When it comes to selecting a firearm for home defense, many homeowners immediately think of handguns or shotguns. However, rifles are quickly gaining recognition as powerful, reliable options for protecting one’s home and family. This guide will help you choose the best rifle for home defense.
Why Choose a Rifle for Home Defense?
The handgun is the most common home-defense firearm, followed by the shotgun. But the rifle deserves serious consideration. Some consider the rifle too powerful for home defense and criticize it for clumsy handling at close range. Don’t be so quick to discount this firearm. Rifles offer significant advantages when properly used. In fact, handling, hit probability and accuracy all favor the rifle — but only when the user has the proper training.
Rifles are ideally suited for what’s called “close-perimeter control.” They can effectively protect you at distances ranging from just outside your door to up to about 250 yards. For example, bolt, lever or semi-automatic rifles firing intermediate rounds make excellent close-perimeter-control rifles.
In emergency situations such as natural disasters, power outages or civil unrest, having a defensive rifle can make all the difference. A close-perimeter-control rifle allows you to defend yourself and your property if you shelter in place. Even in smaller dwellings like apartments, having a defensive rifle ready ensures you are not left underpowered if your home is threatened.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Home-Defense Rifle
Choosing the rifle that is best for home defense isn’t just about picking a firearm. You need to consider factors like caliber, size, reliability and weight.
- Caliber and Ammunition Selection
- Choosing the right caliber is crucial. A .30-30 Winchester lever-action rifle may be a wonderful rifle to handle, but it is inferior to pistol-caliber lever-action rifles when it comes to home defense because it offers more penetration than required for most home-defense needs. Popular home-defense rifle calibers include .223/5.56, 9mm and .300 Blackout.
- Size and Maneuverability
- A rifle for home defense should be compact enough to maneuver easily in tight spaces, like hallways or around furniture. Opting for 20-round magazines rather than 30-round ones can help with maneuverability.
- Reliability and Ease of Use
- In a high-stress situation, you want a rifle that is easy to use and doesn’t require complex operations. A properly equipped defensive firearm should be intuitive and reliable.
- Weight and Recoil Management
- Weight and recoil play a big role in controlling a rifle during rapid fire. Pistol-caliber carbines such as the Kel-Tec Sub2000 are lightweight, compact and offer low recoil, making them easier to control.
Legal Considerations for Using a Rifle in Home Defense
If you decide on a short-barreled rifle (SBR) or want to add a suppressor, be aware of National Firearms Act (NFA) regulations, which may require additional paperwork and fees. Check local laws to ensure your rifle configuration is compliant.
Top 5 Best Rifles for Home Defense
To make the decision easier, here are five of the best home-defense rifles for a variety of needs and preferences.
A quality AR-15-type .22 rifle is a fine recreational rifle. It may also be pressed into service for home defense.
- AR-15: A Versatile Choice for Home Defense
The AR-15 is often called “America’s rifle.” It has a great reserve of ammunition and is easy to replenish. The Springfield Armory SAINT series is highly recommended for its quality and performance. This rifle is perfect for home defense due to its modularity, accuracy and ease of use. - Ruger PC Carbine: Best Pistol-Caliber Rifle for Home Defense
A 9mm carbine offers plenty of power, low recoil and high hit probability. The Ruger PC Carbine also benefits from compatibility with pistol magazines, making it a great option for shooters who want a familiar manual of arms. - Kel-Tec SUB2000: Affordable and Compact Home-Defense Rifle
The Kel-Tec carbine is reliable, friendly to use and easily folds up for storage, making it a highly compact choice for tight spaces. It’s one of the best pistol-caliber carbines for budget-conscious shooters. - IWI Tavor X95: Bullpup Design for Close Quarters
This bullpup design is shorter than standard rifles, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. With the same power as a full-length rifle, it’s perfect for those who prioritize handling in close quarters. - CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1: Compact and Customizable Pistol-Caliber Carbine
A small size, lightweight frame and high capacity make the CZ Scorpion an excellent option for home defense, especially for those who want a platform that’s highly customizable.
Best Home-Defense Rifle Calibers
Choosing the best caliber for a home-defense rifle is key to ensuring it’s powerful enough to stop a threat without risking over-penetration.
- Pistol-Caliber Carbines: A .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum or .45 ACP lever-action rifle is ideal for home defense due to its stopping power and manageable recoil.
- Intermediate Rounds: .223/5.56 or .300 Blackout rounds offer a good balance between stopping power and lower risk of over-penetration.
Accessories for Enhancing a Home-Defense Rifle
Adding accessories can help you get the most out of your rifle when it comes to home protection.
- Optics: Red-dot scopes are intuitive and easy to use under stress. The dot aiming system is intuitive and doesn’t require thought in a high-stress situation.
- Lights: Mount a high-intensity weapon light, such as those available from Streamlight, to help you dominate the dark.
- Sights: Backup iron sights like XS Ghost-Ring sights can provide a reliable secondary aiming system in case your primary optic fails.
- Slings: A sling helps maintain control and keep your rifle accessible when moving.
Finding the Right Rifle for Home Protection
Rifles offer distinct advantages for home defense, including reliability, accuracy and extended reach. Choosing the best home-defense rifle requires a careful balance of power, accuracy and usability. With the right training and setup, a rifle can serve as an excellent home-defense weapon. Whether you prefer the versatility of an AR-15 or the compact power of a pistol-caliber carbine, choose a rifle that fits your specific needs and budget, and always practice to become proficient with it.
For more information and detailed reviews on specific rifle models, visit our blog or reach out to a local firearms expert for hands-on advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the best rifle for home defense?
The best rifle depends on your specific needs, but popular choices include the AR-15, Ruger PC Carbine and Kel-Tec SUB2000. - Is an AR-15 good for home defense?
The AR-15 is considered one of the best options for home defense due to its accuracy, magazine capacity and versatility. It offers a good balance of power and controllability, making it suitable for most home-defense scenarios. - What is the best caliber for a home-defense rifle?
For many homeowners, .223/5.56 is the top choice due to its manageable recoil and adequate stopping power. For those concerned about over-penetration, a pistol-caliber carbine in 9mm or .45 ACP can be an excellent alternative. - Are rifles better than shotguns for home defense?
While shotguns are powerful and effective at close ranges, rifles provide greater accuracy, higher magazine capacities and better range capabilities. If you are comfortable handling a rifle, it may be a better choice for overall home-defense use. - What are the best optics for a home-defense rifle?
Red-dot sights are highly recommended for home-defense rifles because they offer quick target acquisition, ease of use and are ideal for close-quarters battle (CQB) situations. Premium models with long battery life and robust durability are a good investment. - Should I consider a pistol-caliber carbine for home defense?
Pistol-caliber carbines (PCCs) like the Ruger PC Carbine or the Kel-Tec SUB2000 can be great for home defense. They offer low recoil, good accuracy and are easier to handle, making them suitable for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
This article is a compilation of previous articles authored by Bob Campbell, Scott W. Wagner and Trent Marsh.
