Maybe I should just stop browsing through firearm dealer sites.

But I thought the AR-15 was the best defense even for home. Now, I'm second guessing how right that thought is.

Which is it? AR-15 for the stopping power of a rifle round or AR-9 for a longer sight picture, 30+ round magazines, and lesser danger of overpenetration?

--------------------------------

Thank you all for the answers. I decided. 5.56 it is. I already have the AR inbound which will be my first but, all of a sudden, I thought, "shoot, should I have a 9mm carbine instead?"

It would have been okay; it's just that I would prioritize the AR-9 in getting mags, etc. I already searched the "optimal" barrel length of 9". I'd swallow the expense but didn't like the idea I'd have to buy 33 round Glock mags just for the carbine when I don't have nor plan to get a Glock.

At least, this thread makes me feel better that I don't have to get a carbine for exactly one of the things I bought the AR-15 for.

Shotguns are out because of the recoil especially getting my wife to be familiar with it. Plus, I don't know if ranges here would let you practice shooting shotguns.

Thank you all for your inputs. I know I can trust the advice people give on this board.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rey HRH,

The 5.56 has less chance of overpenetration than the 9, from what I've read. I don't know about the 5.56, but I'm ashamed to admit that my personal experience with the 9 is that the lowly round went through the living room wall, shattered the dishes and landed inside the kitchen wall. This was almost 30 years ago.

I too understand that the 5.56 round is less likely to over-penetrate. For me a rifle in 5.56 is the way to go.

Remember everyone has an opinion on “best”, and my assumption is that some gun dealers opinion on the subject is influenced by their stock. I’ve seen a lot of PCCs hanging on the walls of local dealers lately, many from companies I’ve never heard of and selling for cheap.

Google bullet penetration in sheetrock. Or walls. There are a number of tests on the internet. A round that provides adequate penetration for self defense will penetrate walls.

30 round magazines are available for both AR15 and AR9.

"a longer sight picture" makes no sense -- it can be the same for both types of firearms.

I started out thinking I wanted an AR pistol, and have one. After shooting rifle rounds thru a short barrel, I cannot imagine doing this in the house w/o hearing loss, and setting the curtains on fire with the fireball. A PCC, possibly a .45, or anything suppressed is worth some thought.

Unless your 9mm is select fire capable, 5.56 will beat 9mm every time.

the wound channel from center fire rifle cartridge will beat the wound channel from center fired pistol rounds.

We are talking 1100 fps, versus 3000 fps. 400ftlbs versus 1200 ftlbs under 50 yards for 223.

The flash, and the noise will be an issue. A can would help with that to a very small degree. 140db inside a 16.16 ft room is going to hurt your ears.

When you hear your front door getting kicked in, you will want the 5.56.

or 00 buck.

You could more or less split the difference with a 7.62x39. Roughly the same weight bullet as the 9mm at roughly twice the speed. Frangibles and hollow points are available should you decide either one would suit and any decent rifle will give you useful precision within the ranges one would expect in a home defense scenario.

As between a 9mm and a 5.56, though, I'd opt for the 5.56. I don't think either holds a real advantage when it comes to overpenetration, I would expect the 5.56 to be more likely to disable someone, and it should be at least marginally easier to find a 5.56 that you can expect to be reliable than to find a reliable 9mm carbine.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
or 00 buck.

Gets my vote

The man had two choices in his question. Answer the question he asked, not the question you want him to ask.

If you are giving 9mm consideration I do not know why you would not just use a night stand pistol?

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
If you are giving 9mm consideration I do not know why you would not just use a night stand pistol?

Pistols I got.

Thank you all for the answers. I decided. 5.56 it is. I already have the AR inbound which will be my first but, all of a sudden, I thought, "shoot, should I have a 9mm carbine instead?"

It would have been okay; it's just that I would prioritize the AR-9 in getting mags, etc. I already searched the "optimal" barrel length of 9". I'd swallow the expense but didn't like the idea I'd have to buy 33 round Glock mags just for the carbine when I don't have nor plan to get a Glock.

At least, this thread makes me feel better that I don't have to get a carbine for exactly one of the things I bought the AR-15 for.

Shotguns are out because of the recoil especially getting my wife to be familiar with it. Plus, I don't know if ranges here would let you practice shooting shotguns.

Thank you all for your inputs.

great, give us the details on the purchase so we can critique it for you
Better order the suppressor and find the local dealer with the Silincerco kiosk. Don't wait. Do it now.

9x19mm ammo will not penetrate body armor. Buckshot will not penetrate body armor.

Take a look at what you can do with a 16" AR and widely available M193 55 grain ammunition.

Velocity is the key factor.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
9x19mm ammo will not penetrate body armor. Buckshot will not penetrate body armor.

Take a look at what you can do with a 16" AR and widely available M193 55 grain ammunition.

Velocity is the key factor.

Good to know!

That actually helped me get the answer to one of my questions: what bullet.

Now, I know: M193, Hollow Point or Soft Point.

I think I can take my choice or what's available between 62 grain, 77 grain, or 80 grain since what I'm getting is a 1:7 Twist. But since velocity is the key, then I'm assuming 62 grain is the optimal choice.

But actually before I get that or any other accessories (other than magazines), I need to bone up on how to lube it.

And as I was writing this, I just got a call from the FFL that it came in. So I'm off to get it.

I love Free America!

M193 is 55 grain fmj. You don't need anything else. M855 is heavier and slower. M855 will not give you the same wound characteristics as the tried and true M193, and is likely to go right through a human torso.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
When you hear your front door getting kicked in, you will want the 5.56.

This.

I don't want to get shot with anything, but I'd much rather get shot with a 9mm than a 5.56.

I think too many people have the mindset of "what's the best caliber to miss with".
(I'll also be the first to admit I thought this way for a very long time.)

Let's face it - anything you'd consider using for self defense if going to go through walls. To what degree varies, but if you miss with 9mm, Buckshot, or 5.56, the rounds are still going to go through a few layers of sheetrock.
Go with the caliber that you can shoot quickly and accurately, that will do the most damage.

And the whole hearing loss thing - there's a 3 decibel difference between a pistol and a rifle. Loud is loud. Unless you don hearing protection or are shooting suppressed, anything you shoot is going to be loud. If it's come to the point that I'm firing in self-defense in my home, the last thing I'm worried about is some hearing loss. I'd rather be slightly more deaf than dead. Plus, even though it's still damaging your hearing, auditory exclusion comes into play as well.

https://www.silencercentral.co...Comparsion_chart.pdf

Edit to add: good choice getting the AR!

Did the OP mention the barrel length? ( I missed it). That'll determine which weight & style of bullet to use for the most effectiveness.