Why You Should Use An AR-15 For Self Defense

[@Kingfishertim24]

The best home defense is the plan. No matter the firearm, if you have a strong defense plan, your home field advantage will greatly increase your odds of survival. Don’t go out to find the threat unless there is absolutely no other choice; hole up and make the threat approach on your terms. Room clearing is terrifying solo.

[@LK-bz9sk]

Most underrated comment

[@davidunderwood4341]

Well. an AR 15 also.

[@abc456f]

Agreed. The bad guys don't know your home's layout. My plan is to stay put until someone appears in my field of vision. But I'd be surprised if anyone hung around if my home alarm(s) go off. I have two sirens and it's hard to even think straight when they're blaring.

[@shannonbarattini5772]

YES. In case of a BREAK in. If you LIVE alone. STAY in ur room. LOCK the door. Call 911, STAY on the line. Do NOT LEAVE THE ROOM. Wait for the police to show up. Nothing in ur house is worth ur life. NOW if you do not live alone. A hole NEW ball game. You will have to do what you need to deal with the situation. GOD BLESS America. KISS ALWAYS and OLD DEVIL DOG.

[@abc456f]

@@shannonbarattini5772 I'm staying in my bedroom, behind the side of my bed, my shotgun trained at the doorway. I see someone, flash my light to confirm it's an intruder, I fire.

[@Cornish_Co]

The best home defense gun is the one you're most comfortable with and fluid (fluent) in it's operation.

[@Cornish_Co]

My bedside gun is a pistol grip 870 loaded with buckshot and a narrow beam red led flashlight equipped. If the lights on target, the sights are on target.

[@claytonrealist8868]

I always heard that "the best home defense gun is the one you have" but I agree with you that is should be the one you are most comfortable with.

[@jonboy9734]

@@Cornish_Co my bedside gun is a psa ak47 with a 75 rd drum. And a piston ar with 60rd drum with gray area legal m855a1 for those pesky bullet proof vest wearing deer.

[@Cornish_Co]

@@jonboy9734 You're a nut. 🤣

[@M2fiftycal]

Or, you could objectively look at what's most effective and then train to become proficient with that instead of using a less effective option.

[@Mr.-Sir]

"STANDARD CAPACITY"! That's right Kevin! Tell those of opposition what's what! 👍🏾

[@doughesson]

I discombobulated my local Congresscritter by correcting his constant use of "high capacity magazines" with that they are designed to be standard for the firearm. A reporter even used my term in her story. Maybe I got through & will be seeing her at the range.

[@user-kq1rc2xv1w]

Ma freedumbs

[@playtownusa]

being former military as well as a civilian shooter, I would recommend anyone looking to have the ability to best protect themselves and their family, get an AR. I do own and carry a Q5, but my FN15 stays ready to go. But count me in to win that Smith and Wesson M&P. can never have too many firearms

[@timothyprice9064]

I agree with you all the way on this one. 223/5.56 with 60 round magazines, what's not to like?

[@blackticalmayhem8461]

LOL SMH 😐

[@blackticalmayhem8461]

Wtf is a Q5? You mean Walther PPQ?

[@timothyprice9064]

@@EroticOnion23 I don't know if you would go deaf, but yes you could have permanent hearing damage.

[@blackticalmayhem8461]

@@EroticOnion23 LOL??🤔WHY TF would you fire a single shot? And yes you probably Could go deaf😐

[@Mark-AnthonyJ]

As a US Marine Veteran, I love this content. Well done USCCA, well done.

[@pricelessppp]

This civilian patriot thanks you for your service!

[@timothyprice9064]

Army Vet from a family of Vets, Army, Navy, Marines, and Airforce. Thank you for your service. With all those years of training with and using an M16, why would I use anything else?

[@USCCAOfficial]

Thank you for your service.

[@USCCAOfficial]

@@timothyprice9064 Thank you for your service to this country.

[@timothyprice9064]

@@USCCAOfficial You're welcome

[@Tacha1007]

Love your presentation! I’m a newcomer to the world of armed self-defense. I’m very impressed that all those that I have met are so professional and conscientious about how they handle their weapons! This is so against what the media portrays! This is another reason why I no longer watch the fake news!

[@timothyprice9064]

Years ago I figured out when most news people talk about firearms they have no clue what they are talking about.

[@johnshukeireh5804]

Ban the idiots, not the guns!

[@gojiraforbreakfast]

Welcome aboard!

[@robertgaborko3278]

Welcome and enjoy shooting

[@kbkCObra14]

Common misconception is that firearm owner are "ignorant" to what they own but infact firearm owners are the most educated on their own weapons as well as their own state laws the news and other mainstream media pushes the negative connotation on firearms as a form of fear mongering as well as them being owned by rich billionaires who are more than likely not always but part of the shadow government who of course wants to have us as citizens disarmed because a disarmed society is a east to control society ergo other countries who don't allow their citizens to be armed and have the society completely locked down and controlled our 2nd amendment was made to be used to bring justice, peace, and protection

[@torjones1701]

The thing I love is that it can be used by virtually everyone. It's been in the news that very small children have defended themselves and family, and I think the youngest home defender I've seen was all of 5 years old. It really is the modern day Musket, an AR-15, 16" barrel, adjustable stock, red dot sight, and a flashlight. A suppressor too if you can afford it. (never to be sufficiently damned poll tax) Why? Because not everyone can safely handle a 12 gauge. Because not everyone can handle a pistol. (my retirement age mother has really tiny hands and literally can't safely use nearly any pistol out there.)

[@BrowncoatGofAZ]

(Sigh) it’s also been in the news used by teenagers to shoot up their classmates and teachers, and maniacs to shoot up theaters full of people. Like you said, it can be used by anyone. Personally I think only law enforcement and military should be able to use it. I’m not saying self-defense should be ignored, but there are other tools. Including non-lethal options that let you get to safety and call the cops. (USA only)

[@Valhalla_Heathen]

I had an AR pistol (11.5-inch barrel) chambered in 7.62x39 and my goodness that thing was a beast! 💪🏻

[@smc1942]

Me2! 😉 Total Beast!!! Love it!!!

[@GM8101PHX]

I would think the perp will not be getting up, jeeze 7.62, we carried those for our M60 machine guns!!!!!!

[@BobDiaz123]

I find that the person asking, "Why do you need .....?" Isn't really interested in understanding the reason, but is only interested in telling me I don't "need" it. I tell people like that, It's called a Bill of RIGHTS, not a Bill of NEEDS.

[@imout671]

You could also beat them into a comma and that would prove the point very well. I have to restrain myself. Your answer is good too.

[@jsl5570]

@@imout671 Why would you beat them into a comma? Why not a question mark or period instead? Wait. Oh, you meant a coma.

[@richardespinoza6243]

The real answer should be "It's none of your damm bussiness why I want to own a AR 15 and it is not up to you to say I don't need one because the Consistution says I can!! " .

[@BobDiaz123]

Richard Espinoza. Good point!

[@richardespinoza6243]

@@BobDiaz123 👍

[@chesslover8829]

When an 18- to 20-inch barrel is used on an AR-15, a 55- or even a 62-grain projectile, when fired, will be traveling at 3,000 feet per second or a little more after the projectile leaves the barrel. That's nearly mach three. At 300 yards, that same projectile will still be traveling at about 2,000 feet per second if wind or a physical object has not impeded the projectile's path or velocity. An AR-15 bullet can definitely fly through several layers of Sheetrock or a car door with relative ease. Paul Harrell has produced videos demonstrating this fact. So, Kvin Michalowski has provided faulty information in this video.

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

Everything will over penetrate through drywall, so if that is your standard, don't use a firearm. Even birdshot from a shotgun will penetrate several layers of sheet rock at inside the house distances. Sheet rock sucks at stopping bullets. The 5.56 doesn't penetrate any more through most common household barriers than common handgun rounds. I've tested this and so have many others. The lack of penetration through common household barriers is the reason the 5.56 has all but completely replaced the SMG as the preferred entry weapon for SWAT.

[@johnfoley3633]

Did you even bother to really listen to him? A 62 grain bullet has an internal penetrator steel core that tends to hold together so those green tip bullets need to be a separate discussion. A 55 grain bullet has only a soft lead core that tends to break up quickly on impact with any surface at supersonic velocities. So if it hits an interior wall, the first a layer of drywall tends break up the bullet, as the pieces cross the 3.5" stud gap they spread out some before impacting the opposing drywall layer. MOST fragments will not even make it through the second layer at all and those that do won't have much velocity left to do lethal damage. A number of channels have made videos about this effect. Nope, I would not volunteer to stand behind the wall, but if I had to be there I would choose 5.56 over 9mm every time. And like he also said you can use polymer tip ammo if you want. Here's a good one that I have used myself: www.hornady.com/ammunition/rifle/223-remington-55-gr-critical-defense#!/

[@chesslover8829]

@@johnfoley3633 I listened to him. My comment stands. People can use whatever firearm they want. However, if one's 5.56 round goes through a wall and strikes an unintended target down range, which could happen in an apparent complex, it won't be my problem. Incidentally, I own an AR-15. It's a great rifle.

[@terrywaters6186]

Worry less about penetrating drywall and more about hitting your intended target.

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

@@chesslover8829 Incidently, a handgun round would probably pentrate the same wall. Anything capable of achieving adequate penetration in tissue is going to "over penetrate" in drywall. Even birdshot will penetrate several layers of drywall at across the room distances. If penetrating an apartment wall is your matrix for determining safe and responsible defensive weaponry, you should probably stick to a baseball bat.

[@jude.v25]

Three recommendations for new AR purchasers who are planning to use it for home defense: 1. a quality flashlight mounted to the rifle. 2. Ear protection. My Howard Leights are hanging near my weapon. (In certain circumstances, they may require too much time to put 'em on. But when there is a "bump in the night", I grab them as I reach for my weapon.) 3. Train & practice. Get some training. It is often more affordable than you think but almost always worth the money.

[@danpaesano2429]

A flashlight on your rifle tells an armed intruder exactly where you are.

[@jasondick4756]

They know where you are! You're in your house. You don't know where they are, they're the intruder. You need to find them, and you need to make sure they have a weapon. Good luck doing that without a light

[@juanherrera2859]

Bought my first AR as pandemic started. Recently switched to 8.5" AR pistol. Perfect for home defense.

[@vaporiiz]

8.5 sounds super short.. but my glock is only 4.49 so i guess its all relative.

[@brycekifer8481]

Be careful that might be considered a short barrel rifle

[@j_w_d_s]

Ummm when you consider the amount of velocity that you lose going from a 16 inch to a 8.5, you’ll see that the advantages that you have from the 223/556 start to diminish and you might as well just use a pcc. The only reason why the ar15 in 223/556 has the advantage of not having so much over penetration is because of the fact that the velocities are so high and at those velocities the projectiles become a lot more sensitive to all surfaces and someone just break apart and tumble cause a lot less over penetration potential. So when you slow that projectile down as much as you are by using a 8.5 inch barrel you not only lose a major portion of the hydrostatic shock, but you also lose the advantage of less overpenetration. Essentially you are turning your intermediate rifle cartridge into a 22 magnum…… now in an 8.5 inch ar in 300blk or 7.62x39, you don’t lose much of the advantages that those cartridges carry and it’s a smarter and more responsible decision.

[@j_w_d_s]

It’s not about the adequacy, it’s about the practicality and purpose. Why put a round that was designed for a 20 inch barrel……. Inside of a barrel that is LESS than half of the length. If you want a gun that is that short, then get it in a cartridge better fit for those barrel lengths.

[@j_w_d_s]

@@vaporiiz yeah but I bet your Glock was chambered in a round that was meant for a barrel length pretty close to the size of yours.

[@stephenbrown6763]

Where you live, how close your neighbors are, how many people (children?) live with you, and building structure (house, apartment) have a say in what you use for home defense. In a safe environment different firearms/ammo should be tried to see effects and possible over penetration issues. My personal circumstances would allow the use of just about anything. Someone in an apartment with lots of people around have a much higher risk of hurting a innocent person. Always know what's beyond your intended target.

[@RohARc]

@anonymous2024 grabs an AR runs out and tells the bad guy stand still and don't shoot at me so I can shoot at you. I wonder how great your sight lines are going to be when someone's returning fire at you. But I guess anybody who can talk crap on KZbin is obviously an operator. Dude breaks into annons house and being the homeowner ends up being charged with something like criminal negligence on a good day, on a bad day well...

[@richb.4374]

@@MRsolidcolor I'm glad I don't live in an adjacent apartment from you.

[@richb.4374]

Stephen Brown's post is the most sensible here. Under duress where a home intruder is in your house, you aren't going to be shooting your best because you'll be scared and amped up on adrenaline. Especially if the intruder is also armed and shooting at you. Spraying rounds out of an AR inside a home in a residential area or an apartment is just plain negligent and dangerous no matter what the KZbin Rambo's say.

[@stephenbrown6763]

@@MRsolidcolor Trolls will be trolls

[@alphasheep99]

@@MRsolidcolor none of what you said all of what the original poster said.

[@scubaguy007]

I don’t need an AR 15, I want an AR 15, And as a free human I should be able to have whatever I want as long as it doesn’t harm someone else.

[@briandavis9002]

Exactly, a person should be able to own anything they want if they are not hurting other people.

[@anonymouslee2083]

I wholeheartedly agree. Proven sane, sober, moral, prudent citizens should be allowed to own the firearms that work best for them.

[@aolvaar8792]

@@anonymouslee2083 ATF form 4473, 11e, marijuana smokers, all 80-90 million of them

[@anonymouslee2083]

@@aolvaar8792 In my opinion, discriminating against people for recreationally using marijuana is unjust. The federal ban on marijuana is morally indefensible in every way, and needs to be abolished. Another reason I dislike Joe Biden, and wish we got someone who doesn't still call marijuana "the devil's stink finger."

[@reitairue2073]

We can draw the line at nukes I suppose.

[@YingJwo]

Glad you mentioned the noise factor. An AR-15 can be deafening loud. When in a defense situation you will not likely have time to put on ear protection. One can usually shoot a 9mm handgun or a 12ga shotgun without ear protection and still be able to hear afterwards. Shoot an AR without ear protection and your ears will be ringing…and even much worse if you are shooting an SB AR or AR pistol.

[@YingJwo]

@@richardle7469 agreed. Any new AR owner or anyone new to firearms should be aware of the noise level and plan accordingly.

[@jeffburnham6611]

As a veteran I need to correct a statement you made. The service rifles the US military use are NOT defensive weapons. They are most definitely OFFENSIVE in nature, their purpose is to kill the enemy. While the military may be assigned to peacekeeping missions, the M16 platform was not designed with the intent of it being defensive.

[@LJRoss-zv8hw]

💯

[@jameshollen9723]

Defensive or offensive,? Who cares ? don't wanna get shot with a 5.56 NATO today, tomorrow or for that matter, EVER !

[@Talishar]

To be fair, technically the job of the military isn't to kill the enemy, but to incapacitate. Otherwise, walking out to a wounded, bleeding out enemy and shooting them while they lay helpless and defenseless on the ground wouldn't be a war crime or get you prison time for a UCMJ violation. Now generally, killing your opponent is a very surefire way of incapacitating them, but again, executing an incapacitated enemy combatant is generally frowned upon by international law as well as LOAC.

[@Talishar]

@@MtnPeakEnduro The statement was about Western militaries in general. It doesn't cover cowards who have to fight against those who can't fight back or commit other war crimes.

[@mobeydick37]

Having owned my Colt Sporter 1 for 37 years I believe they are very good for home defense. There are plenty of other good firearms as well! BTW: I believe there are most likely over 30,000,000 AR platform firearms in the US BUT a large percentage [maybe 20%] of that are on Firearms dealer shelves.

[@roncoon3464]

300 Blackout! 300 Blackout pistol with a 10.5 in barrel. Power to We The People!

[@I_S_Chew]

This. You can even hunt with them when you’re not busy defending your home.

[@joelcroteau9925]

One other nice thing about the AR-15 is that in close quarters, it also works well as a melee weapon.

[@JenkinsStevenD]

3:27 Normal 5.56 out of a 16 inch barrel is normally around 3,000 ft/s. You would need to be shooting out of a barrel less than 10" typically in order for what this guy says to be true on projectile velocity.

[@unapologetic7900]

That might be true with a 5.56, 55 grain FMJ (XM193), but that would be a poor choice for this application. A heavier and slower load would be WAY better, like the Speer Gold Dot LE 75 grain 223 bonded soft point.

[@eintracht691]

If you miss with any type of firearm there is going to be an over-penetration problem. The biggest thing you can do to mitigate that is thus: Don't miss. Humans absorb energy a lot more than sheetrock. Use hollow-points for expansion and it will do better than ball ammo on typical construction materials, but mainly make sure you hit your target so you have the least amount of over-penetration.

[@cornydad]

Also important to know which directions are safe to shoot if you miss the bad guy. There may be directions where the backstop is a brick wall, the crawl space under the house, the ground outside your house, many more walls, etc.

[@GunsNGames248]

right. I dont worry about over penatration its just a topic people wanna talk about and become youtube experts. just shoot what u aiming at and if it does hit things like u said a hollow point, the walls or whatever will slow it down alot so what ever is on the outside of the house won't receive any real damage

[@keyfitter]

Great video! While my own home defense go to is a Remington 870 loaded with 00 buckshot, I believe the A5-15 is also a very good choice. Either one will not be kind to your ear drums in an enclosed space. I grew up with shotguns and put a lot of meat on the table with them. I did form a dislike for the Mighty Mattel M16A1 after going through Parris Island with the M-14, which I really liked. (Yes I'm old) Now, after picking up a cheap AR-15 to tinker on and transforming it into a real rifle to be proud of, I have a lot of respect for the .223/5.56 NATO.

[@706d]

A rifle is not always a good choice for a lot of people especially those that live in apartments or small condominiums. Negotiating tight corners with a full size or even carbine length rifle is very difficult in those situations. Another thing to think about is overpenetration with high velocity rounds like the 223 or 556. When your neighbors are just on the other side of your drywall, another good thought is regarding caliber selection for your firearm.

[@cassiespencer6134]

Good points. However, your stated bullet velocity was pretty low. I typically get ~3100+ FPS out of a 16" barrel. Be it hand loaded or commercial ammo. Of course that can and does vary depending on a number of factors.

[@BenWilson-os2jn]

I’m curious. How Do you measure the velocity? I know I could Google it, but if ya don’t mind I’d appreciate hearing it from you. Thanks

[@cassiespencer6134]

@@BenWilson-os2jn You obtain projectile (bullet) velocity by using a shooting Chronograph, of which there are essentially two different types, both of which work very well. For example I/we typically use a 'LabRadar'. Google that name and you'll find it. There are also many Y/T videos where you can see many different chronographs being used. Just search for Shooting chronograph and/or LabRadar. I mention it since it's my favorite chronograph at present and has been for some time. That said, they all work and perform the same task.

[@unapologetic7900]

Not disputing you, but I've never seen mv's that high out of a 16". Even hot loads like Mk262 are about 2800.

[@Edward-gi9sm]

@@unapologetic7900 M193 actually has higher velocity than Mk262 because the latter uses a heavier 77gr projectile compared to M193's 55gr. It pretty common for commercial target M193 ammo to hit 3000+ FPS out of a 16" barrel.

[@unapologetic7900]

@@Edward-gi9sm Of course lighter projectiles go faster. My point was the velocities out of shorter barrels.

[@bluegator3]

I got one home made!!! Self build!!! I also bought a 22lr conversion kit for it. I use the 22lr conversion kit to train and, use less ammunition!!! Take Care, and Stay Safe.

[@peterjohnson8631]

Home made? How’s that work?

[@bluegator3]

@@peterjohnson8631, buy the kits online!!! And, put them together!!!

[@egmjag]

I used my shotgun to deter one of 3 ex~cons who attempted to break into my home. While it was effective, I would rather use an AR for multiple threats. This is something that's not discussed, which is that an AR has a better advantage over most other platforms. Unless you're an expert with a shotgun like Jerry Miculek or Clint Smith, it's best to stick with something like an AR or hand gun for multiple threats. The .223 also penetrates walls even less than a 9mm. I've saw one video where several calibers were shot in an abandoned home indoors. The .223 penetrated the least of all calibers.

[@aolvaar8792]

The SS109 NATO 62gr full metal jacket steel core penetrator Specifically designed to defeat 10ga mild steel plate at 600 meters

[@reitairue2073]

@@aolvaar8792 lol no one should be using that for home defense, and I know people who swear by it....

[@aolvaar8792]

@@reitairue2073 Remember Newhall, always carry the ammo you train with

[@reitairue2073]

okay, yes fair enough

[@reitairue2073]

@@aolvaar8792 I still wouldn't choose an ammo that penetrates through people then walls though. Like my 223 rounds for varmint hunting. They are perfect.

[@lordrichard8184]

I live in Nj and we have a limit on 10 rounds per magazine. So we can’t use the standard capacity mags. That was one of the things that pushed me towards a shotgun for home defense. The other was range. An ar15 can shoot over 400 yards and kill. Shotguns can’t do that. So I picked something with a shorter range since the furthest I’d have to shoot is 50 yards. Also If you really think about it. A pistol really isn’t all that much smaller then a carbine, once your in a shooting position

[@doughesson]

I explained the adjustable stock with"This means that it fits anyone who wants to use it." My Mini14 has a fixed stick but I do have a Tapco(tm) stock for it which I'm not a big fan of. Most of the points made for the AR 15 work for the Mini14 as well.

[@gilcordova5516]

I recall seeing the rifle 1964, by my sergeant major. I asked him why we were going to be issued a rifle that shot a varmint round. (We used 222/223, for coyote, parrie dogs, etc). He then stated “ the round is not to kill, it will injure the enemy causing two other persons to take the injured person off the battlefield.”

[@kprice1905]

@Gil you are exactly right. My dad (WWII 82nd ABN, PH & Bronze Star) said they were told it is better to wound every one of the enemy, as they cannot field enough troops to carry all the wounded and still fight. Makes sense!

[@brucesantacory1390]

Correction our soldiers are NOT using a semi-auto AR-15 Anywhere, they are using the M-16A4, A3, A2 or M4 Carbine, there is a difference and the Enemies of the 2nd Amendment try to confuse the 2, NOT Good for so called experts to be doing the same confusion !!

[@brucesantacory1390]

@firefly And if they want me to join they need to actually know the difference, and know things like some states can charge you with a felony for a negligent discharge. in another video they didn't know this.

[@justinw2752]

Agree.

[@troyf1]

Came here to make the same correction. Ty! Here's the reference in the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKaZeHivlJqdoas

[@geromegalindo]

Whenever I think home defense I think about the area you have to work with. Not sure if I would rather a pistol or rifle… like someone else said it’s what you are comfortable with. Lots of good info.

[@timothyprice9064]

The most important thing I have learned over the years. People will complain about things they have never owned, or they never learned to use what they had. If you say the AR over-penetrates why would you buy ammo that over-penetrates? At the range, most of the people that say their weapon jams and won't shoot have nasty unmaintained weapons. Ask some of them when was the last time they cleaned their weapon, and check out their answers. If an AR over-penetrates, why would you replace it with a mini-14? Help me make sense of the thing you say. The AR is a well-proven plat, If you can't run it, get some training. If you can't hit anything with it get some training.

[@kennethdev]

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an AR-556 back in March with my tax return dollars. At first getting my hands on ammo was pretty rough, but here in Wisconsin it's pretty readily available now. Usually around $0.69/rd, which is a bit high compared to the past, but certainly attainable at a quantity that I can go to the range with and keep nearby.

[@williampatterson7851]

I just recently bought my first AR15 and I am very pleased with my purchase this makes the 8th gun in my collection as I am slowly learning more and more about guns. Most of my guns are used for hunting but I do have a few for hime/self defense.

[@stripervince1]

I use my glock 30s in 45 acp with light laser and 23 round stick mag. Unbeatable. But i also have a keltec sub 2000 in 9mm glock with laser light and 33 round stick mag. 33 rounds in a 4 lb 20 something inch rifle. Amazing light weight easy to flick around. Great home defense gun

[@archangele1]

I prefer my Thompson. The .45ACP out of a 16" barrel has a lot of power close up within 50 yards, but because it is a large diameter bullet and not very good ballistically it does not go that far if you miss. I have a Ruger in .223 that also says one can use .556 NATO and I have tested both rounds at 25 yards and the penetration of the .223 is far greater then the .45ACP in wood. The .45 will bust up a cement block better but it does not penetrate wood as deep. Also, the Thompson is heavy. Like 14 lbs loaded so there is literally no recoil. Since the .45 ACP round is subsonic, the gun is no where near as loud as one firing a .223 or 5.56 NATO. For me, being smallish the ergonomics of the Thompson just plain works better for me. The one huge drawback with the Thompson is that pulling the bolt back requires about 10 times the physical strength as compared to pulling the bolt back on an AR15. The other thing I like better about the Chicago Typewriter version I have of the Thompson is the wood front handle and the wood rear stock just fit my hands better. Again, a thing of the gun just fitting my body and hands better then any AR15 I have ever used. I just mention this because it seems that these days everyone thinks the AR15 is the only choice for this kind of weapon when there are many alternatives that, for some of us, are a far better fit.

[@behindenemylines3361]

"Standard Capacity" doesn't apply in non-free states (which sucks)

[@uni4rm]

capacity should simply be.....as much as you want to carry.

[@tommmy1313]

@@uni4rm my thinking

[@mr.butt-head.5108]

It's not Freedom if you have to ask permission

[@LJRoss-zv8hw]

@@mr.butt-head.5108 so drive as fast as you want. Don't ask permission.

[@tonybailey89]

Love the AR15 platform, I chose 300blk in a 10.5" AR Pistol with all defensive subsonic ammo to avoid that supersonic crack and still have very effective stopping power for home defense!

[@daviddromaine]

I like the five seven but overpenetration could be an issue if in the city.

[@tonybailey89]

@@daviddromaine CMMG makes a PCC chambered in that round, AR15 needs some mods to shoot that round, still effective I'm sure

[@daviddromaine]

@@tonybailey89 I did not know that. Thanks Tony. Fortunately I am not in the city. Got another question if you dont mind.... What is good self defense for 600lb blk bear for wife 4-11 tall small hands? 500mag is fine w me, but she isnt comfortable with anything larger than .40 cal. Which would probably just aggrevate any already not afraid of humans large bear. Any ideas? I was thinking that 410 judge with slugs?

[@tonybailey89]

@@daviddromaine I've seen on video a 45acp bounce off the skull of a pit bull lol, so a bear is a tough sun of a gun, if would get her an AR Pistol with any ballistic tipped 54gr 556 or supersonic 300blk either in JHP, JSP, or SCHP because the round is gonna need to be supersonic to penetrante and you need a round designed to dissipate all of its energy in an animal that big for max stopping power If she likes a shotgun don't use any ball ammo, Winchester makes hollow pointed slugs as well

[@daviddromaine]

@@tonybailey89 I knew i asked the right person. Really appreciate it.

[@haldorasgirson9463]

A weapon light makes a great aiming device at close quarters. Any home defense gun needs a light anyways. And suppression is definitely a plus.

[@Radvous]

Surprised no one has called this out yet, but the 55 grain .223 Rem or 5.56 m193 round is not shooting at a velocity of the low 2,000s, it's shooting above 3,100 fps for m193 and around 2,900 fps with the 55 grain .223.

[@square1189]

I use an AR as home defense. As a Vet, its something I had to train with everyday. My house has rooms, I was taught to clear rooms. Sometimes you might have more then 1 intruder. So in my eyes, why not use something Im the most efficient at?

[@Gaviid]

Learn then vs than first

[@mikehughes8023]

Home invasions nowadays are not like they used to be back in the day….These savages breaking into your dwelling come about 3 or 4 or more instead of the one person cat burglar🙁

[@b.a.lineman7582]

Thank You for your service… I agree.. what you’re comfortable with is the right choice…9mm side arm … that gets me to AR or 12Ga pump n down to the kids room n back up… wife has 9mm … awaiting an opportunity to repaint

[@square1189]

@@hw-tq3qb who said anything about a vest? Yet with your argument, whats wrong with a shotgun? Also have you ever served? If no, then 95% of training is rifle. You wont learn handgun till StaffNCO. So most military members will feel safer with a rifle on their hands

[@joeshleb743]

IF I was to choose a long gun for indoor home defense, it would be an M1 Carbine. Shorter, lighter, easier to grab and go and the ammo is slower and bigger and is available in hollow points, which should expand. And, the M1 .30 Carbine has a proven record in combat. It can reach-out and touch someone out to 200 yards.

[@smc1942]

That's what I use! Soft point bullets. Choate folding stock. No recoil! _Anyone_ can shoot this carbine! It is my Primary Home Defense Weapon!

[@BrewCityRider]

Yes, totally agree Kevin. I have one at the ready, but my main bedside gun is a 12 gauge in cruiser ready condition.

[@dannyp2267]

I have a Beretta CX4 Storm 9mm with self defense loads, Inceptor ARX or Hornady Critical Duty. It works for me.

[@Mike-dm5ut]

Love it! Any pcc with a pistol combo is a good go to in home defense with compatible mags IMO.

[@dannyp2267]

Yes, I chose it because I already have a Beretta M9A1 so compatibility was a major factor plus the good reviews on it. I love it, so easy to shoot.

[@MoroseMacabre]

I get the feeling this guy never watched Paul Harrell's video on the over penetration of the .223/5.56.

[@Hornet135]

Or he’s seen it and recognizes the limitations of it.

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

All rounds that can reliably incapacitate a human will penetrate a few interior walls if you miss.

[@broandajeep2595]

Since this was obviously for new shooters. I wish he would’ve added that the first accessory you should get for any home defense firearm is a quality mounted flashlight.

[@alphasheep99]

What flashlight do/would you use on a home defense AR?

[@anonymouslee2083]

@@alphasheep99 When I give my wife the AR, I usually slap my tac light on the MLOK bracket so she can see whether it's me or a bad guy. I've instructed her to keep the flashlight on maximum brightness and the gun at low ready until she positively ID's a hostile target. Don't want her to shoot me by accident, since I have no health insurance because her healthcare screwed her out of adding me as a +1 and I can't enroll with my job until next year.

[@mobius-1503]

@@anonymouslee2083 crimson trace is one I use. With the pressure pad..good enough for home use. I cant say if that pressure pad and cable connecting to the light will survive a day in class tho. Highly doubt it. Not a surefure..but not 300+ dlrs either

[@anonymouslee2083]

@@mobius-1503 a Streamlight TLR-8 might work too, but it’s already on my shotgun. Thinking of getting another.

[@mobius-1503]

@@anonymouslee2083 wait. Let me check that for my mossy 590. I just returned the TL racker! Biggest pos ever. Very dissapointed

[@fatherofjman2475]

Im actually about to get my own Ar-15. Been using a 12 gauge for home security for like 2 years and before that it was my 9mm everyday carry that was by my nightstand. Finances are a bit tight though so i cant afford to go out and buy a new gun…i usually get them with tax return. However thats why i love the AR. Been budgeting it out piece by piece.

[@timothyprice9064]

Where there is a will there is a way. Stick to it and congratulations.

[@binhdangvn]

The low recoil is the best part of the Armalite riffle 15. I am a Vietnamese and none of my family is used to own a gun. But this year, I have to buy an AR15 for home defense.

[@Squash173]

This is a great weapon for home defense. The only serious issue I saw was putting out the idea of no worry for over penetration of a missed shot. That was no accurate at all. Over penetration of an intended target is not an issue but there certainly are penetration issues for missed shots through typical urban construction.

[@Talishar]

@@MtnPeakEnduro That's not true at all. 55gr M193 will easily defeat Level IIIa armor that'll stop nearly all handgun calibers like it's not there. Several folks have done videos now showing M193 going through many walls and at the very worst, showing a little tumbling which just makes it less predictable at that point and even more of a menace. People have also put M193 through ballistic combat helmets which punched through the helmet that stopped handgun rounds. The switch to M855 was to counter wind and light obstacle deflection at longer ranges. M193 will still go through most common barriers a person will see and will punch through nearly any wall and kill the person behind it when needed and have been known to penetrate engine blocks and disable vehicles. While it may not be the most powerful rifle round in existence, it's still a rifle round and still carries with it many of the attributes that differentiate it as a rifle round versus a pistol round. As for specialized rounds that penetrate a lot less, sure you can get soft points, polymer or frangible, but as another has stated, if it can penetrate flesh, it's going through walls. Period. If it only goes through a single sheet of sheetrock, it's probably not going to penetrate very deeply in a person and wont have a chance to achieve a CNS shot. People these days have this odd predilection with making bigger holes and having people bleed more and less intent on immediate stopping of threats. The key has always been shot placement, not how big of a hole you can make. You'd need cannon caliber equivalents as even .50 BMG in the wrong spot wont immediately stop someone. People have been using ball ammo to kill each other for over a century now. Many people have also survived being shot with said ammo and they've ranged from much larger bullets than commonly used today to much smaller. The one thing that's almost universally been true throughout the ages is that it's a function of where the bullet went to and much less about how big that bullet was when it comes to ending the fight. People who get shot in the chest and the bullet smashes into the spine and breaking it results in an immediate fight stoppage as the person hits the ground like a puppet getting its strings cut. It's known that even a .22LR can do this at short ranges. Especially in a relatively shallow chested, thin skinned animal like people.

[@Keepgoing9919]

I turned 21 at the start of this plandemic, and jumped right on an offer for a very lightly used ar15 made by smith and Wesson. Got it for $400 which is a good price even before 2020 happened. Probably my best firearm purchase to date

[@ACoustaDC]

Let's stop calling it an AR15... but rather use its whole name.... Armalite rifle... That way the dems can stop calling it an Assault weapon. The term Rifle sounds less intimidating to the dems for some reason.

[@airgunningyup]

@@ACoustaDC better yet call it " nerf bullet plinker " . so they cant demonize it

[@brianunderwood7437]

It is not an assault rifle. It is not a modern sporting rifle. It is not an Armalite rifle. The armed citizens of America need to call this rifle exactly what it is. And what it is, is a Modern Militia Rifle. And these Modern Militia Rifles should be some of the most protected firearms in America.

[@ACoustaDC]

@@airgunningyup or how bout mild hunting and sportsman.devicr.

[@acdii]

@@ACoustaDC But technically it isn't even an Armalite unless it is actually manufactured BY Armalite. It's a semi automatic rifle, plain and simple. Since it can shoot 5.56, .223, .22, 9MM, and several other calibers, thats what it really is. Take the plastic furniture off and put wood stocks and the old school trigger and it is no longer a "Scary" assault rifle, yet functions 100% the same. A simpleton can understand that, but not a politician. Go figure.

[@jamesbell7220]

One might consider a bull pup AR such as the Kel-Tek RBD. Still the same length barrel , but an overall length of 27 inches compared to the 33 overall inches of a regular AR. The shorter overall length is useful in close quarters. The legendary Jeff Cooper said that a pistol is what you use to fight your way to your rifle. And why? As Kevin pointed out, muzzle velocity matters. Kinetic energy is the product of weight (mass) times the squared value of the speed. K = MV^2. A velocity ratio difference of 4 makes a kinetic difference of 16. Differences in mass (weight) are far less influential than differences in velocity.

[@TexasNativee]

The fact you brought up how loud it is, for home defense the one thing I always think about. Besides the family/me being ok and all the obvious things, I always imagine how loud it’ll be to shoot a 12 gauge inside a house with no hearing protection on. (I know it’s a AR video but allot of people use 12 gauge for HD).

[@oklahomahank2378]

I keep two electronic headsets in the back room.

[@friendsofjimmys]

Absolutely is good for home defense.

[@blackticalmayhem8461]

TOO LOUD😐

[@mikehughes8023]

@@blackticalmayhem8461 for who? The clown trying to invade your home?😕. You could always get a muzzle suppressor.

[@ic6020]

@@blackticalmayhem8461 loud doesnt apply when addrenaline is in play.

[@blackticalmayhem8461]

@@ic6020 YES IT DOES😂

[@ic6020]

@@blackticalmayhem8461 no

[@Auustinisretired]

I'd say the biggest thing is understanding your surroundings if you're going to use an AR for home defense, if houses are close together, or you live in a condo type situation.. its probably not the best bet due to the penetration of the round. If you have some more land, or some more spaced out pieces of land, its probably one of the better options. Just know you guys are responsible for every round you fire.

[@claytonrealist8868]

The .223 or 5.56 are much better in a close homes, condos or apartment type settings than even a 9mm because the ar rounds won't go through as many walls. They start tumbling as soon as they hit anything and that slows them down drastically. Even a 9mm will go though more walls than an ar round. The original 5.56 round for the M4 (same round we use today) was made light so that it would tumble after hitting something like a human instead of just making a straight hole. It was designed to cause more damage to a human that was hit by tumbling and easy deflection. But you are correct in that a shooter is responsible for every round you fire.

[@Auustinisretired]

@@claytonrealist8868 Good to know! thank you!

[@DeadlyReaperHD]

pleasant exchange of comments here

[@Auustinisretired]

After two years I realize I was super wrong in my reply, but its funny to revisit it haha@@DeadlyReaperHD

[@DeadlyReaperHD]

@@Auustinisretired what would be your new reply

[@mikesuch9021]

I own several AR-15s highly agree they are fantastic for home defense. That's why I sling one before I grab my 45 peacemaker. I always scored expert in the Marine corps. But! I've competed in cowboy shoots since 1980s and can hit a tin can consistently at 30 ft from the hip. It's so natural it's just like pointing your finger now.

[@Mr.Spectaculous]

Thats actually a 28 round magazine. From my experience they tend to choke when filled to capacity. I still run 20 rounders because I like that it takes the whole box and fall free when I need them too. I also prefer the astetics of the 20 rounders. Ultimately go with what you love the most. The AK is also in my arsenal. I like the effect of it on cars.

[@timothyprice9064]

@@MtnPeakEnduro Thank you, far more PC than I could have been. Stay around and pay attention, people will say just about anything.

[@dylanvs9264]

No it's a 30 round mag you just need better magazines lol

[@josephnoll2754]

The best firearm for home self defense is the one you have. Beware of the mam who only owns one gun, he likely knows how to use it, and use it well. I use fragilables in the house. Great presentation!

[@johnfrickstad4945]

I've had frangible rounds suggested for home defense. Great idea!

[@TheTeskeNater]

Your comment about the AR-15 and the 223/5.56 cartridge not being subject to over penetration concerns is completely inaccurate. I would love to see a video of you demonstrating the lack of overpenetration that you claim comes from this rifle/cartridge combination. You should understand that you are talking about using a rifle, inside a home, for self defense and that is a big deal. If you require proof that there is a significant overpenetration concern, I invite you to watch a video called “Shotguns don’t suck for home defense” by Paul Harrell. His video highlights very effectively the overpenetration concerns of using a rifle inside your home. However, I do agree with your remaining points. The AR-15 is easy to use. It does have low recoil. It is effective and has a good capacity with standard size magazines. It does not conceal well and it does penetrate through most modern building materials with ease. Which is why my first choice in home defense is my Glock 19 in 9mm. Large magazine capacity and concealability coupled with the reduced penetration of 9mm means less danger to innocent bystanders. However, that danger is never truly eliminated and anyone who might use a firearm in the home for self defense should understand that. And yes, 9mm, 45ACP or any of the more common self defense pistol rounds will penetrate less than 223/5.56.

[@glenn2745]

100%. I too was shocked by his penetration comments. And interestingly, I have a glock 19 for home defense too, with a TLR=7 light. Make sure you have a light on your pistol for home defense. I only realize how important this was by doing a drill one night. Try to acquire a target, any target in the dark, tritium sites don't help cuz they don't illuminate the target. Only with a light on the gun can I still use my two handed grip and put rounds on target readily. The TLR-7 is very bright and effective. Just sayin'... I'm also really put off by some of the imbecilic comments on this video from others. Cowboy, dumbass BS coming from people who sound ignorant and dangerous to me. But then again, i carry every day and am well trained. the more I learn, the more careful I become with my weapon...

[@claytonrealist8868]

He was comparing a shotgun to an AR which isn't much of a comparison. If you noticed the rounds started tumbling almost immediately and struck nothing but drywall. Like he said once they start tumbling they lose a lot of their force and penetrating ability. Compared to a shotgun he is right that the ar round will penetrate farther than the shotgun. Having said that your 9mm will penetrate farther than the ar because they aren't designed to start tumbling once they hit something. Just something to think about.

[@_TheDudeAbides_]

Also, he is wrong about the military using AR-15 everywhere. Sounds a bit like he is not a very well informed person.

[@glenn2745]

@@_TheDudeAbides_ Oh please, the difference between an AR 15 and M4 while not immaterial are not significant in terms of the terminal velocity of a round. Besides, there are many configurations of the M4 and and AR-15. My American Defense LEX 1 AR-15 with a mid length gas system and 14.5 inch pencil barrel, high end trigger, chambered in 5.56 and totally milspec is a better weapon than the M4 issued to an average combat infrantryman. The only thing it doesn't have is full auto. To get stuck on this is silly. My guess is you are also one of those guys who says "the AR-15 is just like a .22 cuz the round is .223". Amirite?

[@jaynecobb3701]

Paul Harrell has a video "Home Defense: Over Penetration Through Walls" that covers this topic. You DO need to worry about it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6ibepyInLiAfLM

[@nuancolar7304]

Those who like the AR for a home self defense firearm can also check out the expanding line of AR pistols from several manufacturers. They are light, highly maneuverable and stowable - all good attributes for any defensive firearm.

[@33jrp]

All things being equal including the point raised by Adam Cornish; I believe strongly that the shotgun is the best overall home defense weapon. It will not over penetrate and is forgiving at 3am when your vision and balance may not be at their best. Regardless of the type of ammo, a single shot must be aimed and given the speed of the attack, shooting a shotgun with OO 12 gauge is preferable. If you worry about having more ammo handy, an ammo sling and a side saddle should provide all you need. And the smaller stature person can use a 20 gauge. lastly the sound level of a shotgun is tolerable over a rifle or pistol. If the gun you have is an AR 15, well, use it to the best of your ability.

[@glenn2745]

Sorry, no dice. I own an ar-15 and a pistol that i carry, with a light on it. Here are my reasons why most people should never consider an AR for home defense. 1. I'm shocked he's claiming that the AR-15 .223 or 5.56 round will not penetrate walls more readily than a 9mm bullet. I've never heard anyone say that before. I use personal defense ammo for my 9mm and it has the same gel tip. I'm open to learning new things but I'm going to bring sheet rock to my range next weekend and shoot it with an AR and see if it doesn't penetrate and do damage to a target behind it. I think he's overstating this. 2. Ability to maneuver and get site on target. A pistol is much smaller and easy to bring on target and fire. It's also easier to maneuver around corners with it etc. 3. It's so loud that you will lose your hearing immediately whereas with a pistol it will be loud but you can still hear, and it's not just you. You can't communicate with your family members either, or your target - say they want to surrender but you can't hear what they say?. How are you going to communicate with others in your home and get them to safety if neither of you can hear? 4. It's hard to conceal. When you present yourself with an AR-15, you immediately are seen as a threat. I'm not sure whether the person I'm encountering is a threat or not. Presenting with an AR is an immediate escalation whereas I can readily reconceal my pistol if I'm moving into de-escalation mode or even just have it down at my side. Think about the optics of presenting yourself with an AR-15 . You might not think this matters, but you should read the castle doctrine laws of your state carefully. They really don't say that you can just shoot someone on your property. They need to be using unlawful force or committing arson in New Hampshire. I'm allowed to use non-lethal force to remove them from my property but not lethal force unless they are a threat of severe bodily harm or death to me. Read your state's laws carefully. If you do, you'll realize you may want to de-escalate a conflict with an intruder and give them a chance to leave before shooting them. You aren't frikking' Wyatt Earp in the Wild West just shooting down trespassers, that kind of thinking will have you end up in jail. One more point. The range of an AR-15 is irrelevant in almost all foreseeable home defense situations. If the intruder is 75 yards away - you have no right to shoot them unless they are firing at you (almost never the case on all the shooting videos i've seen for home robbers/invaders). The encounter is going to happen 15 ft or closer 99% of the time in your home. If you can't put combat effective rounds from a pistol on an assailant with a pistol at that range, that means you aren't doing any training or practicing. I taught a 21yo 110 pound girl to be able to do that in 1 hour at a range... Finally, consider the reaction of LE and the justice system. I'm always doing my best to not be seen as the aggressor in such a situation. A pistol is going to seem more reasonable to the average person - and that's who will be on your jury. Tbh, I can't think of a single advantage to using an AR-15 for home defense.

[@chrisbeckham3560]

Extremely well put. I also own an AR-15 and a gen 3 Glock 17 that I carry (both have weapon lights) and the Glock is my go-to home defense gun. Living in an apartment with 4 roommates, I keep 124 grain hollow points loaded so if a situation ever presented itself where I needed to use my firearm, over-penetration through dry wall would not be a concern. I also was disappointed to hear his take on the penetration of .223 or 5.56, if you do any basic research on the ballistics and watch a few ballistic test videos you’ll easily see his claim of getting less penetration out of .223 than 9mm or .45 acp is ridiculous. And sadly, your point about considering how the jury would view someone with an AR-15 vs how they would view someone with a handgun is extremely valid. Now I’m just waiting for the new Silencer Bill to come into effect so I can go out and get a can.. without all the ATF hassle, lol

[@vitodelorto1796]

I agree with the AR-15 being a fantastic home defence platform. I think the 5.56 is ok, but not fantastic. There are betrer ammo choices. 9mm, 10mm and 45acp are wildly popular calibers for your AR-15. If yoir AR-15 is going to be home defence/range plinker, 9mm is the most practical way to go. Regardless most homes should have an AR-15❤

[@bldlightpainting]

I love my Colt M4 which has never let me down.

[@minzc.8581]

Living in New York City sucks, I gotta really put the safety of my family onto the hands on the police, like if people barges into your house out of no where how you going to have time to call the police and to even tell them any detail before the intruder is standing right in front of you face to face.

[@sgtbones1837]

I use Ranger soft points 223 in my home defense AR.

[@7.62x39mm]

I personally love the AR, but if you’re going to use one for home defense you need to understand what over penetration is.

[@mke259]

It really depends on where and who you live with. I can have over penetration and not harm anybody else other than the scumbag breaking in.

[@FK-GOOGLE]

Select the correct ammo!

[@mke259]

@@FK-GOOGLE 55gr XM193 is all I'd use in order to get fragmentation. No point in using anything else if you want to use a hollow point I'd switch calibers to a 300 blackout it'd be more effective than a .22 hollow point.

[@FK-GOOGLE]

@@mke259 nah… 5.56mm Federal 62gr XM556SBCT3 Tactical Bonded soft point, aka FBIT3, aka Trophy Bonded Bear Claw (TBBC)

[@mke259]

@@FK-GOOGLE 55gr XM193 all the way. Soft point ammo is for hunting animals. I'm not trying to hunt animals, I'm trying to cause permanent stretch wound cavities.

[@ripper888888]

Thank you for emphasizing the standard capacity of the Ar-15 magazine.

[@johnharris6655]

Ask the kid in Oklahoma who shot 3 intruders with one. Then the family of the guys he killed tried to sue because their son brought a knife to a gun fight. Obviously thrown out of court.

[@TheCar780]

3:38 5.56 coming out in the low 2000fps you have an ammunition problem. 5.56 should be closer to 3k fps at the muzzle.

[@timothyprice9064]

Unless it was a pistol.

[@anonymouslee2083]

Depends on the barrel length. Anything below a 10 inch barrel length may not clear the 2500 fps mark recommended for permanent hydrostatic shock cavitation.

[@timothyprice9064]

@@anonymouslee2083 In some cases that's right. Are you forgetting hollow points, hog-strike, and other expanding ammo? They seem to work well down to 2000 fps or less. Bullet selection becomes more important when using a pistol, but in no way should they be ruled out.

[@anonymouslee2083]

@@timothyprice9064 Yeah, well enough. But if you're over 2200-2500 FPS the hydrostatic shock cavity will do the job for you, and all it really takes is a 10 inch barrel with 5.56, which is super easy to maneuver in most home defense scenarioes.

[@timothyprice9064]

@@anonymouslee2083 I own a 7.5-inch and a 20-inch carbine, both for well over 10 years now. I know the rifle shoots faster. I am saying the 7.5 gets the job done on pigs and deer. If it works on those why would I think it would not work for home defense? Now that I think about it, I may have had the pistol for 8 or 9 years. What you might want to do is get a 7.5 barrel then shoot a few pigs and deer, see what happens.

[@John-uo1qf]

Standard muzzle velocity is greater than 3200 FPS or 3 times faster than most handgun ammo

[@Radvous]

Correct, not low 2,000s, he may have been thinking 300 blk or something.

[@koltondavis5975]

The M4 has a 16inch barrel it was designed because soldiers need a weapon small enough for house to house fighting and if it’s good enough for them it’s good enough for me

[@GRWelsh7]

I have an AR-15 pistol with a red dot optical sight for home defense... And lots of loaded 30 round magazines. I feel good about it!

[@donzokor5312]

If someone on the internet says it's okay it must be true.

[@zman459]

Absolutely.

[@survivor-3572]

I use to have a Mossberg 500 12ga for home defense,but after hurting my hand at work I switched to a AR because I couldn't bend my wrist enough to hold a shotgun properly .

[@genejr1224]

Tell you a story. I was assigned to the Fort Rucker MP's Rabbit Ranger Program (Game Warden section out at Lake Tholocco 1979). My job in the morning was to sell licenses and assign hunters to the field (tree stands). Then I would wait listening to the CB Radio, answering phone calls, and answering the MP radio. In the afternoon I would be sent out on patrol. But often I had dead time in the office. So one day I saw some brasso and I decided to polish my 45 bullets. My squad leader came in and asked what I was doing? I said "Well I am a medic first. If I have to shoot someone I want clean bullets so they don't start an infection."

[@johnnypranin5874]

How many times do you have to shoot a threat with an AR? Several times I’m afraid. I’ve heard of veterans who’ve used the M4 in combat talking about having to put up to 5 rounds minimum into an opponent to stop him. I’ve seen at least 2 videos of police shootings that reinforce that opinion. In one incident, a cop fired 8 rounds from his AR to stop an active shooter. In the other one, a cop fired 7 rounds from his AR to stop a methhead. I know people like to think that with a high capacity gun you can defeat multiple bad guys. But that’s not necessarily the case. You have to consider the effectiveness of the caliber. If you have an AR loaded with 30 rounds of 5.56 or 223, and it realistically takes 5 rounds minimum to stop an opponent with 5.56 or 223, you’re probably only gonna defeat 5-6 opponents. For close quarters defense, nothing beats a buckshot loaded shotgun. 12 Gauge 00 buckshot reduced recoil is my preferred defensive load.

[@kerbalairforce8802]

Your comparing apples to cucumbers. An enemy combatant in a war zone believes they must fight to the death. An active shooter wants to cause maximum harm. A methhead can't make rational decisions or feel pain. Comparatively, the average home invader isn't there to fight and die. They are there to cause damage and take valuables. In the event of a force on force gunfight, they guys with more bullets typically wins. Shooting someone with buck shot is like shooting someone with eight 9mm bullets all at once. The question then becomes, "is it better to be able to shoot this person with exactly as many holes as I choose, or blow my wad all at once?" To be clear, I love shotguns for home defense. But they literally have a weakness in every column that an AR/AK has a strength, and very few advantages over them without modifications. Just my opinions, no hate or fighting intended. ✌

[@johnnypranin5874]

​@@kerbalairforce8802 "The question then becomes, "is it better to be able to shoot this person with exactly as many holes as I choose, or blow my wad all at once?" Definitely fire as many shots as it takes to stop your attacker. That's what trainers emphasize. I've seen several video posts from PoliceActivity showing cops shooting opponents multiple times with their handguns and getting a lot of hate in the comments for that. I commented in at least one of those, pointing out that this is the reality of handgun effectiveness. That you can't trust what you see in the movies and TV. Personally, If I'm target practicing with handguns or carbines, I practice controlled pairs for the most part. I also throw in plenty of drills in which I fire multiple shots. The shotgun's the only gun that I practice controlled singles with. I personally believe in ending the fight as quickly as possible. That's why I love shotguns so much. In most cases, one shot to the torso at close range with buckshot will flat out drop an opponent. Even with their low round capacity, shotguns still pack tremendous firepower in that you're firing multiple projectiles simultaneously. If you've got say, 6 rounds of 12 Gauge 00 buckshot in the gun with 8 or 9 pellets per round, you've got 48-54 projectiles altogether. Used properly, you can put much more lead into your opponent much quicker with a shotgun than a handgun or carbine. Also in defense of carbines, I'd much rather grab a carbine to defend myself than a handgun. Even though I'm very proficient with handguns, esp. the 1911, I understand that handgun calibers are impotent compared to rifle and shotgun calibers. On top of that, handguns are much harder to shoot well under stress than carbines and shotguns. Let's say that an attack is about to occur and you asked me to pick one of 2 guns: an AR 15 or a semi auto pistol, the AR would definitely be my first choice.

[@alecyoung5418]

@@johnnypranin5874 its all about shot placement no matter what gun you are shooting...also the round used in the military is usually 62gr with a steal core and therefor there is no expansion which cause the round to zip through the target while doing minimal cavitation. With 55gr or similar soft point projectiles a center mass shot is going to put down any threat dont care how much meth they smoked that day

[@johnnypranin5874]

@@alecyoung5418 Preach! The Central Nervous System must be reached. I once saw a video online of a zebra getting attacked and disemboweled by a crocodile, yet he didn't fall down and die right away despite getting mortally wounded. I get pretty annoyed at all those guys who preach that for example, such and such a .45 ACP, 40 S&W, or .357 magnum load has say a 90% chance of a one shot stop or this and that. They don't consider shot placement at all. I once talked about the importance of shot placement to the Central Nervous System to one guy on Facebook who had put too much faith in high tech hollowpoint ammo that he couldn't understand that placement is key. Don't think I got through to him lol. I personally prefer shotguns because by hitting your opponent in the torso with multiple projectiles at once, you're maximizing the chance of a hit to the Central Nervous System. Much harder to score a hit to the CNS with just one projectile. That is the upper spine for practical purposes.

[@michaels5210]

@@johnnypranin5874 another issue with shotguns is capacity. You mention all the pellets(and yes as I’ve said anywhere center mass with 12 gauge will END an encounter) that being said you have to be PRECISE with the shotgun because you can’t rely on spread. In essence you kinda have to think of it as a rifle not a boomstick with call of duty type spread. With that in mind I’ll take two thirty round mags at the ready over 6/7 in the tube MAX plus one in the chamber.

[@nolagospeltracts8264]

You better have a pair of earmuffs on the nightstand as well.

[@1977Yakko]

Beat me to it. Unless you got it suppressed, you'll blow away the bad guys and your eardrums. Any firearm wil leave your ears ringing when discharged inside with no hearing protection but the report on the AR is more than a tad pronounced. The same goes for the use of a shotgun for home defense. Sure, it's very effective as well but kiss your hearing goodbye for a day or so. I for one keep a H&K USP .45 with a flashlight on my nightstand for uninvited guests. Yeah, it's loud too but I figure if 12 rds of .45 JHP can't solve the problem then it just wasn't meant to be.

[@M2fiftycal]

It's not THAT bad. Have you ever fired an AR indoors in close quarters? It's not blowing your ear drums out so there's no need to be so dramatic.

[@nolagospeltracts8264]

@@M2fiftycal Are you kidding? I fired one at an outdoor range and forgot to put my hearing protection back on and darn near blew my eardrums out. Loudest firearm I ever fired in my life.

[@gurkagurkadurka6688]

Years ago I believed an AR was dangerous for home defense due to overpenetration. But all the FBI data I read changed my mind. Turned out that that tiny, light projectile lent itself pretty well to home defense. Sheet rock/dry wall does a ton of energy mitigation. That said, if it ever comes down to it, I will likely grab my 12ga with 000 first. I got a spiffy CZ Scorpion with a couple 33 round mags of 147gr JHP for the wife to use if the situation ever presents itself. She hates the 12ga and is pretty surgical with the Scorpion.

[@dtcdtc8328]

My nieces (now) finance is big firearm dude. I gotta admit I was a little concerned at first, until I went shooting with him . WoW , my concern quickly went to admiration, respect and feeling my only niece made a great choice in her partner in him , that she'd be safe. And how he conduced himselfwith 8 weapons and 5 people was fantastic. I shot his AR for the first time shooting one , and holy smokes I instantly thought NO WONDER people love them!

[@kevinjackson5532]

The best home defence really would be the 12 Ga pump for the house..

[@Amay1971]

Agreed, a rifle or handgun round goes too far and can penetrate several walls and exit your house into your neighbors house. A shotgun with bird shot is perfect! I would still shy away from buckshot unless you live in the country. I worked in EMS for several years and saw a lot of shootings. I can tell you first hand, a shotgun is devastating and very slim chance of any, that they will come at you for another. If they do…

[@deniseprettner2020]

If an AR is all you have, it’s the best home defense you have.

[@grantsdad177]

I think it’s the best regardless of what you have

[@ACoustaDC]

Let's stop calling it an AR15... but rather use its whole name.... Armalite rifle... That way the dems can stop calling it an Assault weapon. The term Rifle sounds less intimidating to the dems for some reason.

[@deniseprettner2020]

@@ACoustaDC it don’t matter what you call it. It’s a Gun and liberals want to take all guns.

[@thomasbynum7838]

You are exactly right.

[@megaweasel706]

I have a DDm4 PDW and it fits perfectly through doors and around corners, also I can have a rifle caliber in such a short barrel with the .300 BLK, I love it a lot and it shoots like a dream

[@Sherman62]

I concur. A 7.5" .300 BLK is the ideal house gun IMO. The larger bore gives it about the same energy as a full-length 5.56 carbine in an extremely compact package.

[@timunderbakke8756]

If the length is a concern in tight spaces but you really want a rifle, you can get a bullpup and be good to go. The manual of arms is a little different with the magazine tucked back by your shoulder, and they’re less ubiquitous, but they work well and most of them take standard AR magazines so you don’t need to worry about locating magazines or ammunition. The only real downside to bullpups is cost, and if you’re a trigger snob you may also be cranky about the trigger.

[@GF_Burke]

While the house does have these staged in certain places, my house is just not big enough. Main is an 18in 12g with #4 bird.

[@lilrockfromga5092]

I like both the AR and the hand gun. Thanks a good video.

[@anonymouslee2083]

I have an AR-15 mostly for sport shooting, where I use an RDS, but I also turn the RDS off and flip up the irons when I stage the gun for home defense (my wife has astigmatism and can't use an RDS because it blooms too much in her FOV,) so I definitely trust it as a wife gun. I use my KSG due to it's more compact setup if I have to go clear and protect our housemates in the other wing. 00 LE buck and Hydrashok rifled slugs (which I only use if someone snatches my wife's special needs nephew off the porch and I have to make a longer shot to lobotomize the kidnapper, stopping an active forcible sex crime or kidnapping with deadly force is justified defense of others in my state.) But yeah, I have an AR-15 as a wife gun. I would feel more comfortable if I could give her an AR SBR with a 10+ inch barrel, because you need a minimum of 10 inches with 5.56 to get the at least 2500 fps that you need for the hydrostatic shock cavity to be permanent. If you're below the 2200-2500 mark, it won't overwhelm the elasticity of human organ tissue. I'm thinking like a 12" barrel SBR would be better for home defense, since it's easier to maneuver around corners.

[@WarbandGamingOfficial]

Great presentation. But it is worth mentioning that the velocity of a bullet creates the greatest threat, not necessarily the mass. Something flying 3000+ fps will shred apart soft tissue that something going 900-1200 fps simply won't. This is where a lot of the fear from AR's comes in. Which to a degree IS understandable. The destructive force of a 5.56 round is massive in practice against soft tissue, bone, and cartilage. To deny that is to deny the very real power this round possesses. The AR, regardless of companies labeling them as "sport" shooters, are in fact, weapons that have and will hold up in battlefield situations where live engagements may occur. I don't care what your political affiliations are or beliefs for that matter, the firearm speaks for itself. That being said, AR's are wholly awesome in their power and should be respected in every way when handling. And in my opinion; every responsible, mentally sound, and vetted working class citizen should have the right to own one.

[@bushrod6258]

Another thing about the 5.56 round is once it enters the chest cavity center mass that bullet will bounce around inside of you from ricocheting off of bones and that is why it will tear your inside up.

[@QuabmasM]

Ive always had concerns w/ loudness because I use my ears to make a living & I have no intention of losing any more frequencies of sound in either ear....i gotta go w/ whats more quiet unless Im wearing protecting gear for my ears.

[@tedubadu2536]

You should always wear ear pro regardless of what you're shooting. Ask any old guy at the range. Oh wait, you can't because they're all deaf. Wear ear pro.

[@christian_bushcraft1490]

In times of self defense, you may experience diminished sound.

[@M2fiftycal]

If your life is at stake the most important thing is survival. Use whatever gives you the best chance to survive the fight.

[@Sunnysky321]

What about a .22LR? Some people will say it is too weak. But at close range and with good bullet placement, it will get the job done. Plus, it has very small recoil so allows much better follow up shots.

[@_TheDudeAbides_]

I think you might enjoy watching this video discussing home defense. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5_Iq5arlNp5edU The husband of the channel owner is a very sensible gun instructor and a police with experience as a military instructor too. He explains a lot about home defense options in this video.

[@andnorr7738]

Really, whatever weapon you are the most competent with will probably be the best for home defense. If you are talking about a home defense range of 10 yards or so, my preference is a 12 Gauge pump shotgun with 00 buckshot flite control shells.

[@donzokor5312]

The shotgun is still the best especially if you live in a apartment with people all around. People sometimes forget there is an attorney attached to every bullet you fire.

[@turtlepopper]

@@donzokor5312 not if you can actually shoot, and you shoot them dead.

[@Mr_Gabbles]

Might want to consider switching to #4 buck

[@danelobe2524]

00 buck is a better shell for 30' to 60'. For home defence you want 2-3/4" shells in 0000. At 10 feet it blows things in half. 00 buck goes threw people and into next rooms, with the possibility of injuring... others.

[@johnnellis3025]

@@Mr_Gabbles # 4 bird shot would kill someone dead.

[@GunnerM60]

Buying a fully assembled rifle has been getting increasingly difficult because of the climate around the firearm. A slightly easier way to get your hands one of these rifles is buy it in fully assembled parts. Basically the lower receiver (the piece that DOES require the background check because it has the trigger mechanism & must be shipped to an FFL licensed dealer) & the upper receiver which can be shipped to your door w/out needing to be picked up @ a FFL licensed dealer. Now this method does require a little more research to make sure you're buying quality parts, but if you have a knowledgeable friend like I do who has 3 custom built AR-15's, that friend can set you on the right track to have a reliable firearm.

[@unapologetic7900]

If you are going to choose this platform, I'd suggest using Speer Gold Dot LE 223, 75 grain bonded soft point for defense. It expands well, retains it's weight very well, minimal fragmentation, and does a lot of damage without over penetrating. Works well in all Barrels, even shorter Barrels as long as it has a 1-7 or 1-8 twist. Ideal AR15 "Style" setup for Home defense would be something around 10-11 inch Barrel, with a Suppressor to keep the noise at a tolerable level. but you'd need at least 1, maybe 2 Tax Stamps, depending on "SBR" or what happens with the "Pistol Brace" going forward. Having said that, My choice is a 9MM SBR, 7" Barrel, suppressed (all Tax Stamped), running either Federal HST, or Speer G2 147 Grain. Very wieldy in close quarters, subsonic quiet, but packs a punch at ranges inside 50 yards. Great Video!

[@TreeCamper]

Kenosha Kid used it defensively pretty effectively.

[@Fafafohi]

“I’m going to start a fight.” I thought we were supposed to deescalate and avoid confrontations?!? USCCA, you’re confusing me!!! Just kidding. I finally have my AR set up the way I want and am considering it as my go-to for home defense. For now, my 870 is my go-to only because it is what I have the most trigger time with.

[@timothyprice9064]

Ahh, the joy of choice.

[@Kiro710]

The 870 would be what I grab tbh. I’d be leaving my girl in the room with the AR and clearing with something I KNOW is gonna put the target down in one or two basketball size clouds of lead.

[@danelobe2524]

Shot guns are the best home defense weapons made. I like 00 buck past 30' to 80' and 0000 in hallways and under 30'. 00 buck has to much power it goes threw targets and walls injuring others nearby.

[@michaelj3959]

I decided to replace my Glock 45 as my primary home defense weapon with my AR Pistol. I have a Vortex red dot on it. It didn't come with iron sights. It's easier to maneuver in tight spaces than my rifle and holds more rounds than my sidearms. It's a win-win.

[@anthonymartin6831]

sixteen inches of barrel length is probably the best all -around for general use especially in .300 blk

[@RohARc]

I mean it is but unless you have a lot of open space available it's going to be a little difficult to get that around corners unless you're going hardcore SBR. My 12 gauge shotgun has a top folding stock so I have the use of my stock if necessary but in close quarters I still have the ability to fire.

[@arktactical6112]

You ever heard of short stocking/ canting over the shoulder? Plus you should be pieing the corner before making entry. Or just go for an AR pistol setup and no need for SBR tax stamp

[@jhutch1470]

@@arktactical6112 I agree with the over the shoulder for corner thing. That I did for 25 years. I did single man, and multiple man, building breaching, and room clearing. Over the should works.

[@mixter7x7]

the best weapon for your home defense is the one you feel you are most effective with whether it's a firearm, non lethal or otherwise. the ar is a great firearm platform, however - one should be realistically concerned with rounds carrying through into unintended areas.

[@keithhudgins1904]

So true, and it's the sucky thing about apartments. Even 32 acp is gonna tear straight through dry wall like it's not there. Better hit a wall stud if you miss lol

[@64samsky]

My 10 inch 300 Blackout with a 110 grain Barnes TAC TX is all I need for the bump in the night.

[@gruntusmc8922]

Gentlemen; If you'll eventually have to go to trial for neutralizing a criminal inside your house, why use a small arm, I'd express my greetings to the individual(s) with the best I have. And yes I've an ar with a full mag, one in the chamber hanging in the inside of my room door aprox 7 ft high, I just have to reach for it on my way out of my room. It was the first firearm I've ever shot and I absolutely fell in love with it. When the lives of your loved ones depend on You, You need to do the best You can as quick as You can in order to neutralize the threat. Take care.

[@GM8101PHX]

Outstanding Marine!!!! I feel the same way, no time to rack the weapon, it is always hot and ready, it's trigger finger discipline that makes the difference, us vets know this well!!! 6 years Air Force here!!! Security Police!!!

[@gruntusmc8922]

@@GM8101PHX; My oldest son is also an MP in the Air Force. Thank You for Your Service!. WE don't want to give any chance to a threat and WE won't fight a fair fight whenever our Country, our family or our Citizens are on the line. SEMPER FI BROTHER!. Stay Safe.