Barrett builds rifles that are battle-tested and ultra-reliable. The Rec7 is a carbine that uses a cool-running gas piston system (direct gas impingement available in 5.56mm, 6.8 SPC and 300 BLK). A Barrett Enhanced Rail uses KeyMod-type attachment points for accessory mounting. Folding sights and a Magpul MOE adjustable stock are standard. Barrett hardcoat anodizes the rifle and then finishes it using the Cerakote process.
Based on a rifle developed by U.S. Navy SEAL armorers, Bravo Company’s RECCE-16 is a lightweight carbine built for a lifetime of reliable service. The rifle uses a mid-length gas system matched to a 16-inch, government-profile barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist rate. Bravo Company equips the RECCE-16 with a wide range of upgrades, including the company’s excellent Mod 4 charging handle and Mod 0 buttstock.
The Daniel Defense name is well known in the AR community, and the DDM4V1LW is highly regarded as a lightweight fighting rifle. Weighing less than 6.5 pounds, the gun is fully equipped with a quad rail, rugged sights and QD sling attachment points. Both the pistol grip and adjustable buttstock have soft rubber overmolding for increased comfort and control.
Right out of the box, the Del-Ton Evolution is ready to go to work. This 5.56mm NATO rifle comes fully equipped with folding sights, a Magpul CTR stock and a Magpul MOE pistol grip. The free-floating, 16-inch barrel has a lightweight profile to make carrying and maneuvering this rifle easier. A Samson Evolution rail allows you to add a variety of accessories without adding unnecessary weight from unused rails.
In a partnership with Magpul, FNH USA offers a carbine that is perfectly suited for many people’s home-defense needs. The FN15 MOE SLG starts with a chrome-lined, 16-inch barrel with button-broached rifling. An A2-type sight tower and folding MBUS rear sight ensure your rounds are on target. The MOE SL buttstock and pistol grip ensure good control over the weapon, while the M-LOK handguard protects the operator’s hand while still giving you mounting points for accessories.
Following in the footsteps of greatness, the MR556A1 is a piston-driven, semi-automatic rifle chambered for the 5.56mm NATO cartridge. Developed to exacting standards, this precision carbine offers both reliability and accuracy in the finest traditions of the HK company. The MR556A1 ships with a set of Troy Industries Micro sights that fold flat if you add an optic.
Built on the patented LWRCI short stroke gas piston platform, the IC-A5 delivers reliability, durability with less cleaning and maintenance required. Fully ambi lower includes bolt catch and release, magazine release and fire control make the IC A5 shooter friendly from both sides of the rifle. The IC A5 bolt carrier group is nickel-boron coated for unparalleled wear/corrosion resistance and permanent lubricity.
The MMR Tactical is a great value in terms of a home-defense gun. The carbine is fitted with an adjustable buttstock to fit all of the people responsible for defending your home. A quad-rail handguard allows for the quick addition of a light, a laser or other accessories. A Stark SE-1 grip improves gun handling and offers a battery storage compartment.
The Rock River Arms IRS (Integrated Rifle Sights) series features low-profile sights that fold down even with the Picatinny rail. RRA developed a new muzzle brake for this rifle that helps reduce muzzle climb while perfectly matching the fluted barrel to help provide 1-MOA accuracy. Additional features of the IRS rifles include an adjustable buttstock, a Hogue pistol grip and an oversized triggerguard.
Ruger proves affordable doesn’t need to mean cheap. The AR-556 is a gas impingement AR-style rifle with a number of nice upgrades, yet it still has a suggested retail price of less than $750. Ruger equipped this rifle with an ergonomic pistol grip that allows for precise finger placement on the trigger. A pop-up rear sight matches well to the precisely milled A2-style front sight tower. An enlarged triggerguard, a six-position buttstock and a Magpul 30-round magazine round out this gun.
Seekins Precision doesn’t disappoint with the Combat Billet Rifle, or SPCBRV1. Featuring a .223 Wylde chamber, the rifle offers maximum performance from both 5.56mm NATO and .223 Remington cartridges. A 16-inch, match-grade barrel works in concert with the precision machining and ALG trigger group to deliver great accuracy. A beveled magazine well, Magpul stock and Bravo Company charging handle and quad rail are all standard.
In service for more than 70 years, the 7.62x39mm cartridge has proven its effectiveness as a manstopper. When combined with the SIG556xi rifle platform, the resulting package may be the ultimate home-defense carbine. Using rugged AK-47 magazines, the SIG556xi is a smooth-shooting, well-balanced gun with a folding stock, locking sights and top-notch construction. The controls are ambidextrous, and the gun can be easily converted to shoot 5.56mm NATO cartridges.
When shot from a carbine-length barrel, the 9mm cartridge hits with the authority of a hot Magnum with recoil more akin to a rimfire rifle. The Stag Arms Model 9T is a premium rifle with a dedicated 9mm lower, a Diamondhead VRS-T handguard and 32-round magazines. Diamondhead premium folding sights allow this gun to be used for home defense as it ships, while the Picatinny rail allows for the easy addition of a red-dot sight.
This AR-style rifle operates on the time-tested gas impingement system and comes equipped with a number of high-demand accessories. The 16-inch barrel is topped with a Diamondhead T brake, while a free-floating Diamondhead VRS-T forend provides handguard duties. A Hogue adjustable buttstock and beavertail pistol grip ensure a perfect fit to the shooter.
Multiple attackers invading your home to do you harm is not a new phenomenon. As long as man has built shelters, groups of evil men have forced their way in to rob, rape and kill. For more than a century, the carbine has proved to be an effective tool when defending loved ones from unwarranted attack by these two-legged predators. Over the years, the look and design of common carbines has changed. Whereas older carbines may have been lever-action rifles, modern versions are often based on the AR-15 design. Since the AR platform is highly adjustable to the shooter’s needs, they tend to be excellent choices for both men and women of all shapes and sizes. Here is a look at a few of the top home defense carbines on the market today.
