My Method for Range Drawing from Shoulder Rig

[Cosmoline]

I've noticed some concern about having a shoulder rig due to the difficulties of drawing it at the range. FWIW, I have come up with what seems to be a workable method for drawing the firearm at the line without sweeping anyone.

--Wait until you are clear to fire, of course.
--Turn your back to the bench on the line.
--Remove your firearm from the shoulder holster, raising your covering arm.
--While keeping the muzzle downrange, simply pivot your body around. You will then be facing forward with the firearm pointed downrange.

Critiques and alternatives welcome.

 

[Sam1911]

That's pretty much the only way I've seen it done in strict safety on a range. I do have a few shooting associates who occasionally carry that way and that's the method they've employed if there was anyone else on the range.

There was another thread on this a while back where someone posted that the problem isn't that it can't be done. The problem is that the right way is not known and/or practiced by the majority of folks who purchase a shoulder holster. Even an info card packaged with the rig that had your instructions printed on it would go a long way. Most folks just never think about it.

[giggle-snark]After all, Don Johnson never did it that way on Miami Vice![/giggle-snark]


ETA: It just recurred to my consciousness that the first time I ever carried a gun in public, many years back now, it was in a horizontal shoulder holster. I'm pretty sure I recall being alone when I holstered and unholstered the weapon, but I never so much as practiced a draw & presentation with it, so I very well have been quite a danger to myself.

 

[cleardiddion]

Being gifted (I use the term loosely) shoulder holsters or large mil type owb holsters are the only real way that I can cc most full size guns.

I had a shoulder holster for a K-frame a bit back but I just couldn't get used to it.
I'm always doing something with my hands and all it really did was to get in the way.

 

[9mmepiphany]

...or you could avoid the issue by using a shoulder holster that never has the muzzle facing behind you, like the Ken Null SMZ...and it never sweeps any part of your body either

 

[Cosmoline]

Null still has you potentially sweeping to your left (if r handed) during the twist and draw phase. Mind, I'm specifically talking about live firing lines not emergency situations or your basement.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I'm not sure how, you lift and twist to release the gun from the holster, then you bring it to high ready, before the push out. The muzzle never crosses your shoulder or arm, as it is pointed outside your shoulder and upper arm as you clear the polymer. From there the muzzle moves toward the target

 

[Cosmoline]

Are you wearing the null on the outside of your clothes?

 

[9mmepiphany]

Under an unbuttoned denim workshirt, over a T-shirt. The one I was using was made for a Beretta 92...it wasn't mine, belonged to a guy working personal protection

 

[Flintknapper]

And when not on the firing range...read this:

http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=31470&hilit=shoulder+holster+solutions

Much of the "sweeping" issue is simply due to folks NOT exercising proper technique.

 

[GRIZ22]

While keeping the muzzle downrange, simply pivot your body around. You will then be facing forward with the firearm pointed downrange.


The down side is you have your muzzle pointed in a direction you're not looking.

 

[Cosmoline]

You can turn your head around and at least get an eye that direction.

Keep in mind that the issue isn't just exercising muzzle control, but APPEARING to do so. If you whip a revolver out from under a shirt you may technically not sweep anyone, but someone may assume you just did. I've been using my method at the range to avoid any misunderstandings.

 

[9mmepiphany]

No matter which position you carry your gun holstered, the muzzle will always be pointed in a direction you are not looking, until you bring in in-line with your target

 

[NMGonzo]

Walk to the firing line with the empty gun, slide open and gun pointing up.

Reload and reholster when in the vehicle.

 

[robmkivseries70]

NM,
A practical solution but not much help for practice presentation.
Best,
Rob

 

[harrygunner]

That's similar to a technique one of the instructors at Gunsite used with a cross draw holster. That was a bit easier since she only had to swivel her hips 135 degrees instead of 180.