This article is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace in-person instruction with a qualified instructor.
We always encourage practicing in a distraction-free location with firearms that have been rendered safe.
The ability to quickly draw your handgun is an essential requisite of defensive pistolcraft.
Learning how to draw a pistol can be a fairly straightforward process as the author describes. Be sure to train with unloaded firearms in a safe location.
Your mental focus has to be 100% dedicated to what is unfolding around you.
This gave them the opportunity to take the tactical high ground before committing themselves to the situation.
Unfortunately, thats not the case with the responsible, armed citizen.
Training the fundamentals of firearms presentation can help you appropriately respond to an unexpected and deadly ambush. Also, be aware of your surroundings.
Your radar may pick up on some unusual behavior that allows you to avoid the situation entirely.
A spontaneous attack in close quarters requires a fast response.
When choosing a holster, you typically get exactly what you paid for.
The author prefers rigid holsters for concealed carry. He likes Kydex holsters like the one shown here and stiff leather rigs with a reinforced opening that allows for one-handed holstering.
Buy cheap, buy twice!
There are many different types of holsters made for concealed carry, includingshoulder,pocketandanklerigs.
But recognize that they are slower to draw from, which can be problematic in extreme close quarters.
During the first step of drawing a pistol, the primary hand should go to the pistol while the reaction hand comes up to fend off an attack.
If you must use such a holster, recognize you have to see the danger that much sooner.
It must also allow you to return the pistol to the holster with just one hand.
A great many users favor an FBI rake with the grip angled forward and the muzzle to the rear.
The reaction hand may need to move a cover garment to safely draw your pistol. Always safely train techniques before relying on them.
If that works for you, have at it.
For years, I have broken the draw stroke down into four steps.
Initial practice is by the numbers to ensure all the little details are done correctly.
In the next step to drawing a pistol, the primary hand should pull the pistol straight up to clear your holster. Then you can smoothly move into the next step of bringing the pistol toward the target.
Once all is good, we put it together and increase the speed.
Return to the holster after shooting is another area that needs to be addressed.
Lets look at the specific steps to draw your pistol.
You should bring the pistol to chest level while rotating the muzzle toward the target. When the pistol reaches chest level, assume a two-handed grip.
On the stimulus, both hands are in motion.
When drawing from concealment, the covering garment must be swept away before establishing a grip.
The support hand completes the shooting grip.
With a solid two-handed grip, drive pistol toward the threat to complete the draw stroke.
The trigger finger enters the trigger guard, but no contact is made with the trigger.
Step Four Drive Gun Out
Extend the arms and drive the gun out toward the target.
Obtain a reliable index on the target and apply rearward pressure on the trigger to make the hit.
Close proximity to the threat may require you to use your support hand to ward off an attack when drawing your pistol. The author shows how bringing your elbow back naturally brings your pistol up.
Considering that a great many attacks unfold in extreme close quarters, this is something that should be practiced.
I would submit a great many negligent discharges occur while returning the gun to the holster.
Be absolutely sure your finger is off the trigger and outside the trigger guard when holstering.
Always be deliberate when holstering your self-defense pistol. Do not rush!
If your holster collapses as soon as the gun is removed, retire it and get a different one.
Using the support hand to initiate the holster mouth or clear clothing is downright dangerous.
When engaged in practice, get in the habit of scanning for other threats before returning to the holster.
Drawing a firearm is a multi-step process. Start slow and focus on each movement. Efficiency will build over time.
Breathe and oxygenate that brain!
Be sure all is well before returning to the holster.
The unnecessary brandishing of firearms should be avoided!
Steering clear of foreseeable danger is always the best course.
Also, never point it at anyone during this process.
Remember, smooth is fast.
Edit out all superfluous movement, and be efficient.
In no time at all, you will be amazed how fast you could get your gun into action.
