🏠 BEST FIREARM FOR HOME DEFENSE: AR-15 vs SHOTGUN vs HANDGUN | Complete Comparison
What’s the BEST firearm for protecting your home and family? This is one of the most debated topics in the firearms community, and we’re settling it once and for all! We break down the pros and cons of AR-15s, shotguns, and handguns for home defense scenarios.
🎯 What We Cover: ✅ Stopping power comparison across all three platforms ✅ Over-penetration concerns and wall safety ✅ Ease of use under stress ✅ Storage and quick access considerations ✅ Cost analysis (firearm + accessories + ammo) ✅ Training requirements for each option ✅ Legal considerations for home defense ✅ Real-world scenarios and effectiveness
We’ll help you make an informed decision based on YOUR specific situation, living arrangements, and experience level. No bias – just facts and real-world testing.
💬 POLL TIME: What’s your current home defense setup? Vote in the comments: 🔴 AR-15 🟡 Shotgun
🔵 Handgun 🟢 Something else
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What's the BEST Firearm for Home Defense? AR-15, Shotgun or Handgun
Shotgun, but the gun you have with you when you need it is better than no gun.
If you compare an AR with 5.56mm 55-grain loads, a 12 gauge with OO buck, or a 9mm pistol loaded with hollowpoints, the AR has the least overpenetration risk.
Still, I use a shotgun as my primary arm, backed up by handguns for their handiness and concealability.
Taurus Judge !
Shottie all day! AR-15 too much penetration. Handguns require too much training especially for casual shooter.
DRT is DRT, no animal or human has ever asked what did you use on me to u live . 😂😂😂😂
Ar or pcc . Shottie only for short hallways
I thought this video was fairly informative and generally accurate. The shotgun is a very credible choice for home defense although not my personal pick.
I must point out a couple of statements made that are not entirely accurate. The over penetration of the AR15 is less of an issue than most people think. Using 55 grain JHP’s will penetrate no more building material than buckshot or handgun bullets, usually less. The velocity at which they impact causes the bullets break up. The real problem is that any round that doesn’t “overpenetrate” in building material lacks penetration on the desired target, decreasing its effectiveness. Using birdshot really limits your ability to stop a threat. Small variations from what is effective quickly becomes ineffective. A few more yards distant or add some winter clothing and you only have pain compliance to rely on. The first thing a defensive round must do is penetrate vital structures. That’s all that you can count on to incapacitate a threat. What you should avoid are rounds that penetrate walls AFTER striking the intended target. Big game hunting bullets would be something to avoid.
Another point of contention is that shotguns can make up for aiming at your target. This is patently incorrect! At home defense ranges (under 30 feet and usually a lot less), you may only have a pattern of 5 to 10 inches and often much smaller. No it isn’t pinpoint but it’s still very easy to miss, especially under stress.
Whatever weapon you choose to employ, be sure to get enough practice on the range and use dryfire as well to be as well prepared as possible. And also, choose your ammunition wisely. Consider what professionals, like Clint Smith, have to say about this matter.
Good old shotgun
Shotgun, my Mossberg Maverick 88 is my go to for home defense, cheers 🥃
A couple of grenades works best for me.
With a solid hit from a shotgun there likely won't be any reloading needed …it's 90% 1 and done with a 12 gauge
With me shotgun all days , no need for acuracy ? Shotgun , enemy have plate carrier ? It easy hit non armor with buckshot and even some nij 3 armor can pen by some home made tungsten core slug made by 3d printer :)))im gonna choose ar15 if ap ammo legal :)))
12g shotgun then 40 cal handgun. AR15 is banned in my communist state
Im going shotgun
Always shotgun