10 Tactical Experts Share Their Best AR-15 Setups For All Things Defensive

As America’s favorite shooting platform, the AR-15 has numerous custom setups and variations. Just like its owner, every AR-15 is different and is customized to serve a variety of purposes.

One of the most common reasons one decides to own an AR-15 is to protect themselves and their family.

If you’re interested in what some of America’s tactical experts carry for home defense, check out our expert round-up on the best home defense gun.

As a defensive tool, the attachments and modifications applied to the weapon can make a big difference.

You may ask yourself, “Well, what IS the best AR-15 setup for defensive purposes?”

This question almost always shows up during a day at the range or at a gun store. We thought it would be best to learn from the experts to see what they recommend.

We decided to reach out to the tactical community to gain some expert insight on their preferred go-to AR setup for all things defensive. Read on below to see what they’re rocking!

1. Mark “Coch” Cochiolo

• Retired Navy SEAL
• Served Over 24 Years as a
  Naval Special Warfare Operator
• 8 Years at Naval Special Warfare Development Group
• Firearms Instructor for Over 10 Years Having Trained 3000+ Navy SEAL Candidates

For more information on Coch, check out his bio here.

“I would prefer a short-barreled rifle (SBR) or an AR pistol in 300 BLK with a suppressor or linear compensator, subsonic ammo, red dot sight, and a weapon-mounted flashlight.“

The answer to the best defensive AR setup will depend on what you are defending. For the house, if I lived in a free state, I would prefer a short-barreled rifle (SBR) or an AR pistol in 300 BLK with a suppressor or linear compensator, subsonic ammo, red dot sight, and a weapon-mounted flashlight.

My Recommended AR Setup

300 AAC Blackout (BLK) has great ballistic effect at close range and will have less flash and noise. Subsonic (220 grain) rounds through a Kaw Valley linear comp, which directs gasses forward, while not being what you would call quiet, are much less ear-blasting than 5.56 from a short barrel.

For a situation where contact distances may be much longer, I would opt for 77 grain Black Hills open tip match ammo in a 5.56mm rifle. This rifle would have a 14-16″ barrel and a Vortex flash hider, medium power scope (3x or 4X fixed, 1-6 or 2-7 variable) with a mini red dot sight mounted at 12 O’clock. I would finish this AR setup with a weapon-mounted flashlight and a vertical foregrip.

As for other stuff like lasers, race triggers, buttstocks, bipods, slings, bayonets, etc., that’s up to your personal preference as long as you train with it. Just remember light is right, as long as it’s safe, rugged, and reliable.

My Realistic AR Set-Ups

That said about my “recommended” setup, the fact that I live in an unconstitutional, nanny state, I’m forced to make a few deviations from optimum to comply with local laws.

I can’t have “Evil Features” on my AR setup that, apparently, make you uncontrollably want to kill, like flash hiders, vertical foregrips, pistol grips or adjustable buttstocks on a semi-auto rifle with a detachable magazine.

Since reloading is fundamental, I went with a version of “featureless.”

The “House” AR Setup

My house gun has a 12.5’’ CMMG barrel in 300 BLK with a pinned and welded Kaw Valley linear comp (total barrel length just over 16 inches)–legal and almost hearing safe!

A pinned GI collapsible stock, angled fore grip and a La Desma Arms Featureless Grip, to stay legal. A Sig Romeo 5 red dot sight, Surefire flashlight, a lightweight single-point sling attached and gathered to the stock with a rubber band. I have a 15’’ key mod free floated fore-end and MBUS back up iron sights at lower 1/3 co-witness for fast target acquisition.

The “Backcountry” AR Setup

The backcountry gun has a 16″ Wilson Combat barrel with a Yankee Hill Machine Phantom comp/brake at the business end. An angled foregrip, Ledesma featureless grip, and a pinned Mil-Spec SOCOM buttstock round out the “featureless” requirements.

The 15″ free floated fore end mounts a Surefire light. A Primary Arms fixed 3X scope with the ACSS reticle and a 3.5 MOA Docter mini red dot mount at 12 O’clock, all this on a throw lever mount and folding iron sights.

A single/double point sling is mounted to the receiver end plate. I finished it off with the Geissele Automatics Super Dynamic Three Gun trigger, just because it’s butter smooth and has an amazingly short reset.

Last Note on AR Setup Accessories

A last note on accessories, there are so many available and in such a variety it’s hard to know what is best and actually needed, so it’s easy to overload your gun, and your budget. The rule of thumb I go by is each accessory needs to bring a capability with it that outweighs its penalty in weight and dollars.

Case in point, my optics, I might prefer a Trijicon ACOG, but I get similar capability and weight for much less money with the Primary Arms optic. The mini red dot gives me quick acquisition capability and weighs almost nothing; it’s a bit pricy but well worth it to me.

Finally, as always no gun or gun accessory will take the place of training. Once you are good with your setup, train with it, adjust and upgrade as needed. Run it with the gear you plan to use in stressful situations that you expect to see. Time and physical stress can be used to simulate combat stress, but more on that in a future article.

2. Greg Hake

• 22 Year Navy SEAL Veteran (Retired)
• CQC Instructor having Trained Over 1200 SEAL Candidates

Read more about Greg here.

The answer to this question depends on the environment you defend. So, plan to tune the AR-15 setup to that arena. There is no single setup ideal for all circumstances, or for all shooters.

Before I enlisted, I lived in rural Nebraska: just off I-80 and right in the middle of the state. The closest sign of civilization was a major truck stop; I could see the halogen glow of its parking lot at night. The nearest town was a 20-minute drive north on a highway.

Living on an isolated farm near a truck stop at the intersection of major transcontinental roadways meant unwanted guests frequently found their way onto our property.

My father, 12 gauge in tow, met these would-be visitors at the end of our driveway, long before they got near our home or outbuildings. Had these encounters escalated–which they never did–my dad could have appropriately addressed the situation (provided he was between the intruder and the family home) without fear of accidentally hitting a bystander or anyone’s property.

However, engaging in ballistic self-defense in a rural community with a lot of wide-open space differs considerably from a shooting encounter in an apartment complex with small hallways and adjacent neighbors, or a residential pocket of a metropolitan area with quarter-acre lots and children playing in yards. And since, according to the US Census Bureau, 80% of Americans live in suburban and urban areas, you probably won’t have the freedom my father had.

Consider Your AR-15 Setup Carefully

Think broadly about the AR-15 you intend to use for personal defense; adjust the length of the barrel, firing settings, primary optics, stock, and other features of the firearm to suit your specific, anticipated engagement. As with any potential action, consider the direction, distance, and terrain at work; and weigh the collateral risk.

Beyond these environmental factors, consider the following two features: lights and sights.

Lights and Your AR-15 Setup

It’s been my experience that home invasions and robberies rarely happen during the day. Odds suggest you will employ your home-defense AR-15 in twilight or darkness so, fit it with a comprehensive light. Not only will this give you a clearer view of the engagement–a bright light can blind and stun your target. The barrel of a gun and a spotlight might well deter a ne’er-do-well before you have to release a round.

Some people recommend using Night Optic Devices (NODs), but these are expensive and require extensive training to use well. I’ve spent a lot of time shooting at night using NODs, and I’ve gotten good at it; but for home defense, I still prefer a comprehensive light.

When I was still active duty, I used Surefire lights with great results. Now that I’m a civilian and not outfitting my weapons with government dollars, I’m exploring other options. For example, Inforce makes great lights, and I like TLR as well. Remember to periodically check the battery in your light and keep at least one spare on hand.

Sights and Your AR Setup

In addition to a comprehensive light, fit the weapon with back up iron sights (BUIS). Aimpoints, EoTech, any red dot variant are great, and good fun. But, optics can fail–even if you abide by a weapon maintenance schedule. BUIS are always ready to go.

Just remember to train with them so that you feel comfortable using them at a moment’s notice. Also, training with BUIS “helps with breath control, discipline, and shot accuracy” (Turner), making you a better marksman. A number of respectable manufacturers make reliable sights; I prefer Magpul for my AR-15.

Other AR Setup Considerations

Don’t neglect to make the gun comfortable. Remember, the basic function of an AR-15 – or any other firearm – is: pull trigger, poke holes. Anything beyond that basic mechanism is frosting. We’ve all had someone try to convince us to adopt this particular sling or that particular grip.

While you should be open-minded at the range and try out different gear, the gun you adopt for personal defense should feel like an extension of your will, not a gear-whore exhibit.

Defense engagements are unexpected and unpredictable–don’t complicate any situation in which you are defending yourself and your family, and avoiding hitting bystanders, by using an unfamiliar or overly cumbersome configuration.

Think about where you live and what armament best suits that environment. Get a decent light and a spare battery; attach BUIS, personalize grips and slings to your liking. Train. Then train more.

Remember, it’s not the weapon that forges the warrior; it’s the warrior who becomes the weapon. My grandmother had a break-action, twelve-gauge, double barrel, 20 gauge for decades. She never shot anything else; but, she shot everything she meant to.

3. John Lovell

• Special Operations Veteran
• Served in the 2nd Ranger Battalion
• Founder of the Warrior Poet Society

Subject to change due to the operating environment, but if it’s for ‘ALL things defensive’, I’ll choose the following to cover my bases:

• IR laser for NVG fun
• Surefire Scout Light
• Vortex Razor 1-6 LPVO + 1.93” mount
• LAW Folder
• Suppressor
• SSA-E Trigger
• BUIS that I won’t ever need (but it keeps the internet trolls at bay)

4. Kawa Mawlayee

• Former Green Beret
• Former Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Instructor
• Owner of 2Alpha Training Group

My Go-To AR-15 setup comes from Tactical Edge USA in Clarksville, TN. I’ve been running the Type Alpha for the last two years and have gotten it to a place where it would be my go-to war rifle and for all things defensive.

The Type Alpha has a complete billet upper/lower receiver. 12.5″ barrel topped with Surefire Warcomp flash hider on the end. The barrel is also a free-floating, mid-length gas system for a softer recoil. The rail is an MLOK WRS, with a Picatinny top section.

The bolt is Tactical Edge’s DLC (Diamond Like Coating) bolt carrier group. DLC is definitely the best option for smooth operation even after 1000s of rounds. The Advanced Combat Trigger is a ball bearing system with no disconnector. It’s very smooth with hardly any take-up and a crisp reset.

Magpul K2 grip for a steep angle grip, less break in the wrist. My charging handle is the Radian Raptor-SD. I also have a JP Silent Capture spring and a Mission First Tactical Minimalist buttstock.

The Type Alpha is furnished with an Aimpoint T2 optic, sitting on a Scalarworks lower 1/3 mount. My back up sights are Magpul MBUS Pros. I use the Surefire 600DF Scout with a dual pressure pad that goes to my L3 Insight LA-5.

The Type Alpha in this configuration is the weapon I would choose over my other AR-15 builds. This is the ideal go-to war rifle, but I also consider it the AR-15 setup of choice for defense. I’ve put about 60,000 rounds through this rifle and I don’t think there is another rifle build better that I would trade it in for.

5. Johnny Primo

• Special Operations Veteran
• Former Green Beret
• Owner of Courses of Action

My preferred carbine setup would be the following for a go-to, do-anything rifle in 5.56.

• Triarc Systems Carbine with a 14.5” Barrel
• Geissele SSA-E trigger
• Leupold MK8 1-8 with H27 Reticle
• Spuhr SP-4016 O-MOA 35MM Cantilever Mount
• Leupold Delta Point Pro set at a 45 degree offset on mount
• Magpul Mbus Pro 45 degree offset iron sights
• BCM buttstock and pistol grip

This setup would easily handle anything out to 1,000 yards and in. The Delta Point Pro makes everything inside of 100 yards that’s not a high percentage shot easily acquired.

6. Raul Martinez

• Training Director and Lead Combatives Coach at Fieldcraft Survival
• Army Infantry Drill Sergeant
• Undercover Narcotics Officer Chicago PD

When choosing a carbine for multiple applications ranging from home to vehicle defense even outdoor adventures, I like something versatile.

Currently, I’m carrying a Triarc Systems 10.5″ pistol/carbine with a Law Tactical folding stock. A 20-round magazine loaded with 60gr soft point ammunition and a spare 28-rd mag.

Benefits of a Compact AR-15 Setup

The compact nature of this setup allows me to maneuver well throughout the house. Taking hard angles and blind spots with muzzle forward confidence. Also, if grabbed by an aggressor, it’s small enough to keep me within striking range which allows for empty hand options.

In the vehicle, it’s small enough to move and cut angles with allowing me to engage targets in front, back, sides and to the obliques. When I’m out hiking or on long movements, I pack it on my 40-gallon bag. If needed it’s there; simply unbuckle, close the stock and go!

7. Jason Redding

• Former SWAT Team & Marine Sergeant
• Owner of Stealth Shooting

Read more about Jason here.

My go-to AR-15 setup for all things defensive is an MSTN 14.5” carbine with Kahles K16i variable powered optic and Surefire M600 Ultra Scout Light.

I prefer a mid-length gas system and an Ionbond DLC-coated bolt carrier group for optimum reliability. All of my AR-15 setups are built by Wes Grant of MSTN in Payson, AZ. These rifles are hands down the best hard-use rifles around.

A variable-powered optic with daylight visible red dot at true 1 power allows me to quickly go from CQB distance out to the full capabilities of the rifle. This rifle setup will easily reach distances out to 600 yards with the right ammo selection.

The 3GR reticle provides a 2 dot design where the second red dot doubles as your height over bore hold-off for close-quarters defensive engagements. The Surefire Scout provides 1000 lumens of white light for positive target identification out to 100 yards or more in low light/night environments.

AR Setup Specs:

• MSTN custom VLTOR MUR upper/lower
• Noveske hammer forged, chrome-lined “skinny” profile barrel w/mid-length gas system, feed ramps contoured and polished
• Full mass Young Mfg. M-16 bolt carrier (Ionbond DLC coated)
• JP DLC coated bolt – headspace at 1.4666”
• All BCG small parts DLC coated and gas key hand staked
• Trigger Tech AR Diamond trigger
• Vltor A5 recoil system and A5-H1 buffer
• BCM Gunfighter large charging handle
• V7 Hybrid Ti/Al 57 degree safety lever
• Frank Proctor Bolt Lever

8. Fred Ruiz

• Former Navy SEAL
• Professional competition shooter and performance shooting coach
• Owner of Method Enterprises

Read more about Fred here.

Fred’s complete response:

“Short barrel and suppressed for confined space use, variable powered optic for extended range, and high output illumination.“

My go-to defensive AR-15 setup considers the potential environments it may be used in. A short barrel and suppressed for confined space use, variable powered optic for extended range, and high output illumination.

9. Scott Satterlee

• Former Green Beret
• Former Chief Operations Officer for 1^st Special Forces Group Advanced Urban Combat Course (SFAUC)
• Nationally Ranked Precision Rifle Competitor

Read more about Scott here.

In my former life, I would have gone with a 14.5” M-4, LCAN, Docter red dot sight mounted at 12, right side-mounted vis lite, PEQ15 and a set of helmet-mounted PVS 31’s. Now that I no longer have access to the arms room, I keep it simple.

My New AR-15 Setup

My go-to AR-15 setup is a Seekins Precision 3G2 with some modifications. My definition of defense has changed since I retired. My threat is no longer two-legged but four-legged.

I live out in the sticks and have a pretty tight group of neighbors that look out for each other. Most of the places I go for hunting, fishing and PR course are fairly remote where bear and cougar attacks are uncommon but possible.

As far as the base rifle goes I’m not sure you will find a better gas gun than the 3G2 – it’s accurate, super reliable and the people behind the product are awesome. Plus, they are about 90 minutes down the road from me in Lewiston, ID. I try to keep things in the PNW.

Experience With This New AR-15 Setup

I’ve had the rifle for quite some time so it is very much a Frankenstein gun now with a lot of new parts. I’ve replaced the buttstock with a Magpul CTR and the trigger is now a flat shoe Trigger Tech Diamond. The original barrel lived a long life but is now a Proof Research Drop-in Midweight 18”. The rifle is topped with a Nightforce ATACR 1-8 Illuminated and 99% of the time has a TBAC Ultra 5 QD threaded on the muzzle.

While this AR setup isn’t the handiest in tight spaces, it works for better precision target shooting, and it sits at my bedside and rides with me in the truck and Ranger. I like to start my defense as far out as possible and this setup with 77 gr projectiles allows for a realistic 600+ yard coyote gun, and it’s still handy enough for the house.

In my opinion, this would be a solid Designated Marksman AR-15 setup as it is very similar to the MK-12 SPR.

10. Garett Schwindel

• Former Army Ranger
• Served in the 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment
• Owner and Operator of Kägwerks

My go-to AR-15 is without a doubt the Radian Model 1. This rifle has all top-of-the-line components that matter. Shillen barrel, AR gold trigger, and features the ADAC ambidextrous dual-action catch system which expedites locking open and releasing the bolt on both sides of the weapon.

Their engineering is unsurpassed in this space and no expense is spared in the manufacturing of these weapons. I run a 14.5″ barrel length with a SWORD International warfighter compensator.

AR-15 Setup Optics

As for the optics, I run a Leupold LCO red dot and D-EVO 6x magnifier. I have not found a better red dot than the LCO. It has a thin housing but it’s robust enough for defensive purposes. This allows me to see more out at distance where some other optics with thick housings can potentially cover a target out at further distances.

This red dot sight has a rolling dial for adjusting brightness and also has great battery life. It’s fairly compact and lightweight. I have put this optic through hell and back and it always delivers.

As for the D-EVO, this optic sits behind and below the LCO. This allows me to acquire a target with my red dot quickly and then by simply looking down, I immediately have 6X power magnification with a BDC which allows me to make much more accurate shots out at distance.

AR-15 Setup Sling

My sling of choice is the Savvy sling and it’s the best sling I have ever run. It is a 2 point QD mounted sling that features a quick pull handle that is easy to index in a hurry or at night. The sling also features a portion made with bungee which allows me to get a little more length in a transition so I don’t choke myself out if I’m in a hurry.

Final Thoughts

I have run many rifles over the years and even developed a few. I’m very critical of the gear I use and always looking for the edge when it comes to shooting. In my experience, all the companies above have done an amazing job of bringing top-notch products and innovation to the shooting space and I’m extremely happy with my setup.

When students shoot my rifle, the response is almost always the same, “Whoaaaah, that’s a whole other level,” and followed up with, “how much is the whole setup?”

I firmly believe in the “buy once, cry once” mentality. Great products can be expensive but worth every penny, especially when it comes to gear that one day may save your life.

Additional Entry

11. David Steinbach

• Retired Army Ranger
• Served in the 75th Ranger Regiment
• Served in the US Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU)

I LOVE a Daniel Defense V7S with an Aimpoint T2 Micro (zeroed at 100m), SureFire X400 LED w/ green laser light, MagPul MBUS backup iron sights (zeroed at 300m), Armageddon Gear CQB sling and a small forward hand stop (I prefer to cut down one of the Bravo Company or Daniel Defense ones).

Why Daniel Defense V7S?

 Number 1, the cold hammer-forged barrel is unbeatable. Keep in mind the chamber is also CHF as well in the final steps of the process. This ensures there will never be a tooling mark or misaligned chamber from barrel to barrel. Adding to it, the rail mounting system provides one of the most rigid lock-ups of the rail without adding weight to the barrel nut. The V7 because it has been proven that the M-LOK system is superior to KeyMod.

Aimpoint Micro T2

Light and rugged sight with very long battery life. I prefer the 2MOA version to increase accuracy at distance but still providing fast acquisition when barreling down on a close threat.

Surefire X400

At 1000 lumens, this light packs a punch. It is nice that it can be run on your pistol, too. This compatibility makes it more universal and better for only needing to remember one way to work the light – whether on a pistol or rifle. The green laser just makes life nicer when you get target-focused instead of sights/dots.

Magpul backups

Low-profile backup sights that are out of the way until needed. The spring-loaded activation is one of my favorite things about them; easy to employ and easy to zero. I prefer the 300m zero version because in the event I need to stretch the legs on the 10.3” barrel, I can with ease.

Armageddon Gear CQB sling

I prefer the Armageddon Gear CQB sling for two main reasons:

1. Easily adjusted to meet the current need (precision shot, hands-free, ease of patrolling….etc).
2. Internal bungee on the back portion of the sling reduces fatigue on the operator over long periods of use, whereas a static sling produces constant shock to the neck/traps area and fatigues the user.

Small forward hand stop

I have a Bravo Company MOD3 on my set up right now. I still cut it down about an inch and rounded to corners off with a Dremel. All I need is enough space to catch one or two fingers and use it as a barricade stop when required.

Common Accessories Among the Experts

Red Dot

Aimpoint Micro T-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight

• Advanced objective lens system for better light transmission and unmatched optical clarity
• 2 moa dot with 12 brightness settings
• Standard mount included
• Up to 5 years of continuous operation using one cr2032 battery (included)
• Front and rear flip-up lens covers. reinforced windage and elevation turrets

9.5

CHECK PALMETTO STATE ARMORYCHECK BROWNELL’S

Trigger

Geissele Super Dynamic Triggers

• The Super Dynamic (SD) triggers have the same body geometry as the SSA models and feature a flat trigger shoe that reduces perceived pull weight, improves control, and gives excellent tactile feedback.
• Super Dynamic Combat (SD-C) trigger has a 2.5 lb. first stage and a 2 lb. second stage for a 4.5 lb total pull weight with a sharp, repeatable trigger release.
• Super Dynamic Enhanced (SD-E) trigger has a combined 3.5 lb. total pull weight, with a 2.3 lb. first stage and a 1.2 lb. second stage.
• Super Dynamic 3-Gun (SD-3G) single-stage trigger has 3.5 lb. pull weight with a short pull length and short reset – excellent for fast-action competitions.

10

CHECK BROWNELL’SCHECK OPTICS PLANET

Weapon Mounted Light

SureFire M600 Dual Fuel Scout Light

• Virtually indestructible led emitter regulated to maximize light output and runtime
• Generates 1,200 lumens of blinding light with sf123a batteries (sold separately) and 1,500 lumens (s
• Tir lens shapes versatile beam with enough reach and surround light for close-to longer-range operat
• Mil-spec hard-anodized aluminum body, tempered window and o-ring seals make light rugged, durable, a
• Dual fuel light powered by either two 123a lithium batteries with a 10-year shelf life (sold separat

9.5

CHECK AMAZONCHECK OPTICS PLANET

Backup Sights

Magpul MBUS Flip-Up Backup Sights

• Impact resistant polymer construction provides light weight and resists operational abuse
• Spring-loaded flip up sight easily activated from either side or by pressing the top
• Detent and spring pressure keeps sight erect but allows for unobstructed folding under impact, etc.
• Clamps to most any mil-std-1913 picatinny/stanag 4694 rail and provides the same height-over-bore as
• Protective wings shield the spring-locking a2 front sight post; elevation adjustment tool included,

10

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Buttstock Accessory

Law Tactical Folding Adapter

• First and only folding stock adapter that’s compatible with AR platform rifles.
• A must-have addition for anyone who wishes to transport their firearm inconspicuously or confined within a tight space.
• A low hinge reduces interference when charging your weapon.
• To prevent additional damage to the adapter while in the folded position, the Tactical Gen 3-M Folding Stock Adapter is equipped with replaceable O-Rings and is crafted out of 4140 steel, making it incredibly durable.

9.4

CHECK BROWNELL’SCHECK OPTICS PLANET

Conclusion

After hearing from all the experts, it’s obvious that different backgrounds produce different opinions on what constitutes the best defensive AR-15 build. However, some similarities consistently appear in almost all of our subject matter experts’ contributions.

Almost all the experts seem to prefer an AR-15 with a barrel length at or below 14.5″ as it makes it much more maneuverable when operating inside a home for defensive purposes.

Mounted lights, from a variety of manufacturers, also appear in almost all the contributions as being able to illuminate the vicinity and intruder are paramount to ensuring you stop the threat immediately.

Sights are an essential addition to your defensive AR-15 so that you can quickly and accurately gain sight of your intruder at a variety of distances. The experts seem to all lean toward their preferred red dot sights, but many also recommend BUIS as a precaution.

Lastly, one of the most important aspects is training. No matter what you choose as your setup, make sure you spend a great deal of time training with your rig so that all actions and maneuvers are second nature.

Even if you have “the best” defensive AR setup, lack of training will limit your effectiveness with the gun and could mean the difference between life and death.

Now that you’ve heard from the experts, what do you think the best defensive AR-15 setup is? Let us know in the comments section below!