Here's what they're teaching young cops in my neck of the woods these days:
Stand squarely facing the threat (target), feet roughly shoulder width apart, strong side foot SLIGHTLY to the rear (strong foot toes about even with reaction foot instep), face-shoulders-chest-navel-hips-knees-toes all pointed toward the threat, knees slightly bent, waist slightly bent, weight slightly forward.
Draw: strong hand goes to holstered pistol (elbow close to the side) while reaction hand goes to center chest. Take a firm, full grip on the pistol and undo any retention devices. Lift the pistol JUST enough to clear the holster. rotate the muzzle toward the threat. Punch pistol toward the threat. Reaction hand meets strong hand on the way.
Grip: "thumbs-forward grip" - web of strong hand as high up on the backstrap as possible. Trigger should fall across the PAD of the trigger finger - not the tip, not the first joint. Strong hand fingers wrapped firmly but not tightly around grip and lower part of trigger guard. Strong hand thumb pointed straight toward threat, along the reaction side of the pistol. Reaction hand thumb extended straight toward threat, also along reaction side of the pistol. Meaty base of reaction hand thumb pressed firmly against side of grip, as high up as possible without interfering with strong hand. Reaction hand fingers wrapped tightly around grip, over strong hand fingers. You should be applying MORE pressure with the reaction hand than with the strong hand. Elbows should be straightened as much as possible without causing muscle tremors, and rotated downward and inward to "lock in" the grip.
Tuck in your chin to "lock in" the shoulders, BUT....bring the gun up to your sight line, not your sight line down to your gun.
Press the trigger smoothly rearward in one continuous movement while maintaining sight alignment. Press it all the way back, until it can move no more. Maintain/reacquire sight alignment as you release pressure on the trigger ONLY until trigger reset. Repeat as necessary.
Reloads and malfunction clearance are performed close in, JUST below eye level, where you have maximum strength and control, and can easily keep your eyes on the threat while still being able to see what you're doing with the pistol.
When the threat is neutralized, bring the pistol down and to center chest, muzzle still facing forward, and confirm that the threat is neutralized. Scan for additional threats to your front. Move your pistol to Position Sul while performing a 360 degree scan. Actually, it's two 180 degree scans. Step rearward with your left leg and scan counterclockwise from 360 to 180. Return to front. Scan to the front while you're back there. Then step back with your right leg and scan clockwise from 0 to 180. Return to front. Scan to front again. Once satisfied that no threats remain, reload and holster (if appropriate).
