Wrong Gun for Home Defense?

January 24th, 2020

2:24 runtime

AR rifles are very misunderstood by many. It is an unfairly demonized weapon. Most of the people who seem to dislike it don’t understand it. They claim that civilians have no “need” for the firearm. They like to say it’s not useful for hunting or home defense. Not that it matters, but the AR is an excellent firearm for both tasks.

In fact, in a home defense role, it excels. It’s lightweight, low recoiling, easy to use, and an efficient manstopper. Don’t believe me? Then check out my video above where I give you my five top reasons for why a rifle like the SAINT Victor 5.56 is an outstanding home defense firearm.

A well-trained and prepared user with a rifle like the Springfield Armory SAINT Victor 5.56 can be a capable home defender.

Need more proof? I’ve gathered some of the most recent uses of AR-pattern firearms in home defense scenarios. These scenarios all show why a firearm like the SAINT is such an effective weapon for home defense.

Pregnant Wife Saves Husband

In this case, a pregnant woman in Lithia, Florida came to the rescue of her husband while wielding an AR-15. She was already at a disadvantage being pregnant, and she was also outnumbered. Two armed men had broken into her home, intending to rob her and her husband.

As her husband was being pistol-whipped into submission, she responded with her AR. She fired one round, killing one of the robbers and sending the second fleeing away from her home. The AR is such an effective weapon, and easy for a wide range of shooters to use, that a pregnant woman fought back against two armed attackers with an AR and won.

The light weight of the SAINT Victor makes it easier to use one-handed when required, like when calling 911 with your other hand.

Veteran vs. a Mob

In this case, a veteran with his rifle was a fearful combination for four armed home invaders. The men broke into his home, one armed with a handgun and another with a pump-action shotgun. These masked men attacked, and the veteran fought back. He ultimately killed two of the four men, while the other two men fled.

The 61-year-old veteran fought against four thugs and prevailed thanks to his AR, against four men who were all nearly 40 years younger. The AR can be a great equalizer!

A SAINT Victor can deliver a good amount of capable and powerful firepower in a home defense role.

Man Doesn’t Fire a Shot

The best home defense scenarios are the ones where a shot is never fired. In this case in Nebraska, a man was home alone when he received two unexpected guests. He looked through his peephole and saw two men; one masked, and another with his face obscured.

He retrieved his rifle, and then the men kicked down his door. As they made entry, the man leveled his AR at them, and I’d like to think he said something clever. The mere presence of the rifle sent the thugs scurrying away into the night.

That’s Not All

These aren’t the only times an AR has been used in home defense. A quick DuckDuckGo.com search shows dozens of situations where an AR made a big difference with legally armed individuals saving lives. These are just a few focused on home defense across the country. Never let them say a firearm like the SAINT isn’t an effective home defense weapon. We know better.

Editor’s Note: Please be sure to check out the new The Armory Life forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the “Go To Forum Thread” link below to jump in!

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Springfield Armory® recommends you seek qualified and competent training from a certified instructor prior to handling any firearm and be sure to read your owner’s manual. These articles and videos are considered to be suggestions and not recommendations from Springfield Armory. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Springfield Armory.

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Travis Pike

Travis Pike is a former Marine Machine gunner who served with 2nd Bn 2nd Marines for 5 years. He deployed in 2009 to Afghanistan and again in 2011 with the 22nd MEU(SOC) during a record-setting 11 months at sea. He’s trained with the Romanian Army, the Spanish Marines, the Emirate Marines, and the Afghan National Army. He serves as an NRA certified pistol instructor and pursues a variety of firearms based hobbies.