Sturdy locks and a home security system can go a long way towards protecting your home and your family, but what about when your home is invaded while the family is there? Between 2003 and 2007, an average of 3.7 million home burglaries occurred each year. Of that 3.7 million, 27.6 percent of those burglaries happened when at least one household member was present. That’s nearly a million homes burglarized each year with at least one family member at home.

The baseball bat behind the bedroom door isn’t exactly going to cut it anymore. We aren’t trying to feed into the rampant fear-mongering taking the country by storm by sharing these statistics, only to help you see that your concerns about home defense are supported by crime statistics. We know home defense is one of the more commonly cited reasons gun owners will purchase a new firearm. It makes sense because a firearm is a good way to keep you and your family more than an arm’s length away from a home invader. So, if you’re looking for a good home defense option, how do you choose?

Firearms For Home Defense

AR 15 fans across the nation point to this platform as a great option for home defense. And we might be a bit biased here at RailScales, but we can see why. A shotgun may be the traditional option for home defense, but there are several benefits that the AR 15 brings to the ring that, in our opinion, pushes it to the front of the pack. Those reasons include:

Ease Of Use

The AR 15 was originally designed to be lighter and smaller but still powerful so it would be easier to use and more accurate during combat situations. Those qualities carry over to make it a good option for home defense as well.

The AR-15 is going to have less recoil than a shotgun or a pistol, meaning better accuracy without as much time in between shots. Add to that its size, and it makes it easier to get into a strong stance quickly. This set of qualities also makes the AR a good platform if you’ll have multiple people in the house who may need to handle it.

Men and women both tend to shoot with better accuracy with an AR-15, and the learning curve isn’t as steep as, say, a pistol’s. If all the potential users in the home can handle a single firearm comfortably, this helps improve safety. Of course, everyone will need to keep up with range time, but the necessary level of familiarity and comfort is likely to come pretty easily as long as range time is kept up.

AR-15 Maneuverability

Along with an easy-to-conquer learning curve, another big benefit to the AR-15 carbine is how easily maneuverable it can be. The shorter barrel makes it easier to maneuver around tight spaces like hallways or furniture-filled rooms. Attach a sling, and you can go from hands-free to a strong stance quickly. Even without a sling, the AR is made to help you get a strong grip quickly. Adding on rail scales to the handguard rail can further boost grip and adding on a hand stop can give you a sturdy spot against the front of the gun if you need to leverage the edge of furniture or a doorway without sacrificing control.

Ammo

It’s also important to consider what your firearm will be shooting. In a home defense situation, shotgun ammunition offers a broader spread. The spread can reduce the stopping power of each shot, making them less effective. Add in that the spread also causes more widespread damage to your home and furnishings, and you can see why shotgun ammo makes it a less appealing choice.

On the flip side, the AR is occasionally knocked for being overpowered. If you’re worried about over-penetration, consider selecting a lower grain count. The reduced weight means a lower velocity, which is less likely to punch holes in your drywall and keep going — a very important consideration if your family is home. Since the AR offers better precision, you’ll be less likely to damage things in your home.

On a related note, you’ll also want to consider how many rounds a firearm can fire before you have to reload. A single- or double-shot rifle that needs frequent reloading can be a hindrance during an emergency situation. The higher capacity and semi-automatic nature of an AR mean you’ll be able to react more quickly without worrying as much about reloading.

Sight Acquisition

There’s an argument that a pistol is easier to aim accurately than a rifle. This isn’t necessarily the case, especially given the potential obstacles and closer quarters that can arise from a home invasion. Add a red dot sight (and fixed iron sight for backup), put the red dot on the threat, and pull the trigger. The fact that you can add aim assistance to a handguard rail quickly gives the AR-15 a leg up over the iron sights on a pistol. Mount a flashlight and laser sight and you’ll be prepared to line up shots in the dark if you need to.

While the AR-15 is a reliable choice for home defense on its own, it can be given a boost with a few well-chosen accessories. As we mentioned above, a hand stop and rail scales will help with grip. In addition, make sure you're prepared with aim assistance options that will work in the dark.

Connect with the RailScales team for more details and explore our lightweight, durable control aids online today.

About RailScales®

Pioneers in AR-15 Accessories

RailScales® is a pioneering leader in the firearms accessory industry, specializing in high-quality AR-15 accessories that enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of firearms. Founded with a vision to revolutionize the way shooters interact with their equipment, RailScales® has consistently pushed the boundaries of design and performance, earning a reputation for delivering top-tier products that meet the rigorous demands of discerning shooters.

Our Mission

Our mission at RailScales® is to provide firearm enthusiasts with AR parts that not only improve their shooting experience but also offer superior ergonomics and visual appeal. We believe in the perfect blend of form and function, ensuring that every product we create serves a practical purpose while enhancing the overall look of the firearm. Our commitment to quality and innovation drives us to continually develop and refine products that meet the highest standards of performance.

Innovative Product Line

Our product lineup includes a range of AR15 accessories in 2024 that are meticulously crafted to deliver unmatched quality and performance. Some of our standout products include:

• G10 RailScales MLOK Panels: These rail panels provide excellent grip and heat resistance, enhancing control and comfort during rapid fire.
• XOS G10 Panels: Lightweight and durable, these panels improve grip and handling, making the AR-15 more maneuverable in tight spaces.
• Karve Handstop in MLOK: This handstop offers forward hand control and stability, helping maintain a strong grip during shooting.
• Anchor Vertical Grip: Designed for enhanced stability and control, this fore grip helps reduces recoil and improves accuracy.

Each product is a testament to our dedication to innovation and quality, designed to meet the highest standards of performance.

Commitment to American Manufacturing

RailScales® proudly manufactures all our products in the USA, ensuring each accessory is crafted with precision and care by skilled American artisans. This commitment to domestic production guarantees exceptional quality control, providing our customers with only the finest products. By supporting local manufacturing, we contribute to the strength and sustainability of the American economy.

Customer Service and Free Shipping

At RailScales®, we put customer satisfaction first. We understand the importance of quick and efficient delivery, which is why we offer free shipping on all orders. Our dedicated customer service team is always available to address any questions or concerns, providing excellent support to ensure your satisfaction. We believe that top-notch customer service is as essential as the quality of our products.

Explore RailScales®

Discover our latest innovations and experience the superior quality and performance of RailScales®. Our products are designed to enhance your shooting experience with the ideal combination of functionality and aesthetics. Visit our website to explore our full range of accessories and see why RailScales® is the top choice for shooters everywhere.

Unwavering Commitment to Quality

At RailScales®, we are unwavering in our commitment to quality and innovation. We continuously refine our products and develop new solutions to meet the evolving needs of the shooting community. Trust RailScales® to deliver the finest AR-15 accessories in 2023 and 2024 that not only enhance your firearm's performance but also look exceptional.

FAQ: Firearms for Home Defense and RailScales® Accessories

1. Why is the AR-15 a good choice for home defense?

The AR-15 is favored for home defense due to its ease of use, maneuverability, lower recoil, and high accuracy. Its design makes it easier to handle in tight spaces, and it allows for quick sight acquisition with accessories like red dot sights and flashlights. Additionally, it offers higher capacity and semi-automatic firing, reducing the need for frequent reloading during an emergency.

2. How does the AR-15 compare to a shotgun for home defense?

While shotguns are a traditional choice, the AR-15 offers several advantages:

• Ease of Use: The AR-15 is lighter, has less recoil, and is easier to handle, making it suitable for various users in the home.
• Maneuverability: Its shorter barrel and lighter weight make it easier to navigate tight spaces.
• Ammo Considerations: AR-15 ammunition can be chosen to minimize over-penetration, unlike shotgun ammunition which spreads and may cause more damage to your home.
• Higher Capacity: The AR-15 can fire more rounds before needing to reload, providing a significant advantage in a high-stress situation.

3. What type of ammo should I use for an AR-15 in a home defense situation?

For home defense, it's important to select ammunition that reduces the risk of over-penetration. Lower grain count bullets are recommended as they have reduced velocity and are less likely to penetrate walls and cause unintended damage. This makes them safer for use in a home environment where family members are present.

4. What accessories can enhance the AR-15 for home defense?

Several accessories can enhance the AR-15's performance for home defense:

• RailScales G10 RailScales MLOK Panels: These MLOK panels provide excellent grip and heat resistance, improving control during rapid fire.
• XOS G10 Panels: These lightweight panels enhance grip and control, making it easier to handle the firearm in tight spaces.
• Karve Handstop in MLOK: This handstop offers forward hand control and stability, helping to maintain a strong grip.
• Anchor Vertical Grip: This fore grip provides enhanced stability and control, reducing recoil and improving accuracy.

5. How can I improve sight acquisition on my AR-15 for home defense?

Adding a red dot sight and a fixed iron sight for backup can significantly improve sight acquisition. These sights allow for quick target acquisition and accurate shooting, even in low light conditions. Additionally, mounting a flashlight and laser sight can help line up shots in the dark, providing an added advantage during a home invasion.

6. How does RailScales® contribute to the functionality of the AR-15?

RailScales® offers a range of high-quality accessories designed to enhance the performance and ergonomics of the AR-15. Our products, such as the G10 RailScales MLOK Panels, XOS G10 Panels, Karve Handstop in MLOK, and Anchor Vertical Fore Grip, provide superior grip, control, and stability, making the AR-15 easier to handle and more effective in home defense situations.

Disclaimer:

This blog content was generated by a human and with the aid of artificial intelligence. It may contain errors or inaccuracies and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. This content is for SEO/entertainment purposes only and the views expressed in this content does not necessarily reflect the views of RailScales LLC. For more information, please refer to bullet point #13 on our FAQ.