You must be alert and perceptive at all times. This is what Condition Yellow does. You are prepared for a pistolfight, if it ever occurs. You are not caught unaware. Also, there are times when to present the firearm that are advantageous without having to put on one's leather gear, such as being awakened in the middle of the night. You present the gun in a holding, confident position.

    You project strength, confidence, and security--not weakness and insecurity when you use the "Guard" position. It is pre-emptive (deterrent) protective posture. You are "on guard."

Case A: What The Guard Position Does: Pre-Emptive:

First:

• The pistol is placed in your hands in a secure firing grip.

Second:

• Your time to acquire the pistol and bring its sights on target is slightly reduced.

• You were aware and anticipated the need for being prepared with "gun in hand."

Third:

• Your stance projects strength, confidence, determination and readiness.

Case B: How To Use The Guard Position (Low Ready, Ready Position):

• Ideally suited for the Weaver Stance or Power Front Stance.
• Getting Into The Stance.
  • From the Weaver Stance, the arms remain locked in their normal firing position. The trigger-finger straight (indexed along the frame). the Safety on (Single Action Auto); or, decocker off (Double Action Auto). The eyes remain on the target.
    • "The gun mount (arms & hands) is lowered until the back of the upper support--arm contacts the rib cage. This bone-to-bone support avoids much of the fatigue from carrying a pistol around at arm's length. The biggest advantage lies in the fact that the weapon can be brought to bear on the target in less than half a second. The Guard, however, has little to do with shot delivery. This position is a standby position predicated on sound gunhandling principles and tactics. The weapon is out of your face, thus providing the best possible primary and peripheral vision, yet available immediately. You can see, using this position, as much of one's adversaries and the surrounding area as possible. The more you see, the more you know, the more effective your responses can be." Source:The Modern Technique of The Pistol. G.B.Morrison, pp. 75-76.
    • From the Isosceles Stance: Since both arms are locked at the elbow, simply drop the gun mount (arms & hands) down to a 45 ° bringing the pistol to a position (45°) between aggressor and ground.

Case C: Psychology.

• Intimidation Factor: Without having to point the pistol at the threat, you project strength and confidence and do not lose the benefit of intimidation.

  • Reason:
    • "Standing around for any great length of time with the pistol either displayed inappropriately or pointed at someone diminishes intimidation effect."--The Modern Technique of The Pistol; p. 76.
    • "the potential threat of any weapon diminishes with use--people become habituated to a threat which does not result in unpleasantness.
    • "Once someone decides that you are not going to use it (weapon), it no longer possesses its potential deterrent effect."--"ibid...; p. 76

  • Pistol threat Factor: "The pistol should not be relegated to providing intimidation in and of itself. One's appearance and command of the situation should accomplish that. The pistol is only an extension of one's will."--ibid...; p. 76.

Note: If the aggressor (threat) becomes convinced by your demeanor, bearing, or conduct that you are not going to shoot by what you project, he will attack you. This has happened, even when a gun was pointed directly at the threat and held too long at his person. Follow the above advice and be a Winner, not a Loser.

    ...have positive target identification; if at home at night, have a flash light with a pressure switch next to your gun. It could be just 'grandma,' otherwise, Then...

      When You Hear This Sound, You Better Know What To Do!
                                                Press Play Button

Don't Let The Threat Get Between You and Your Gun!