What is the most important shooting skill for a concealed carry? Some say it’s your grip, others say it’s watching your front sight, then again maybe it’s trigger press. I contend that all of these skills are important to practice and hone to a fine edge. However, in a life or death event, there is one skill that can negate all of these if you get it wrong.
The draw stroke
It doesn’t matter how accurate you are, or how smooth your trigger pull is if your weapon is tangled up in your cover garment when you need it the most. Add to this that your draw will need to be accomplished under stress when fine motor skills are at there worst. The need for muscle memory through repeated practice of an efficient repeatable technique becomes apparent.
Many shooters will practice their draw stroke when they purchase a new holster but it soon falls out of their serious training routine. This has never made sense to me. The draw stroke is critical when you need it and among the easiest skill to practice, you don’t even need to go to the range. The draw can be practiced with an empty gun, a rubber training gun or even airsoft. As always safety is of the utmost importance while training. If training with a real gun check and recheck that both the magazine and chamber are empty.
The four steps in the draw stroke
Step one is really two motions at once. The weak hand should aggressively lift the cover garment. This hand should lift the cover garment to about the level of the sternum. Simultaneously the strong hand should get a firing grip on the gun while in the holster. This means that you should not have to reposition the strong hand after the draw. This will prevent fumbling the weapon.
If your cover garment is a jacket, open shirt or vest the strong hand will be used to sweep the garment clear while grasping the pistol. The weak hand should still be raised to the chest in preparation for the two-handed grip.
Step two The strong hand lifts the gun straight up keeping it close to the body. Using your thumb as an index point it should be near your pectoral muscle. Your index finger should be outside of the trigger guard. The weak hand can now release the cover garment.
Step three with the weapon oriented downrange bring both hands together in a two-handed grip close to the chest and under the dominant eye.
Step four press out to full arm extension while tracking the front sight for proper sight picture. Bring the index finger to the trigger during this extension preparing to fire.
Returning the gun to the holster is the same motion in reverse with a couple of extra precautions. First visually check that your index finger is off of the trigger and alongside the frame. Failing to do this may cause a negligent discharge. Next, look your pistol back into the holster. If you carry in the appendix position slightly thrust your hips forward to allow reholstering without sweeping your lower body with the weapon. Always re-holster slowly there is no reason for speed here.
These steps will work for any carry position around the waist with the exception of small of the back. I personally don’t recommend small of the back carry position as it can be uncomfortable when seated and it is impossible to see your holster while re-holstering.
I make my draw part of my weekly training performing 5-10 reps. The first two are done slowly paying close attention to my mechanics. Then I speed it up for the rest of my session. I also sometimes practice drawing while seated or kneeling as you may not always be standing when you need to draw.
It is a good idea to practice in the type of clothing you would normally wear while carrying and with the gun and holster, you intend to use.
A lesson with a competent instructor can help you quickly identify any problems with your technique and is generally money well spent. Most shooting ranges can suggest local instructors.
Practice and training with firearms have inherent dangers and it is up to you to be certain that you handle all firearms in a safe manner and in an appropriate location.
One final thought: Maybe I should have titled this article the 2nd most important skill because truly the most important skill is de-escalation. It is important to remember that the only fight that you are guaranteed to win is the one that you don’t get into.
Suggested reading
Defensive Shooting fundamentals by Rob Pincus
Fighting Smarter by Tom Givens
Related Questions
What to look for in a holster. First, the holster must fit your gun many molded holsters are designed for a specific make and model. The holster must completely cover the trigger and make it impossible to get your finger or any other object between the holster and the trigger. It should also have some form of retention I.E. a strap that snaps over the pistol or in the case of a molded holster a snap-fit retention feature. Whether it is worn inside the waistband or outside it should have a secure attachment to the wearer’s belt.
What about soft pocket holsters? I am not a big fan of pocket holsters they may be better than just carrying a naked gun in a pocket but not much. For more information check out my article Are Pocket Holsters Safe?
Do I need a gun belt? Most belts designed for everyday wear are not stiff enough to support the weight of a holster and firearm without sagging. There are belts available that blend with normal street and business wear but are up to the task of supporting your concealed carry.
How should I carry an extra magazine? There are mag holders available for both inside the waistband and outside on the belt. These are not only a convenient way to carry extra ammo but also make it really handy.