Don’t Rush

posted on July 31, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
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

Colt’s 1849 London Pocket
Colt’s 1849 London Pocket

I Have This Old Gun: Colt’s 1849 London Pocket

Encouraged by his generally positive reception at the Great Exhibition in 1851, and always anxious to gain elusive government contracts, Colt, in 1853, opened a London factory where he would make a number of revolvers, including his popular 1849 Pocket Model.

Modern Cowboy Gun: The Savage Arms Revel Tactical

Savage Arms jumped back into the lever-action market in 2024 with its rimfire Revel platform, and this year, the company is expanding with a feature-rich Revel Tactical model.

Hunting with a Legend: Sierra’s MatchKing X Bullet

Sierra’s MatchKing is a highly respected target bullet, but for the new trend of long-range hunting, the design needed to offer improved terminal performance. Enter the MatchKing X.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 19, 2026

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

Review: Stoeger STR-9 Thinline

The new Stoeger carry gun loses nothing—except some weight and girth. This is the Stoeger STR-9 Thinline.

5 Great Products for Your Next Hunt

These five products will help boost your chances at success in the field.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.