Maxim Defense MD:1505 AR-15 For Home Defense

When it comes to the best home defense firearm, the most common debate is handgun vs. shotgun.

What if we combined the best of both worlds? Let’s take a look and what the AR-15 can offer in terms of home defense.

We’ve seen how Maxim Defense has fine-tuned its small PDX platform and remarked on what an accomplishment it is to fit 7.62×39 into a compact functional AR platform.

That lineup now includes the MD:1505 series.

Maxim Defense MD:1505 AR 15 For Home Defense

Using the PDX as the base for the design, the MD:1505 includes forged receivers, a slimline handguard, and different options for the backside of the firearm.

Offered in 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK, and 7.62×39, this AR-styled PDW is built for the short game.

Best Size AR-15 For Home Defense

One of the most common misconceptions about the AR-15 for home defense is that it’s too long to handle in a close combat situation such as inside a home.

Why would someone choose an AR-15 for home defense over another platform?

First, the AR-15 rifle is a lightweight, low-recoiling, accurate, and reliable firearm.

Second, they fire a commonly available cartridge that’s been proven by decades of use.

Third, the AR-15 gives you a very modular platform that makes it easy to personalize your style and purpose of the weapon. In the case of this article, home defense.

Finally, you have options for how long your AR15 configuration can be set up. Whereas a full-length AR-15 with a 16" barrel is great for hunting, competition, and recreational shooting, it may not work as well for home defense.

The Maxim Defense MD:1505 comes with a 5.5" barrel length, making it great for home defense and allowing you to confidently employ the weapon in the confined spaces of your home.

Maxim Defense MD:1505 AR 15 For Home Defense
When you’re looking for Maxim Defense PDX ingenuity in a standard AR-15 package, the MD-1505 is your answer. The MD-1505 was engineered to bring the top-tier PDX package to an even more affordable price point.⁠

Maxim Defense MD:1505

Though similar to the PDX in size and capability, the Maxim Defense MD-1505 has MILSPEC forged receivers and different handguards.

Additionally, some stock/brace options include the SCW stock, SCW brace, or SCW pistol system, providing a platform that’s perfect for virtually any intended use.

The MD-1505 brings the Maxim Defense PDX ingenuity into a standard AR-15 package. It was designed to bring the top-tier PDX package to an even more affordable price point by roughly $500.

Maxim Defense MD-1505

$1,995.00
at Maxim Defense
Prices accurate at time of writing

Starting at the muzzle, each MD-1505 is equipped with the patented Maxim HATEBRAKE muzzle device.

The HATEBRAKE reduces recoil, decreases flash signature, pushes gasses and concussion wave downrange away from the operator, and improves overall performance in short barrel pistols and rifles. If you’re not running suppressed, then the HATEBRAKE is the next best thing.

For increased comfort and versatility, every MD-1505 features a free-floating Slimline Handguard. These handguards provide a monolithic-like upper receiver platform and M-Slot compatibility on five sides.

At the rear, the MD-1505 can be equipped with any one of the stock (NFA rules apply) or brace options for the ultimate in compactness, comfort, and versatility.

Is an AR-15 a Good Home Defense Rifle?

The AR-15 is a great choice for home defense.

It’s lightweight, the caliber choices are effective against armed criminals, and the profile is one that is readily recognized by most criminals.

Additionally, it can carry enough ammo to engage multiple intruders, is easy to use under stress, and is affordable to most.

Overall, the AR-15 will penetrate walls the same or less than a pistol and defeat body armor when a pistol will not.

What Caliber of AR-15 is best for Home Defense?

The best AR-15 caliber for home defense is 5.56 NATO. It’s got a low felt recoil, it’s affordable, and devastating on soft targets at close range.

Additionally, the magazine capacity, effective terminal ballistics, and moderate to low muzzle flash make it a good choice for most home defense situations.

The high rate of fire, fast and accurate follow-up shots and the ability to be controlled by smaller-statured people make it an extremely effective caliber choice for the AR-15.

What Caliber of AR-15 is best for Home Defense?
This is the ammo you’re looking for… IF you have an SBR or our MD-1505! It is specifically designed to be shot from short-barreled rifles.⁠

Maxim Defense is working on releasing some of the best frangible ammo that can be effectively employed in a home defense situation. Check out our blog where we discuss the Pros and Cons of Frangible Ammo For Self Defense.

Related62 Grain 5.56 Ammo for Short Barrel Rifle and AR Pistol Firearms


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