity capable of much more than any common handgun cartridge, 31 reliable rounds, chance to put multiple rounds into an assailant rapidly, etc., that's all good stuff.

 

[KOPBET]

What was the kid in BA using? It seemed to work pretty well.

 

[dennishoddy]

What was the kid in BA using? It seemed to work pretty well.

Other than being an AR, I never heard what round was used.

 

[ldp4570]

Lets see, most distances in the home are less than 10yds, unless you live in a mansion, 5.56 that close probably won't expand even with the light 45gr varmint loads. The bullet is just moving to fast. Now if you get a chest shot or head it would probably do enough damage to put them down. Myself I use a M1 Carbine loaded with 110gr soft points, but thats only if I have time to grab it. Except when I'm horizontal I'm always carrying my G19 which is on my night stand when I go to sleep. I also keep a Mossberg 500SP Tactical 20Ga with seven rounds of #2 Buck. That should take care of any issues I should run into.

Back to the M1 Carbine, I think its a better HD weapon than the AR is due to larger projectile, an a lower velocity. Report isn't as loud, rifle is shorter, lighter, and even though it doesn't normally carry as many rounds as an AR, I feel that 15rds is more than enough to get the job done.

 

[HiredHand]

Has anyone modified their AR15 to be optimized for self defense at short range?
Current AR15s generally have a 1/7 to 1/9 twist rate. That stabilizes the bullets for long range shooting. The originals have a 1/12 twist rate so the bullets were less stable and would tumble on impact. So, at short range, 1/12 twist would have better terminal characteristics.

The faster twist stabilizes heavy or long for caliber bullets, I would suggest you start reading the stickied posts by DocGKR over at the pistol-forum. https://pistol-forum.com/forumdisplay.php?19-Ammunition

 

[adamsredlines]

I'd think an AR set up for HD would be a "big bore subsonic"...300AAC or 458 Socom, preferrably suppressed but I guess that would go for any firearm in the house....and short as possible.

That being said, I'll stick with my 9 shot Mossberg as my primary.

 

[D. Hargrove]

AR for HD is kinda like my wife wanting to use her FNH 5-7 for HD (long story), just too many better options out there. Some won't even over penetrate and enter the kid's side of the house (that is how I sold her). I truly believe a Semi-Auto 12 or 20 gauge with #2 buck and a slug barrel will handle most situations proficiently.

 

[O4L]

I used to think that a shotgun was a better option for me until I did some research and decided that an AR would be a better choice.

I think that if you do some honest research you may be surprised at what you find.

I know one thing for sure, if the bad guy I'm up against has an AR, I sure want to have one too.

 

[dennishoddy]

I used to think that a shotgun was a better option for me until I did some research and decided that an AR would be a better choice.

I think that if you do some honest research you may be surprised at what you find.

I know one thing for sure, if the bad guy I'm up against has an AR, I sure want to have one too.

The misconception that a shotgun fired down a hallway at 10-15' is going to sweep everybody, everything out in front of it is not true. Its not much better than a rifle at those ranges. Devastating when it hits, but one still has to aim it.

 

[HiredHand]

Took a shotgun class with TDSA this weekend, Federal Flight Control 00 buck throws a ragged hole pattern at 10-15'.