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

firearm maintenance tools
firearm maintenance tools

Thinking Of Tinkering? Be Honest About Your Reasons.

There are often benefits to resurrecting an old gun, but cost savings isn’t usually one of them.

New For 2026: Woox High Grade Stocks and Fore-ends

Dress up your lever-action, shotgun or bolt-action rifle while adding functionality.

NRA Partners with ‘We the Free’ Streaming Network

The NRA partners with online streaming service We the Free to bring 2A content.

Review: Henry SPD Hush Rifle

The SPD Hush, Henry’s new take on the lever-action rifle, is fit for a wide array of tasks and is an ideal host for a suppressor.

New for 2026: Bergara Platinum Stalker and Cima Pro Rifles

Bergara has two new lightweight rifles to lighten the load in the field.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 2, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.