Generally, clearing a home, building, or commercial facility is accomplished with an AR or M4 type of weapon in combat and or SWAT operations. However, depending on the building size and potential for close quarters battle, a rifle may not be the best choice, especially for civilians. When thinking about survival training, it is important to choose the proper tool.
When it comes to clearing a building, whether to use a pistol or an AR/M4 style rifle depends on a variety of factors that include the specific situation, the environment, the shooter’s skills and training, and any rules of engagement. Both options have their advantages and limitations.
If you have a large facility or commercial building both openness and distance become major factors. What do I mean? Typically, in a large building or facility, the space you need to maneuver is not constricted and distance to target may be beyond the range many people are comfortable with when using a pistol. This is one reason I make my clients engage targets at 100 yards with their pistol. By comparison, the space within a home is restrictive with tight spaces and short range. For these situations, a pistol is more conducive when maneuvering and engagement of the target. You should know that most firearms engagements with a pistol are about 21 feet. So, make sure you are efficient to at least that range (7 yards).
Below are some potential benefits of using a pistol for building clearing vs a black rifle or shotgun:
1. Maneuverability: Pistols are generally smaller and more compact than rifles. This makes them easier to maneuver in tight spaces like hallways or smaller rooms with limited mobility. Their compact size allows for better control and maneuverability when navigating through doorways or around corners. This is especially true when using Combat Active Reflex techniques, which I teach to all my students.
2. Concealment: Pistols are easier to conceal and can be carried in holsters, making them potentially more advantageous in situations where the element of surprise is crucial. If the shooter needs to maintain a low profile or operate covertly, a pistol can be a better option.
3. Reduced risk of over-penetration: Pistols generally fire smaller caliber and or lessened energy ammunition compared to rifles. This can reduce the risk of over-penetration, meaning the bullet is less likely to pass through walls or objects and potentially harm unintended targets on the other side. This is particularly important in environments where there may be bystanders or other individuals who need to be protected. There are many instances in which police have used AR/M4 type rifles where the bullets have penetrated multiple walls in apartments and injured others not involved in the process, i.e., others not involved are collateral damage.
4. Close-quarters effectiveness: Within close-quarters distances, generally less than 21 feet, pistols can be highly effective. With proper training and techniques, a skilled shooter can quickly engage targets in tight spaces, where the longer length of a rifle could be a disadvantage. And, very well trained gunfighters can accurately engage targets up to 35 yards.
5. Versatility: Pistols are easily manipulated with one hand, leaving the other hand free for other tasks such as opening doors, using flashlights, or providing first aid. This versatility can be advantageous when engaging in complex and dynamic scenarios within a building. Pistols can also be reloaded and cocked with one hand for immediate use when you may be injured and can only use one hand. It is requisite that you learn how.
Summarizing, it’s important to note that there are also advantages to using an AR/M4 type rifle for building clearing. Some of these advantages include increased accuracy (due to sight radius and other factors), extended range (most people are not reliably accurate with a pistol beyond 25 yards), higher magazine capacity (30 rounds for a rifle versus about 15 for pistol), and the ability to mount additional accessories like optics and flashlights.
Ultimately, the choice between using a pistol or an AR/M4 type rifle for building clearing should be based on the specific circumstances and the shooter’s (you) training and comfort level with each platform. I suggest you learn both because there are specific times when you will need both. If your sole purpose is to have the ability to clear your home then, I recommend a reliable pistol with which you are well skilled. Would you like to know more? Have a safe day.