The Draw: 5 Steps in a Consistent Defensive Firearm Draw

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You have decided to carry a concealed defensive firearm for self-protection. One of you first decisions is how you are planning to carry your weapon. Are you going to carry in an outside the waistband, inside the waistband, or appendix carry holster? Whatever holster you decide on, it is imperative that you practice a quick, clean, and efficient draw of your defensive firearm. When you are confronted with a potential deadly force situation the last thing you want is to fumble with your firearm while trying to draw your weapon in order to defend yourself. For purposes of this article, I will discuss five steps in a consistent defensive firearms draw when practiced methodically will ensure your success when you have to draw your weapon. The steps of efficiently drawing your defensive firearm and an explanation of each is listed here.

1. GRIP AND RELEASE THE HOLSTER RETENTIONS

   The first step in any efficient concealed weapon draw is mastering the art of un-concealing the weapon by lifting your cover garment or if you wear a coat, sweeping your jacket backward to allow your defensive firearm to be removed from the holster without it hanging up or catching on any clothing. Lifting your cover garment, exposing the defensive firearms, and releasing any retention mechanisms, should be done while simultaneously establishing a firm grip on your firearm. A firm grip should be practiced until you automatically grip the defensive firearm while pushing slightly downward and gripping the firearm backstrap with the "V" notch of your strong side hand with the base of your thumb centered on the backstrap. Your trigger finger should be placed straight and along your holster in preparation of placing it straight and along the slide as the defensive firearm is fully exposed and to prevent a negligent discharge while drawing your weapon.

   

   The first step in any efficient concealed weapon draw is mastering the art of un-concealing the weapon by lifting your cover garment.

2. DRAW UPWARD AND CLEAR THE HOLSTER

   Step two in an efficient concealed weapon draw is pulling the defensive firearm upward and high enough to ensure the end of the barrel clears the holster. Your reactionary hand (non-shooting hand) should continue to hold your cover garment to keep it clear of obstructing the weapon as it clears the holster or your reactionary hand can be placed close to your upper body in preparation for step three of the defensive firearm draw.

   
   

   

   Step two in an efficient concealed weapon draw is pulling the defensive firearm upward and high enough to ensure the end of the barrel clears the holster.

3. ROTATE THE FIREARM TO THE RETENTION POSITION

   Step three involves simply rotating the defensive firearm toward the threat and holding the defensive firearm in the retention position. Your reactionary hand remains close to your upper body and clear of the barrel of the defensive firearm. From this position you can defend yourself from an attacker that is lunging toward your or attempting to disarm you in the deadly force encounter. The defensive firearm should be turned slightly outward to prevent the slide from catching on your clothing if you are forced to fire the weapon. It is important to keep your reactionary hand close to your body at this stage to prevent you from shooting your hand while firing from the retention step three position.

   
   

   

   Step three involves simply rotating the defensive firearm toward the threat and holding the defensive firearm in the retention position.

4. EXTENDING THE FIREARM TO THE LOW OR HIGH READY POSITION

   Step four of efficiently drawing your defensive firearm is elevating the weapon from the retention position to a low or high ready position. As you bring your defensive firearm upward, your reaction hand will be removed from your upper body and move to establishing a firm two handed grip of your weapon. In a firm two handed grip, your reactionary hand will meet your strong hand with your reactionary hand fingers wrapping around the weapons pistol grip and around your strong hands fingers. Both hands will be pressed together firmly and little to no parts of the pistol grip should be visible. Both thumbs should be pointing toward the threat when establishing step four of this grip. Your trigger finger should remain straight and alongside of the defensive firearm slide until you are ready and engage your attacker and have made the decision to shoot.

   

   Step four of efficiently drawing your defensive firearm is elevating the weapon from the retention position to a low or high ready position.

5. EXTENDING THE FIREARM TO FULL EXTENSION AND THE FIRING POSITION

   Step five of efficiently drawing your defensive firearm is rolling your shoulders forward until your eyes are in line with your sights and your target has been clearly established. From this position you can utilize your sights to engage the threat or if the target is close enough, you can engage the threat using a point and shoot method knowing your muzzle, fingers, thumbs, and body alignment are all facing the attacker. It is important to only shoot if a deadly force threat is present and you have a clear shot. Keep in mind your target and anything that is beyond the threat. If you are forced to use your defensive firearm, do not immediately holster again until you are certain the threat has been stopped. Do a quick side to side scan of the area and keep your eyes on the threat until you are certain it is safe to holster your firearm again.

   

   Step five of efficiently drawing your defensive firearm is rolling your shoulders forward until your eyes are in line with your sights and your target has been clearly established.

CONCLUSION

After you have stopped the threat by displaying your firearm if warranted or actually having to discharge your defensive firearm you will have to re-holster. The steps for this should be exactly the same as the steps we discussed here for an efficient draw. You should practice re-holstering your weapon in the reverse order as your draw. Go from step five to step four. From step four to step three. From step three to step two. From step two to step one and re-concealing your defensive firearm. If you practice these steps of drawing and holstering you will build "muscle memory" and the draw will become second nature. Over time, your draw will be quick, clean, and efficient and you will have increased the odds that you will survive any potential deadly force situation.

If you want to learn more about using a defensive firearm efficiently, training to earn an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL), or training to be more self-reliant in your self-protection training goals contact us at www.selfrelianceselfdefense.com.