Drawing From the Ground

posted on February 21, 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 (1)

The ideal solution to a bad situation is to be aware and get out of the area. The next best is to be aware and face the situation on both feet, with your gun in your hand. But even the best laid plans can fall to the wayside during a life and death struggle.

You might be caught unaware and end up on the floor, defeding your life. In this situation, you must be able to draw your handgun from a compromising position, and to do this effectively under stress, you must practice--dry practice, of course.

If you’re lying on your back, and you carry strong side, you will not be able to reach your gun unless you roll to your weak side, allowing your elbow to curl back so your hand can secure a shooting grip. A pocket holster has the same deficiencies, and requires the same move. An ankle holster provides an easier reach from your back, and even raises your foot to defend against the attacker, but can be tricky to access if lying on your stomach. A shoulder holster also works OK if you’re on your back, but be nearly unreachable if your are face down.

Regardless of how you carry, knowing how to draw from any position can save your life. So, unload your gun and try drawing from the many positions on the ground that you could be forced into, and you’ll be ready if you just happen to hit the ground.

Latest

1 9Th ID Urft River 2 45
1 9Th ID Urft River 2 45

U.S. Troops Using Captured Small Arms in World War II

American troops took a healthy interest in Axis small arms during World War II. Sometimes they were simply looking to collect a war trophy. On other occasions, GIs and Marines looked to use those firearms against their former owners.

Standing Guard | The Midterms and Freedom

Politics is something most of us only step into because we must. We’d rather smile in the warm autumn sun as we help a son or daughter, or grandson or granddaughter, break their first clay or plink steel with their first .22 rifle.

Why This DOJ Opinion on Handgun Ownership Matters

The DOJ Office of Legal Counsel recently released an opinion concluding that the federal ban on licensed firearms dealers selling handguns to 18-20-year-old U.S. citizens is unconstitutional.

I Have This Old Gun: Czech vz.27

Following World War I, Czechoslovakia needed to equip its new army, and one of its priorities was to select a service sidearm, which ultimately became the vz.27.

Rimfire M1 Refined: The Chiappa Bushranger

Italian manufacturer Chiappa is not afraid to take an original design and give it a modern twist. New for 2026, the company is taking its rimfire M1 carbine design one step further with the Bushranger.

TriStar Arms Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Established in 1996 by the father-and-son team of Gus and Ryan Bader, TriStar Arms has grown into one of the firearm industry’s most respected names in value-driven products.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.