It may be hard to believe, but in many jurisdictions the average time for police to respond to an emergency call is about twenty minutes.
A lot can happen in that short amount of time.
You must own a reliable firearm to ensure you can keep yourself and your family safe from home intruders.
When many people think about home defense, they often think about shotguns or handguns, which are excellent options but have their limitations.
A rifle is an excellent option for self-defense because of its range, accuracy, capacity, and ease of storage.
There is no universal best weapon for home defense, and it comes down to the situation and preference.
Below are the 9 Best Rifles For Home Defense.
Note: There is STRONG evidence that the Biden administration is steadily working towards the banning of ALL long rifles. These include ALL rifles that they deem an ‘assault weapon‘, many of which are listed below.
It is STRONGLY recommended that, if you’ve been on the fence on buying a long gun, you get off that fence and buy one ASAP.
Table of Contents
#1. PSA 16” Mid-Length 5.56 NATO 1/7 Nitride 13.5” Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT Rifle w/MBUS Sight Set
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: 32”
- Weight: Not Specified
- Capacity: 30 Rounds
The PSA 16” Mid-Length 5.56 NATO 1/7 Nitride 13.5” Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT Rifle w/MBUS Sight Set is perfect for those looking for a lightweight and versatile AR-15.
The 16” chrome moly vanadium steel barrel with a 1:7 twist ratio is perfect for those looking for accuracy and performance at any range.
PSA equipped this rifle with forged 7075 T6 aluminum upper and lower receivers to give the weapon a high-quality feel and enhanced durability.
It comes with a PSA AR-15 Enhanced Polished Trigger that helps you get the most out of your rifle with a crisp, clean pull every time.
The Magpul MOE carbine stock provides a comfortable and stable platform for any shooter.
The full-auto profile bolt carrier group ensures reliable cycling.
It is equipped with a Magpul MBUS front and rear sights that provide a clear and accurate sight picture, and the Picatinny rail up top allows you to equip a red dot sight or another optic.
The 30-round capacity ensures you will have plenty of ammo for any situation.
Also, the 32” overall length makes it perfect for maneuvering in tight spaces for close-quarters combat.
Whether you are looking to take down targets or just want a solid home defense rifle, the PSA 16” Mid-Length 5.56 NATO 1/7 Nitride 13.5” Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT Rifle w/MBUS Sight Set is a perfect choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#2. PSA PA-15 16” Nitride M4 Carbine 5.56 NATO MOE AR-15 Rifle, OD Green
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: 33”
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
- Capacity: 30 Rounds
The PSA PA-15 16” Nitride M4 Carbine 5.56 NATO MOE AR-15 Rifle is the perfect choice for those looking for a high-quality, durable, and reliable rifle that can withstand the rigors of regular use.
With its 16” chrome moly vanadium steel barrel, forged 7075 T6 aluminum upper and lower receiver, 6-position adjustable Magpul carbine stock, 30-round capacity, and steel full-auto profile bolt carrier group, this rifle is built to last.
Its barrel also includes an A2 flash hider.
The 6-position adjustable Magpul carbine stock allows you to customize the fit and feel of your rifle, while the Magpul MBUS Rear Sight and fixed front sight ensures quick target aquistion.
The Single-Stage Enhanced Polished Trigger (EPT) gives you a smooth trigger pull every time you fire your rifle, while the Magpul polymer handguards provide a comfortable and secure grip.
Also, its polymer components are OD Green to give it a slick look.
With its durable design and high-quality construction, the PSA PA-15 16” Nitride M4 Carbine 5.56 NATO MOE AR-15 Rifle, OD Green, is the perfect choice for those looking for a reliable and versatile rifle.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#3. PSA AK-103 Premium Forged Classic Side Folder Polymer Rifle, Black
- Caliber: 7.62×39
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: Not Specified
- Weight: Not Specified
- Capacity: 30 Rounds
The PSA AK-103 is a premium, forged polymer rifle that is perfect for those who want a classic, side-folding design with modern features.
It has a 16” chrome moly vanadium barrel that is chambered in 7.62 caliber and has a 30-round capacity.
The stock is made of polymer and has a side folding design that makes it very easy to transport and store.
It has a standard 800-yard rear sight leaf and fixed front sight for easy aiming.
The bolt carrier group is hammer forged for durability and longevity, and the front trunnion is also hammer forged for strength.
It also includes a side scope mount if you want to upgrade your sights.
This rifle is made in America with a 100% full lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured that it is of the highest quality.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#4. PSAK-47 GF5 Forged CHF MOEKOV ALG Rifle, Black
- Caliber: 7.62×39
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: Not Specified
- Weight: 6.8 lbs
- Capacity: 30 Rounds
The PSAK-47 GF5 Forged CHF MOEKOV ALG Rifle is an excellent AK-47 with a history of performance and reliability.
Palmetto State Armory built it with a 16” cold hammer forged chrome moly vanadium steel barrel, which provides exceptional accuracy and durability.
The hammer forged bolt carrier group ensures that your shots are consistently accurate, while the side scope mount allows for easy optics attachment.
The Magpul AK-47 upper and lower handguards provide a comfortable and durable grip, while the Magpul AK-47 polymer grip ensures that your rifle remains comfortable to hold for long periods.
Its Magpul Zhukov folding stock provides a stable and comfortable platform for your shots, while the 30-round capacity ensures that you always have enough ammunition on hand.
It includes an enhanced extended safety lever, which ensures that your safety is always easily accessible, while the ALG AKT Enhanced Trigger With Lightning Bow provides a crisp and consistent trigger pull.
The PSAK-47 GF5 Forged CHF MOEKOV ALG Rifle is a must-have for any AK-47 enthusiast or those looking for a quality rifle for home defense.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#5. IWI Tavor X95 16” 5.56 NATO Rifle, Flat Dark Earth
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel Length: 16.5”
- Overall Length: 26.13”
- Weight: 7.9 lbs
- Capacity: 30 Rounds
The IWI Tavor X95 16” 5.56 NATO Rifle is the ultimate home defense or combat rifle in a small package.
It is chambered in 5.56 NATO, has a 30-round capacity, and includes a 16.5” chrome-lined cold hammer forged barrel.
The Tavor X95 is perfect for those who want a compact rifle with plenty of firepower.
Its bullpup design and reinforced polymer stock make this rifle great in close quarters, while the full-length Picatinny rail allows you to add your favorite optics.
The folding front blade sight with tritium insert and aperture rear sight ensures that you always have a clear sight picture.
Whether at home or in the field, the Tavor X95 is the perfect choice for those who want performance and quality in a small package.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#6. S&W M&P15 Sport II 5.56 NATO 16” Rifle
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: 35”
- Weight: 6.45 lbs
- Capacity: 30 Rounds
The Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II 5.56 NATO 16” Rifle is a powerful and versatile rifle that is perfect for any shooter.
This rifle is built for performance with a 30-round capacity, 16” steel barrel, and aluminum alloy frame.
The polymer grip provides a comfortable hold, while the Magpul folding MBUS rear sight and fixed front sight ensure a clear shot every time.
Plus, the 35” overall length makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces making it perfect for close-quarters combat or home defense.
The M&P15 Sport II is backed by Smith & Wesson’s lifetime service policy, so you can rest assured that your rifle will be up to the task no matter what.
This rifle is compatible with most standard AR15 components and accessories, so you can customize it to fit your needs.
Plus, the chromed firing pin and Armornite barrel finish enhance the rifle’s longevity and durability.
Whether you are a seasoned shooter or just getting started, the Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II is an excellent choice for home defense, the range, and sport shooting.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#7. KEL-TEC RDB 5.56X45MM Bullpup Rifle, Black
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel Length: 20.5”
- Overall Length: 30.4”
- Weight: 6.9 lbs
- Capacity: 20 Rounds
The KEL-TEC RDB 5.56X45MM Bullpup Rifle is a compact bullpup rifle that is ideal for those who want a powerful and accurate rifle in a compact design.
With ambidextrous controls, the RDB is perfect for left and right-handed shooters.
It has a compact 30.4” overall length and an impressive 20.5” barrel, making it a perfect choice for those who want a powerful rifle in a compact package.
It also has a durable synthetic stock and a dual extractor bolt that extracts empty brass and sends it down the ejection chute as the bolt reciprocates.
With an adjustable gas system, a 20-round capacity, and a 5lb trigger, it is easy to use.
The RDB also has a birdcage flash hider to help reduce flash when firing.
So if you are looking for a compact and powerful rifle, the KEL-TEC RDB 5.56X45MM Bullpup Rifle, Black is a perfect choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#8. PSA AK-47 GF3 Forged “MOEKOV” Rifle, Black
- Caliber: 7.62×39
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: Not Specified
- Weight: Not Specified
- Capacity: 30 Rounds
The PSA AK-47 GF3 Forged MOEKOV Rifle is a modernized version of the classic AK-47.
This rifle is designed for those who want a powerful and versatile weapon that they can rely on in any situation, including home defense.
Its 16” gas nitride treated steel barrel provides excellent accuracy and durability, while the Hammer Forged Front Trunnion and Hammer Forged Bolt Carrier Group enhances the weapon’s durability and longevity.
With a side scope mount, it allows you to easily add a scope or other optics for improved accuracy.
The Magpul polymer handguard and Magpul Zhukov stock provide a comfortable and secure grip, while the Magpul AK-47 polymer grip enhances your control.
The 7.62 caliber and standard 800-yard rear leaf sight make this rifle perfect for those who want to take down their targets from a distance.
Whether you are looking for a powerful rifle for hunting or self-defense, the PSA AK-47 GF3 Forged MOEKOV Rifle is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#9. PSA Gen4 16” 9mm 1/10 Lightweight M-LOK MOE EPT Rifle
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: Not Specified
- Weight: Not Specified
- Capacity: 31 Rounds
The PSA Gen4 16” 9mm 1/10 Lightweight M-LOK MOE EPT Rifle is perfect for those looking for a lightweight, high-performance rifle that is easy to handle.
The 9mm caliber makes it easy to shoot, while the 16” chrome moly steel barrel with Nitride finish provides durability and accuracy.
Its birdcage flash hider helps keep you on target, while the Single-Stage Enhanced Polished Trigger (EPT) provides a silky smooth trigger pull.
The adjustable 6-position Magpul MOE stock makes it easy to find the perfect fit, while the 31-round capacity ensures you have enough ammo for any situation.
Palmetto State Armory equipped it with a synthetic Magpul grip that provides a comfortable hold, while the Picatinny rail allows you to easily add your favorite optics.
If you are looking for your first rifle or want something with reduced recoil, the PSA Gen4 16” 9mm 1/10 Lightweight M-LOK MOE EPT Rifle.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
What to Consider When Buy a Rifle For Home Defense
When purchasing a rifle for home defense, there are several things to consider.
First, what is the legal status of your gun in your state?
Not all states allow civilians to own fully automatic firearms or high-capacity magazines.
You must ensure that you abide by local laws or face possible legal action.
It is also important to consider if you will use the rifle for other activities, such as hunting.
Some rifles are better suited for close-quarters combat, while others excel at long-range shooting.
Your weapon choice will differ if you want it for more than home defense.
Also, think about what features are important to you when choosing a rifle for home defense.
Things like caliber, size, accuracy, and magazine capacity are all important considerations.
These questions can help you determine what type of rifle is best suited for your needs.
References
What Is The Average Police Response Time In The U.S. By City, State, & Crime?
Home Defense Guns: How To Choose The Right One
Shotgun Vs. Rifle: Which Is Better?
See Also
9 Best AR-10 (& A Few .308 Caliber) Rifles
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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