AR-15 vs AR-10 – Top Rifle for Home Defense?

Key Points

• Research suggests the AR-15 is generally better for home defense due to lower risk of bullets passing through walls compared to the AR-10.
  
  
• The AR-15 is lighter, has less recoil, and uses .223/5.56mm ammo, which seems safer in homes with close neighbors.
  
  
• The AR-10, with its .308 ammo, offers more power but may pose higher risks in urban settings due to deeper penetration.
  
  
• Prices for AR-15s start around $330, while AR-10s begin at about $1,000, based on current market data.
  
  
• Always check local laws, as self-defense rules differ by state, and training is essential for safe use.
  

Introduction

Choosing a rifle for home defense is a big decision. The AR-15 and AR-10 are popular choices, but they differ in ways that matter when protecting your family. The AR-15 is lighter and uses smaller bullets, while the AR-10 is heavier with more powerful rounds.

Selecting a firearm for home defense requires balancing effectiveness with safety, particularly in environments where overpenetration—bullets passing through walls—could endanger family members or neighbors.

The AR-15 and AR-10, both part of the ArmaLite Rifle (AR) family, are popular choices due to their reliability and customization options. However, their differences in caliber, design, and performance make them suited to different scenarios.

This article provides a technical and data-driven comparison of the AR-15 and AR-10, breaks down their differences using technical details and test data to help you decide which is best for your home. 

AR-15 Meaning: What is an “AR?”

The term “AR” stands for ArmaLite Rifle, named after the company that developed these firearms in the 1950s, not “assault rifle” as some mistakenly believe. ArmaLite designed the AR-15 as a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle chambered for .223 Remington, evolving from the AR-10, which was built for the more powerful .308 Winchester. 

Both rifles share a modular design with a direct impingement gas system, where gas from the fired cartridge cycles the action, and aluminum alloy receivers that enhance durability and reduce weight.

The AR-15 was developed in response to military needs for a lighter rifle, leading to its adoption as the M16. The AR-10, introduced earlier, was tested by the military but faced design challenges, paving the way for the AR-15’s success.

Both feature interchangeable upper and lower receivers, allowing customization of barrels, stocks, and accessories, making them versatile for various applications.

AR-15 Rifle: Legos™️ for Adults

The AR-15’s nickname, “Legos for adults,” reflects its modular design, which allows users to swap components like barrels, handguards, and optics with ease. It’s a gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle that uses a direct impingement system, directing gas into the bolt carrier to cycle the action. Its lightweight construction and low recoil make it accessible for a wide range of users, from beginners to experienced shooters.

Technical Specifications:

• Design Features:
  • Direct Impingement: Enhances reliability but requires regular cleaning to prevent carbon buildup.
    
  • Modularity: Upper and lower receivers can be swapped to change calibers or configurations.
    
  • Free-Floating Barrels: Common in modern models to improve accuracy by reducing barrel vibration.
    
  • Ergonomics: Collapsible stocks and picatinny rails allow for personalized setups.
    

The AR-15’s versatility and ease of use make it a top choice for home defense, particularly in environments where maneuverability is key.

AR-15 Price

The cost of an AR-15 varies widely based on manufacturer, materials, and features. Entry-level models are affordable, while premium rifles command higher prices due to superior craftsmanship and components. Current market data (as of 2025) includes:

• Anderson AM-15: $329.99, a budget-friendly option with basic mil-spec components (Anderson AM-15).
  
• Palmetto State Armory PA-15: $499.99, a mid-tier choice with reliable performance.
  
• Daniel Defense DDM4 V7: $1,999.00, a high-end model with precision engineering.
  
• Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II: $799.00, a used option with customization potential.

Prices fluctuate based on market demand, with recent X posts noting deals like the Anderson AM-15 at $329.99, reflecting competitive pricing.

AR-15 vs M4: Can I Get One of Each?

The M4 is a military variant of the AR-15, designed as a carbine with a shorter barrel (14.5 inches) and select-fire capability (semi-automatic and automatic or burst). Civilian AR-15s can mimic the M4’s configuration with 16-inch barrels and collapsible stocks but are restricted to semi-automatic fire. Key differences include:

• Barrel Length: M4’s shorter barrel reduces weight but slightly impacts velocity.
  
• Fire Control: M4’s select-fire is unavailable in civilian models.
  
• Gas System: M4 uses a carbine-length gas system, common in many AR-15s.

For home defense, the differences are minimal, as both prioritize maneuverability and reliability (M4 Comparison).

AR-10 Rifle: Ar-15’s Big Brother

The AR-10 is a scaled-up version of the AR-15, designed for larger cartridges like .308 Winchester or 7.62x51mm NATO. It retains the AR-15’s direct impingement gas system and modular design but is built to handle higher recoil and increased power, making it ideal for hunting and long-range shooting.

• Technical Specifications:

• Design Features:
  • Scaled-Up Components: Larger bolt carrier and receiver to accommodate .308 rounds.
    
  • DPMS vs. Armalite Patterns: Two receiver designs with limited part compatibility (AR-10 Compatibility).
    
  • Recoil Management: Heavier buffer systems to mitigate increased recoil.
    
  • Modularity: Similar to AR-15 but with fewer interchangeable parts due to size differences.

The AR-10’s power comes at the cost of increased weight and recoil, which may affect handling in confined spaces.

AR-10 Price

AR-10s are pricier than AR-15s due to their larger components and ammunition costs. Basic models start around $1,000, with high-end rifles exceeding $3,000. The higher price reflects the AR-10’s specialized role in applications requiring greater stopping power.

Overpenetration: Keeping Your Family Safe

Overpenetration—when a bullet passes through a target and continues through walls—is a critical concern for home defense. Ballistic tests provide insight into how AR-15 and AR-10 rounds perform in typical household materials like drywall.

• AR-15 (5.56 NATO):
  • Ballistic Data:
    • Tests show 5.56 NATO rounds, particularly fragmenting or hollow-point loads like V-Max, penetrate fewer drywall sheets than handgun or shotgun rounds.
      
      
    • FBI tests indicate 5.56 NATO (55-grain Sierra BTHP) penetrates 12.5 inches of wallboard, compared to 20 inches for 00 Buckshot and 10–12.25 inches for 9mm or .40 S&W.
      
      
    • V-Max rounds fragment within the first few drywall sheets, reducing penetration depth.
      
      
    • Implications: The AR-15’s lower penetration risk makes it safer for homes in suburban or urban areas, where walls separate rooms or neighbors.
      
      
• AR-10 (.308 Winchester):
  • Ballistic Data:
    • In Box ‘o Truth tests, .308 TAP (165-grain Hornady plastic tip) penetrated all 12 drywall sheets (equivalent to 6 interior walls), destroyed a water jug, and bounced off wood backing.
      
      
    • South African military ball ammo penetrated all 12 sheets, broke a brick, and stopped only when tumbling sideways.
      
      
    • The .308’s higher energy (2,500+ ft-lbs vs. 1,300 ft-lbs for 5.56) drives deeper penetration.
      
      
    • Implications: The AR-10’s significant penetration capability increases the risk of harming unintended targets, making it less suitable for most home defense scenarios.
      
      
• Practical Considerations:
  • Ammunition Choice: For AR-15, use hollow-point or frangible rounds like Hornady TAP to minimize overpenetration.
    
    For AR-10, frangible .308 rounds are rare and costly, limiting options.
    
    
  • Environment: In rural settings with fewer neighbors, the AR-10’s overpenetration risk may be less concerning, but urban homes favor the AR-15.

Conclusion: The AR-15 is generally recommended for home defense due to its lower overpenetration risk, especially with appropriate ammunition.

Which One is Right for You?

Choosing between the AR-15 and AR-10 depends on your priorities and environment:

• Home Defense: The AR-15’s lower overpenetration risk, lighter weight (6–8 pounds vs. 7–9 pounds), and lower recoil make it ideal for close-quarters use in homes (AR-15 Advantages).
  
  
• Hunting: The AR-10’s .308 caliber is better for larger game like deer or elk, offering greater stopping power at longer ranges.
  
  
• Long-Range Shooting: The AR-10’s effective range (800–1,000+ yards) surpasses the AR-15’s (525–800 yards), making it preferred for precision shooting.
  
  
• Tactical Use: The AR-15’s maneuverability suits dynamic scenarios, while the AR-10’s power is better for open terrain.
  

Consider your home’s layout, proximity to neighbors, and intended use when deciding.

Why the AR-15 Might Be Better

The AR-10 uses .308 bullets, which are bigger and hit harder. This makes it great for hunting or shooting far targets, but those bullets can go through many walls, which could be risky in a home. If you live in a rural area with no close neighbors, the AR-10’s power might be useful, but it’s less ideal for most homes.

When to Consider the AR-10

The AR-15 shoots .223 or 5.56mm bullets, which are smaller and tend to break apart or stop sooner when hitting walls. Tests show these bullets go through fewer walls than handgun or shotgun rounds, making them safer if you live in a house or apartment with people nearby. It’s also easier to handle because it’s lighter and has less kick.

Making Your Choice

For most people, the AR-15 seems like the safer bet for home defense because it’s less likely to harm someone unintentionally. It’s also cheaper, starting at about $330, compared to $1,000 for an AR-10. Whichever you choose, practice at a range and learn your local laws to stay safe and legal.

5 Steps to Choose Your AR Platform for Home Defense

1. Define Your Need: Prioritize safety for home defense; the AR-15’s lower penetration risk is typically better.
   
2. Set a Budget: AR-15s start at $330, making them more accessible than AR-10s at $1,000+.
   
3. Test the Feel: Visit a range to compare handling, as the AR-15’s lighter weight may suit you better.
   
4. Pick Ammo: Choose 5.56 hollow-point or frangible rounds for the AR-15 to reduce overpenetration risks.
   
5. Train and Store Smart: Enroll in a safety course and use a quick-access safe to ensure readiness and security.
   

Resources and Further Learning

To deepen your understanding of the AR-15 and AR-10, explore these resources:

• Books:
  • “The AR-15 Complete Owner’s Guide” by Walt Kuleck and D.C. Colt
  • “Gun Digest Shooter’s Guide to the AR-15” by Massad Ayoob
    
• Websites:
  • National Rifle Association
  • National Shooting Sports Foundation
    
• Forums:
  • Box ‘o Truth
  • AR15.com

Conclusion

The AR-15 and AR-10 are both exceptional rifles, but their suitability for home defense hinges on technical differences. The AR-15, with its .223/5.56mm caliber, lighter weight (6–8 pounds), and lower overpenetration risk (penetrating ~12.5 inches of wallboard), is generally the safer choice for protecting your home, especially in urban or suburban settings. 

The AR-10, chambered in .308 Winchester, offers superior power (2,500+ ft-lbs) and range (800–1,000+ yards) but poses a higher overpenetration risk, penetrating all 12 drywall sheets in tests, making it better suited for hunting or rural defense. 

Budget considerations also favor the AR-15, starting at $330 compared to $1,000 for the AR-10. Whichever you choose, prioritize training, select appropriate ammunition, and verify local self-defense laws to ensure responsible use.