Why Do I Keep an AR-15 for Home Defense? Let's Talk About It

I’ve had plenty of debates with people who say an AR-15 is pointless for home defense. The arguments usually go the same way.

First, they ask, “How many people are you expecting to break in? Are you a gang leader or something?” Because apparently, criminals never work in teams. The AR holds more rounds, is easier to mount an optic and flashlight, and allows for better accuracy under stress. Also, between 2003-2007, about 700 home burglaries per day in the U.S. resulted in violence against homeowners. That alone is enough reason to be prepared.

Then, people bring up mass shootings. “The AR-15 is used in mass shootings!” But it’s not the most common weapon used—handguns are. They point out events like Sandy Hook and Las Vegas, saying the AR-15 can kill more people than a handgun. Well, yeah, because it’s more effective, which is exactly why I want one for defending my home. If I need to protect myself or my family, I want the most capable tool available.

Then there’s the “Why do you need 30 rounds?” argument. Simple—I don’t need 30 rounds, but it’s better to have them than not. In a life-or-death situation, the last thing I want to worry about is running out of ammo. Just because I keep my car’s gas tank full doesn’t mean I plan to drive 400 miles every time I start it. Same concept.

Some people worry about overpenetration, but if you use the right rounds, .223/5.56 actually penetrates less than 9mm. There are defensive rounds designed to break up in walls, making them safer for home defense. And for those who think a shotgun is a better choice, keep in mind that at home-defense ranges, the spread isn’t that big. You still have to aim it just like any other firearm.

And at the end of the day, a lot of anti-gun people don’t really care about AR-15s specifically—they just don’t like guns, period. They claim you’re more likely to die if you own one, but they lump suicides into those statistics while ignoring that countries like Japan have higher suicide rates despite having strict gun laws.

I’m not saying everyone needs an AR-15 for home defense. But it’s an option, and for a lot of people, it makes sense. If something bad happens, I’d rather have the best tool for the job.

According to the U.S. Constitution:

Article 6, Paragraph 2:

“This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land.”

Bill of Rights, Amendment 2:

“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

The Supreme Court has upheld this multiple times, reinforcing that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to own firearms for lawful purposes, including self-defense.

So yeah, owning a firearm isn’t just a preference—it’s a protected right.

@Zev
Saving this for future arguments. Good stuff!

@Cory
Why not just carry grenades then? :joy:

@Zev
Wish my state followed this logic. We have way too many restrictions.

Why? Simple.

  • Even trained police officers miss over 70% of their shots under stress. A range session is one thing. A home invasion is another.
  • One bullet doesn’t always stop an attacker immediately. That’s why you need multiple shots.
  • Home invasions often involve more than one person.

If you need to take down multiple attackers, you might have to fire 30-40 rounds. And no, that’s not unrealistic—there are plenty of real cases where homeowners have had to defend against multiple intruders.

Screenshotted for later. People just don’t get it.

Scout said:
Screenshotted for later. People just don’t get it.

Honestly, you don’t need to explain yourself to anyone. The only response should be, ‘Because I can.’

Zev said:

Scout said:
Screenshotted for later. People just don’t get it.

Honestly, you don’t need to explain yourself to anyone. The only response should be, ‘Because I can.’

I get the sentiment, but I think it’s better to educate people when possible. A well-reasoned argument can change minds.

I think the most important thing in home defense isn’t just the gun—it’s knowing how to handle it properly, especially if you have kids or guests.

What’s critical vs. optional for a home defense AR? And what would you never put on one?

Zev said:
What’s critical vs. optional for a home defense AR? And what would you never put on one?

Must-haves:

  • A flashlight (so you know what you’re aiming at).
  • A red dot sight (easier aiming under stress).

Optional:

  • A sling (so nobody can wrestle it away from you).
  • A suppressor (less noise, especially indoors).

What I wouldn’t use:

  • Anything that makes it unnecessarily heavy.
  • Muzzle brakes—they make it way too loud inside.

If someone breaks into my house, I assume they are armed. Why would I put myself at a disadvantage?

I own an AR-15 for home defense because it’s the best tool for the job. Period.

Didn’t I see this exact post last week?

Amar said:
Didn’t I see this exact post last week?

I’ve been posting and tweaking it based on feedback.

I own a 9mm handgun for home defense. I have an AR-15 for home offense.

You’re wasting time arguing with people who will never change their minds.

Dani said:
You’re wasting time arguing with people who will never change their minds.

True, but some people might be on the fence. Those are the ones worth talking to.

No one ever survived a gunfight and thought, ‘Man, I wish I had fewer bullets.’