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

Red Dot Occlusion 4
Red Dot Occlusion 4

Red-Dot Occlusion Training: A Performance-Booster for You & Your Optic-Equipped Handgun

Red-dot occlusion is a passive technique that shooters can use to remain target-focused, thereby speeding up their performance with optic-equipped handguns.

New for 2026: Dead Air Nomad Ti Over-The-Barrel (OTB) Suppressor

The Dead Air Silencers Nomad Ti OTB is designed to be a compact and lightweight suppressor for the backcountry hunter.

I Carry: Diamondback SDR in a Galco Hornet Holster

For our latest "I Carry" episode above, we paired the six-round Diamondback SDR DA/SA snubnose revolver with a simple leather holster from Galco, along with one of the latest EDC flashlights from Streamlight.

The Armed Citizen® May 8, 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.

Creating the Ideal First-Time Shooting Experience

That first time behind a trigger can shape a newcomer’s attitude towards firearms. Here are five ways to make the experience a success.

Henry Repeating Arms Founder & CEO Honored as Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year

Henry Repeating Arms founder and CEO Anthony Imperato has been named Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year by New York State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Lodge 100.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.