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

shooter wearing hearing protection
shooter wearing hearing protection

Shooters, Listen Up! Take Hearing Health Seriously

When it comes to the five senses, hearing is one of the most susceptible to damage from the shooting sports. Now, the latest electronic technology gives compromised ears a new lease on life—and protects them from further harm.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 17, 2025

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 Supports Hunters For The Hungry Programs

In 2025, Hunters for the Hungry programs across the United States will have extra support from the National Rifle Association, thanks to NRA Foundation donors.

Preview: Hornady Security RAPiD Safe Night Guard

The latest security product to leverage the company’s RAPiD Safe touch-free radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, Hornady Security’s Night Guard is a ruggedly built handgun safe sized perfectly...

Hecho en México: The Mendoza RM22 Rifles

Mendoza Firearms claims that its RM22 rimfire rifle is the first indigenously produced rifle to be exported to the United States.

Preview: MGE 1911 Grips

Mammoth Grip Exchange is a small startup company that specializes in crafting replacement stock sets for M1911-pattern pistols in a dizzying assortment of exotic materials...

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.