At what point does your hand go to your CCW?

[B yond]

My question is at what point in a situation do you slide your hand back and at least put your hand on your gun not as a deterrent but as a "ready" position.

For me it really depends on what and how I'm packing.

-If I'm pocket carrying and I can slip one hand into my pocket and rest it on my gun without drawing attention, I do that as soon/often as possible.

-If I'm carrying strong side IWB then raising my shirt and reaching for my pistol is very obvious, so I wait until I think I'll need to use it. This way, I have the advantage of surprise and I'm not opening myself up to a brandishing charge if it turns out to be a false alarm.

-On long car trips I carry in a shoulder holster or IWB cross-draw with an open-front cover garment. While sitting in my vehicle I can easily rest my hand on my weapon without anyone having a clue. I do this as often/soon as possible in any situation where the weapon may be needed.

Basically, If i can put my hand on my gun without anyone knowing, I do. If I have to expose my gun to get my hand on it, I don't touch it unless I know I'll need to use it. With a little practice and a good rig, you can probably draw and fire in a second or less.

 

[wheelgunslinger]

Prior to my current job as a sheriff deputy in the Rocky Mountains, I worked for a state agency that discouraged us from drawing our weapons unless there was an immediate and obvious threat. My current agency allows us to draw whenever we feel the need to, not always "glocking" somone but at least having the gun at one's side or under a leg (if seated in your vehicle).

Don't take this post as saying you should "glock" every potential threat, but clearing leather BEFORE you actually need your piece can save your life.

And take the *&^%ing seat belt off, it can kill you as well...

2 things:
1. This is the first time I've seen Glock used as a verb.
2. Not wearing a seat belt is often a pretext for fishing expeditions by the local cops.

I won't draw until I'm in the process of shooting. Waving guns around and saying cute little quips is for the movies.

 

[Kind of Blued]

"When it can't afford to be anywhere else" is probably the right answer, speaking of "hip carry".

I also have to support the advantages of BUG carry. The great thing about (coat)pocket carry, or ankle carry in your car, is that you can have your hand on a gun, with a solid grip, without alarming anyone or possibly doing any number of potentially illegal things (brandishing, menacing, etc, depending on your state laws).

 

[fishingjld]

i carry a kel-tec in my pocket while walking and in the center console while in the car. i figure that my hand would have been on the latch for the center console and would have possibly rolled down the window a crack to hear what the person had to say. if the person had something to say other than a positive remark i would then open the center console to ready my self for a confrontation.

 

[J&J]

I agree with your actions...

I try to avoid areas that make my instincts sing... although you cannot always have that gut reaction, it is there more than most people pay attention to. There was a great book written in the early 90's(?) called Gift of Fear that talked about this very thing.

I will stop often, whether driving or on foot, and move my sp101 to a more accessible location as the situation, my awareness and my instincts call for...

John

 

[viperstarbuck]

Personally, when i get into my car for an extended trip, i remove my g27 from its iwb holster and place it in my center console, which i can open and access fairly quickly. For short trips, i resolve to keep iwb, though i am prepared to remove my seat belt and reach as quickly as possible. A flawed system, but i'm working on it. Practice drawing or at least reaching from a similar seated position in your house or even parked in your garage. And as for when to place your hand on your firearm, personally i do so only when i really really believe i may be in danger. I will not draw until i am certain of it.