What Is The 21 Foot Rule? (Concealed Carry Guideline)

Published on December 14, 2023
Duration: 5:18

This video explains the 21-foot rule, a guideline for law enforcement and concealed carriers regarding threat proximity. Developed by Lt. Dennis Tueller, it highlights the time it takes for an attacker to cover 21 feet versus a police officer's draw and fire time. For concealed carriers, the reactionary gap is often wider due to the difficulty of drawing from concealment. A home test drill is provided to help individuals understand their own reactionary gap.

Quick Summary

The 21-foot rule is a guideline for law enforcement and concealed carriers, demonstrating the critical time it takes for an attacker to cover 21 feet versus a trained officer's draw and fire time, approximately 1.5 seconds for both. For concealed carriers, the reactionary gap is wider due to the difficulty of drawing from concealment.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Threat Proximity
  2. 00:11Video Topics Overview
  3. 00:26Definition of the 21-Foot Rule
  4. 00:47Reactionary Gap Principle
  5. 01:00Origin: Lt. Dennis Tueller's Experiment
  6. 01:30Police Officer Draw Time
  7. 02:00Attacker's Distance Coverage Time
  8. 02:34Experiment Implications
  9. 02:5221-Foot Rule for Concealed Carry
  10. 03:24Legal Considerations for CCW
  11. 03:45How to Test at Home
  12. 04:06Home Test Drill Procedure
  13. 04:29Conclusion: Guideline for Awareness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 21-foot rule and where did it come from?

The 21-foot rule is a guideline for law enforcement and concealed carriers, originating from an experiment by Lt. Dennis Tueller. It highlights the critical time it takes for an attacker to cover 21 feet versus a trained officer's ability to draw and fire.

How long does it take to cover 21 feet according to the Tueller experiment?

Lt. Dennis Tueller's experiment found that both a practiced police officer drawing and firing two shots, and an attacker with a knife covering 21 feet, took approximately 1.5 seconds.

Why is the 21-foot rule particularly important for concealed carriers?

Concealed carriers face a wider reactionary gap because drawing a firearm from concealment is more difficult and time-consuming than from an open-carry holster, making them more vulnerable at close distances.

Can I test the 21-foot rule at home?

Yes, you can conduct a home test using replica firearms and knives/rolled paper. Set up 21 feet apart and time how quickly you can draw and present your replica firearm before the attacker reaches you.

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