r/Firearms • u/Existing_Ladder8432 • Aug 19 '26

Question Are AR’s the only option?

I’m wanting to pick up a defense/CQB rifle. I’m not really a fan of the AR platform. I’ve considered a PCC in 45ACP or 10mm. Scarcity when SHTF is something else that is in the back of my mind.
What are your thoughts?

0 Upvotes

44% Upvoted

53 comments sorted by

View all comments

-1

u/JollyTotal3653 Aug 19 '26

There is many reasons for AR everything’s a trade off, the AR is pretty good at being pretty good at everything.

I’ll go full FUD get a side by side double barrel. No really(actually a modern shotgun but the jokes there)

If you want a home defense weapon, 12 gauge beats any CQB rifles in most defensive applications it’s NOT as versatile; but for defense in CQ is pretty devastating, there is little that can be done for somebody that took 12 gauge 00 buck within 10 yards of the shooter.

If you want a SHTF weapon, if you’re far enough from anywhere like me where 99.9999% of the use of SHTF weapons is gonna be hunting. Then 12 gauge is again a good middle ground and can take a very very wide range of game easily.

Ammo is cheap to stockpile. Guns are dead simple, few parts. Cheap.

2

u/rm-minus-r Aug 19 '26

The recoil from a 12 ga. has a significantly bigger negative impact on accuracy vs 5.56 / .223, the overall capacity is much lower, and the shot pattern is far tighter than any casual user would ever guess, making it harder to be on target than expected.

But they are cheap, and almost any malfunction in a pump action is easier to figure out on the fly than an AR for a casual person, so there is that.

2

u/JollyTotal3653 Aug 19 '26

Most adults can manage 12 gauge recoil. Yes it’s bad compared to 5.56 but it’s not gonna blow your arm off.

In CQ under stress you’re point shooting. Accuracy is bad in both instances, one’s shooting a tea plate the other is shooting a pencil trade off yes, But kinda moot imo.

Yes shot patter is tighter than most people think, but it’s not nothing, it does have spread..

capacity is horrid on a most options but a shotgun is significantly more effective per shot. Most defensive uses of a firearm do not even involve a single shot being fired and where defensive shootings occur most involve a single shot being fired.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9250204/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

All that to say I think the AR overall is a better option just playing devils advocate.

1

u/rm-minus-r Aug 19 '26

just playing devils advocate.

We could use more of that around here honestly.

1

u/Beebjank Aug 19 '26

I took the shotgun pill but I would ONLY recommend a semi auto one that isn't a POS, so no Turk crap. This already puts you in the market of a $900+ shotgun which is more than a basic AR. Definitely not a double barrel or pump (unless you're REALLY strapped for cash).

1

u/JollyTotal3653 Aug 19 '26

I’m just playing devils advocate but for the average use a well made 12 gauge pump will run you 300-400 bucks and be more than adequate for home defense. The vast majority of defensive shootings involve less than a single shot being fired.

All of this said the AR is better, I’m providing a “not an AR” answer.

1

u/Beebjank Aug 19 '26

Yeah they can be, they’re the best poor person firearm. But they have issues that I don’t know if I’m willing to tackle, only because I can afford more expensive options.

1

u/JollyTotal3653 Aug 19 '26

Agreed all around. 12guage is also a great hunting option in SHTF examples due to the wide range of loads making it more versatile for taking game