Which technique is used when the subject has made a one-handed cross grab on the officer's holstered handgun from the front in an attempt to take it away?

• A. The triangular Frame Retention and Rear Elbow Strike
• B. The triangular Frame Retention and Side Elbow Strike
• C. The 2-on-1 Takedown from Standing Handcuffing
• D. Fore knuckle, Thumb Tip, Finger Tip

Answer: (A)

When a suspect reaches across the front with one hand to grab a holstered handgun, the priority is to protect the weapon while creating space to regain control. The triangular Frame Retention approach uses your forearms to form a protective frame around the weapon’s side, effectively blocking the grab and preventing the attacker from pulling the holster or the gun. This frame also helps you stay balanced and in line with your own weapon, so you don’t expose the harm to yourself or lose control.

Adding a rear elbow strike immediately disrupts the attacker’s grip and pushes them away, quickly creating the distance you need to recover control of the firearm. The combination is specifically designed for this front, one-handed cross-grab scenario: the frame retention keeps the weapon secure, and the rear elbow strike destabilizes the attacker to finish the disengagement.

Other options don’t address this exact threat as effectively. For example, a two-on-one takedown targets overall control but isn’t tailored to preserving a holstered weapon during a frontal grab. A technique focused on superficial finger or knuckle strikes wouldn’t provide the necessary protection for the weapon or the quick separation required in this situation.