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You may have heard about the "21-foot rule."
The idea is simple:
A fast draw takes about 1.5 to 2 seconds, and an attacker can close ~21 feet in that time — so that's your "safe" distance.
Makes sense, right?
Unfortunately, it's a myth.
You're almost never 21 feet from anyone…
The grocery store. The gas pump. The restaurant.
Most gun owners train for a threat that's far away … when in reality most aren't.
If someone's already in arm's reach, you may not have room to draw at all.
So how do you defend against someone determined to take your head off?
Mike Seeklander, USCCA®'s Director of Education and Training, recommends a simple 3-step sequence:
| 1. |
Hands higher. Keep your hands up between you and the threat before anything happens. It creates a natural barrier, and is much easier for you to react quickly — versus having your hands at your sides. |
| 2. |
Create distance. The worst place to be is right at the end of an attacker’s punch. Do your best to stay outside of striking distance. |
| 3. |
Create the cage (shown below). Reach up, grab the sides of your own head, thumbs tucked, elbows pinched in, chin down, eyes up, weight forward on the balls of your feet. It works no matter what kind of strike is coming. |
Learn this move at the USCCA’s brand new FREE online training class here.
NOTE: The goal isn't to win the fight in that moment.
It's to survive the first two or three seconds — long enough to create distance, strike back, or get to your firearm.
Mike taught this LIVE last week in our “From Gun Owner to Protector” masterclass.
He also revealed how you "crash in" from the cage, take the attacker's power away, and safely transition to your gun or to escape.
Next week, we’re hosting an encore presentation of this valuable training for Protectors.
It’s 100% FREE for you to join, but you need to RSVP now to claim your spot.
Add your name to the list here.
Tim Schmidt
USCCA Chairman & Co-Founder
1-855-388-4075
P.S. - If you’re someone who values practical tips to keep you and your family safe, I highly recommend you join our “From Gun Owner to Protector” training.
Last week we hosted this for the first time, the feedback was incredible.
Here’s the registration page with all the details.
United States Concealed Carry Association - A South Carolina Corporation
Mailing Address | 1000 Freedom Way West Bend, WI 53095
Delta Defense LLC | 1000 Freedom Way West Bend, WI 53095
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0The USCCA is not an insurance company. A policy has been issued to the USCCA by Universal Fire and Casualty Insurance Company. That policy provides the association and its members with self-defense liability insurance, subject to its updated terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions as of 11/04/25 and USCCA’s membership agreement dated 07/06/26. USCCA Membership is not available to residents of New Jersey, New York or Washington State. Information provided herein is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a representation of coverage that may exist in any particular situation. Contact Delta Defense, LLC at 1-800-674-9779 with any questions. Delta Defense provides sales, marketing, operations, and administrative support services to the USCCA and is a licensed insurance intermediary. Delta Defense, LLC does business as Delta Defense Insurance Services in California. CA License #0M34093
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