ArmaLite started it all with the AR-10 in .308/7.62mm NATO, and it’s still a viable choice if you need longer distance shooting capability. It has a 16-inch, chrome moly barrel, a six-position buttstock, an upper receiver rail, an A2 front sight and 20-round magazine. The AR-10A weighs 9 pounds, and Armalite backs up its product with a limited lifetime warranty.
Do you want something in between a pistol and a rifle cartridge? Combining lightweight with compact dimensions is the .30-caliber Auto-Ordnance M-1 AOM 150 with the folding paratrooper stock and walnut forend. It weighs just 5.4 pounds, comes with iron battle sights and is shipped with a 15-round magazine. The M-1 AOM 150 features an 18-inch barrel and a 35.75-inch overall length.
Colt started the pistol-caliber AR ball rolling with a 9mm SMG made on the AR-15 platform. Today the Model 6951 is a civilian semi-auto version with a 16.1-inch barrel and 32+1 capacity. It has a four-position buttstock, full-length receiver rail with Magpul rear sight, birdcage flash suppressor, and its other features are virtually identical to those found in the M4/AR-15 carbines.
The Del-Ton DT Sport is very affordably priced without any sacrifice of features or performance. This 5.56mm NATO AR has a lightweight, 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist barrel, weighs only 5.6 pounds, a six-position M4 stock and a CAR-style handguard, as well as an A2 flash suppressor and a 30-round mag. The receiver is flat-topped with a rail and features an A2-type front sight and sling swivels.
Often underrated, the Hi-Point 995TS is available in 9mm, .40 and .45 ACP with a 10+1 shot capacity and lots of manufacturer options. With a 16.5-inch barrel, an overall length of 31 inches and a 6.25-pound weight, the Hi-Point is handy and lightweight. I’ve found it to be accurate and dependable. It’s a good entry-level 9mm platform for less than $300, and that’s hard to beat.
Just Right (JR) Carbines come in 9mm, .40 and .45 ACP. and they offer the utmost in versatility. Depending on the caliber, they will accept Glock, Smith & Wesson M&P or 1911 magazines. On top of that you can get a conversion kit that allows you to switch yours to a different caliber. With its 17-inch barrel, adjustable buttstock and 6.5-pound weight, you get a lot in a compact package.
A more traditional handgun-caliber carbine is the Marlin Model 1894 Cowboy. This lever gun, like some of the autoloaders, has a 10+1 capacity and comes in .357 Mag, .44 Mag and .45 Colt. Fashioned from blued steel and walnut, it will make a great backup for your revolver, and the side ejection allows for more sight options. It has a 20-inch barrel, an overall length of 37.5 inches and weighs just 6.5 pounds.
Lightweight and maneuverable, the Rock River Arms LAR-15 Tactical CAR A4 offers a forged A4 receiver, a 16-inch chrome moly barrel with an A2 flash suppressor and an R4 handguard. The LAR-15 also features a six-position CAR stock, a Hogue rubber pistol grip, an RRA two-stage trigger and a 30-round magazine. Guaranteed to shoot 1-MOA at 100 yards, this package weighs in at 7.5 pounds.
If you need a handy AR-type carbine with more rail space for optics, laser or lights, the Smith & Wesson M&P 15X might be what you are looking for. A 16-inch barrel is mated with a quad-rail handguard and a CAR six-poisiton buttstock. An A2 front sight is combined with a Troy Folding Battle Sight. The whole package weighs just 6.5 pounds and offers 30+1 capacity.
Taurus offers the CT9 (9mm) and CT40 (.40 S&W) models with 10+1 capacity, a full-length Picatinny rail, convertible charging handle and an ambidextrous slide catch/magazine release. Both models come in black finishes. The CT9/CT40 rifles both have a fixed, skeletonized stock and a pistol grip. They share overall lengths of 36 inches and 6.6-pound weights, making both quick handling, accurate and easy to shoot.
With exciting releases by Armalite, Colt, Smith & Wesson and more, there’s certainly no shortage of versatile firepower options to help you defend your castle. Scroll through the gallery above to learn about the top 10 home defense carbines currently available in the marketplace.
