Originally Posted by cyphertext

Look into the Hornady TAP Urban line... that is one of several bullets that is designed to expand and fragment. The AR with proper bullet selection is a good choice for home defense. As far as pistol vs. AR, the AR is going to be easier to shoot and get hits with due to being a shoulder fired weapon... just more stable. You should not be going through the house, opening doors and such without the proper training and a partner to help clear rooms in my opinion. Take a defensive position and call the police. If they take my TV in the living room, I have insurance... come down the hall way towards me and my family though is a different situation.