Which Ready Position is Right? - Master Class Ep. 20

[@KellyLynnNFM]

"Don't practice stupid shit." Best advice EVER.

[@glaucionazario]

agreed

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Dont waste time using bad tactics, poor methods in training. You wont improve & you wont be a better marksmanship.

[@shane4956]

Gold.

[@stevelesleyp5141]

When i was in the military many years ago I was taught that anytime your muzzle was pointed up you were in the praying position. Praying to be taken out for being stupid since all someone in close quarters has to do is grab your forearms and your stopped. If your muzzle is pointed down your can drop to your knees and rotate the muzzle up and take them out since you will have the leverage. You are absolutely correct about muscle memory so I don't ever train with muzzle up. If there is a home invasion i don't want to be in a disadvantage where someone can just grab my forearms.

[@SolidusLightning777]

This is the most ass backwards thing I've ever read. If someone grabs your forearms when your muzzle is up, just punch your weapon out. It's no different from doing a punch or a post out in boxing or Muay Thai. When you punch out like that from high ready, your gun will be in the bad guys face immediately. You may be thinking of high port, which is NOT a fighting position. Your logic of muzzle down makes even less sense. With your arms down, someone grabbing your arms or gun has the advantage of being assisted by the force of gravity. And by the time you process what's happening and drop to your knees, the bad guy can have his weapon out and absolutely attack the entirety of your upper body BECAUSE YOUR HANDS ARE DOWN. You may not have time or room to drop down to a knee. And even if you do, you may only be able to get a non fatal shot off while the attacker still has the ability to use their hands and weapons. There is LESS leverage from low ready. Get with the times. Tactics change all the time. You know what was also taught in the military? That during CQB, Marines should accept the fact that they'll flag each other when moving close to each other in a confined space. That's changed. All the modern SOF veterans will use both. Navy SEALs are huge advocates of high ready. Do you think they were praying to die when they pacified al Ramadi in 2006?

[@lavida57]

The wisdom of this man will save lives one day. Thanks

[@farklefuster6876]

What this world needs is more truth and more common sense like Ken presents.

[@MrRoman-lo6ih]

I was just thinking the same. :)

[@Siskiyous6]

30 years ago on Santa Monica Blvd, I adopted the stance you gave in your last suggestion, when two young men suddenly started paying way to much attention to me. That stance got an immediate response, They both turned 180 degrees and got gone. Great content Ken.

[@xusmico187]

did a hand on pistol as taught by Jeff Cooper to me in 1985. Same results....

[@demizer1968]

Same here. Bad guys don’t want a real fight.

[@timmaguire7055]

Yep, most bad guys are wanting a soft target

[@RealDapperDude]

Howdy, I lived in SM for years till I moved out of county in '96. So I'm curious which part of SM Blvd. And which stance to you adopt? BTW, I was a Los Angeles DDA for 30 years. I prefer my Sig 220P carry model, in a modestly simple 45.

[@Monestary_Warrior]

@@RealDapperDude District Attorney? Oh boy. I think it’s best if he keeps his stance and the events of that day to himself. 😆 j/k.

[@militant_marker]

"Get over the John Wick $#!t!" is going on a t-shirt that I'm going to wear to the range and IDPA matches!

[@donkeydonkey8681]

Actually, John Wick practices race gun shit to make his movies. You should say get over that IDPA gun game one- way flat range shit when training for the real world.

[@saudalblaihed3925]

​@@donkeydonkey8681exactly

[@SolidusLightning777]

And yet Ken did a video of him doing "John Wick shit" a couple years after he filmed this one. Look up Shooting USA John Wick drill and look who runs the course of fire.

[@kylewood8327]

Great video and advice! Personally I prefer just putting my hand on the grip while still holstered. Solves two issues real quick, escalate or deescalate safely.

[@patrickgjorven7832]

Agreed! It only takes about less than 3 seconds from that point to draw and make an accurate shot for most people.

[@EternallyThankful-os6pz]

Perfect - I prefer the hand on the holstered gun - I am within 1/2 second of low ready response time and my legal defense is easy and obvious...the gun was NEVER out of my holster so the complainants assertion of feeling threatened is reasonably eliminated... he can NOT claim it was pointed at him if it stayed in the holster just like every cop's gun that walks a beat every day all day.

[@johnshandloading7907]

This is excellent. Thank you for filming this and sharing the important information. I often tell people "In real life..." or "in a real situation..." and try to get them to think about what happens if they ever have to defend their actions. Also, they need to realize how dangerous it is to start shooting, you can't take back a bullet once it is out of the barrel. Twice I thought I was going to have to defend myself with a pistol, both times the situation was de-escalated. But the first time was a real eye opener and led me to really study and train about 'self defense'. Spot on, it ain't a movie. You need to market T shirts that say "Don't practice stupid $#@!" they would sell. Thanks again. Great video.

[@user-ed5jh3ff6u]

Holster ready definitely, Ken knows more in his sleep than most instructors know on there best day. Thanks Ken Thanks Bill

[@grey3977]

I had never thought of holster ready. When he discussed it I thought to myself, I’m an idiot for not seeing what’s been right in my face for years.

[@brians8607]

I agree with holster ready. I also favor an owb holster with a loose woven (not knit) fabric shirt worn over. I'll usually leave the bottom button or two unbuttoned. Printing is minimal.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Another benefit of holster grip is if you run or are in low light, bad weather you may stumble or trip. A cocked handgun in your grip is not ideal! 😯 I'm not a huge fan of "temple" index. If in a CQB situation or crowd, I'd either use a less lethal weapon or keep my pistol low to reduce the risk of a gun grab or ND.

[@one-of-us9939]

Honor+Respect=♥️ Thx for increasing the love bro.

[@TacticalConsiderations]

Some of this really needed to be said .. Never shoot faster than you can accurately his your intended target.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Speeds fine, accuracy is final! ⚰

[@acfangaming]

Great video. Glad you focused on people in real life dealing with the law and stuff instead of just fast shooting!

[@AMX86]

Precision over speed...excellent point.

[@alm4132]

"You can't miss fast enough to win"..... forgot who said it, still true.

[@SolidusLightning777]

Be both, because you're either fast or your dead. Someone accurate enough will beat someone who is more accurate if the latter party can't even get a gun out in time. Also, precision is how close shots are together. Accuracy is how close shots land to an intended target. There's a huge difference. So you're saying I need tight groupings, but my groupings don't have to be accurate to my intended target. K got it, thank you.

[@DiamondDave1209]

Really great series. Thanks to Wilson for putting this out there.

[@maxcactus7]

We all know James Yeager straight up stole that technique from the Charlie's Angels! He probably had their poster on his bedroom wall when he was a kid.

[@suntzu5836]

Oh Snap!

[@shootingitwiththesarge]

Excellent points. Too many shooters today are getting pulled in to the Flashy shooting mindset they see on KZbin and in movies and cross the boundaries of make believe and the real world.

[@hughburgess7201]

Outstanding, Sir Hackathorn!

[@XRedJar]

No non-sense, all common sense!! Love that approach, and thanks for sharing!!

[@LitoVallesPSD]

I do agree with you Sir absolutely.

[@DiverBand]

Great teacher and speaks in layman’s terms. Valuable information. Thank you.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Our pleasure!

[@garysams8615]

I like Dave Spaulding’s concept of an “Arch of Ready”...put it where it’s safest. Practice them all and be willing to adjust to your environment and context.

[@chazrull]

FINALLY! A conversation including a healthy dose of real world common sense. GOOD JOB.

[@sgtmajtrapp3391]

Outstanding lesson and items all should consider if they carry a defensive firearm. You will perform as you train absolutely

[@richardsnyder3297]

Excellent video. As a 78 year old who carries daily and was confronted a few months ago in front of a large grocery store by a middle aged man who was either high or crazy I am very sensitive to how I present myself. The man jerked the door of my car open just after I got in and starting shouting accusations about me damaging his truck which was parked about 20 feet away. Fortunately I said nothing to further incite him and just stared him down. After 30 seconds or so he slammed my door closed and walked away. I never had to make a move toward my holstered gun, although my hand was close, and did not do anything to tip him off that I had a weapon. I made a conscious decision not to say anything to him but if he reached for me then the gun was coming out. I have discussed the incident with a couple of friends in law enforcement who are trainers for their departments. They could not offer any suggestions as to why the man acted the way he did. I am thinking maybe he saw a gray haired old man getting into a nice SUV and thought maybe I would give him some money to leave me alone. But really, given the wild eyed look he presented, who knows what was going on in his head. One good thing for me is that I am now even more aware of my surroundings.

[@johnkennedy2027]

Outstanding! Thank you Ken!

[@dddutuber1]

Pretty dedicated student here of top instructors like Ken. Never before seen such a concise overview of RP options. Keep 'em comin', Wilson.

[@craigstewart4346]

I'm down with the holster ready position Thanks for your videos

[@critterdoc93]

Ken's been one of my personal gurus for decades. Great shooter, terrific teacher. Some of his colleagues, Cooper, Smith, Ayoob, etc., share this talent. Actually saves lives, folks. Pay attention!

[@gollum3232]

Welcome information. Nice post.

[@willbrink]

When Hackathorn speaks, smart people STFU and listen and learn. Always good info.

[@SolidusLightning777]

This comment aged like milk. Do you really think he always has good info when he spreads misinformation about appendix carry and talks down on usage of WMLs?

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Sul is a + method in some uses. I tried to explain the method to a group of G/security officers. They did not pick up on the rashional 🤦🏽‍♂️. Some people who get guns or take classes vapor lock or get stuck on minor points.

[@jameshutchins3396]

Excellent heads up about the law and reality

[@cz1always608]

You know I’m a truck driver , I have said many times to my kids, I driven in reverse more you’ve gone forward .. You sir are someone that knows more about gun shooting, then most no about taking care of basic needs for there family’s thank you ,,, god bless

[@dtna]

Thank you. Several years ago, Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch gave Max Joseph of TFTT alot of crap for teaching Position SUL. You used to to run a serpentine drill using Position SUL. If your muzzle is pointing directly at the deck, then it is safe. Different situations require different needs.

[@erniesanders3724]

Excellent tips. Thanks from Western Kentucky.

[@herberar]

Well if Ken says so. All I can say is , " Copy That". Thanks your ,Sir !!!

[@thomasloks]

Have enjoyed reading his and Mas, and Chuck's articles in magazines since 85' highly informative and insightful advice.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Yes, as ⏰ goes by more & more of the 1970s 1980s 1990s era cadre are passing or retired. Some newer SOF guys and ex SWAT types are 😬.... serious gunners & new sworn LE officers need the basics, get solid weapon skills from the top trainers.

[@RickyJr46]

Worth its weight in gold. Thank you, Ken.

[@robertchato3040]

Thank you. I was taught the Sol position and the temple ready as well. I really like them and have used them in training. I have practiced the holster hand ready and low ready positions as well.

[@sandhollowhomestead6972]

Life-saving advice.

[@abelgirsh6440]

Wisdom with a beautiful piece of functional art😊!

[@joeanonymous1834]

"Temple index?" And I thought I'd heard it all. If I had a nickel for every firearms instructor I've heard explain why their particular idiosyncratic technique is the one right way of doing things, over the last four decades or so, I'd buy Google. Spectacular mustache. Just spectacular.

[@ronalexander4955]

I agree completely. Understand your laws, understand your state statutes on justification of use of force and how they define those key words. Most importantly understand how to articulate yourself. My rule of thumb is if it’s coming out it’s gonna bang.

[@CarlosGomez-bd9he]

Excellent Instruction overall! Thank you sharing!

[@Iceaxehikes]

He never muzzled the camera man once. I learned 2 new ready gun positions. Great video and a lot to think about.

[@gregggibson3109]

Thanks Ken, I prefer the hand on the holstered pistol first and foremost. Church security is a real potential environment that I might find myself and others threatened in. The danger with high gun to me is clearing the holster without sweeping an innocent with the muzzle. Thanks again for the video and sage experience! Keep ‘em coming ya’ll.

[@James-tz4bj]

Hand on my gun is only position. Used it twice. Other hand pointing at the attacker and yelling at him. Both turned away and ran. Never had to pull my gun out. Taught in a civil and Federal Agency.

[@petegregory517]

Yes, I think this is the “no paperwork or lawyer” common sense approach. But I see the good points he makes.

[@scrider5493]

Thank you. I will work on hand on pistol and keep it there. All my work to this point has been speed.

[@napalmstickylikeglue]

The correct ready position is any position where you are prepared to effectively, deter, engage or eliminate a threat. Just as the only correct shooting stance is one that will do the same.

[@bhoward9378]

The best position is hand on pistol in holster. When I was growing up, I was taught never to draw a pistol unless you intended to shoot. That's harsh, but it's the harsh truth. I thank God that I have never had to use a firearm. The closest I came to using one was when someone stole some liquor from the grocery store. That wasn't my business. But when I got to my car and everyone was fighting around it and I couldn't retreat, it became my business. I pulled up my shirt, gripped the pistol while keeping it holstered, and told the bad guy to stop. He did. I told someone nearby to call 911 and request law enforcement. While waiting for the cops to show up, the bad guy ran his mouth and tried to negotiate. I repeatedly told him to stop talking. While he was flapping his lips, he reached into his pocket and drew out... a cell phone. I have never had a more intense chemical dump into my system than at that moment. Fortunately, I have a friend who is retired LAPD who I called and said, "can you talk me down from this?" That was 5 years ago, and it still bothers me.

[@lloydstamper5705]

Excellent lesson, as ALWAYS. Thanks

[@boomstickman71]

I use something similar to what you are calling "Position SOL", but higher up at the bottom of my sternum. I developed it myself in the 90's and have used it ever since. Back then, we didn't have weapon mounted lights, so at night my weak hand held my flashlight which illuminated the area in front of me, and it was a smooth presentation to bring them both up together.

[@jonathanhasse1591]

Lots of goodness in this one, including the video time which happens to be 9:11 on a video talking about tactics in emergency situations

[@kenhoward3512]

Thanks for your well-reasoned perspectives, Ken.

[@Tier1Citizen]

I always enjoy your insights Ken. Thank you for your knowledge sir.

[@philipbrumder697]

You and Ken, Abner. The best

[@drenk7]

First pick the “ready” position the will “fit” your state laws. If you shoot you must be able to justify why you needed to defend yourself. Then practice that Ready position. It needs to be engrained in your mussel memory. Personally i like hand on gun in holster. Second one I like is next to my head muzzle pointing up. I am a Kentuckian hand on gun in holster would not be considered brandishing a weapon. If the aggressive behavior of the other person continues then pull your weapon.

[@xusmico187]

correct on perceived legal problems. well said. Use a few practice TTPs, simple perform perfect training and take your time. Great advice. your info on high ready is way off. The SUL has had so many disarms they can't be counted. there is a much better modified version. the only more dangerous ready is the JY gunfu. soon as you ref JY, you lost it. The only accurate info was keep it holstered until needed, legal perception, action v reaction time. You can shoot, have contacts in high places but.... The legal stuff sounds exactly like another real gun fighter said years ago. used to get your paper kicked out of thesis committee. learned to gun fight from Cooper in 85. I'm still around. some are not. Remember this guy is not a gunfighter. He is a great paper shooter. hands down.

[@ect2012cool]

Great tips!

[@nmr6988]

You've just made me change my person position and what I teach in my classes from the high ready position to the sul position. I'll be telling all my students to watch this video. Thank you.

[@napalmstickylikeglue]

Yeah high ready is not viable. I'm former military and LE.....even we didn't utilize that. We were taught that having your weapon in a position like that, can open you up to being disarmed. I also teach classes and the three shooting stances I teach are the isosceles, weaver, and modified isosceles. Modified isosceles uses the arms locked out of the isosceles but the bent knees and dropped back foot for balance of the Weaver.

[@filtonkingswood]

In the movie Tomb Stone, the gunfight scene, Earp puts his hand on his gun but doesn't draw. I think this is the best technique. If it doesn't break the leather de escalation is very easy for both parties but if necessary its out there in half a second or less.

[@fillgriff]

So much wisdom there. thanks!

[@stever8776]

Great Advice from a legend. Also really good that you go over the legal ramifications of drawing your weapon! You reinforced the essential that you revert to your training and what you practice under stress. I've been carrying since 1980. As an LEO and a Citizen. I try hard to keep up with new information, but only if it is safe and has a solid foundation. Not if it is just the last thing from people who think they are in the know. As you noted there is a GREAT DIFFERENCE in how you use your gun as a Civilian! Don't forget to be the first person to call 911! Thank you👍

[@rickquist3992]

I prefer firing grip on holstered weapon for ccw situations. I practice temple index for moving in chaos.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I have a CCW license & I'm a G security officer Florida 👮🏻‍♂️. Temple Index in CQB or crowded space; bar, concert venue, church, school etc seems very risky. You could stumble or trip then 💥. Or more likely, a panic or stress out nutbar 😮 might rush up and want to grab your gun! This chaos took place during 1 Oct in Las Vegas NV. See the unedited video of Dan Berzerzen try to get a LVMPD cops firearm.

[@davee4134]

Practical and informative video...thanks!!!

[@ak4939]

Great, practical advice from a level-headed trainer !

[@HIGHSPEEDCHESSBoxing]

What a great teacher

[@namelessschool7616]

Without kissing Ken's ass too much, he just hit the nail on the head in this video. We teach temple index, and mentality. Rich Graham (whose channel is also great) has a great mindset: "Don't worry. I won't LET you get in front of my muzzle." That mentality goes a long way, especially when you embrace the fact that the gunfight you play in your head at night, is not the one you will be in. Thanks WC.

[@Gumby56]

Excellent Ken, just excellent. Right on point and realistic.

[@danqodusk8140]

Great presentation, Ken!

[@karlmarz5236]

Excellent Informative vid, I don't understand how anyone can dislike this vid, KNUCKLEHEADS!

[@boyscout399]

I love the masterclass series

[@RigiLiquid945]

So, from what I understand here. Putting them in order from least aggressive to most is: 1) Hand on, in holster; 2) Sul; 3) Low ready; 4) Chin index; 5) High ready; 6) Pressed against attacker's forehead. LOL did I get that right?

[@zacualpeno100]

I clicked here for good advice. No disappointment. Thanks Ken.

[@parrisgeorge9708]

Thanks for a good video and especially the last piece of info on practice. There's what I believe is called Hicks law where the person has too many options which then slows or paralyzes their response to situations because they're trying to pick "the best" response.

[@cashields4660]

Good options there. I respectfully refer to your insights as 'Defensive "Hacks"' I also consider footwork and balance in any scenario. Keeping it holstered until stopped or clear of obstructions in the path of movement is my preferred tact.

[@miles267]

One of best, most practical videos I’ve seen.

[@martyschrader]

Thanks for this. My CCL is on the way (knock on wood) so I can do concealed security at church. Of my small campus (less than 100) I am one of only three men willing to do concealed carry for security. We do have elderly people in wheelchairs and small kids running about under foot. I really like the cheek carry for rapid presentation in an active shooter situation. Gonna start practicing that one right now.

[@Voodoo-vi7eh]

Great information, love the John Wick reference, made me laugh.

[@xusmico187]

JW was using the CAR ready that is FOR GUN FIGHTING not self defence

[@danjcastrillo]

2:51

[@LitoVallesPSD]

I do really agree with him and in fact, some of what I learned from him I demonstrated them in LITO VALLES PSD especially precision.

[@JosephpPetrosky]

Ken’s the man

[@backwoodhound3426]

Straight up information. No BS.

[@PHIllip324]

I really like that position sol thing. I practiced it a little bit myself and found it pretty easy to work with; it's both safe and surprisingly does not impinge on your ability to reliably get the gun up and your sights on target (provided your grip and stance are also good).

[@andycraddock7677]

Superb instruction and information Sir. Thank you.

[@351CJ]

Great video

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

This guy knows. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Practice, practice, practice.

[@jcastle614]

Agree 💯 !!! Good stuff here people! Stay safe and God bless 🇺🇸☠️🇺🇸!!

[@sergebastion4626]

Another excellent video. Thank you.

[@sergionatali3071]

Wise words, as usual.

[@gregentwistle5105]

Great info Ken

[@roctraining5295]

Excellent information and if that’s a Batman on Mr. Hackathon’s wrist...that’s a hardcore.

[@keything8487]

great information....thank you

[@biggerbehindthetrigger2814]

I like to keep my 1911 in the holster with my hand on my fírearm for many reasons. The first is that is the safest place with my hand on it ready to go. It's easier for fírearms retention incase someone tries to take it I can hold it 7n position and bend my knees and lean back and spin while grabbing my knife clipped on my pocket so I can use it to stab at the person trying to grab my fírearm 8f I get the chance to go for the knife. Most of the time you can't get to that knife because your fighting to keep control of your fírearm. The most of all is I hope to God that you are never in the position. It's really tough to take a life. It's not all the good guy wins. The good guy that won really list because you now have become a different person and everyone will look at you different. I remember the first argument my dad and I got into after my first incident. He actually had fear in his eyes like if I could kill that guy what can he do to me. At least that's how I looked at it. I thought he was afraid of me. I still see a therapist once in awhile but I found that she has never gone through it so I found some guys that were in the military and understood what I was going through and they have helped me the most. If I have a bad nightmare that messes with me I can call one of them and they are there for me and I am there for them. I have gotten phone calls at 3:00 am from one of the guys who was in a bad spot in that time and just needed to talk. We have each other's backs.

[@RJP001]

Great video on a topic many people (myself included) don't think about very often if at all. Perhaps the most important part of the video is for everyone to know their local and state statutes as to what's considered a felony and what's considered a misdemeanor. If you ever had to draw your weapon, you could end up a convicted felon by simply drawing the firearm from its holster. Thank you for the great information!

[@SurvivaLust]

For those of us who Constitutional Carry ( OPEN CARRY ) I find that my most comfortable position is hand on gun in holster. Even if my threat encroaches me point blank still goes bang.

[@BrewCityRider]

Good stuff. The only one we trained on when I was on the force was what we called the low ready.

[@jimtewa8096]

Always a wealth of information Mr. Hackathorn, I am looking forward to one of your classes, I accompanied my Sensei in the mid 80's on a class you gave and to impress Sensei Richard L Wigginton you are most defiantly the Best of the Best. Looking forward to your next class.

[@DonTruman]

The holster position looks best for church. Seems the temple position would make you Target #1 for the shooter, since it's displaying the gun up where it can be easily seen. For home defense with an active intruder, one of the other positions, because then you *want* the intruder to see you have a gun, so he knows for sure you have a gun and are prepared to use it unless he flees or submits.

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

Solid info. Thanks! Greets, T.

[@asintonic]

Good stuff. Thank you.

[@Monestary_Warrior]

Excellent details here. Thank you for sharing.

[@GustavoRubioGSR]

Great as usual, not only for the USA! hanx for de vids, greetings from Argentina