Which of the following is the fourth principle of weapon retention?

• A. Stabilize the grip
• B. Pull the weapon to center
• C. Release and stun
• D. If release fails, distract and repeat release and stun

Answer: (D)

In weapon retention, you move through a sequence of actions to keep control of the firearm and create opportunities to disengage. Stabilizing the grip helps prevent immediate loss of control, and pulling the weapon to center improves leverage and keeps the gun within your line of defense. Releasing and stunning is the tactic used to break the attacker’s grip and buy you space to act. If that release doesn’t free the weapon, the fourth principle is to distract the opponent and repeat the release and stun. The distraction disrupts balance or focus just enough to reopen the window for a successful release, letting you regain control or escape. This repeating cycle is essential because not every attempt works the first time, so staying proactive and adaptable is key to maintaining control in close-quarters engagement.