I just bought my first house and I’m looking into home defense options. I’m considering the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport (.22LR) as a starting point for my wife and sons to learn how to shoot. I know .22LR isn’t great for stopping power, but I figure it’s a good way to get them comfortable before moving up to something more powerful. Also, is .223/5.56 legal in California?
The M&P 15-22 is a solid training tool, but another option would be to get a regular AR-15 in 5.56 and buy a .22LR conversion kit. That way, you get the best of both worlds without needing to buy two separate guns. And yes, .223/5.56 is legal in California as long as the rifle complies with state regulations.
I’d suggest starting with an AR and a .22 conversion kit as well. It’s what I use when introducing new shooters to rifles.
Adair said:
I’d suggest starting with an AR and a .22 conversion kit as well. It’s what I use when introducing new shooters to rifles.
This is great advice. Get a standard AR-15 and a CMMG .22 conversion kit. Once they’re comfortable with .22, you can easily switch back to 5.56. If you’re looking for low recoil but more power than .22LR, you could also consider a Bear Creek Arsenal .22 Magnum upper.
I learned on the M&P 15-22, and it’s a great training rifle. Ammo is super cheap, so you can get a lot of practice for not much money. Just keep in mind that it’s not ideal for home defense—magazines can be finicky, and .22LR isn’t reliable in high-stress situations.
For home defense, think about your line of fire. Where would you shoot if an intruder came in? What’s behind your target? Also, firing indoors without ear protection can permanently damage your hearing, so that’s worth considering too.
@Firth
Good points. Our main choke point would be the stairwell leading into the main hallway. My bedroom is right next to it, and the kids’ rooms are behind ours, so it’s easier to control. The only concern is the line of fire—there’s a second-story window from a neighbor’s house in that direction. The plan would be to hold the stairs while my wife calls the police and only shoot if someone tries to come up.
Instead of the M&P 15-22, consider getting a regular AR with a .22LR conversion kit. It’s around $160 for the kit and mags. For home defense, I’d lean towards 5.56, but keep in mind it’s really loud indoors. Another option could be a .45 ACP carbine with hollow points—it’s less concussive and still effective.
I’ve yet to see a .22LR platform that’s 100% reliable. I wouldn’t trust one for home defense.
Nile said:
I’ve yet to see a .22LR platform that’s 100% reliable. I wouldn’t trust one for home defense.
I agree. The M&P 15-22 is fun for practice, but for reliability, a dedicated .22LR AR upper is a better choice.
If you’re only going to have one gun, go with an AR-15 in 5.56. The recoil is manageable for beginners, and hollow points minimize over-penetration risks. .22LR is fun, but it’s not reliable or powerful enough for serious home defense.
For now, you could grab a cheap pump-action shotgun like a Maverick 88. It’s affordable, easy to maintain, and #4 buckshot offers great stopping power without as much risk of over-penetration. You can always add an AR later as your family gets more comfortable with firearms.
@Briar
That’s a good suggestion. I was hoping to get something that doubles as a training tool for the family and a home defense option for me, but I’ll definitely consider a shotgun too. Thanks!
If you’re set on the M&P 15-22, it’s a good starting point, but I’d recommend a tactical shotgun for home defense. A 20-gauge with low-velocity shells is great for training, and you can work up to a 12-gauge. Also, make sure you have a solid home defense plan and practice regularly with your family. Snap caps are great for dry-run drills.
Indoor shooting is loud—make sure to have some electronic ear muffs handy. They’re great for the range and could help in a home defense situation too.
I started my daughter on a Hammerli TAC R1 when she was 9. She loved it, especially when I got her some steel targets to knock down. It’s another option to consider!