drawing iwb

[LSU Fan]

I'm not sure if this has been discussed yet, but I have a question regarding drawing from an iwb holster. I will be getting my CC license very soon, and I plan on taking other handgun defense classes. For the time being, I was wondering if anyone could provide a strategy for drawing from iwb. I will most likely be wearing an untucked shirt as a cover garment. The pistol is a G26. Any links are also welcome.

Thanks

 

[LSU Fan]

Thanks for the response... very informative and I will definitely be practicing

Also thanks for the book recommendation... enjoyed Massad's portion on PDTV's "Out and About" and was interested in finding more material for instruction.

 

[misANTHrope]

You know, I understand the reasoning behind teaching to use the weak hand to clear the cover garment. But it seems like a questionable idea to depend on the use of both hands when drawing. Isn't this why we practice shooting one-handed, to plan for the very real possibility that one hand might be disabled in a fight?

It seems to me that working out a method to draw without requiring the weak hand would be superior. That way, it can instead be busy shoving the attacker away, or beating him about the head, or maybe hanging limply by your side and bleeding.

Thoughts?

 

[ar10]

I've read that book and practice it about once a month. Know why? A bozo at a range decided to "practice" his draw. What saved him was he pulled the trigger about half way out of the IWB holster and the round only grazed his right butt cheek but it did torch his pants. Idiots KEEP FINGERS OFF TRIGGER
He was practicing with a 9mm Glock.

 

[insidious_calm]

thumb rake...

If your shirt is untucked I prefer to use the thumb rake to clear the shirt out of the way. Note this only works strong side. Using your drawing hand with your thumb sticking up as if giving the "thumbs up" sign but with your fingers extended, hook your thumb under the edge of the shirt and grip your pistol as normal. When done correctly the thumb pins the shirt to your body allowing you to draw freely. I have never had a snag with this draw including two times I actually used it under duress in a real defense situation with the very same handgun you have and a galco horsehide IWB.

If you find your shirt is snagging then most likely it's too small for ccw anyway. One major advantage it has is leaving your weak hand free to parry or grasp until you are ready to bring the gun to bear with both hands or shoot one handed. Whatever you do practice, practice, practice! Best of luck.



I.C.

 

[LSU Fan]

So far I've practiced with both methods, lifting the shirt and the thumb rake. I beleive I will continue to practice using both. I feel I can draw quickly and more reliably by lifting the shirt. However, the thumb rake is also effective and will allow me to draw quickly and discreetly.

Thanks again

 

[Bennett Prescott]

He was practicing with a 9mm Glock.

What does that have to do with it?

 

[GigaBuist]

What does that have to do with it?

It heads off any posts asking what type of gun it he managed to do that with and the other posts saying, "Bet he was shooting a Glock!"

 

[B yond]

Just keep practicing both methods.

When I practice I switch between methods randomly. I also practice lunging to the side or backwards while drawing with one or two hands (to get away from a threat). I also like to throw a home-made snap cap (feels like regular JHP) into a handful of ammo and load a few mags with my eyes closed, so I don't know when the failure will happen, to practice tactical reloads.

Mas is right, don't train yourself to instinctively draw AND fire. Draw to point some times and draw to fire other times. Personally, when I practice draw to fire I've been doing double-taps, so IF I commit to fire in a real-life situation I'll instinctively put two rounds on-target, and then re-assess the need for deadly force.

If you'll be carrying more than one weapon, practice with all of them. Muscle memory is important. I've been lucky in that 2 of the 3 weapons I carry have the same grip angle and point the same.

 

[1911 guy]

Practice both methods.

There are distinct advantages to each method. Presentation is usually a tad faster with the thumb sweep method, I rip fewer shirts using my off hand. But there is a definate place for each. Like any defensive technique, don't be a one trick pony.

With the thumb sweep method, catch your thumb on the hem of your shirt and pull it up, WAY up over the pistol butt. Then reach down to your handgun. Draw the pistol normally then, pulling it up as far as possible then rotating it toward the target.

With the off hand grab, pull the shirt up as far as you can, then draw the pistol up as far as possible, then rotate it toward the target.

I mention pulling the handgun up as far as possible because the stories about guys flinging their handguns downrange are usually because they haven't actually cleared the holster and the barrel catches and pulls the butt out of their hands. Don't be that guy. It's embarrassing as all get out at the range and downright life threatening on the street. Pull it up, then rotate the barrel toward the target. This puts you in a position to begin shooting immediately if you have to.

I also agree heartily with the poster who said to not get in the habit of firing every time you draw. It should be a concious decision. When establishing your firing grip with the gun still in the holster, place your finger along the slide. Keep it there until you decide to fire.

 

[LiquidTension]

I use my pinky and ring fingers to clear my cover garment.

 

[brownie0486]

This is the most reliable method I've come to after carrying since 1971. It's one handed, I don't believe in practicing with the off hand getting the shirt out of the way, you may need that hand to fend off the aggressor and it's unnecessary to have to clear the closed garment if you'll practice some.

Using the flagged thumb is also iffy under duress, and the thumb is too small to reliably say it will work thusly. With the method I've come to, no way the shirt doesn't get moved out of the way everytime.

Brownie

 

[RobXD9]

I've always practiced using my off hand to lift the shirt all the way up over the gun.

That helps ensure you're not getting a loose shirt tangled on the grip.

Either way you choose, practice over and over again.

And GEAUX TIGERS!