Cover Location

posted on June 5, 2013
** 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

In a recent home assault, a homeowner fought off two armed assailants without receiving an injury. According to the news report, the Lafayette, La., man stopped the attackers at the door by exchanging gunfire with the pair.

As there were two, both with firearms, it is my assumption that the homeowner had a good cover location from which to defend his home. It is a good idea to pre-plan several cover locations from which you can defend, as most homes have multiple points for access. This means that you should determine potential cover, something that can stop a bullet, throughout your home.

You can even move items, such as a bookcase full of books, to provide defensive zones. Of course, concealment, such as furniture, is better than nothing as it can provide for a surprise attack that forces the assailants to flee, but understand that hiding behind a chair or a couch leaves you venerable to a determined attacker.

I personally have three locations scouted that provide cover against anyone trying to enter through my exterior doors on the lower level. Unfortunately, my upper level has more concealment than cover at the present time, but I’m looking into improving this deficiency.

A good home-defense plan is the best way to ward off a home invasion, and this includes areas from which you can safely defend. Take a look at your home and see where you can improve you cover.

Latest

Women outside with rifle on rest
Women outside with rifle on rest

Three Hidden Joys of the Rifle

There is a particular jolt of joy when a shooter nestles behind a perfectly stable rifle and puts the ideal bullet exactly where intended.

New For 2026: Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE

The new Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE is not only the latest in the company's series of AR-style rifles, it marks the first S&W rifle to be chambered for the .300 Blackout cartridge.

The Armed Citizen® July 27, 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.

Skills Check: The Meltdown Drill

Our drill this month trains you to acquire a multi-round-durable grip from the start and continually pressure-test it under time and transition stress, holding you to an all-clean-hits standard.

EAA Corp. Acquires Manufacturing Facility in Tennessee

European American Armory’s recent acquisition of a large manufacturing facility in Mountain City, Tenn., is further evidence that the firearm importer plans to establish a domestic manufacturing presence.

Short & Classic: Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine SBR

While many short-barreled rifles available today are based on the latest designs, there are a few classic models in the mix, too, such as Auto-Ordnance's M1 Carbine SBR.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.