The Firearms Instructor Issue 50 31 As a reminder, if the cylinder is grabbed the force exerted will keep the cylinder from turning and firing the weapon – just in case you have to grab a revolver. in the case of an automatic weapon, if grabbed generally speaking if fired only one round will be shot as the grab will prevent the cycling of the slide. SC EN ARIO 6: WEAPON IS out of THE HOLSTER, ASSAILANT grabs weapon with one or both hands Maintain death grip on the butt of the weapon. Attack the assailant’s hand(s) with your weak hand. Again, apply- ing a wrist lock, force begin a circle (counter clock-wise) motion. You can step simultaneously with your right leg to the outside of the restraining arm. You’re pushing the weapon toward the assailant with your strong hand (on the butt of the gun). Your weak hand is applying a wrist lock/twisting application to a palm up position. I like to step back with my left foot to aid in powering the movement. In conclusion, remembering the basics of weapon retention can save your life and or the life of your partner. Assailants who attempt to grab your weapon or disarm you fall into the deadly force zone and should be dealt with accordingly. Weapon retention should be practiced routinely as you would any other potential life saving skill or until it is a reflex reaction. Once the weapon is removed and the assailant(s) has it, the odds of you being shot and/or killed are great. This requires a differ- ent set of procedures or techniques because it is no longer retention. I’m reminded of a movie called The Blue Knight with William Holden and some street creep that tries to grab his weapon. Haven’t seen it? Rent it! TFI