Don’t Rush

posted on July 31, 2012
rackley2015_fs.jpg (5)

I often trash movies for poor handling of firearms, but there is a saying that I've heard in movies that is correct when it comes to drawing a handgun: Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.

Rushing leads to misses, and you can’t miss fast enough to lose in a gunfight. Your draw should be smooth and practiced to the point that it is completely natural. You should practice your draw often, both at the range (if possible) and with an unloaded handgun in front of a mirror. Here, you can see your mistakes and learn how to smoothly draw, aim and press the trigger.

If you carry in multiple locations, try practicing a couple of draws when you strap on in the morning with an empty gun. This will help you remember where your gun is located and provide the smoothest way to bring it into play if needed.

Latest

40 S&W 1A
40 S&W 1A

The Short, Happy Life Of The .40 Smith & Wesson

Despite the wide acceptance of the .40 Smith & Wesson defensive handgun cartridge in its early years, the round has since faded from armories around the U.S. and replaced by an older, smaller-caliber cartridge.

Zastava's ZPAP M72 RPK Is Now Shipping

Zastava USA announced it would be expanding its lineup to include an M72 "RPK" model. Now, in 2025, that model has finally arrived and is shipping to dealers.

Preview: Mesa Tactical Truckee Forend

A 12-ga. shotgun can be a devastatingly potent defensive platform, but even the tactical models often aren’t configured terribly well for installing accessories.

Gun Of The Week: Benelli Lupo HPR

Welcome to another American Rifleman Gun Of The Week, and on this episode, we’re taking a closer look at Benelli’s Lupo HPR, or High Precision Rifle.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 21, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Glock 49 Gen5 MOS: The Glock 9 mm Perfected?

Available as a TALO distributor exclusive, the Glock 49 Gen5 blends the the longer G17 slide with the comfortably compact frame of the G19, and it also includes Glock's MOS optics-mounting system.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.