Topic area: Tactical Rifles for Home Defense 1

The 11 Essentials Rules of

Tactical Rifles for Home Defense

Cover

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Topic area: Tactical Rifles for Home Defense 3

Table of Content
0. Introduction

1. Types of Rifles

2. Ergonomics

3. Grips

4. Optics

5. Sights

6. Compensators, Muzzle Breaks, Flash-Hiders

7. Magazines

8. Slings

9. Lights

10. Training

11. Safes & Storage

- Conclusions

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Introduction
The debate about the ideal home defense gun typically breaks down into
three camps. Those who prefer handguns cite their compact size and the
ease of storage. Those who favor shotguns prefer the effective ballistics
and wide patterns of buckshot. But nothing beats the ergonomics and
versatility of a good carbine-length rifle.

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Topic area: Tactical Rifles for Home Defense 5

Introduction (cont.)
Tactical Carbines come in numerous variations. They're defined by their short

length. In the United States, a rifle with a stock must have a barrel that's at least

16 inches long, to be owned without additional licenses. While this limits the

long-range effectiveness of a rifle, a 16 inch barrel is more than sufficient out to

200 meters or more.

Yet, range is hardly a consideration when we're talking about home defense. In

these circumstances, it's the versatility and power of the rifle that makes it

attractive, not its long-range accuracy.

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Types of Rifles
Learn about
the ARX100

There are several options for rifles. While longer barreled tactical rifles in 5.56 (or .223) are great
for hunting varmints and predators, their size (and weight) limits their usefulness indoors. And
other guns chambered in larger calibers are simply too powerful for use where the over-
penetration of heavy bullets might have unintended consequences.

On the opposite end of the power spectrum are rifles

chambered for pistol rounds. These have been around as
long as guns have existed, really, but seem to be less
common now than they were in the past. Yet, they're still great
choices. Some are simply larger versions of handguns.
Others are patterned on tactical rifles, but chambered for 9mm
or .45ACP.

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Most who chose carbines for home defense want something more powerful than a pistol, and less

powerful than a traditional hunting rifle. This middle ground is dominated by three rounds. The

venerable 5.56 (or the civilian version, the .223) is the most popular in the United States. The

Russian 7.62x39 is a larger bullet. The 5.45x39 is also a good choice, but it is an import and its

availability is limited in the United States.

Learn more about

the ARX100

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Topic area: Tactical Rifles for Home Defense 8

For most purposes, the .223 (or 5.56) is the most versatile. There are many varieties. For home

defense, hollow points are a sound choice. They deform on impact and are less prone to over-

penetration than full metal jackets. Frangible ammunition is engineered to break apart when it hits

something as solid as a wall. As such, it is an even better choice for those concerned about

bullets traveling through walls.

Learn more about

the Cx4

But once you've decided on a caliber, choosing a rifle can be much more difficult. Take the 5.56.

There are hundreds of rifle variations in this caliber. But the variety doesn't have to be daunting.

They all combine a few basic options in slightly different ways.

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ERGONOMICS
The overall length of a rifle with a 16 inch barrel can vary widely.
Some guns have fixed stocks. Others have folding stocks, or stocks
that collapse in on themselves. The last variety, which is growing
in popularity, is bullpups.

The fixed stock rifle is traditional in design, and very reliable.

There isn't anything to manipulate, which makes them easy and
fast. But they require the most room to store.

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Folding stocks are very useful for storage purposes. Some stocks fold under guns, but most
fold off to one side, where they attach firmly to the rifle's receiver. Many of these folding stocks
are also adjustable. Telescoping stocks are the most popular form as they're easy to use and
allow a shooter to fit the rifle to their specific height.

The distance from the trigger to the end

of the stock is referred to as the length-
of-pull, and taller shooters want longer
lengths-of-pull.

One thing to be wary of: some guns won't fire when their stocks are folded. It is best
to have a gun that will fire, regardless of the stock being folded or extended.

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Topic area: Tactical Rifles for Home Defense 11

GRIPS
Almost all tactical carbines have some sort of pistol grip. On some guns, these grips
are reasonably easy to change out, which allows for a wide variety of sizes and
textures. While it seems like a rather insignificant detail, the customizable grip allows
shooters to tailor the exact fit of their guns.

OPTICS
While many shooters have scopes for their carbines, a rifle for
home defense should not have a scope, as they restrict a
shooter's filed of view. Red dot sights, on the other hand, are
ideal. Choose an optic with no magnification, as you won't have
any need to see your target up close. Instead, look for something
that is easy to see, and fast.

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SIGHTS
Many carbines don't come with iron sights. Or they come with a front sight, with no rear. The
assumption is that shooters will choose their own optic. But the importance of iron sights can't
be overlooked. Without them, a rifle is very hard to use. Even with an optic, iron sights should
be there as a backup.

A basic set will do, though there are better options. If you are using an optic of some sort, flip
up sights might be the logical choice. They fold down and lock, which keeps them out of the
way. If batteries die, they flip up and are ready to go.

Some prefer sights that are canted off the top of the rifle at an angle. These cut out the extra
step of flipping up sights. A simple twist of the rifle will allow the sights to be used.
If you will be using iron sights in low light situations, a tritium post will provide a nice low glow
and can make a big difference in rapid target acquisition.

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Topic area: Tactical Rifles for Home Defense 13

Compensators, Muzzle-breaks,
and flash-hiders
Muzzle-breaks attach to the ends of barrels and are cut to direct gasses backwards, which
helps to reduce recoil. Compensators help to reduce muzzle rise. They're excellent tools for
competition shooting and for daylight conditions. But at night, the bright flashes they produce
can be blinding, at least temporarily.

Flash suppressors, though, are designed to minimize

the visible burn-off of gasses. Repeat shots become
much easier in dark settings, allowing a shooter a
distinct tactical advantage.

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Topic area: Tactical Rifles for Home Defense 14

Magazines
The standard carbine magazine holds thirty rounds of .223 ammunition. While some states limit
magazine capacity, the thirty round variety is typical, and the highest capacity needed. There are
larger magazines that will hold sixty rounds, and drums hold even more. But the larger magazines
are prone to failure.

Magazine failure is always a possibility, so it is useful to have at least two with the gun. Magazine
couplers connect two magazines together, side by side. When one is empty, another is ready and
available. Under the best conditions, one gun will have sixty rounds available. That's way more
than enough for home defense scenarios.

Opinions differ about magazine construction. Steel is still highly regarded and extraordinarily
dependable, but aluminum magazines are common and polymer now dominates the market.

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Slings
One very useful addition is a sling. A good sling is like having a second pair of hands. There are
two main types. Some connect to two points on the gun, and are optimal for travel. Other varieties
connect to one point. With a one point sling, a shooter can hold the gun in one hand and, if
needed, keep the other hand free.

Some slings offer both one-point or two-point connections.

Others have built in sections of bungee cord to allow for even
more flexibility.

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 Topic area: Tactical Rifles for Home Defense 16

Lights
Many rifles have sections of Picatinny rail on their forends. The rail
sections allow for the addition of any number of extras, but for home
defense, none are as important as lights. Most imagined home invasion
scenarios happen at night. Having a light can be crucial in the
identification of possible threats.

Some lights have narrow beams. While these bright spots may seem
attractive, they only light up a small area. A wider beam will show more,
and may expose more of what you're facing.

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Choose a light that is bright enough, but not so bright that vision would be impaired. 150
lumens is enough.

Effective range of light at

different lumens

And make sure the light has multiple switch options. Momentary-on will disorient your target, and
give you a good idea of what's in front of you. And it is just as easily turned off, hiding your
location.

A secondary light, held in the hand, is another option. Some prefer to hold their gun in one hand
and hold a light away from their body in the other. This requires some serious practice, but it is
useful if the threat you are facing might be shooting back at the light, assuming it is you.

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Topic area: Tactical Rifles for Home Defense 18

Training & Simulation

There is no substitution for experience, yet this is one
experience no one wants to have. That's why practice is so
important. How will you store a carbine? How long will it take
you to access it? Once you are armed, and prepared, where
are your loved ones?

Knowing how to use your rifle is a given. You also need to know
your home. Where can you hide? Where will others hide?
Training at the range will let you get the feel for how your rifle
functions. But few ranges offer you the opportunity to move in
and out of doorways, and through dark rooms.

If possible, find a training class that offers force on force simulation.

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One of the easiest options for training is provided by what many consider to be a very realistic toy.
Airsoft guns are often modeled on real guns, and built to surprising levels of detail. An Airsoft
simulation may allow you to try out your light and sling and actually engage targets inside your
home with minimal risk of damage or injury.

The last step of training has to happen outside of the house. While the idea of a home invasion
implies that your home has been invaded, such confrontations often begin and/or end outside.
This is where a carbine will allow for the greatest tactical advantage. But knowing the lay of the
land is almost as important as knowing your floor plan.

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Safes & Storage

The last component of this equation has to do with keeping your rifle hidden and safe when it isn't
needed. Safes are best. They protect your investment and offer extraordinary protection against
fire and humidity. But they are hard to get into. That's the point.

A good carbine can weather the elements. Many are

designed to withstand constant exposure. And the
desire to have a rifle ready has led to many unique Safes offer extraordinary
storage designs. There are racks that connect to the protection. But they are hard
bed, so the rifle is ready and at arms reach. Others to get into. That's the point.
prefer furniture with hidden panels. Some safe makers
offer slim profile cabinets with biometric locks.

While some of the options aren't meant as serious theft deterrents, they can keep guns hidden
and accessible. It is up to you to determine the balance between security and accessibility.

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Topic area: Tactical Rifles for Home Defense 21

Conclusions and additional resources

The last thing to consider when thinking about carbines is how much you might want to
customize your chosen gun. Part of the versatility of many tactical rifles is their ability to be fit to
individual shooters, and to fit their specific needs. There will be a base price for the gun itself,
and then a long list of extras that will start to add up. If price is a concern, look for a gun that
comes with much of what you would want.

The rest is up to you. Train. Prepare. Then train some

more. Knowing your way around a carbine can be a great
tactical advantage. They are exceptionally capable guns.
But that is just the first step in keeping your home safe.

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