The Speed Draw

posted on July 6, 2011
** 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

How fast can you draw and fire two shots? Can you do it before an attacker can get to you? You might be surprised.

According to FBI standards, 21 feet is the distance that an agent can engage an attacker with a knife. This is this the distance that a trained agent can defend his or her life. Now, what do you think are your chances? Try this drill to determine how fast you can draw and fire when an attacker is charging toward you.

The Speed Draw
This drill requires two people—a runner and a shooter—two objects that can be easily found on the ground and a silhouette target.
•The shooter stands facing the target about 7 yards (21 feet) away with the gun in the holster concealed by a cover garment.
•The runner stands facing in the opposite direction of the target to the side of the shooter and just far enough in front that the shooter can see him or her in the peripheral vision.
•The runner should be holding two objects that can be easily found on the ground, one in each hand.
•When both parties are ready, the runner takes off running in the opposite direction of the target.
•As soon as the shooter sees the runner take off, he or she draws and fires two rounds center mass of the target.
•At each shot, the runner drops one of the items.
•Once finished, make safe, holster and measure the distance.
•Then, swap roles and repeat.

I’ve conducted this drill many times as both the shooter and the runner as an example in my classes. Even against a skilled shooter, most runners can reach around 24 feet before the first shot and almost 30 feet by the second. Provides a good reason to practice your draw, doesn’t it?

Latest

Icarry S&W 386 Night Guard 1
Icarry S&W 386 Night Guard 1

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 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.

NRA Announces Nominating Committee & Petition Nominees for the 2027 NRA Board of Directors Election

The National Rifle Association has announced the official list of all 33 candidates nominated for the 2027 mail ballot election of directors, whether by the Nominating Committee, by petition of the members or both.

Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System & Modular Hunting Vest: The Cure for The Common Sling

Among a hunter’s most basic equipment is their sling. The Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System and Modular Hunting Vest seeks to revolutionize this.

Interview: ATF Director Cekada on Suppressors

ATF Director Cekada explains the ATF's guidance (and potential legal pitfalls) of buying suppressors.

Steyr Goes LTT: The Langdon Tactical ATD

Langdon Tactical Technology is in the business of fine-tuning a number of popular handguns on the market, and the company's latest offering is based on the recently introduced Steyr Arms ATD.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.