Draw thread - a further consideration

[P95Carry]

Sorry guys ..... yep - me again about the draw. rather than add to the other thread I thought I'd kick this off.

In the other thread we did not actually and specifically cover one IMO critical aspect ... which is now making me want more views and comments. For ever seaking something nearer perfection (well, gotta aim high ...... no pun intended!!)

Concealed carry .... right! That presupposes something ... usually clothing, over the piece. Now a major part of the draw here is the initial phase .. the clearance of that concealment.

Might be a vest, t-shirt, shirt ..... but what methods do you recommend as best. I automatically bring my weak hand across almost without thinking to clear the way but in practice this can and sometimes does go wrong ...... different shirt .. fabric weight etc. Plus ... you IWB guys with tucked in shirt ....... how tricky is that??

Would much appreciate thoughts .......

 

[OF]

If I'm tucked in (which is extremely rare) or wearing a sweatshirt or sweater-type cover, I reach across with my weak (left) hand, grab a handful of shirt just over my pistol and yank it up into my strong-side armpit hard. Then draw with my strong hand. I try to keep hold of the shirt long enough that the gun is on the way to full extension to prevent the gun from snagging after it leaves the holster.

If I'm wearing a vest-type garment, I try to keep something in the string-side pocket if there is one, like some keys or something to give it a little weight. Then I bring my strong-side hand flat against my lower chest/upper abdomen, fingers pointing downward, sort of, and sweep to the right over the gun and draw. I used to come away with a handful of shirt doing this draw every now and then when I first started carrying, but it's been clean draws for many many years now.

- Gabe

 

[arinvolvo]

GRD is right on....grab a handful of clothing, no matter what it is, and pull it straight up!! Fast and hard....Now this on one of the reasons I carry a thumbsnap holster...I dont want the gun to come with the shirt....

After that, draw your pistol straight up, pump handle method, hard...and high...make sure you clear the leather before the weak side hand follows up the body and finds its grip around the strong side. Then it is your choice to go to either low ready, retention ready, or high ready, depending on the situation....

Load a snap cap and just practice a lot in the mirror....Get out some vests, and some different types of shirts, and just practice a clean draw. After a while, muscle memory kicks in, and you know exactly what you have to do to clear shirt and holster for a clean draw.

I like practicing unholster/double tap drills in the desert where I shoot...It is fun, and challenges you to clear your gun from clothing, find sights, and quick controlled fire....

One of my favorite things to do at the range.

 

[PCRCCW]

"Clearing" your clothing is just routine..or muscle memory. Find a carry location thats perfect for you...whether seasonal or not. Practice the hell out of it. I more than prefer a garment that can be swept away as opposed to one that has to be jerked....
Im designing a CCW vest that is weighted at the bottom hem..just so when you clear it...it stays out of the way a little longer. Also when a wind hits it...it doesnt instantly show your weapon.

Clearing is a very important part of the draw....at first practice this just to the point you can grip your gun....once you have obtained your grip.....your garment is a non issue. As a good holster will allow a draw from this point forward. With practice comes memory and smoothness. With both of those..speed comes next.

Anyway....its just a matter of getting YOUR STYLE down for what works for you, your carry setup and envirornment.

shoot well

 

[Blueduck]

Good point, often overlooked...

I try to keep hold of the shirt long enough that the gun is on the way to full extension to prevent the gun from snagging after it leaves the holster.

For all the argueing about "which gun is best for CCW" by quoting group size on paper, split times etc.. Most folks don't carry and 90% of people who do never really practice enough drawing while concealed to realize this comes into play.

I carry strong side just behind the hip with some type of cover garment. When carrying a regular revolver or 1991A1 I would brush/flip my cover back first with my drawing hand then come forward to draw... point is when carrying a nice smooth gun like a Glock or especially a hammerless revolver, I didn't have to do that at all and my "speed" went up considerably...

 

[PCRCCW]

Just a note.....
If you sweep your cover garment consistantly to the point you can grip the gun EVERYtime....drawing the weapon from that point shouldnt be an issue. Usually there is nothing that will get in the way of the draw once youre past that point.........
Shoot well

 

[Edward429451]

Find a carry location thats perfect for you...whether seasonal or not. Practice the hell out of it.

Thats what I did/do. Practice it at home dry, practice it at the range live (slowly at first for safety & smoothness). Resist the urge to remove the jacket or shirt at the range for comfort. There's only 2 or 3 variations of draw to be learned depending on your wardrobe.

And just when you think you're pretty smooth...practice it another 1 or 2 thousand times to really ingrain it into muscle memory, so you wont have to think to do it. If you need it, you'll have other stuff on your mind besides the draw.

 

[OF]

Usually there is nothing that will get in the way of the draw once youre past that point

You only have to watch out when you are covered with a sweatshirt or sweater-type garment. As soon as you let go with your weak hand, it tends to snap back down a bit and can snag the gun if you're not watching out.

With vests or open heavy button-up shirts your strong-hand forearm seems to work pretty well keeping the garment out of the way of the front of the gun...usually.

- Gabe