- Rifles
- March 11, 2025
Best Rifles for Home Defense
When it comes to home defense, having a reliable and effective rifle can make all the difference. The following rifles are highly regarded for their ease of use, stopping power, and maneuverability in close quarters.
1. Ruger PC Carbine
A versatile and user-friendly rifle, ideal for home defense. Key highlights:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 16.12"
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Capacity: 17+1 (compatible with Glock magazines)
- Ideal For: Home defense, beginner shooters
The Ruger PC Carbine offers a compact and lightweight design with low recoil, making it easy to handle in high-stress situations.
2. AR-15 (Various Manufacturers)
The AR-15 is one of the most popular choices for home defense due to its versatility. Key highlights:
- Caliber: .223/5.56 NATO
- Barrel Length: 16"
- Weight: 6.5 - 7.5 lbs
- Capacity: 30+1
- Ideal For: Tactical defense, multi-purpose use
With low recoil and high-capacity magazines, the AR-15 is an excellent option for self-defense.
3. Kel-Tec SUB-2000
A compact and foldable rifle that’s perfect for home defense. Key highlights:
- Caliber: 9mm, .40 S&W
- Barrel Length: 16.25"
- Weight: 4.25 lbs
- Capacity: 15+1 (varies by model)
- Ideal For: Concealed storage, quick deployment
The Kel-Tec SUB-2000 folds in half for easy storage and is compatible with popular handgun magazines.
4. CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine
A lightweight and ergonomic rifle designed for home defense. Key highlights:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 16.2"
- Weight: 6.38 lbs
- Capacity: 20+1
- Ideal For: Close-quarters defense, rapid shooting
The CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 features an intuitive design with minimal recoil, making it easy to control in self-defense scenarios.
5. Marlin 1894 Lever-Action Rifle
A reliable and powerful option for those who prefer a classic lever-action design. Key highlights:
- Caliber: .357 Magnum/.44 Magnum
- Barrel Length: 18.5"
- Weight: 6.5 - 7 lbs
- Capacity: 10+1
- Ideal For: Rural home defense, quick handling
The Marlin 1894 provides substantial stopping power while remaining compact and easy to operate.
Final Thoughts
The best home defense rifle depends on personal preference, training, and home layout. Whether you prefer a pistol-caliber carbine, an AR-15, or a lever-action rifle, these options provide reliability, ease of use, and effective stopping power.
