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3 home defense firearms that’ll make you prepared like John Wick

You roll to your side to take a quick glimpse of the clock: it’s 3 AM. You’ve been awake for the past 2 hours, trying to go back to sleep. You couldn’t. Something’s off…you can just feel it.

“Ah, it must be paranoia,” you think. When you’re about to close your eyes, you suddenly hear a loud shatter downstairs. You get up. And then, your front door slowly creaks open, bringing a chill down your spine. “Oh shi—” you panicky think before cutting yourself off. You know what this is:

A home invasion.

Your heart starts pounding as you quickly try to find your .30-06 hunting rifle with scope. Beads of sweat roll down your face as your hands begin to shake uncontrollably. You realized that your hunting rifle is downstairs. And then, suddenly out of the shadows, a dark hooded figure emerges. What do you think will happen next?

You’ll either lose your life or your precious valuables. Why? Because you weren’t adequately prepared for a home invasion. How do you prevent that from happening? By getting prepared. And one of the first steps in being prepared is getting yourself a SOLID home defense weapon. That’s why I wrote this article — to show you my top 3 favorite home defense firearms, starting with my first recommendation…

 

  • Remington 870 (Shotgun)

Mitch Barrie on Flickr

 

Pros: Flexible ammunition types, insanely powerful

Cons: Heavier and harder to carry (compared to pistols), requires two hands to shoot, low ammunition capacity (compared to rifles)

Why use a Shotgun for Home Defense?

Because they’re scary as hell. If ANY intruder hears a sound of a shotgun, they’ll most likely bolt for the door… and will never step foot on your property again. But that’s not the only reason you should invest in a shotgun. Shotguns are also extremely versatile. Meaning, there is a wide variety of ammo available like:

  • Slugs
  • Buck Shot
  • Bird Shot

In other words: Shotguns are multi-purpose. They can be used for hunting and target shooting as well as home defense. And that’s not all. Shotguns are incredibly reliable. (More specifically, pump shotguns). They are very easy to use and won’t fail on you — even with minimal maintenance. The best part? Shotguns are pretty darn cheap. In fact, a brand new Remington 870 only costs $300. And if you really look, you could get yourself a used one for less than $150.

Recommended Accessories: 

  • Shotgun Sling: Makes extra ammo easily-accessible.
  • Red Dot Sight: Allows for rapid target acquisition. The FastFire 3 from Burris is SOLID.
  • WeaponLight: Flashlights and lasers are a must for shotguns.

 

  • Glock 23 (Pistol)

WikiMedia Commons

 

Pros: Easy to carry, lightweight (and compact), requires only one hand to shoot

Cons: Low ammunition capacity (compared to rifles)

Why use a Pistol for Home Defense?

The fact is this: Handguns are some of the best firearms for home defense. They’re also my personal favorite. Here’s why… Accessibility. I carry my Glock 23 almost EVERYWHERE I go. It’s small, compact, light and fairly easy to use. That said, you’d be able to move quicker and quieter through your home. Bruce Willis in Die Hard would probably agree with me. Another reason for acquiring a pistol is because they rarely run into jamming issues, easy-to-clean, and just straight up reliable.

Look: Just do yourself a favor and get a handgun (if you don’t have one already). It’ll protect you everywhere — inside AND outside of your home.

Recommended Accessories: 

  • Grip: Upgrade your stock grip with a grip from a reputable manufacturer for an improved grip quality.
  • Light/Laser: Will help with accuracy and seeing in low-light conditions.
  • Holster: A must if you conceal carry. Feel free to read my top 3 essential firearm accessories.

 

 

  • AR-15 (Rifle)

Pixabay

 

Pros: Higher ammunition capacity, powerful, long-distance shots

Cons: Heavier and harder to carry (compared to pistols), requires two hands to operate

Why use a Rifle for Home Defense?

If you want to be a badass like John Wick, use an AR-15. The reason? It’s INSANELY versatile. The AR-15 can be used for home defense, target shooting, and even deer hunting. How is that possible? The AR-15 is chambered in a 5.56 cartridge and could also shoot a .223 — allowing for a flexible platform. And get this: An AR-15 is actually EASIER to shoot than a shotgun or pistol due to the low recoil and accuracy. If that wasn’t enough for you, the AR-15 also holds a larger total capacity of ammunition. In other words: you can easily take on multi-person home invasion.

Let me make it simple: I highly recommend owning an AR-15. It’s just… awesome. I’m not the only person who thinks so. In fact, the AR-15 is the most popular rifle in America.

Recommended Accessories: 

  • Rifle Scope/Red Dot Sight: Read this article on how to choose a rifle scope.
  • Front Hand Grip: Allows for MUCH better grip.
  • Flashlight: Great for low light environments.

Which Firearm Should I buy For Home Defense – Pistol, Rifle Or Shotgun?

It depends on your environment. Want something lightweight and easily accessible? Get a handgun. Live in a rural area and have a lot of distance? Invest in a rifle. However, if you live in a more densely-packed area, go with a shotgun. Also, don’t forget to check your local laws to see which firearm is legal. But most importantly: whatever firearm you choose, make sure to commit to training and practice. As long as you head to the gun range a couple of times per year, you should be golden. With that said…

Now Its Your Turn

These are my top 3 favorite firearms for home defense. Sure, there are hundreds of guns out there you can choose from but these were my top 3 favorites. That said, I’d like to hear from you:  What firearm do you use (or plan on using) for home defense? Let me know by leaving a quick comment down below.

 

Author Bio:

Richard Douglas is a scopes expert with over 10 years of hands-on experience and has been featured on Burris Optics, War History Online and more. No wonder his friends call him the “James Bond of Scopes.” Richard now spends most of his time reviewing scopes and sharing his exclusive findings on his blog, Scopes Field.

 

Feature image courtesy of Pixabay

Choosing between the AR-15 and the AK-47

The debate between AK-47s and AR-15s is perhaps a bit more civil than the digital spats between the likes of Glock fanboys and 1911 historians in your Facebook newsfeed, but there are certainly some similarities. Arguments about stopping power, reliability, and accuracy get touted about by both sides in such generalized and exaggerated ways that one could be forgiven for thinking no AK platform in the world has ever malfunctioned and every AR-15 is a sniper rifle. Of course, the fact of the matter is, both platforms are made by a variety of manufacturers and in a variety of different set ups; some more reliable, more accurate, or more affordable than others.

I’ve gone on record in the past as saying the warring factions of the firearm world, like the automotive one, miss the forest for the trees when ranting at one another in forums and on Twitter. There are lots of great, budget friendly 1911 platforms available out there, and there are lots of solid shooting Glocks out there too. There’s nothing wrong with having a preference, but in our modern upvote/downvote culture, we seem to think liking one thing means having to hate the other… as though the solid reliability of your Glock in some way diminishes the accuracy of its competition in the 1911 camp. In truth, they can both be great guns, and if you’re not able to see that… you may be being guided by the team dynamic, rather than the facts.

I bought my AR-15 years ago at Wal-Mart along with a six pack of beer and a few hundred rounds of ammunition. At the time, it bore a striking resemblance the rifle my father carried in Vietnam, but there was no denying the familiar comfort that set in as a slung it over my shoulder and found my hands settling on the pistol grip in the same way I spent so many hours standing around in uniform. It was like visiting my old home town and finding everything just where it had been.

To this day, I still get that same sense of coming home when I hang that rifle over my shoulders. It’s changed a bit since that day years ago, and now looks and acts a lot more like the rifle Uncle Sam loaned me. Each time I remove it from the safe and do my usual tinkering or maintenance, I feel a connection to a younger me – one that saw a rifle as a companion as much as a tool.

Still seems like a totally normal way to spend an afternoon to me.

My AK-47, however, was the product of a chance meeting and a good deal. I had fired a few AK-47 platforms before, but not extensively, and in contrast to the AR I bought years ago, it was my unfamiliarity, rather than history with the platform, that prompted me to buy it. I looked forward to the challenge of learning how it functions, how to care for it, and of course, how to mess with it until it was uniquely my own. A new project, I told myself, and nothing more.

I was wrong. I love the damn thing.

While I left to serve in the Marine Corps, my older brother continued working in racing, eventually finding himself behind the wheel in a number of races before starting his own business. His budgets are bigger and interests are different, but his approach to cars is very much like my approach to guns: tailor each to a purpose, and you could always use one more. I spent some time driving and then shooting with him recently, and I realized that the AK and AR platforms are similar to two of his cars: the Dodge Charger Hellcat and the Dodge Viper SRT-10.

At first glance, I don’t see why you’d need both. At 505 and 707 horsepower respectively, they’re both scary fast, plenty loud, draw a crowd and rarely turn up on the losing side of a race. To the uninitiated, one certainly seems enough… but when you look more closely, you see that each is designed for variations within that “go fast” purpose. The Viper will tear the Hellcat to pieces in the twisties, the Hellcat will roar to victory in a drag race.

Cars: a much more expensive hobby.

It’s all about picking the right tool for the job, but if the job is just going out to have some fun, it’s all about picking the one that best suits your preferences.

My AR-15 feels like a precision weapon. It’s crisp, light enough, it talks to me through its behavior and, if I’m honest, occasionally gets in moods. The rifle exudes the confidence we’ve developed together: I know I can hit a target at 500 yards with iron sights with my AR because I’ve done it plenty of times. It’s hard not to develop an attachment to something like that.

In contrast to the AR, my American made RAS-47 feels like a tractor. It clunks and clinks as it releases rounds with little more recoil, but a noticeable difference in tone from the barrel, as it’s simple mechanics lumber away inside the pressed steel body. When I run and gun with the AR, I feel like a precision instrument. When I do the same with the AK, I feel like I’m throwing hammers at the target – and I freakin’ love it.

These two rifles, while similar in purpose, vary widely when it comes to execution. The AR, like a Viper, gives you a sense of confidence and poise. The AK, like a Hellcat, gives you this sense of primordial power: like that concrete wall doesn’t mean shit to me, I’ll just go straight through it.

One could argue that there are distinct advantages to each platform, and by and large, there are – but with so much variety on the market, your reliability and accuracy (often the two biggest talking points involved in this debate) are really just a matter of your budget. Both platforms are capable of being incredibly accurate as well as reliable.

Picking a favorite, then, really comes down to shooter’s preference. Some will be drawn to the comfort of the familiar, others will succumb to the allure of simplicity and cheap ammo… but the fact of the matter is, neither is a bad choice.

My recommendation? Get them both if you can. You never know when you might be in the mood to throw some hammers..

 

Images courtesy of the author

Adaptive Tactical’s EX Performance Adjustable Stocks – Not Just for AR’s

The EX Performance Stock is a Perfect Pairing on the VR80

I love my VR80 shotgun but I didn’t love the OEM stock and handle.  Adaptive Tactical provided me a solution that was more than just aesthetics.

EX Performance Adjustable Stock

The EX Performance Adjustable Stock from Adaptive Tactical comes with a non-slip vented rubber recoil pad that takes the oomph out of the 12-gauge round.  The rubber recoil pad decreases felt recoil and reduces shooter fatigue.

The rapid adjustment lever is easy to reach and comes with a QD and standard swivel attachments.

Easy to Install

The stock was super easy to install after removing the grip and OEM stock off of the VR80.  I removed the cover off of the butt pad, removed the retention screw, unscrewed the grip, and slid the original stock and grip off of the VR80.

MIL-SPEC

The Adaptive Tactical stock is compatible with MIL-SPEC extension tubes like that used on the VR80.  I simply lifted the lever and slid it on.  It was really that easy to install.

Make Sure You Get A Grip

Be sure to have a new pistol grip to install on the VR80 when you go to the Adaptive Tactical EX Performance Adjustable Stock as it will no longer be the unibrow version anymore.

The Adaptive Tactical Stock is 7.25” in length, 2” in width, and 5.25” tall.

Made in the USA

Adaptive Tactical EX Performance Stocks are made in the USA and are rugged, adjustable, and decreases felt recoil!

While the EX Performance Stock is marketed for AR15/AR10 rifles it also works perfectly on the VR80!

If you haven’t seen our review of the VR80 from Rock Island Armory, check it out!

Check out these great deals on Adaptive Tactical gear:

Spend More Time Shooting and Less Time Loading with MagPump Pro

The easiest way to load magazines

New to the lineup of products from MagPump is the MagPump Pro Series.  The MagPump pro is capable of handling large capacity, high-frequency magazine loading for 9mm and AR-15 magazines.

The two new magazine loaders are a hybrid of the already trusted and loved MagPump models.  The Pro offers a more robust finish with a lightweight polymer exterior married to strong, metal internal components that produce a reliable operation while loading hundreds of rounds in one sitting.

Easy to Use

Like its predecessors, the MagPump Pro is easy to use and eliminates hand fatigue.  The MagPump saves you time when time equals money!  It reduces loading time by more than 50 percent.  Simply load the ammunition in the high-capacity hopper and let MagPump do its magic.

The pump-action lever self-sorts the ammunition and loads 30 rounds in less than 30 seconds.

More Time Shooting and Less Time Loading

I’ve been using the 9mm loader and the AR-15 loader for several weeks now.  I love them both and don’t want to go back to loading magazines without them.  I save a stupid amount of time by using them!

The other day I was doing ball and dummy training using ST Action Trainers and was able to dump them into the hopper with live rounds mixed in.  No more predicting when I would come across a dummy round while training – the MagPump mixed it all up for me and I had no idea when I would encounter them!

I haven’t had any issues with fitment of my AR magazines of varying brands and condition.  My 9mm MagPump has only been loading Glock magazines but it will also fit SIG, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, CZ, and Ruger.  You can also purchase additional single and double stack magazine retainers for most pistol models.

Lifetime Warranty

MagPump is backed by a lifetime, no-questions-asked guarantee.

Spend more time training and less time loading.

MSRP for the PRO Series loader is $249.99.

For more information about the PRO Series and all MagPump products, visit www.magpump.com

Check out these deals on MagPump Magazine Loaders

How to Build an AR-15: A Beginner’s Guide

You do not always have to go to a gun store to purchase an AR-15. Surprised? I know I was when I first ventured into the hobby of building custom AR-15s. Some of you may not know, but building your own AR-15 is actually quite simple. However, if you do not know anything about the process, or where to start, you have come to the right place. I am going to start this “How to Build an AR-15” series off with a list of frequently asked questions that I receive from individuals starting out with the hobby and possibly wanting to build their first AR-15.

WARNING! Building AR rifles is highly addictive. Once you start this process, you will find excuses to build .308 ARs, AR pistols and long range precision rifles. You have been warned.

Building an AR-15 FAQ

Q: Are there any rules or laws for building my own AR-15?
A: Only the same ones that apply to purchasing a factory assembled AR-15 in your state.

Q: Do I need to register my AR-15?
A: There is currently no Federal firearms registry, but you’ll need to verify the registry laws by state (e.g., New York does require registry of “assault rifles,” including standard AR-15 rifles).

My AR-15 - thearmsguide.com
Me smiling after taking some of the first shots with the first AR-15 that I built for myself. Photo of me courtesy of paul-vincent.com

Q: Do I need to be licensed or be a gunsmith to build my own AR-15?
A: Not unless you’re milling the lower receiver yourself.

Q: How many AR-15s can I build?
A: As many as you would like to—whichever comes first.

Q: If I build an AR-15 for myself, can I then sell it?
A: The same laws for private sales of firearms apply to selling AR-15 rifles. Check your state laws.

Q: How do I buy a “stripped” or “blank” AR-15 lower receiver?
A: You will need to find a dealer that sells AR-15 lower receivers. Said dealer can be local to you, or online.

Q: Can I buy all the parts online and have them shipped to my home?
A: This is a long one, so get comfortable. Yes and no. All of the components for your AR-15 build can be shipped directly to you at your home except the lower receiver.

The AR-15 lower receiver is the only component that is considered the “gun”. Therefore, when purchasing a lower receiver for your AR-15 build, you will have to go through the same channels as when purchasing a firearm in your state.

For example, in my state of Minnesota, if I order a stripped AR-15 lower receiver online, I will have to provide the seller with a copy of an FFL (Federal Firearms License) and the address to aforementioned FFL. In other words, I just have to call my local gun shop and ask them to fax a copy of their FFL to the seller. The seller will then collect money from me for the receiver, and then ship it to my local gun shop. When the gun shop calls me to tell me that my lower receiver has arrived, I will go there and fill out the ATF form to make sure I can legally own a firearm, pay a transfer fee (this fee is usually less than $30), and take my new AR-15 lower receiver home (thankfully, Minnesota has no waiting period for long gun purchases).

If I decide not to order online, and I know of a gun shop that stocks lower receivers nearby, I can just go purchase it directly from that store, and then fill out the necessary ATF form, just as I would for purchasing any other kind of firearm.

Q: What parts make up an AR-15 that I would have to purchase to build one?
A: There are a variety of different types of AR-15 builds, so this list will not work for all builds. However, I put together a list of components for building a typical M-4 style AR-15 with a stripped lower receiver, and stripped upper receiver:

  1. AR-15 lower receiver.
  2. AR-15 upper receiver.
  3. Lower receiver parts kit.
  4. Upper receiver parts kit.
  5. Lower receiver extension (aka: the buffer tube).
  6. Buffer.
  7. Buffer spring.
  8. Barrel & gas block/gas system (a carbine length gas system would be typical for this build).
  9. Handguards (length will depend on what length gas system you chose on your barrel: carbine, mid-length, or rifle).
  10. Bolt carrier group (carrier, bolt, firing pin, cam, extractor, ejector and spring).
  11. Collapsible (or fixed, if you prefer) buttstock.
  12. At least one magazine (be sure to check your state laws for magazine capacity limits).

Q: What is the difference between a forged lower receiver and a billet lower receiver?
A: With a forged lower receiver, the metal is “smashed” into the desired form while it is red hot. This compresses the metal and makes it very strong.

Billet lower receivers are machined from a single block of metal and tend to have a more custom, aesthetically pleasing appearance to some. It also tends to have the trigger guard built in, meaning it is not removable. They also tend to cost considerably more than a forged lower. Billet lowers may not have quite the tolerance that forged lowers, but by no means are they to be considered “weak.”

MEGA Billet Lower - thearmsguide.com
This is an example of a billet AR-15 lower receiver. Image courtesy of megaarms.com
MEGA Forged Lower - thearmsguide.com
This is an example of a forged AR-15 lower receiver. Image courtesy of megaarms.com

 

Q: How do I know which lower receiver to purchase? What “brands” are good?
A: There are a tremendous amount of different lowers out on the market, but not every lower is made by the company that has its name on the side. You would be surprised at how many lowers from different companies actually come from probably less than a dozen machine shops.

At present, this is the list of which manufacturers produce lowers for which companies:

Lewis Machine & Tool

  • LMT
  • Lauer
  • DS Arms
  • PWA
  • Eagle
  • Armalite
  • Knights Armament
  • Barrett

Continental Machine Tool

  • Stag
  • Rock River Arms
  • High Standard
  • Noveske
  • Century (New)
  • Global Tactical
  • CLE
  • S&W
  • MGI
  • Wilson Tactical
  • Grenadier Precision
  • Colt

LAR Manufacturing

  • LAR
  • Bushmaster
  • Ameetec
  • DPMS
  • CMMG
  • Double Star
  • Fulton Armory
  • Spike’s Tactical

JVP

  • Double Star
  • LRB
  • Charles Daly

Mega Machine Shop

  • Mega
  • GSE
  • Dalphon
  • POF
  • Alexander Arms

Olympic

  • Olympic
  • SGW
  • Tromix
  • Palmetto
  • Dalphon
  • Frankford
  • Century (Old)

Sun Devil

  • Sun Devil forged billet receivers

Superior

  • Superior Arms
  • Lauer (New)

Aero Precision

  • Aero Precision

Considering that almost all AR-15 lower receivers are made to a very specific tolerance, based on military specifications (mil-spec), my advice is to choose whichever AR-15 lower receiver that has a roll-mark (or logo) that you think is “coolest” or is most appealing to you personally.

Q: Some barrels say they are chambered in 5.56 and some say they are chambered in .223. What is the difference?
A: Basically, the rule of thumb is this: a rifle chambered for 5.56 can shoot both 5.56 and .223 ammunition. A rifle chambered for .223 can only shoot .223 and not 5.56. For the full story on 5.56 vs. .223, check out this article by Destinee.

Q: What does barrel twist mean? 1:7 and 1:9? Ratio? What?
A: Confused? Yeah, this one is kind of technical but I will keep it simple. When choosing a barrel twist ratio, you will want to choose one that best matches the type of ammo you would normally be shooting. What the ratio means, such as 1:7 for example, is that when the bullet travels down the barrel, it will make one complete spin (via the rifling) every seven inches.

AR-15 1:7 vs 1:9 Ratio - thearmsguide.com
(Fig. 1a)This is great information about shooting 1:7 vs. 1:9 twist ratios at long distances through your AR-15.

This is one of the most hotly debated topics about AR-15 rifles. Personally, I chose to go with 1:7 because it gives me the option of shooting the heavier rounds. Because 55gr .223/5.56 is the most common bullet weight available (that’s the weight used in XM193 military ball 5.56×45 ammo), and the most frequently fired, you would be fine with either 1:7 or 1:9. I have also been told by reputable sources in law enforcement that 1:9 is recommended for plinking, and 1:7 for hunting and home defense.

To break it down, 1:7 will do just fine with shooting lighter and heavier rounds. 1:9, on the other hand, will handle lighter rounds better, and will not do so well with anything heavy at long distances. (Fig. 1a)

Carbine vs Mid-Length vs Rifle AR-15 - thearmsguide.com
A comparison photo of different length gas systems, barrels and rail systems for an AR-15. Image courtesy of laruetactical.com

Q: What does carbine, mid-length and rifle length mean when choosing a barrel?
A: It simply means where the gas port in the barrel is placed. It is also sometimes referred to as the “gas-system”. Carbine and mid-length gas systems tend to be on barrels of 16-18 inches and shorter, while barrels with a length of 20 inches and longer will have a rifle length gas system.

It is important to know what length gas system your barrel has because the gas tube you purchase will need to be the right length in order to fit properly. For example, you cannot fit a carbine length gas tube onto a barrel with a rifle length gas system. The gas tube will be too short.

Q: I am ready to build my AR-15 lower receiver but I do not know the steps. How do I do it?
A: Great question. In the following posts in this “How to Build an AR-15” series, I will go over how to build your AR-15 (starting with building your lower receiver, and moving from there to the AR-15 upper), what tools you will need, and I’ll offer some helpful tips along the way. Stay tuned.

V-TAB from Fast Acquisition: Accuracy Through Design

The V-TAB or Vertical Tactical Adjustable Buttstock from Fast Acquisition is a design concept to help the rifle shooter obtain a proper cheek weld when shooting.  I’m surprised somebody hasn’t thought to build this product already!

When working with newer rifle shooters on the AR-15 style platform that have some experience on hunting style rifles, they often struggle with placement of the buttstock.  Down in the pocket of the arm isn’t always the best place for that beautiful black rifle.  With the V-TAB from Fast Acquisition, that new (or stubborn seasoned shooter) will be obtaining a proper cheek weld and placing the stock in the pocket for shooting due to its quick vertical adjustments.

The V-TAB M in the up for prone or bench rest shooting position

The V-TAB adjusts vertically in seconds with no tools.  Once installed using the original or aftermarket buttpad, you are able to adjust up and down in seven different positions to accommodate standing, kneeling, benchrest, or prone stances and have the best sight to eye alignment possible.  Click here to watch a video of the V-TAB in use.

The VTAB is machined from tough Delrin adding hardly any weight (6.7 oz.) to your build and increases the length of your buttpad by only 1.5″.

If you’re looking to bring accuracy to the next level of your black rifle build, you should consider adding the V-TAB from Fast Acquisition and “bring the gun-sight to your eye, not your eye to the gunsight.”

The V-TAB M in the center configuration adds minimal weight and length but maximum adjustment

The V-TAB fits on Magpul MOE 310 + 400, CTR, STR, ACS, ACS-L UBR and they are working on new designs everyday to add to the line up. Model shown is the V-TAB-M with an MSRP of $69.95, click here to buy now.

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