The .300 Blackout rifle is chambered in .300 AAC Blackout, a cartridge developed to maximize performance from short barrels (typically 9 to 16 inches) while maintaining compatibility with the AR-15 platform. It accepts both supersonic and subsonic loads. Supersonic rounds deliver ballistics and energy comparable to 7.62x39mm; subsonic rounds pair well with suppressors for reduced noise. The cartridge's short-barrel efficiency makes .300 Blackout rifles and pistols effective at close to mid-range distances. The AR-15 host allows the same degree of customization -- optics, lights, stocks, handguards -- as any other AR build. Common uses include home defense, hunting medium-sized game, and suppressed shooting.