I live in a single-family home in a densely populated city area in Washington, but I’m also near woods, so we get bobcats, coyotes, and even black bears. My neighbors’ houses are about 20 yards away from mine.
For home defense against animals like the ones mentioned above, or even potential home invaders, which of these would be best?
AR-15 11.5-inch in 5.56 suppressed
AR-15 10.5-inch in 300BLK suppressed (sub or super?)
Subgun in 9mm suppressed
Handgun in 9mm unsuppressed
AKM in 7.62x39
I’m leaning toward the AR-15 in 5.56 but worried about hearing damage indoors. What would you choose?
I’d go with the 300BLK, definitely with subsonic rounds. I don’t understand how people can think blasting a 5.56 in a hallway without a suppressor is a good idea. Even with a suppressor, that crack is going to hurt. 5.56 has more violent wound channels, but 300BLK is easier on the ears. My 300 SBR sounds like a stapler. That said, my home defense gun is a FNX 45 tactical with a suppressor.
@Oli
That sounds nice! I’m not great with handguns yet, so I’d probably stick to a rifle. 300BLK subsonic definitely seems like the best for hearing, but I’m worried about overpenetration. Do subs still go through drywall as easily as supers?
Most wild animals only come close because we’ve built into their territory or leave food out. They usually run when they see you or hear noise. But for the rare ones that don’t, a shotgun is the best option. They’re fast and move unpredictably, making it hard to hit with a single round. That’s where a shotgun spread comes in handy.
Torin said: @Fionn
I’m not familiar with shotguns. Are they too loud to fire indoors without damaging your hearing?
People get too caught up in worrying about temporary hearing damage when it comes to home defense. A violent home invasion or animal attack is extremely rare. My home is layered with security—reinforced doors, laminated windows, cameras, etc.—so I’m not overly worried about firing indoors if it’s necessary.
@Fionn
I’ve got reinforced doors, smart locks, and seven cameras, but not the laminated windows. Crime is rising fast in my area, and I just want to be prepared for anything. It’s not the temporary hearing damage I’m worried about, it’s the possibility of permanent hearing loss.
If overpenetration is your main concern, 5.56 with lighter 45-grain bullets is the best option. If it’s a bear, though, you’re going to want .300BLK or a 12-gauge slug. But if you have time to grab a gun, you might as well just call a wildlife officer instead.
It’s all about balance. Shorter barrels are more maneuverable but have more kick and are louder. Overpenetration is a concern with walls, but stopping power matters too, especially against wild animals. I’d recommend a shotgun with a short barrel, loaded with buckshot to start, then a slug for serious stopping power. It won’t be quiet, but it will stop a threat.
Check out this Demolition Ranch video if you’re rethinking shotguns. They’re more forgiving than handguns and great for home defense.