AR-15 Build Playbooks 2026: Home Defense, Patrol, Recce & SPR Complete Builds

A recce rifle (reconnaissance rifle) is a precision-oriented AR-15 build bridging CQB capability and mid-distance accuracy—typically 16" stainless barrel, rifle-length gas, match trigger, and a 1-8x or 2-10x LPVO with MIL reticle. It's designed for observation, target identification, and accurate shots out to 500+ yards while remaining capable at close range. Key features include bipod compatibility, adjustable gas for suppressor use, and an offset red dot for close engagements. The recce concept originated from SEAL reconnaissance teams needing rifles that could perform precision work while remaining patrol-weight.

A patrol rifle is configured for general-purpose law enforcement or military response—typically a 14.5" pinned mid-length barrel with 1-6x LPVO, weapon light, and ambi controls. It handles urban and rural scenarios from 0-300 yards. A duty rifle often refers to the same concept but emphasizes department standardization: identical optic heights, sling setups, and maintenance schedules across all officers. The key difference is patrol rifles are optimized for vehicle deployment and rapid egress, while duty rifles prioritize fleet-wide parts interchangeability.

5.56 NATO is the best starting point for versatility, ammo availability, and cost. It excels at 0-500 yards with proper barrel length (14.5-16"), has proven terminal performance, and offers the widest selection of barrel/bolt options. For specialized missions: .300 Blackout for suppressed SBRs under 10", .223 Wylde for precision shooting, 6.5 Grendel or 6mm ARC for long-range work beyond 600 yards. Most shooters should build their first AR in 5.56 and add specialized calibers later based on actual mission needs.

11.5" is the sweet spot for home defense AR-15s. It provides enough barrel length for reliable cycling with carbine gas, adequate velocity for terminal performance at indoor distances, and a compact overall length that clears doorways and corners. Shorter barrels (10.3") exist but create significant flash/blast without a suppressor. Longer barrels (14.5", 16") are harder to maneuver in hallways. If running a suppressor indoors (highly recommended), 11.5" keeps overall length manageable while reducing hearing damage risk.

A quality red dot on a 1.93" or 2.26" mount is ideal for home defense. The raised mount height allows heads-up shooting with or without night vision, faster target acquisition, and a more natural cheek weld. Top choices: Aimpoint Duty RDS, Holosun AEMS, or Trijicon MRO HD. Avoid LPVOs for dedicated home defense—the magnification isn't needed at indoor distances and adds weight. If budget is limited, a Holosun 403 or Sig Romeo5 on a Scalarworks or Unity mount performs well. Shake-awake feature is critical so the optic is always on when you grab the rifle.