Imagine you’re walking alone at dusk and someone suddenly bolts toward you. In the blink of an eye—about 1.5 seconds—they can cover roughly 21 feet, as demonstrated in professional training known as the Tueller Drill.¹ Most people aren’t prepared for an attack from that close—and many don’t even see it coming until the threat is within arm’s reach. Law-enforcement fatal-shooting data underscores how close these encounters often are: nearly 70% occur within 10 feet, and about 50% within 5 feet.²

At such close range, fumbling for a tool is not an option. That’s where an unassuming defensive pen shines. It looks harmless. It writes like any other pen. But in a sudden confrontation, it can be a lifesaving force multiplier—if you can deploy it in under a second.

Why Deployment Speed Matters

Seconds matter in self-defense—fractions of seconds, really. The attacker controls the when and where; you’re already behind. If your tool rides in a spot that takes two or three seconds to access, you may never get it into the fight. The goal is simple: have the pen in hand before the attack lands, even if your arms are busy deflecting or framing.

If you like this topic, you may also be interested in our online training: The Way of The Pen by Doug Marcaida

Best Carry Positions for Sub-1-Second Access

Below are practical carry positions we recommend. Each involves tradeoffs (comfort, concealment, hand dominance), but all can be trained for rapid, repeatable access. Insert your comparison images where noted. A weapon you leave in your bag is not better than if you had left it at home. Let's explore a few ways to consider:

Outside Waistband Carry Great when you’re in leggings or shorts without pockets. Keep the clip forward of the hip for a clean, no-look draw with either hand.
	Inside Waistband Carry Requires more practice to index rapidly. Positioning it at the same spot makes this a better bet.
T-Shirt Outside Collar Surprisingly fast with practice. Index the clip at the sternum so your hand lands in the same spot every time.
	T-Shirt Concealed Collar Surprisingly fast with practice. Index the clip at the sternum so your hand lands in the same spot every time.
Pants Pockets Classic and comfortable. Position the clip so the pen rides high and avoids rotating flat at the bottom of the pocket.
	Jacket External Pocket Fastest jacket option. If there’s a zipper, keep it at the last tooth for speed while maintaining retention.
Jacket Internal Pocket More discreet for travel and professional settings. Slightly slower—compensate with reps from seated and standing.
	Shirt Pocket Simple and fast when upright. Anchor your thumb on the pocket edge for a positive, consistent draw.
Outside a Purse (Clipped) Beats rummaging inside. Clip to the strap or edge so the pen sits vertical and visible—ready in one motion.
	On a Body Strap (Backpack/Messenger) Keeps the pen within your vision cone. Mark the clip position on the strap so it returns to the same spot.
Up Your Sleeve (Near the Wrist) Ultra-discreet and lightning fast after drilling. Use fabric friction or an elastic loop to keep orientation.
	In Your Hand It’s “just a pen,” so it blends anywhere. Ideal when you feel uneasy—no tell, immediate readiness.
On the BearGrip Magnetic Mount Mount in your car, at your desk, or bedside. The pen lives in the same exact place—every single time. Also perfect to carry on most garment.

Make It Automatic: Simple Practice Plan

1. Choose one primary carry position for most days, plus a backup for special clothing (e.g., gym shorts).
2. Dry practice 3–5 minutes daily: reach, index, and establish a defensive grip from your carry spot—eyes forward, no looking.
3. Add movement and pressure: step offline, frame with your non-dominant arm, then draw the pen with your dominant hand (and vice versa).
4. Time your draw: aim for consistent sub-1-second deployment from concealment. Consistency > raw speed.
5. Scenario reps: door pulls, parking-lot approaches, seated in car, backpack on—rehearse the contexts you actually live in.

Why the Atomic Bear Stealth Pen Pro

The Stealth Pen Pro is a capable writing instrument and a smart, low-profile self-defense tool you can carry nearly anywhere. Highlights:

• Everyday credibility: It looks and functions like a quality pen, so it blends in everywhere.
• Instant transition: Ergonomics support a secure defensive grip the moment you draw.
• Train safely: Pair with the practice head to drill on a bag or with a partner without injury.
• Versatile carry: Robust clip works across pockets, collars, straps—and with the BearGrip Magnetic Mount.

Carried the right way, the Stealth Pen Pro can be the “always there” advantage when seconds count.

Final Word

Close-range encounters happen fast. The Tueller Drill illustrates how little time you have, and law-enforcement data shows how often violence occurs inside conversational distance. Don’t let your tool live at the bottom of a bag. Carry smart. Carry fast. Because when danger strikes, less than one second is all you’ve got.

Sources

1. Background on the Tueller Drill and reactionary gap: Tueller Drill; discussion/clarifications in training literature (USCCA, Force Science).
2. Distance data from U.S. law-enforcement fatal shootings (LEOKA): FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin: “What Is a Safe Distance?” (69.7% of officers killed with firearms were murdered within 0–10 feet; 50.9% within 0–5 feet; 1985–2014).