If you own an AR-15 and want to make it into the best home defense device you have, then you will need to upgrade parts of the weapon to suit home use. What is great about the AR-15 is that there are literally hundreds of suppliers of upgrade parts, and a range that covers thousands of different upgrade versions for each component.
Since your AR-15 is a customizable device, and you can customize it at home, in most cases without using special tools, just the standard hardware kit you use for breaking down the rifle into its components. You will be able to upgrade the AR-15 for home preparedness, at home, in the comfort of your room.
Since there are so many applications for the AR-15, I have split the components you require for home defense use from those that are specifically for field tactical and performance use. What this means is that for home use you want comfort, ease of reloading, ease of extra ammo, and ease of fire. You also want a shorter barrel and stock for easier manipulation within a built-up area.
Application-based Upgrades
Home Security Upgrades (Also for field and tactical too)
- Grips
- Triggers
- Enlarged Trigger Guards
- Extended Magazine Release
- Ambidextrous Charging Handle
- Ambidextrous Safety Selectors
- Stocks
- Barrels
Field & Tactical Upgrades (Not really useful for home defense)
- Back-Up Sights
- Extended Bolt Releases
- Anti-Rotational Pins
- Hand-guards & Rail Systems
- Optics
- Muzzle Devices
- Nickel Boron Coated Bolt Carrier Groups
- Sling & Sling Mountings
Now you can see what the difference between the two categories is; I will not discuss the tactical upgrades, that is for the review and guide in tactical upgrades. Let’s jump straight into the home defense preparedness data.
Grips
Grips play a huge role in accuracy and ease of use. A good grip that feels comfortable will allow for better manipulation, ease your wrist tension, and maintain your strength over longer periods of time. There are many options for grips, and these include the materials used, ranging from rubber to metal, wood to plastic. As a general rule, for the home setting, a rubber coated composite is the best choice since it integrates lightness of grip with the ergonomics of rubber for improved gripping. Add to this finger grooves, contours and palm swells that are all added for bespoke performance.
Triggers
There are many triggers to choose from; they include long or short first stage take-up and straight or curved triggers. The trigger is as important as your grip, and you need one that suits your firing finger, as well as the required tension needed for a safe and accurate shot in close quarters.
The best option for home defense is a single-stage trigger. This trigger is designed to fire the moment you pull it, which is what you need for a quick defense shot. When you buy a trigger, consider a full trigger kit, this usually includes a trigger, trigger spring, disconnector, disconnector spring and a hammer with a J-Hook spring. When buying a trigger kit, obviously check the feel of the trigger (with the grip) to see if it suits your hand size.
Enlarged Trigger Guards
An enlarged trigger guard has two applications; one is to add extra safety to the trigger, the second is to allow for gloved fingers to activate the trigger without interference. Essentially, an enlarged trigger guard Is a great addition for a home defense setting since you won’t have that “nervous” I cannot find my trigger situation; your finger will slide into the gap between the guard and the trigger without any impedance.
Extended Magazine Release
One of the biggest issues in any tense situation is reloading your magazine when under fire. This is why an extended magazine release is imperative for a better home defense performance setting, and it basically provides a larger surface area for quick magazine reloads. The extended magazine release upgrade is one of the universally accepted best upgrades to make for any and all applications.
Ambidextrous Charging Handles
You might not think this important if you are a righty, but what happens if you are wounded in your firing arm? An ambidextrous charging handle redesigns the functionality of the charging handle for every possible situation. Remember, the charging handle is key to a successful shoot. This is a popular upgrade and is a mandatory one for home defense, and also enables you to train on the shooting range with both hands. It is obviously the only way to go for left-handed users too.
Ambidextrous Safety Selectors
Just like the charging handle, you don’t want to be in a situation where you cannot get to the safety selector in a tight situation. Every microsecond count, as such you need to upgrade your AR-15 for home preparedness by adding an ambidextrous safety selector, which is also required for left-handed shooters.
Stocks
Now let’s talk stocks, the stock is basically designed for shoulder casing the weapon when aiming, which is not something you need in the confines of your home. You need a short weapon, that can be fired from any angle. As such you require a telescopic stock, one that can fold into itself nicely, and not a solid long or side folding stock. Home defense is fighting in confined spaces, so the overall length of your weapon is key to successful manipulation and handling.
Make sure the stock activation is ambidextrous.
Barrels
Now we come to the heart of the matter, built up fighting requires shorter barrels, and this is a fact of life. Since this is an AR-15, the shorter barrel will give you great accuracy for those short built-up area shots. In most instances, you will be shooting from only 5 feet away, which is close enough to be accurate 100% of the time. Home defense preparedness does not require a long barrel, and a long barrel is actually detrimental to success in the manipulation of the weapon when under attack in close quarters.
As for the barrel material, that is up to you; it’s a personal decision rather than a tactical one.
Conclusions
To sum up, an AR-15 is a deadly home defense weapon, that when prepared properly will provide 100% success in the hands of even the most insecure user, just aim, squeeze the trigger and keep your eyes open!
Author’s bio: Jack is a home and personal security expert. Also, time after time, he conduct shooting classes. Jack has 15 years of professional experience in home security improvement. On his blog, he writes on gun safe tips, home & personal security, and shooting advices.