AR-15 for Home Defense
The AR-15 is easier to shoot accurately than most realize — the case for it, plus the right setup.
The Short Answer
The AR-15 is one of the most effective home-defense tools available, and a big reason is how easy it is to shoot accurately under stress. Its light recoil, intuitive ergonomics, and the ability to mount a red dot, light, and sling make it more forgiving than a handgun for most people. Contrary to a common myth, lightweight 5.56 bullets actually tend to fragment and over-penetrate interior walls less than many common handgun rounds.
Set it up for the role: a quality red dot or LPVO, a weapon light for target identification, a sling, and a defensive 5.56 load chosen for terminal performance. Keep it secured but accessible, and get training on safe manipulation indoors. For a capable shooter who can store a long gun safely, the AR is hard to beat — though it's louder indoors, so hearing protection considerations and a possible suppressor are worth thinking about.