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Topic area: Tactical for Home Defense 1 The 11 Essentials Rules of Tactical Rifles for Home Defense

Cover

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Table of Content

0. Introduction

1. Types of Rifles

2. Ergonomics

3. Grips

4. Optics

5. Sights

6. Compensators, Muzzle Breaks, Flash-Hiders

7. Magazines

8. Slings

9. Lights

10. Training

11. Safes & Storage

- Conclusions

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Introduction

The debate about the ideal home defense gun typically breaks down into three camps. Those who prefer cite their compact size and the ease of storage. Those who favor prefer the effective ballistics and wide patterns of buckshot. But nothing beats the ergonomics and versatility of a good -length .

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Introduction (cont.)

Tactical come in numerous variations. They're defined by their short length. In the United States, a rifle with a must have a barrel that's at least

16 inches long, to be owned without additional licenses. While this limits the long-range effectiveness of a rifle, a 16 inch barrel is more than sufficient out to

200 meters or more.

Yet, range is hardly a consideration when we're talking about home defense. In these circumstances, it's the versatility and power of the rifle that makes it attractive, not its long-range accuracy.

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Learn about Types of Rifles the ARX100

There are several options for rifles. While longer barreled tactical rifles in 5.56 (or .223) are great for hunting varmints and predators, their size (and weight) limits their usefulness indoors. And other chambered in larger calibers are simply too powerful for use where the over- penetration of heavy bullets might have unintended consequences.

On the opposite end of the power spectrum are rifles chambered for rounds. These have been around as long as guns have existed, really, but seem to be less common now than they were in the past. Yet, they're still great choices. Some are simply larger versions of handguns. Others are patterned on tactical rifles, but chambered for 9mm or .45ACP.

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Most who chose carbines for home defense want something more powerful than a pistol, and less powerful than a traditional hunting rifle. This middle ground is dominated by three rounds. The venerable 5.56 (or the civilian version, the .223) is the most popular in the United States. The

Russian 7.62x39 is a larger bullet. The 5.45x39 is also a good choice, but it is an import and its availability is limited in the United States.

Learn more about the ARX100

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For most purposes, the .223 (or 5.56) is the most versatile. There are many varieties. For home defense, hollow points are a sound choice. They deform on impact and are less prone to over- penetration than full metal jackets. Frangible ammunition is engineered to break apart when it hits something as solid as a wall. As such, it is an even better choice for those concerned about bullets traveling through walls.

Learn more about the Cx4

But once you've decided on a caliber, choosing a rifle can be much more difficult. Take the 5.56.

There are hundreds of rifle variations in this caliber. But the variety doesn't have to be daunting.

They all combine a few basic options in slightly different ways.

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ERGONOMICS

The overall length of a rifle with a 16 inch barrel can vary widely. Some guns have fixed stocks. Others have folding stocks, or stocks that collapse in on themselves. The last variety, which is growing in popularity, is .

The fixed stock rifle is traditional in design, and very reliable. There isn't anything to manipulate, which makes them easy and fast. But they require the most room to store.

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Folding stocks are very useful for storage purposes. Some stocks fold under guns, but most fold off to one side, where they attach firmly to the rifle's . Many of these folding stocks are also adjustable. Telescoping stocks are the most popular form as they're easy to use and allow a shooter to fit the rifle to their specific height.

The distance from the to the end of the stock is referred to as the length- of-pull, and taller shooters want longer lengths-of-pull.

One thing to be wary of: some guns won't fire when their stocks are folded. It is best to have a gun that will fire, regardless of the stock being folded or extended.

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Almost all tactical carbines have some sort of . On some guns, these grips are reasonably easy to change out, which allows for a wide variety of sizes and textures. While it seems like a rather insignificant detail, the customizable grip allows shooters to tailor the exact fit of their guns.

OPTICS

While many shooters have scopes for their carbines, a rifle for home defense should not have a scope, as they restrict a shooter's filed of view. Red dot sights, on the other hand, are ideal. Choose an optic with no magnification, as you won't have any need to see your target up close. Instead, look for something that is easy to see, and fast.

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Many carbines don't come with . Or they come with a front sight, with no rear. The assumption is that shooters will choose their own optic. But the importance of iron sights can't be overlooked. Without them, a rifle is very hard to use. Even with an optic, iron sights should be there as a backup.

A basic set will do, though there are better options. If you are using an optic of some sort, flip up sights might be the logical choice. They fold down and , which keeps them out of the way. If batteries die, they flip up and are ready to go.

Some prefer sights that are canted off the top of the rifle at an angle. These cut out the extra step of flipping up sights. A simple twist of the rifle will allow the sights to be used. If you will be using iron sights in low light situations, a tritium post will provide a nice low glow and can make a big difference in rapid target acquisition.

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Compensators, Muzzle-breaks, and flash-hiders

Muzzle-breaks attach to the ends of barrels and are cut to direct gasses backwards, which helps to reduce . Compensators help to reduce . They're excellent tools for competition shooting and for daylight conditions. But at night, the bright flashes they produce can be blinding, at least temporarily.

Flash suppressors, though, are designed to minimize the visible burn-off of gasses. Repeat shots become much easier in dark settings, allowing a shooter a distinct tactical advantage.

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Magazines

The standard carbine magazine holds thirty rounds of .223 ammunition. While some states limit magazine capacity, the thirty round variety is typical, and the highest capacity needed. There are larger magazines that will hold sixty rounds, and drums hold even more. But the larger magazines are prone to failure.

Magazine failure is always a possibility, so it is useful to have at least two with the gun. Magazine couplers connect two magazines together, side by side. When one is empty, another is ready and available. Under the best conditions, one gun will have sixty rounds available. That's way more than enough for home defense scenarios.

Opinions differ about magazine construction. Steel is still highly regarded and extraordinarily dependable, but aluminum magazines are common and polymer now dominates the market.

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One very useful addition is a . A good sling is like having a second pair of hands. There are two main types. Some connect to two points on the gun, and are optimal for travel. Other varieties connect to one point. With a one point sling, a shooter can hold the gun in one hand and, if needed, keep the other hand free.

Some slings offer both one-point or two-point connections. Others have built in sections of bungee cord to allow for even more flexibility.

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Lights

Many rifles have sections of on their forends. The rail sections allow for the addition of any number of extras, but for home defense, none are as important as lights. Most imagined home invasion scenarios happen at night. Having a light can be crucial in the identification of possible threats.

Some lights have narrow beams. While these bright spots may seem attractive, they only light up a small area. A wider beam will show more, and may expose more of what you're facing.

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Choose a light that is bright enough, but not so bright that vision would be impaired. 150 lumens is enough.

Effective range of light at different lumens

And make sure the light has multiple switch options. Momentary-on will disorient your target, and give you a good idea of what's in front of you. And it is just as easily turned off, hiding your location.

A secondary light, held in the hand, is another option. Some prefer to hold their gun in one hand and hold a light away from their body in the other. This requires some serious practice, but it is useful if the threat you are facing might be shooting back at the light, assuming it is you.

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Training & Simulation

There is no substitution for experience, yet this is one experience no one wants to have. That's why practice is so important. How will you store a carbine? How long will it take you to access it? Once you are armed, and prepared, where are your loved ones?

Knowing how to use your rifle is a given. You also need to know your home. Where can you hide? Where will others hide? Training at the range will let you get the feel for how your rifle functions. But few ranges offer you the opportunity to move in and out of doorways, and through dark rooms.

If possible, find a training class that offers “force on force” simulation.

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One of the easiest options for training is provided by what many consider to be a very realistic toy. Airsoft guns are often modeled on real guns, and built to surprising levels of detail. An Airsoft simulation may allow you to try out your light and sling and actually engage targets inside your home with minimal risk of damage or injury.

The last step of training has to happen outside of the house. While the idea of a home invasion implies that your home has been invaded, such confrontations often begin and/or end outside. This is where a carbine will allow for the greatest tactical advantage. But knowing the lay of the land is almost as important as knowing your floor plan.

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The last component of this equation has to do with keeping your rifle hidden and safe when it isn't needed. Safes are best. They protect your investment and offer extraordinary protection against fire and humidity. But they are hard to get into. That's the point.

A good carbine can weather the elements. Many are designed to withstand constant exposure. And the desire to have a rifle ready has led to many unique “Safes offer extraordinary storage designs. There are racks that connect to the protection. But they are hard bed, so the rifle is ready and at arm’s reach. Others to get into. That's the point. ” prefer furniture with hidden panels. Some safe makers offer slim profile cabinets with biometric locks.

While some of the options aren't meant as serious theft deterrents, they can keep guns hidden and accessible. It is up to you to determine the balance between security and accessibility.

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Conclusions and additional resources

The last thing to consider when thinking about carbines is how much you might want to customize your chosen gun. Part of the versatility of many tactical rifles is their ability to be fit to individual shooters, and to fit their specific needs. There will be a base price for the gun itself, and then a long list of extras that will start to add up. If price is a concern, look for a gun that comes with much of what you would want.

The rest is up to you. Train. Prepare. Then train some more. Knowing your way around a carbine can be a great tactical advantage. They are exceptionally capable guns. But that is just the first step in keeping your home safe.

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