Discussion with a friend recently. He is a police academy firearms instructor. For the record, he has worked in law enforcement less time than I have been a professional firearms instructor (that is pertinent here).
My friend advocated for the instruction of new shooters to use a compressed-ready position. My counter-suggestion was high ready. Please see the difference below:
His point being that compressed ready is more advantageous if a person is within arm's reach. My position being that high-ready is better for a church safety team member who is moving to respond to an active shooter in a church.
Who was correct?
Both of us.
If you are a police officer (like he is), then you have to get close to suspects with your gun drawn on the suspect. As a civilian, the need to do that is very, very slim.
An additional point to ponder...
Most people do not "rise to the occasion." Most people default to their level of training. You will not do something you have not trained your body to do. Further, when you have more options, the length of time it takes you to make a decision is longer than if you have fewer options.
This author teaches high-ready as the default position.
The police academy a friend works for teaches compressed ready.
The disadvantages for each position?
High ready has a disadvantage if someone is within arm's reach.
Solution: use retention position if the attacker is within arm's reach.
Compressed ready - if it is the primary position the shooter uses - will result in a newer person flagging people if they are on the move in a dynamic situation.
Solution: A different position must be used.
Worthy of note:
As a civilian, in the state of Tennessee, pointing a loaded gun at a person can result in felony charges, ranging from Reckless Endangerment to Aggravated Assault.
As a police officer, one would be protected from these charges due to Qualified Immunity.
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