Posted by on 2/21/2022 to
There are by far more handguns than AR-15s in the U.S. This is understandable as handguns are often the first firearm purchase of an individual. They also tend to be smaller and less expensive than an AR-15. However, for many who have used both, the rifle comes out on top over the handgun. Use your pistol to get to your rifle. To many people that don’t have one, an AR-15 looks like it would be more complicated and difficult to use than a handgun. It’s bigger, has more parts, moving or otherwise, and is not something that is kept in a bedside drawer. It’s the type of firearm that is perceived to be used by those with training, whose job it is to use firearms, or by gun enthusiasts who eat and breathe guns. But for many regular people who have used both, it is the AR-15 that is actually easier to use than your average handgun.
Starting off, the initial inspection and making the firearm clear and safe is easier. Pulling back the slide to check the chamber, you are pulling against a strong spring, without an actual handle to hold on to. Instead, you are gripping it and pulling back. Compare that to the AR-15, especially if you have the commonly used ambidextrous charging handle, which allows for use with either hand and better yet, looping your two strongest fingers and simply pulling back. Even a regular, “non-ambidextrous” charging handle is easy because the spring is not nearly as tense, requiring less effort. Imagine which one you would rather use if your hands were greasy, the one with the handle for your hand or the one without a handle? The safety is always present on the AR-15, and easy to find, not so much on a handgun. There are some handguns that rely on their heavy trigger pull for safety; not the greatest plan. Why compromise performance in order to provide a minimal amount of safety when you could ensure safety while maximizing performance? Even if there is a safety on a handgun it is not as straightforward. It is often a button that shows red for loaded, and black or simply flush for safe. Compare that to the AR-15 which has a switch that points to the words ‘SAFE’ or ‘FIRE’, which are easy to read. Yes, there are other more creative versions of this that may seem a little confusing at first, but at least it's there. On an AR-15 it is easier to tell if there is a magazine inserted. On a handgun, the magazine slides into the handle, with not a whole lot of the bottom sticking out. This is actually a great feature, utilizing available space and turning the handle into a magazine receptor. However, while this may look great it does make it more difficult to see if the magazine is in and there are times when you have to take a really good look just to be sure.
Aiming and controlling the weapon is made easier by having 3 points of contact, with a fourth possible. When firing a handgun you may have both hands close to the weapon, but it is really just one point of contact. The hand gripping the grip with the finger near the trigger, and the other hand supporting that hand, kind of holding it up, but not the same as a separate handhold. There are your two hands, one on the pistol grip, the other holding the handguard or another grip if attached, third is the stock against your shoulder and fourth is the cheek against the cheek weld for better aiming. If you are using a sling, then that might even be considered a fifth point of contact. There are also more options for tools that can improve your aim for the AR-15. On a handgun, you can have an optic, even a red dot, but your sight radius is not nearly as long. Rifle optics and sighting instruments tend to be bigger. better, and have many more options. On an AR-15 you can have two or three optics, one for magnification and one for greater accuracy like a red dot and a side optic like a red dot, and backup iron sights if you need or want to use those instead. You can also have a bipod so that you can set your rifle on a stable surface when you are aiming for even more accuracy. For all of those reasons, you will generally be more accurate and consistent with an AR-15.
If you are using your firearm for home defense an AR-15 can be better than a pistol. Having more points of contact makes it easier to hold and will naturally keep your firearm steadier, keeping it aimed where you want it. With the AR-15s 30 round magazine you should also have more ammunition than you should need. Most AR-15’s tend to have lower calibers, which is good for low penetration. This is often looked for with home defense as you do not want your bullets going through walls potentially injuring people in other rooms. AR-15’s tend to look more intimidating than a handgun, which is a good thing when it comes to home defense. You may not even have to fire your rifle in order to scare off attackers as there are reports of intruders turning tail and running at the mere sight of an AR-15. The rifle looks like it means business and so does anyone holding it.
An AR-15 has less kick or felt recoil than most handguns. This is due to the small caliber it uses and the buffer system. You can reduce it even more with a compensating muzzle device. There is no room for a buffer system on a handgun and most don't have muzzle devices or the capability to add one. Many handgun owners are surprised at how little the rifle kicks and how accurate they can be with an AR-15. Some have realized that they are a better shot than they thought they were because of this. It is simply an easier weapon to use.
These are just some of the reasons why the AR-15 is the easiest and favorite gun of so many gun owners. If you don’t have one yet you are at a great place to find one. We have many combo deals that make getting an AR-15 inexpensive and easy. So check out our upper builds section to find great deals that get you most of the way to your own AR-15.
