5 Ready Positions You Need to Know for Defense and Accuracy

Ready positions are stances used by firearm handlers to hold their weapons in a state of readiness while maintaining safety and control. For beginners, these positions provide a structured approach to handling firearms safely and build a strong foundation for skill development. Experienced shooters benefit from a well-rehearsed gun-ready stance’s efficiency and confidence. 

Ready positions allow you to respond swiftly and effectively to potential threats while minimizing the risk of accidental discharge. By practicing ready positions, you can increase your situational awareness and keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction to reduce the risk of harm to yourself or others.

A Note on Muzzle Direction

When selecting a ready-gun position, always consider where the safest muzzle direction is to your surroundings. Depending on your location, keeping your muzzle angled upward or downward might be the best option. 

For example:

• Muzzle down: If you are on the first floor of a building and there could be people above you, it’s safest to keep your muzzle pointed downward to avoid accidentally injuring someone overhead.
• Muzzle up: If you are on the second floor and there may be people below you, it’s safest to keep your muzzle pointed upward.

Keep this in mind as you practice each ready position to provide the highest level of safety in any scenario.

Position 1: High Ready

The High Ready position allows for quick engagement while maintaining control over your firearm. 

• Hold your firearm at chest level close to your body, with the muzzle angled slightly upward. 
• Your dominant hand should grip the firearm firmly while your support hand wraps around the front.
• Your elbows should be bent and kept close to your sides for stability.

Advantages

• Ideal for close-quarter situations: The High Ready position is perfect for limited space and allows for maneuverability.
• Reduces risk of disarmament: Keeping the firearm close to your body minimizes the chance of an opponent attempting to disarm you.
• Quick transition: This position allows for rapid movement to a firing position, which is essential in high-stress scenarios.

When to Use

The High Ready position is best in situations such as moving through tight corridors, during immediate threat engagements, and in close-quarters combat. It is particularly effective when quick transitions are needed since it allows you to maintain control in dynamic environments.

Tips for Practicing and Mastering

• Control and stability: Practice maintaining a stable stance with your firearm close to your chest to boost control.
• Movement drills: Engage in drills that simulate moving through confined spaces to build confidence and muscle memory.
• Quick transitions: To increase readiness, practice transitioning from High Ready to firing positions.

Common Mistakes

• Overexposing the muzzle: Avoid raising it too high since it can lead to safety issues and slower engagement times.
• Inconsistent grip: Keep a firm, consistent grip to maintain control during transitions.
• Lack of awareness: Keep your head up and focus on your surroundings to prevent tunnel vision and increase your situational awareness.

Position 2: Low Ready

The Low Ready position is typically used when you need to hold a firearm safely while still being ready to engage quickly.

• Hold your firearm with both hands for a firm firing grip. 
• Your elbows should be slightly bent and resting close to your torso.
• The muzzle should be angled downward, pointing towards the ground about a foot in front of you.

Advantages

• Increases situational awareness: By keeping the firearm pointed down, your field of vision remains unobstructed so you can maintain awareness of your surroundings.
• Quick transition to shooting: It allows for a rapid elevation of the firearm to engage a target.
• Useful in low-threat situations: This is ideal for scenarios where immediate action is not required, such as clearing a room or area.

When to Use

The Low Ready position is most effective when patrolling or moving through familiar areas. It helps maintain alertness and conserves energy while allowing you to respond quickly if necessary. This position is also beneficial when navigating tight spaces or when minimal threat is perceived.

Tips for Practicing and Mastering

• Consistency in grip: Practice maintaining a consistent grip and arm position for quick transitions.
• Situational drills: Practice drills that simulate patrolling or clearing areas to build muscle memory.
• Field of vision: To increase your situational awareness, focus on keeping your head up and eyes scanning the area.

Common Mistakes

• Improper angle: Avoid pointing the muzzle too low or too high since this can keep you from responding quickly.
• Fatigue in arms: Keep your arms relaxed against your chest to prevent fatigue.
• Overextending: Hold the firearm close to your body to avoid overextending your arms, which can lead to a lack of control and a slower reaction.

Position 3: Compressed Ready

The Compressed Ready position keeps your weapon secure and ready for immediate use while maintaining a lower profile. 

• Hold your firearm close to your chest, with the muzzle pointed forward or slightly downward (depending on the specific context and training).
• Both hands should be on the firearm, with your dominant hand on the grip and your support hand wrapped around the front.
• Bend your elbows and keep your gun pulled tight to your body. 

Advantages

• Excellent for retaining your firearm: In high-threat environments, keeping your firearm close to your body reduces the risk of it being taken away.
• Balanced compromise: This position balances being ready to engage and maintaining control so you are prepared to act without compromising safety.

When to Use

The Compressed Ready position is best used in close-contact situations or moving through crowded areas. It is ideal for limited space and when you need to keep your firearm concealed yet accessible.

Common Mistakes

• Improper muzzle alignment: Check that your muzzle is not pointed too high or too low.
• Inconsistent contact: Maintain contact between the firearm and your chest to avoid losing control during quick movements.
• Overlooking situational awareness: Always keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings to prevent tunnel vision.

Position 4: Retention Ready

The Retention Ready position is a defensive firearm stance designed for close-quarters encounters where maintaining control over your weapon is paramount. 

• Hold your firearm close to your body, with the barrel directed safely downward or at a potential threat.
• Your dominant hand should firmly grip the firearm, while your support hand can either assist in securing the firearm or be used for defensive actions (depending on the situation). 

Advantages

• Security in disarmament situations: The Retention Ready position minimizes the risk of an adversary successfully disarming you by keeping your firearm close and secure.
• Quick defensive response: It allows for rapid defensive actions while maintaining control over your weapon.

When to Use

The Retention Ready position is particularly effective in situations where you are in close proximity to potential threats. This includes scenarios such as personal defense in crowded spaces or when an aggressor is within arm’s reach. 

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect firearm position: Avoid keeping the firearm too far from the body since this increases the risk of disarmament.
• Neglecting situational awareness: Maintain full awareness of your surroundings. Being too focused on the immediate threat can lead to overlooking other potential dangers.
• Poor stance stability: Check that your stance is balanced and firm to maintain control.

Position 5: Sul

The Sul position is a tactical stance designed to maintain a safe muzzle direction while navigating environments where safety is a priority. 

• Hold your firearm close to your body, with the elbows bent and the gun positioned near your chest or abdomen.
• Place your support hand flat against your chest to secure the firearm and maintain control.
• The muzzle should be pointed downward and slightly angled across the body, typically toward the ground between your feet.

Advantages

• Ideal for bystander safety: The Sul position is perfect for situations where maintaining a safe muzzle direction is critical, especially in environments populated by bystanders or team members.
• Safe handling in crowded areas: It allows for secure firearm management when moving through crowded or sensitive locations to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure public safety.

When to Use

The Sul position is particularly effective in tactical team settings where close coordination and communication are essential. This position helps maintain a low profile while keeping readiness to transition to an active stance if necessary.

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect muzzle angle: Keep the muzzle angled downwards and not inadvertently pointed at feet or legs.
• Inconsistent firearm position: Keep the firearm close to your body to maintain control and safety.
• Lack of awareness: Stay vigilant about your surroundings to avoid tunnel vision and adjust your stance as needed for safety and efficiency.

Training Tips

Start each session by rehearsing the basic mechanics of each position, focusing on establishing a strong foundation. Focus on transitioning smoothly between positions since this will boost your capability to respond effectively. 

Consistent practice will help you integrate these movements into muscle memory for seamless and instinctive reactions in real-life situations.

Ready-Gun Position Drills

Position Transition Drill

• Description: Practice transitioning between all five positions – Low Ready, High Ready, Compressed Ready, Retention Ready, and Sul – quickly and smoothly.
• Execution: Set up a series of targets at varying distances to simulate different scenarios. Focus on maintaining control and proper form as you move between positions.

Safe Muzzle Awareness Drill

• Description: In a controlled environment, practice the Sul position while navigating around obstacles and teammates, keeping your muzzle safely directed at all times.
• Execution: Incorporate movement through confined spaces or around barriers to simulate real-world environments. Focus on maintaining a safe muzzle direction in all positions, especially when transitioning between them.

Response Speed Drill

• Description: Use a timer to improve your reaction time from each ready position to a firing stance.
• Execution: Start in one of the five positions – Low Ready, High Ready, Compressed Ready, Retention Ready, or Sul – and, at the beep, transition and engage a target. Repeat for each position to build muscle memory and speed.

For more drills, read:

• Dry Fire Training: Shoot Like a Pro
• 5 Low-Round Count Pistol Drills
• Recoil Management Tips and Drills

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Common mistakes in practicing ready positions include improper stance alignment, inconsistent grip, and lack of situational awareness.

• Maintain proper alignment: Regularly check your stance alignment for stability and control. Use mirrors or video recordings to self-correct and reinforce good habits.
• Consistent grip: Practice maintaining a firm, consistent grip on your firearm, even under stress. Dry-fire exercises are beneficial in helping build this consistency.
• Stay Aware: Constantly scan your environment to prevent tunnel vision. Incorporate situational awareness drills into your routine to boost this skill.

Gear Considerations

Quality gear is essential for maintaining control and accessibility when practicing ready positions. At Blue Alpha, we offer a range of tactical belts designed to provide reliable support and quick access to your firearm.

Battle Belt Lite

For those needing a lightweight yet durable belt, our Battle Belt Lite offers excellent support without adding unnecessary weight. Its streamlined design keeps your gear secure and accessible, making it perfect for dynamic scenarios.

MOLLE 1.75″ Battle Belt

This belt provides strong support and is MOLLE-compatible for attaching additional gear. Its sturdy construction keeps your firearm and accessories in place during intense training drills or tactical situations.

Low Profile EDC Belt

The Low Profile EDC Belt offers a minimalist design that doesn’t sacrifice strength for everyday carry. It’s an excellent choice for concealed carry and provides a comfortable yet secure fit that keeps your firearm accessible without drawing attention.

Hybrid EDC Belt

Combining the best of both worlds, it features a mix of durability and comfort for both training and daily wear. Its design holds your gear in place while allowing quick transitions between positions.

Mastering Ready Positions

Stay committed to your training, focus on perfecting your technique, and check that your gear is up to the task. As you practice these ready positions, always consider the safest direction to point your muzzle based on your surroundings. Whether it’s muzzle up or down, adjusting to the environment allows you to minimize risks to yourself and others. 

With these ready positions as part of your skill set, you’ll be better equipped to handle situations with confidence, control, and a heightened awareness of safety.