Over at americanrifleman.com, Sgt./Maj. Kyle E. Lamb is crystal clear on the supremacy of the AR-15 platform for home defense. Anyone who thinks a 1911 is up to the task just isn’t thinking properly, apparently. “If you are among those who say, ‘If I can’t fix the problem with my eight rounds of .45 ACP, it can’t be fixed,’ I say please grab a big old mug of black coffee and wake up from your dream. No one knows who, what, when, where or why the fight will start—blowhard statements only degrade an intelligent conversation.” Yup, this is gonna get ugly . . .
You reckon a pistol is faster to shoot?
It can be true if you already have your hands on the gun. However, the last part of that statement is often overlooked: “Pistols point faster, and miss more often.” Although we can quickly get the pistol into the fight, the carbine will get there and be more shootable for the average person. With a carbine in the low-ready position, the average shooter can get shots on target in less than one second.
Easier to grab?
With the carbine, a simple two-point sling is all you need to have the ability to go hands-free. Grabbing the carbine, if needed, is quick and safe.
Offers quicker target acquisition?
With a red-dot or low-power scope on your carbine you won’t need to align sights as you would need to with your pistol. Simply keep both eyes open, place the red dot on the threat and squeeze the trigger.
More wieldy?
The ease with which you can transport a carbine in and around the battlefield is one of the reasons I immediately gravitate to it for home protection. When the battlefield is your domicile, the only real difference between Iraq and Home Town, USA, is the distances you may need to engage.
Delivers less possibility of over-penetration?
A shot from a pistol, shotgun or the AR will all easily penetrate a conventionally constructed wall consisting of sheetrock, wooden studs and possibly insulation.
No word on weapons retention. Anyway, for home defense, I say pistol on your person during the day, bedside by night (preferably equipped with night sights), followed by any damn long gun you like, preferably in a defensive position. And electronic ear pro.
What say you?