Trying to find the best assault rifle for home defense can often prove to be a daunting task. Basically, there are two types of uses when it comes to rifles. The first, we use for hunting or competitive shooting, while the second are those we would like to keep by our side when it comes to the protection of the ones we love.
Of course, listing the best survival rifles requires compromises because a perfect weapon does not exist. Each rifle has its advantages and disadvantages, so you have to pick the one to suits your needs.
Aside from the characteristics of every assault rifle, there are other important factors that you must consider before making a purchase. For example, beginners without any experience should enroll in a shooting class to learn the basics.
Also, if you’re tight on the budget, do not settle for a certain option only because it fits your pocket. In the long run, budget options could lead to greater losses. After all, we are dealing with firearms, so quality and performance should be of first priority.
Below, we will list five different models of firearms that have proven to outperform others in terms of quality and functionality.
Best Assault Rifle for Home Defense Comparison Table
Best Assault Rifle for Home Defense Reviews
#1: Daniel Defense – DDM4 V7 16IN 5.56X45MM NATO 30+1RD
Review
Daniel Defense’s AR-15 Rifles makes it to the top of almost all lists of capable weapons and there’s a good reason for it. The company’s rifles are known around the world as being the finest around.
The DDM4 V7 firearm is one of the manufacturer’s top products. It is built around a CNC machined, 7075-T6 aluminum upper and lower receiver and is available in different finishes.
At the lower receiver, you can find an ambidextrous safety switch, a flared magazine and QD sling swivel attachment point. The gun operates with standard STANAG 4179 compliant magazines.
Furthermore, the rifle comes with a Daniel Defense pistol grip made of glass-filled polymer, from which the stock is also manufactured. The barrel is a 16-inch Government profile, forged out of vanadium steel and coated with heavy phosphate.
Moreover, the barrel comes with a proprietary Daniel Defense flash hider. It is protected by a 6160-T6 aluminum 15” handguard that is lightweight and keeps the overall weight of the gun to 2.8 kilograms.
It also features a full-length top Picatinny rail for accessories, which is useful given the fact that the rifle comes without sights.
All in all, the Daniel Defense DDM4 rifle has proven to be one of the best assault rifles for home defense. With the flash and reduced recoil system, you will definitely notice the precision and accuracy offered.
#2: Springfield Armory Saint Edge 5.56 NATO AR-15 Rifle
Review
Back in 2017, Springfield released a new AR-15 model with the Saint Edge rifle that has several premium-built features, designed to provide shooters with performance above the expectations.
The Saint Edge is a lightweight, fast-handling firearm that offers reliability to operators. Similar to other models of the company, this one is also built with upper and lower receivers made from 7075 T6 billet aluminum.
Attached to the upper receiver, you will notice a 16-inch barrel made of chrome-moly vanadium steel with Melonite finish against corrosion and dirt.
The muzzle brake is designed specifically for Springfield Armory Edge. The design is lightweight and features large ports that allow you to recover from recoil far quicker than usual.
Another feature developed specifically for the rifle is the free-float handguard, which is also made of aluminum. This fantastic AR-15 rifle also features a single-stage trigger, coated with Melonite to provide a smooth movement of the trigger.
A small drawback that occurred to us is that it can be a bit difficult to disassemble and reassemble the weapon. Cleaning your guns is of utmost importance because dirt could lead to reliability issues.
#3: Ruger AR-556 5.56 NATO 10.5” Pistol
Review
The Ruger AR-556 Pistol is from the company’s budget-minded series, released a couple of years ago. The AR-556 features an SB Tactical’s SBA3 stabilizing brace that gives excellent control and maneuverability over the gun, as well as the ability to adjust the length to fit your needs.
To provide exceptional accuracy and longevity of the gun, the manufacturers have implemented a heavy contour, cold-hammer-forged barrel. Thanks to the 1/2”-28 threaded barrel, you can add any kind of standard muzzle accessories.
The 5.56 NATO chamber allows the use of .223 Rem. ammunitions as well. There’s also a Ruger flash suppressor and an M4 feed ramp for greater reliability. Most of the components offer a matte black oxide finish against glare and corrosion.
AR-556 features a free-floating handguard and a flattop upper receiver made of aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum. The bolt is made of 9310 alloy steel to ensure greater durability and structural integrity of the firearm.
If you’re looking for a good home defense firearm that won’t break the bank, then the AR-556 5.56 NATO 10.5” Pistol is the perfect choice for you.
#4: PSAK-47 GF3 Forged “MOEkov” Rifle
Review
The idea behind the PSAK-47 GF3 was to design a whole new standard in AK-47 rifles, by integrating new parts that are manufactured for enhanced precision.
The PSAK-47 Gen3 Hammer Forged (GF3) rifle features a hammer-forged bolt, carrier and front trunnion. The barrel is 4150 with a nitride finish for greater durability and longevity.
The receiver is made of 1mm hardened steel and offers a mil-spec style single hook trigger and side rail mount. Moreover, it offers users a Magpul polymer handguard, Magpul Zhukov stock, polymer grip, and 30-round magazine.
During our tests, we found two possible aspects of the gun that might require slight refinement. The first is recoil reduction as we believe that it requires a pad to absorb the shock of shooting. The second thing is the swivel so that it can carry all types of slings.
The riffle’s design is rugged and intimidating, which is enough to keep intruders away from your home. The construction is solid and the curved magazine allows for quick reloading.
If you’re looking for an assault rifle, suitable for home defense applications, then you have it right here. This fine piece offers incredible firepower and you will be grateful to have this firearm beside you in life or death situations.
#5: Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II .223 Rem/5.56 NATO M-LOK Rifle
Review
The AR-15 weapon offers affordability, accuracy, and reliability. For millions of Americans, it is the recreation of a self-defense firearm. The Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II is the heir of the popular M&P 15 Sport.
The original Sport rifle was known for its durable construction and proven reliability. It was, in fact, stripped down from any additional features, but it serves its role as a self-defense gun perfectly.
The new model is chambered in 5.56 NATO, features dust protection and forward assist. The barrel with 5R rifling and a 1:8 twist are replaced with a traditional six-groove rifling and a 1:9 twist barrel.
Furthermore, the Melonite finish is replaced in favor of the S&W Armonite coating. Generally speaking, they are both the same thing. Both finishes improve wear, corrosion resistance and reduce light reflection.
The 4140 steel-made barrel is measured at 16 inches and is topped with an A2-style flash suppressor.
The upper and lower receivers are made of 7075 T6 aluminum and they are hard coat black anodized for impact protection. It features an integral trigger guard, that has enough space to fit gloved fingers.
Magazines drop quickly and the bottom is beveled to allow for speed insertion. On top, you can find a single 7-inch Picatinny rail for mounting optics or use the Magpul backup rear sight.
Surely, the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II is one of the most sophisticated home defense rifles on the market. If you’re looking for a solid gun that outperforms the competition, then this is the model for you.
Conclusion
Having the proper defense rifle can save the moment, where you need it the most. Even though you might never use it against intruders, it is good to have a piece of mind by owning one. This concludes the guide on the best assault rifle for home defense. Hopefully after reading through you have made a good decision. If you have any questions, you can leave them in the comments below!
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A Bulgarian native law student, and a gun aficionado. I’ve graduated from a British International school and have successfully taken a number of Cambridge certificates such as PET, FCE, CAE, GSCE, IGCSE & IELTS. I found love in firearms early on in life when my father took me hunting for the first time. A few years later and an unknown number of rounds fired, I have the opportunity to combine my home defense & firearms expertise with the public.
