The Draw
Regardless of why one is carrying a handgun; offensive, defensive or competitive/recreational purposes, the Draw is pretty important. This is often the first mechanical step to an engagement with the handgun. So how do we get the handgun from where it is to where it needs to be and how much training do we need to do? This question opens up a huge discussion and invites a ton of opinions. I’ll refrain from getting into the weeds and give some general advice.
A brief statement about carry methods: The weapon should be available and accessible for a single handed draw for defensive purposes, this is also a good idea for offensive purposes. Competitive or recreational draws are their own thing altogether.
Indexing refers to carrying or utilizing something in the same way consistently for the sake of efficiency. Efficiency is important if you are drawing a handgun as time and energy are likely big concerns. Find where and how you can carry your handgun so that it can be consistently drawn with the Shooting Hand ONLY. This concept is predicated on the idea that the support hand might be otherwise engaged or to prevent telegraphing in a defensive setting.
For a strong side waistline carry;
- Drive the shooting hand elbow straight back near the body, sweeping concealment garments out of the way if applicable and drive the shooting hand down onto the grip high on the backstrap and as close to the hammer or slide as possible without interfering with same. Index the support hand to the same place in the same attitude (palm flat, fingers together, thumb up) as always.
- Defeat the retention device while acquiring the Master Grip.
- Pull the weapon straight up through the holster while keeping pressure on the grip (this will cause the weapon to snap into a position parallel to the ground when it clears the holster.)
- Keeping the forearm/barrel parallel to the ground, drive the weapon straight forward toward the target (this gets the weapon into the fight quickly.)
- Marry the support hand; shooting hand thumb on top of support hand thumb, support hand fingers wrapped around shooting hand fingers, to the weapon as it drives to the target (usually about halfway to the target.)
- Continue to drive the weapon to the target until the sights are superimposed on the point of aim on the target (center of mass.)
That in essence is the Draw. For other methods of carry, get to the weapon and then follow the applicable steps.
How often should you train? Initially you must train until you can consistently get the weapon from the carry onto the target cleanly, then train as often as necessary to maintain or improve that proficiency. I know it sounds like a cop out, but each shooter is different and there is rarely a one size fits all answer to firearms questions.