Is an AR-15 a Good Home Defense Gun?

That depends on how you define “good.”

The AR-15 has strengths. It is accurate, easy to control, and capable of carrying 10, 20, or 30 rounds depending on your state laws. That capacity can be an advantage when you do not have time to reload.

Inside a house, distances are short, usually under 50 feet. That changes how you think about sights, trajectory, and ammunition. Rifle rounds can pass through walls, doors, and furniture before they stop. Over penetration is not just a technical term. It is a real risk to anyone behind those barriers.

Sound is another factor. A rifle fired indoors is extremely loud. A suppressor can reduce some of that blast, but it will not make the rifle quiet. It also requires legal registration in most states. Ear protection helps, but in a real defensive situation most people will not have time to put it on. That reality should be part of your plan.

Handling also matters. A rifle is stable and precise, but it is larger than a handgun. In confined spaces such as hallways or bedrooms that extra length changes how you move and clear corners. Training helps, but not everyone trains, and even fewer keep their skills sharp.

At the same time, the AR-15’s performance is real. The .223 or 5.56 NATO rounds deliver more energy than most handguns while producing manageable recoil. That mix of power and control is why many professionals choose it.

So is it the right choice for home defense?

Maybe.

The answer depends on your home layout, your level of training, your ammunition choice, your local laws, and how you’re prepared to deal with the aftermath.

In the end, what matters most is not the platform, but the responsibility of the person using it.

Keep training. Keep learning. Stay safe.