# AR Contest: Which Weapon is Best for Your Home Defense? **URL:** \ **Category:** Guns\ **Created:** [March 3, 2020, 12:00pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048 "2020-03-03T12:00:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Dawn](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/dawn/32/24_2.png) [@Dawn](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Dawn)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 12:00pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/1 "2020-03-03T12:00:01Z")
_We’ve had a bunch of conversations about ARs in the Community. You all have encouraged me to build my own AR - and I did it! Now it’s our turn to encourage you to build your very own AR!_ _We’re giving away a $1500 Palmetto State Armory Gift Card to help one lucky person build (or buy) an AR! Vote each day this week on the related AR topics to be entered for your chance to win (one vote per topic)!_ # Which weapon is best for your home defense? _Poll ([view on site](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/1))_ ## Be sure to share more your opinion below and check out other AR conversations already started in the Community! _Your vote above constitutes one entry for your chance to win the $1,500 Palmetto State Armory Gift Card AR giveaway. The votes from all five AR Polls will be entered into the drawing for the $1,500 Palmetto State Armory Gift Card! The online entry period ends on 4/6/20. Drawing to take place on 4/13/20. **[Please see official rules for details.](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-terms-and-conditions-3-2-2020-3-6-2020/21169)**_ ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/2X/3/3ac219a9ab19e9c15fea7485743f5a696baaadca.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![BRUCE26](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/bruce26/32/111546_2.png) [@BRUCE26](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/BRUCE26)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 12:54pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/2 "2020-03-03T12:54:37Z")
I chose a handgun for maneuverability and capacity for in the house. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Zavier\_D](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/zavier_d/32/13235_2.png) [@Zavier\_D](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Zavier_D)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 1:42pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/3 "2020-03-03T13:42:46Z")
I chose other. Here is my reasoning 1. How fast due I become aware of developing home defense need? 2. How many are there? What the of day is it. I may kill power and use Night vision scope 3. Did my combination of S/A, Puppers and Tech give me enough warning to get 911 on the way and allow me time to get to safe, to armor up and get to steel and marble island at top of stairs so they can’t spread throughout the upstairs. 4. Did I get enough warning to armor up, grab go bag, and wife and exit via chain ladder and or laundry after getting 911 on the way. 5. Am I caught totally by surprise, so all I have is EDC and 2 knives and cell phone, because I keep 2 cans of Bear Mace hidden in easy to access spaces. Which may help me get to a spot I can better prepare. 6. Is it someone just stealing a power tool or lawnmower from downstairs. Then it will just be my phone, a call to 911 and some pictures. Self defense not stuff defense. ---
**Author:** ![Brian1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/brian1/32/2898_2.png) [@Brian1](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Brian1)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 2:58pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/4 "2020-03-03T14:58:20Z")
Only reason I chose handgun over shotgun is size. For storage, ease of deployment, and negotiating a “confined” space. ---
**Author:** ![John150](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/john150/32/10802_2.png) [@John150](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/John150)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 3:22pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/5 "2020-03-03T15:22:34Z")
I choose handgun, mainly because I live in a mobile home. ---
**Author:** ![45IPAC](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/45ipac/32/2855_2.png) [@45IPAC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/45IPAC)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 3:23pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/6 "2020-03-03T15:23:37Z")
For me, I’ll take a shotgun. In close quarters, it’s payload per shot is unmatched. Couple that with the availability of different rounds, and you can tailor a shotgun to your needs. Now, it ask what works for me. My 12 gushiest is not ideal, for my wife, or someone smaller than me, perhaps. ---
**Author:** ![Dan\_Ohio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ba8739/32.png) [@Dan\_Ohio](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Dan_Ohio)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 3:27pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/7 "2020-03-03T15:27:33Z")
I choose a handgun because it’s easier to keep secure it from curious children, and it’s easier to access. However, I plan on making a rifle accessible too. ---
**Author:** ![MarkinMT](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/markinmt/32/3442_2.png) [@MarkinMT](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/MarkinMT)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 4:25pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/8 "2020-03-03T16:25:45Z")
I chose handgun because there was not an “all of the above” option. I have a layered approach, that involves all 3 ready to go. Not every threat in your home, or around your home, has 2 legs. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Martin18](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b19c9b/32.png) [@Martin18](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Martin18)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 5:05pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/9 "2020-03-03T17:05:52Z")
The best home defense weapon is the one you can use accurately. It doesn’t matter what gun is in your hands, if you’re not a good shot with it. ---
**Author:** ![TexasEskimo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@TexasEskimo](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/TexasEskimo)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 5:57pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/11 "2020-03-03T17:57:05Z")
Other… my Glock 17 in a CAA MCK. Great accuracy and looks scary. I would prefer to scare someone over shooting them. But, that’s their choice. ![20200226_053409](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/2X/1/11bc8dee71cb405a63f58a1b75d1eb80672afe5d.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_H](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/gary_h/32/5302_2.png) [@Gary\_H](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Gary_H)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 7:13pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/12 "2020-03-03T19:13:58Z")
I checked handgun, but part of me thinks an AR pistol would be better in actual use due to reduced adjacent room penetration. The 2 disadvantages I see are it is so loud unless suppressed, and more challenging to stage. ---
**Author:** ![DLVick38](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/dlvick38/32/5703_2.png) [@DLVick38](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/DLVick38)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 7:46pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/13 "2020-03-03T19:46:02Z")
I chose OTHER but I like the AR pistol platform. I’m looking into a couple of them now. As far as calibre, I remain undecided. Definitely a possibility in the future though… 🤔✌🏾 ---
**Author:** ![Sheepdog556](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/sheepdog556/32/13138_2.png) [@Sheepdog556](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Sheepdog556)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 8:10pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/14 "2020-03-03T20:10:39Z")
I went with AR-15 because I think an AR15 pistol in 300 blackout is the best over all. Great stopping power, capacity and over penetration is less likely. Also very easy to run a suppressor and still maintain maneuverability. ---
**Author:** ![Craig6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Craig6](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Craig6)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 9:52pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/15 "2020-03-03T21:52:51Z")
I have to go with an AR (pistol), most of my bad times down range I had some form of AR in my hands from an M-16A1 in Panama to an M-4 in Trashcanistan. I mitigate over penetration with Hornady TAP ammo which are essentially varmint boolets and come apart on contact. Should I make it to/need a re-load then the bad guys are getting full house Green Tip. I have other options, but when the rear sphincter slams shut around your neck I’m good with prior proven abilities and capabilities and fall easily back into old habits. Cheers, Craig6 ---
**Author:** ![Aaron25](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/aaron25/32/27775_2.png) [@Aaron25](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Aaron25)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 10:32pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/17 "2020-03-03T22:32:49Z")
I’m going with pistols for the time it takes to get the ARs out of the safe 3 feet away in my office. The ARs are so much more suited for bad guys, and with 55Gr VMax’s, I can’t think of a better combination of stopping power and a decreased likelihood of overpenetration, not to mention 30 rounds available. ---
**Author:** ![Aaron25](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/aaron25/32/27775_2.png) [@Aaron25](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Aaron25)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 10:33pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/18 "2020-03-03T22:33:48Z")
@David259–just saw an article on pew pew tactical–they said the best round for shotguns is #4 buck. Which I don’t own. yet. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![CDW15](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/cdw15/32/18517_2.png) [@CDW15](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/CDW15)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 11:19pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/19 "2020-03-03T23:19:03Z")
It’s hard to choose between a handgun and an AR for me. A handgun has the mobility while an AR has the capacity. Depending on the size of the AR, however, that as well could be very mobile. ---
**Author:** ![Rico](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/rico/32/16705_2.png) [@Rico](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Rico)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 11:36pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/20 "2020-03-03T23:36:27Z")
In my opinion the Ar pistol is the best home defense gun. I have one in 300 Blk out and one in 9mm. The 300 would be my primary but if I am closer to the 9MM I would use that one. An AR pistol is a steadier platform and is hard to beat with a light laser combination. ---
**Author:** ![JustinK](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/justink/32/4259_2.png) [@JustinK](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/JustinK)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2020, 12:06am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/21 "2020-03-04T00:06:11Z")
I went with “other” because my actual choice for my main home defense gun (I’m not limited to just one and have several quickly available) is a suppressed CZ scorpion SBR. I like it because its compact and maneuverable, it’s firing a 9mm jhp (Hornady Critical Duty) so it’s decent on not over penetrating, has 30 round capacity, and is quiet with the suppressor. Doesn’t really fall into any of the categories besides “other”. ---
**Author:** ![John103](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ecd19e/32.png) [@John103](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/John103)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2020, 12:09am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048/22 "2020-03-04T00:09:12Z")
I believe a hand gun is the best. A hand gun is easier to conceal and handle. I feel that shotguns are for trap shooting and hunting. While I own an AR, I do not keep it locked and loaded in my home. Just my humble opinion. [Next page](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/ar-contest-which-weapon-is-best-for-your-home-defense/21048.md?page=2)