Author: Stephanie Kimmell

As a woman who works in the firearms industry, I’m often asked “what’s the best AR-15 for women?” What the question usually implies is what’s the best AR-15 for someone small in stature. And it isn’t just women, really. Sometimes men are small. And sometimes both men and women are small (mentally speaking). Remember when a verklempt CNN reporter went to the range to do some reporting on the AR-15, and cried after pulling the trigger? Pepperidge Farm remembers. It was all too much for him, what with the loud noise and unbearable recoil. Rumor has it he still has bruises from the horrible kick. 

In all seriousness, the almost pantomime play acting of this journalism and countless Hollywood renderings have those who don’t know any better believing that the AR platform is all but unmanageable by anyone who hasn’t trained as a Navy Seal. This is bogus, at best; the AR-15 is ideally suited for new shooters, and both women and men of small stature.

Let’s assume you’re relatively new to guns

Narrowing down an ideal platform–like handguns or rifles–depends on numerous variables like your skill-set and physical size. And it is much more than simply painting a gun pink, or Tiffany blue, or some hideous shade of purple.

For those new to guns, or with limited experience, going to a gun store can be daunting–there’s so much to choose from and counter staff can be intimidating and pushy. And this experience is often worse for women for all the reasons you’d expect. 

Armed self defense shouldn’t be gendered. Some women carry handguns. And some, like this Florida woman who used an AR-15 to protect her husband and daughter from from violent intruders, are capable with long guns. Here’s the story, as related by her husband.

“Them guys came in with two normal pistols and my AR stopped it. [My wife] evened the playing field and kept them from killing me,” King said.

Hats off to this woman who stepped up to protect her family. This story exemplifies the need for legal firearm ownership for home defense.

But at a closer look, the story tells us something about the firearm itself. Even though there is plenty of political backlash against the ‘scary-looking’ AR-15 Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR), it remains one of the most popular rifles on the civilian firearms market for recreation, competition, hunting, and–as in this case–home defense. Relatively affordable and available, AR-15’s are known to be effective, yet manageable firearms for people of all statures. As such, they are particularly beneficial as home-defense weapons for women.

So…. What’s the best AR-15 for Women?

This answer depends on how you define a woman. If we’re drawing on stereotypes, we would assume a woman to be lighter and possibly shorter than the stereotypical male. Her shoulders may not be as wide or as physically strong. Her hands may be smaller and her grip strength less substantial. Still a well-built AR-15 can weigh a comfortable 6 pounds, naked, and the inherent modularity of a carbine-style build would suggest that this is an ideal gun for anyone who might be described as “small.”

Shotguns, lever actions, bolt actions, pistols, revolvers…. The AR is one of, if not the single most adaptable rifle platform available. If you’re 6’6″ and weigh 300 pounds, the AR is almost too compact–tall men (and women who are 6’6″) have trouble getting the length-of-pull needed on ARs. If you’re 4’10” and barely break triple digits, though, the AR fit you, perfectly.

Women, like the rifle’s we’re here to talk about, are adaptable.

With training and practice they can, and do, learn to operate all kinds of firearms. But who doesn’t appreciate owning and operating a firearm that fits their own physical dimensions? Some women have short arms and smaller hands. Because of that, there are several AR-15 features that women shooters can benefit from.

I’d contend that there’s no one-best-option (if you were looking for a make and model of rifle) but rather a style of AR-15 rifle itself that is the best option for the reasons that follow. It just happens to be the most common AR set up made.

Lightweight and Easy to Maneuver

AR-15’s are relatively lightweight (8 pounds  +/- in the most common configurations). This makes them easy to maneuver, and that has positive effects on accuracy, speed, and safety. Since they are shorter than most standard hunting rifles (their barrels are often 16.5″), they are easier to store, move, and use around corners and obstacles inside the home.

The gun can be operated one handed, which speaks to it’s ease of operation. This is a specific benefit to physically impaired individuals. Gun owner and writer Mary Chastain explains it this way:

“You can use it with one hand, which helps me,” she said. “My entire left side is handicapped, caused by brain trauma at birth. There are many guns I cannot use. The AR is perfect because I can use the functions with only my right hand. The lightness of the gun makes it easy for my handicapped left arm and hand to hold it.” 

Understanding the AR-15’s Recoil

The AR-15 chambered in 5.56 has a really mild recoil. Compared to other rifles and most shotguns, women and other people of smaller stature can operate it with more confidence. This assists with target acquisition, and makes it possible to make quick follow-up shots if needed. The “kick,” despite what some reporters want you to believe, is almost non-existent. Talking about this is hard, though–it is best to try it out.

Shooting a 5.56 AR (or a .223–virtually the same round with a different name) is easy on the shoulder. There’s little kick, so you won’t fatigue easily and you won’t bruise like you might with a heavier shotgun. This means you can practice more, and that’s a must. Having a gun means nothing if you aren’t capable of shooting it. It would be like having a car, but not knowing how to drive. What’s the point?

And both .223 and 5.56 are readily available. Check out online retailers like AmmoToGo. You’ll want to keep a healthy amount on hand, and keep enough to shoot, too.

Adjustable Length of Pull (LOP)

AR-15s are highly customizable. There are many accessory options nowadays for AR-15s, but the easiest to adapt and change out is the furniture (the stock, grip, and handguard). Most stocks are easily adjustable, allowing for a customizable length of pull. This is what allows you to get your eyes in just the right place behind the iron sights (or behind a red dot or scope).

A firearm that is too large for the the shooter to manage can be dangerous. If we fall back on the stereotypes, women have shorter arms then men, which means they’re more likely to need a shorter LOP. Women who desire a personal home-defense gun that is tailored to fit their stature can do so with an adjustable stock, ensuring that the trigger is at the optimal position for their needs.

The Pistol Grip 

AR-15’s are designed with a pistol grip. As this is where your shooting hand lives, it has to be comfortable. While most pistol grips aim for an average hand size, there are fatter grips and slimmed down versions, too–and they are super easy to swap out.

The finer customizable details

There are many accessory options nowadays for AR-15 owners. Beyond adjusting the LOP, owners can upgrade the trigger, find a more ergonomic hand-guard, change barrel length…. Thanks to accessory rails, users can also choose from the wide assortment of weapon lights and opticwhat’s the best ARs that are available.

AR-15 for Women’s Home Defense

Each of these features make it clear that the AR-15 deserves some respect as a home-defense firearm that is especially useful for women. It’s lightweight, adjustable, and can be customized to fit individual women’s needs.