Home-Defense Training: Unconventional Positions

by
posted on June 19, 2014
** 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. **
kimberguy.jpg

When I lived alone on the Blue Ridge in Virginia, there were at least two occasions in which I was convinced a perp had broken into the house while I was asleep. You know the scenario-loud noise somewhere wakes you and your pulse is suddenly that of a hummingbird.

If you’re like me you know where your home-defense gun is, and have mentally rehearsed how to get it in hand fast, along with the phone to dial 9-1-1. Unfortunately, the first scary “bump in the night” I wasn’t in the habit of staging the handgun in the same direction every night. So when I went to grab it in the dark (remember, darkness can be your friend), I wound up chasing the gun across the nightstand.

Now when the lights go out, the backstrap is parallel to my sleeping position, muzzle pointing toward an outside wall, and on the left side of the bed where I can grab it efficiently in an emergency. I’ve unloaded the gun, staged it, and practiced reaching it in the dark enough times that my arms and hands have the move memorized.  Some might consider that paranoid, but during a home invasion criminals will be moving fast, very fast-and the practice could come in handier than knowing the names of the latest American Idol contestants.

Another advantage of rehearsals is the fact you can identify potential disasters before they strike. To get my point of aim toward the bedroom door (at the right side of the room), I had to move it across the end of the bed. And if things happened fast enough that I was still lying there, there was a real good chance I’d muzzle my little piggies.

Had I not staged the unloaded gun and worked through the exact move with the lights on—and the noises really turned out to be bad guys before my discovery—at least one of those piggies might have good reason to cry “wee, wee, wee” in my home.

Don’t discover your well-conceived plan has some shortcomings when seconds count. A little practice irons out those problems and develops the kind of muscle memory that could save your life (toes and loved ones).

Latest

CZ 600 01
CZ 600 01

CZ 600+ Introduces Switch-Barrel Capability

In 2025, CZ USA expanded its 600 series rifle lineup with the CZ 600+, a design that delivers on the company's promise of a switch-barrel platform.

Preview: Savior Equipment Specialist Double Rifle Case

The Specialist Double Rifle Case from Savior Equipment is, as its name suggests, a rifle bag capable of carrying a pair of longarms simultaneously ...

Gun Of The Week: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro

Join American Rifleman staff in this video to get a close look at a single-shot rifle design oriented toward today’s modern hunter, particularly those in states where straight-wall cartridges have been legalized for hunting.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 12, 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.

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.