Best Home Defense Firearms Series Part 3: Rifles
This blog is part 3 in a 3 part series covering the best home defense guns.
Wrapping up our series to help you find the best guns for home defense, we’re moving on to our final category of home defense firearms. Offering a variety of unique benefits, rifles like AR15s, AK47s, and carbines display great performance in a variety of shooting situations, including home defense. If you’re interested in finding a home defense rifle of your own, keep reading to see some of our top picks for the best home defense rifles here at GrabAGun!
Our Top Home Defense Rifles
As previously mentioned, a semi-auto rifle, like an AR-15 or a carbine, is an excellent choice for home defense due to the features offered. Designed with sporting and tactical use in mind, the construction of these rifles is lightweight and durable, allowing them to easily be wielded and maneuvered in virtually any situation. Their construction also allows for customization and the mounting of accessories like optics, lasers, flashlights, slings, etc., making it easy to build a gun that works best for you.
The performance of rifles like AR15s and carbines is another reason they’re good for home defense. Their high-capacity mags mean you don’t have to worry about running out of ammo. Additionally, since most models fire 5.56 NATO, .223 Remington, or similar ammo, these rifles deliver more than enough stopping power. While overpenetration can be a concern in a home defense situation, the increased accuracy of a rifle, along with the design and lighter grain of a defense round, reduces the likelihood that a round will penetrate multiple walls if a shot misses the target.
Now that we’ve gotten to look at some of the benefits of rifles for home defense, there still remains the question of which one is right for you. To help in your search, we’re now going to look at some of our favorite home defense rifles at GrabAGun! This list covers a range of prices and includes rifles from top brands, like Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Colt, American Tactical Imports, and others. Check out our list below!
Smith and Wesson M&P-15 Sport II
The Smith & Wesson M&P-15 Sport II is a popular AR-15 style rifle and made it on the list for a variety of reasons. With a moderate price point and a variety of features, the M&P 15 Sport II delivers everything you’re looking for in a modern sporting rifle and also boasts the Smith and Wesson name. Chambered in 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem, the Sport II features a forged 7075 T6 aluminum upper and lower, a forward bolt assist and dust cover, a 16-inch barrel, an A2 Front Sight, Magpul Folding Rear Sight, and a 6-position collapsible stock. The Smith and Wesson M&P 15 also comes with a 30-round magazine. All these features come together to make the S&W M&P Sport II a versatile, reliable, and durable option that performs well in multiple conditions.
Smith and Wesson M&P-15 Sport II Specs
| Caliber: 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem | Barrel Length: 16” | Rate of Twist: 1:9” |
| Capacity: 30-Rounds | Sights: Adjustable A2 Post Front, Folding Magpul MBUS Rear | OAL: 35” |
| Safety: Manual Thumb | Stock: 6-Position Adjustable | Weight: 6.5 lbs |
Smith and Wesson M&P-15 Sport II with Optic
Another great option for those looking for a home defense rifle, the M&P-15 Sport II can also be purchased with a factory-mounted optic. This version of the M and P Smith and Wesson same as the previous Sport II but comes with a Crimson Trace CTS-103 Red/Green dot optic sight, giving you greater accuracy and dependable performance at the range and in your own home. You can get this great AR15-style rifle with a rebate from GrabAGun today!
Smith and Wesson M&P-15 Sport II with Optic Specs
| Caliber: 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem | Barrel Length: 16” | Rate of Twist: 1:9” |
| Capacity: 30-Rounds | Sights: Adjustable A2 Post Front, Folding Magpul MBUS Rear | OAL: 35” |
| Safety: Manual Thumb | Stock: 6-Position Adjustable | Weight: 6.91 lbs |
GAG SKU: GAG_13712-149936 (With carrying case and tool kit)
Ruger LC Carbine
The Ruger LC Carbine is another great home defense rifle. Chambered in 5.7×28 and weighing under 6 lbs, the LC Carbine is a great lightweight choice for a home defense scenario. The gun includes features like a 16.25″ fluted and threaded barrel, an ambidextrous manual safety, a reversible charging handle, an ergonomic bolt release, and an extended magazine release latch. This Carbine uses magazines from the Ruger 5.7 pistols and comes with its own 20-round mag. Easily configured for your needs, the Ruger comes with a folding stock, an M-LOK handguard, an M-LOK QD sling socket, and a full-length Picatinny top rail for easy optics installation The gun’s trigger has a smooth pull, clean break, and positive reset. This all means that this Ruger Carbine is a great lightweight defense firearm, especially if you already own or want to own one of their 5.7 pistols.
Ruger LC Carbine Specs
| Caliber: 5.57x28mm | Barrel Length: 16.25” | Rate of Twist: 1:9” |
| Capacity: 20-Rounds | Sights: Adjustable Ruger Rapid Deploy | OAL: 28.70”-30.60” |
| Safety: Manual Thumb | Stock: Folding Adjustable | Weight: 5.90 lbs |
Colt M4 Carbine
The Colt M4 Carbine delivers exceptional performance, reliability, and precision that Colt is known for, making it an excellent choice for a home defense rifle. Chambered in 5.56 NATO with a 16.1-inch barrel, this Colt AR-15 packs a punch while maintaining a smaller form factor. Features include a 4-position stock, a Magpul rear sight, and a 30-round magazine. This M4 Carbine Colt shares many features with its combat-proven brother, the Colt M4. This Colt AR utilizes a chrome-lined barrel, an adjustable-post front sight with rear Magpul Gen2 Back-Up Sight (MBUS), and a 30-round Magpul PMAG. Colt rifles offer some of the best quality in a home defense rifle from a name you can trust.
Colt M4 Carbine Specs
| Caliber: 5.56 NATO / 2.23 Rem | Barrel Length: 16.10” | Rate of Twist: 1:7” |
| Capacity: 30-Rounds | Sights: A2 Front, Magpul Rear | OAL: 32”-35.50” |
| Safety: Lever | Stock: 4-Position Collapsible | Weight: 6.90 lbs |
Colt AR15 A4
Perfect for target shooting at the range as well as home defense applications, the Colt AR15 A4 is a durable, high-quality pick on this list. This AR-15 is chambered for 5.56 NATO / .223 Remington and has a 20″ barrel. The longer barrel also means that this rifle is a great pick if you need consistent performance at longer distances. This Colt AR 15 comes with a detachable carry handle and boasts high capacity with a 30-round PMAG Magazine. The 7075-T6 Aluminum receiver is built with long-lasting durability, along with the 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel. The gas-operated AR15 Colt rifle is based on the direct impingement system and is conveniently finger adjustable, meaning you won’t have to be inconvenienced by carting around the unnecessary weight of extra tools. Taking a shot and defending your home is easy with this Colt AR-15 and other Colt rifles, now available at GrabAGun!
Colt AR15 A4 Specs
| Caliber: 5.57x28mm | Barrel Length: 20” | Rate of Twist: 1:7” |
| Capacity: 30-Rounds | Sights: A2 Front, Carry Handle Rear | OAL: 39.50” |
| Safety: Manual Thumb | Stock: A2 Fixed | Weight: 7.70 lbs |
Radical Firearms Forged Mispec AR15
A great budget-friendly option, the Radical Firearms Forged AR-15 is a Milspec AR15 for anyone looking to defend their home.The Forged AR15 is crafted with some of the finest engineering in the modern shooting market. This gun is chambered for 5.56 NATO which allows it to pack a punch. Some of the features of the Forged AR15 include a 16-inch barrel, a 30-round magazine, and Milspec upper and lower receivers. The gun is easily customized as well, featuring a 15″ RPR M-LOK free float rail system and a full-length top Picatinny rail. Because of its features and affordable price point, this Radical Firearms AR-15 is a great option for anyone looking to get an AR-15!
Radical Firearms Forged Milspec AR15 Specs
| Caliber: 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem | Barrel Length: 16” | Rate of Twist: 1:7” |
| Capacity: 30-Rounds | Sights: Optic Ready | Platform: Milspec AR-15 |
| Safety: Manual Thumb | Stock: 6-Position B5 Bravo Adjustable | Rails: M-LOK, Picatinny |
American Tactical Imports Mil-Sport AR-15
Another budget-friendly option, the American Tactical Imports Mil-sport AR15 is another Milspec AR you can trust. Constructed with precise engineering and ATI economic craftsmanship, The Mil-Sport AR-15 is a gun you can count on for years to come. Chambered in .223 Wylde/5.56 NATO, the Mil-Sport AR-15 is an accurate and lightweight rifle that delivers high power with low recoil. Features of the ATI AR15 include a 16-inch barrel, 13-inch MLOK handguard, M4 stock, A2 Grip, and a 30-round magazine. In addition to this, the Mil-Sport AR-15 rifle is built on a forged aluminum upper and AR15 Mil-Sport pattern lower receiver. Whether you want to use it at the range, in competition, or in defending your home, the American Tactical Imports Mil-Sport has you covered!
American Tactical Imports Mil-Sport AR-15 Specs
| Caliber: .223 Wylde/5.56 NATO | Barrel Length: 16” | Rails: 13” MLOK Rail |
| Capacity: 30-Rounds | Sights: Optics Ready | Gun Platform: AR-15 |
| Stock: M4 Style Stock |
American Tactical Imports Omni Hybrid Maxx AR-15
The ATI Omni Hybrid Maxx AR 15 is another great AR15 for someone looking for an option that won’t break the bank. The Omni Hybrid Maxx offers good precision and performance in a lightweight, durable, and reliable AR rifle. Chambered in 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem, the rifle features a 16-inch barrel, an optics-ready flat-top, an adjustable stock, and a 30-round magazine. The ATI AR15’s flat dark earth polymer upper and lower receivers, contribute to a lightweight and maneuverable shooting experience. The gun also comes with a nanocomposite lower parts kit (which includes a composite hammer, trigger, and lower parts), a 10″ M-LOK rail, an alpha stock, and a 30-round magazine. The American Tactical Imports Omni Hybrid Maxx AR-15 will deliver reliable performance whenever and wherever you need it!
American Tactical Imports Omni Hybrid Maxx AR-15 Specs
| Caliber: 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem | Barrel Length: 16” | Rate of Twist: 1:8” |
| Capacity: 30-Rounds | Sights: Optic ready | Gun Platform: AR-15 |
| Safety: 2-Position Thumb Safety | Stock: Alpha Stock | Weight: 5.5 lbs |
Century Arms VSKA AK47
Though not often discussed, an AK47 can be a great option for home defense. That’s why we’ve included the Century Arms VSKA AK-47 rifle. The durability and reliability of an AK47’s construction allow it to fire thousands of rounds with little to no maintenance. Features of the Century Arms AK-47 include an all-new bolt carrier, front trunnion, and feed ramp machined from ultra-durable, shock-resistant S7 tool steel and specially heat treated for maximum durability. Additional features of the gun include a carburized 4140 steel bolt, a chrome-moly 4150 barrel, and the RAK-1 Enhanced Trigger Group for a crisp trigger pull. The stock and fore-end are made of American maple to provide a stylish classic finish to the rifle. Built to last, the VSKA AK47 is a firearm you can depend on to keep you and your family safe.
Century Arms VSKA AK47 Specs
| Caliber: 7.62×39 | Barrel Length: 16.25” | Gun Platform: AK |
| Capacity: 30-Rounds | Sights: Adjustable Front, Distance Adjustable Rear | OAL: 35.25” |
| Safety: Manual Safety | Stock: American Maple | Weight: 8 lbs |
Home Defense Rifles For Sale at GrabAGun
If you want one of the home defense rifles that we covered on our list, or you’re looking for another gun for sale, look no further than GrabAGun.com! On our website, you can easily find an AR15 for sale, an AK47 for sale, and other great deals on things like ar15 ammo, handguns for sale, and shotguns for sale. With thousands of products across our online gun store, you’ll easily be able to find the best guns for home defense and any other guns you need!
If you missed the earlier blogs in this series, make sure to check out Part 1: Home Defense Handguns and Part 2: Home Defense Shotguns now!
-Matthew Cornell
