Fastest Draw position?

cosmicdingo · May 14, 2011, 09:23 PM

Read in a mystery novel(James Lee Burke's Robicheaux, quite good), that a cross draw holster is a faster draw than a hip mounted gun.Dunno if that's true, but Burke IS an ex-cop..

Onward Allusion · May 14, 2011, 09:29 PM

Depends on where the holster is on the strong side. Crossdraw is faster than a high-mounted strong side, however, it isn't faster than a tactical mounted holster - aka low gunslinger style with a strap to thigh.

BikerRN · May 14, 2011, 09:31 PM

Appendix carry has been found to be a faster draw for most folks, and it stands to reason that cross draw in a forward position, in front of the hip, would be faster than a standard hip/behind the hip as well.

Biker

scsov509 · May 14, 2011, 09:56 PM

Depends on a lot of things, not the least of which is the holster design (ride height, cant, slide cut, etc). IMO strong side hope is by far the fastest way to get the gun in the fight, particularly when you consider you can draw and hip shoot at contact distances if needed.

moose_nukelz · May 14, 2011, 10:09 PM

Technique plays a huge part in drawing, there are parts of the draw you want to be fast and parts you want to be smooth because in the end it all makes a difference when you shoot. My department issues Blackhawk Serpa level 2 holsters and it took me about a week of practice to get up to speed with it.

Fast - getting your hand to your weapon

Smooth - index a point on the weapon and get a good grip (including operating any retention and safety devices) and get the weapon out of the holster, this take a lot of practice to build muscle memory

Fast - getting your weapon on target

Smooth - trigger squeeze

KenpoTex · May 14, 2011, 11:12 PM

The farther you get from centerline, the slower and less economical you're going to be due to the necessity of more joint-articulation. Appendix and cross-draw tend to place the gun close to the centerline, ergo, they tend to be faster than hip or behind the hip carry.

I don't consider myself, nor would I claim to be, particularly fast. However, I've been to classes and training sessions where I was carrying A-IWB under a cover shirt and was consistently getting rounds on target faster than guys using open-top strong-side hip holsters without a cover-garment.

Dre_sa · May 15, 2011, 12:29 AM

I've always thought that the fastest position to draw from would be a little higher than where your hand sits when at rest. For most, I believe this to be roughly two thirds up the thigh on the strong side, slightly to the front of the thigh.

The reason for this is that it requires the least amount of motion and changes of direction to A) get to the pistol and B) pull it out of the holster.

Positioning the pistol in the natural arc of your hand's movement I think will always speed up a presentation / draw.

Of course, any position could become lightning quick, provided the presentation is practiced enough and engrained into muscle memory.

ranburr · May 15, 2011, 12:29 AM

It depends on your build. For some strong side will be fastest, for others, it will be appendix. I would think crossdraw would be the slowest in all but possibly a seated position.

smince · May 15, 2011, 06:10 AM

Agree with BikerRN anf KenpoTex.

I've found AIWB to be the fastest (and the most concealable also) for me.

Glenn Dee · May 15, 2011, 07:31 AM

Hello Everyone.

Well once again based on my training and experience I say the fastest draw is from the loaded position.

IMO The need for a fast draw is more a function of gaming and competition.

In real or imagined self defense situations a fast draw is almost a non issue. The more realistic issue is a persons level of awareness. Once someone percieves danger or a possible threat it's then they should begin to employ their tactics. Including their draw and presentation. I'm not suggestion that anyone should wave their gun around at some percieved danger... I said BEGIN to employ their tactics... including their draw and presentation.

Covering from the loaded position is simple. You can have the person or situation covered before actual presentation. An example is having your hand on a j frame in your pocket, or having a larger firearm in your gym bag with your hand on it. The trick is to percieve the danger in time to react before it's upon you.

Anyone who thinks in terms of some high noon squair off with the bad guy is IMO fooling himself. The bad guy will most likely not give you a fair chance, and in fact will probably do everything he can to get the drop on you.
Starting from the surrender position is fine when the target is unarmed and cant shoot back or swing a bat, or slash with a knife.

Glenn D.

bds32 · May 15, 2011, 08:21 AM

Just my two cents worth after carrying on duty, off duty, concealed in various different locations.

From an untucked shirt concealed carry, I think the fastest you can do is from inside the waistband, near the center (belly). This is with a open top holster IWB. I think this is based on economy of motion. One hand has to lift the shirt while the other brings the pistol into action. By moving both hands to the centerline, I think that economy of motion is maximized. With a tucked shirt, at least one of the hands, cross draw or strong draw, has to move completely across the body.

When carrying open, I believe a strong side, mid rise OWB hip carry is your fastest. This is with no retention device such as a thumb break. The legendary fast draw peace officers like Bill Jordan and Jelly Bryce carried in this fashion. Both could draw and hit in under .4 of a second. There are others who have come after them with similar skills with the same type of set-up.

bds32 · May 15, 2011, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Anyone who thinks in terms of some high noon squair off with the bad guy is IMO fooling himself. The bad guy will most likely not give you a fair chance, and in fact will probably do everything he can to get the drop on you.

I see it from a different perspective (LEO) such as seeing a bad guy make a furtive movement. That movement is a mental trigger to get the pistol out and up. If the guy is going for his pistol, getting yours out in around 1/2 second is better than fumbling around with it. Another perspective is if someone has the drop on you but some sort of distraction to the bad guy takes place, there might be that small window of opportunity to get the pistol out. Awareness and gun at the ready are obviously ideal. But bad guys have this sneaky way of ambushing good guys. Practicing for other scenarios is a good idea and can only make you harder to kill.

robmkivseries70 · May 15, 2011, 08:53 AM

Really, it depends upon where your hand is in relation to the pistol at the time. Physiologically the holster should place the pistol at the end of your arms reach, just short of full extension. If your elbow is fully extended or hyper extended it takes more time to start the contraction (lifting) process through the elbow joint. There will be an efficient point midway between coming out of a front break clam-shell holster and lifting the pistol as high as possible before presentation as well.
Best,
Rob

Diamond LawDawg · May 15, 2011, 09:09 AM

Being in constant awareness of your surroundings,persons within a certain perimeter to yourself and the common sense (in my career as a PO, you were born with whatever common sense God gave you......you can't buy it,learn it or drink it from a can ) So, in relation to what you wear or how you carry that weapon is mute. I am ready no matter location,time or circumstances..hell..I love Hawaiian shirts(been there done that) dressed up or grubby...if your comfortable thats a plus....but stay alert and it won't come down to a Quick-draw Mcgraw senariao. Be careful and practice.

Glenn Dee · May 15, 2011, 09:23 AM

bds

I'm also looking from a Police point of view. People including bad guys make furtive movements all the time. That in itself is no excuse or reason to be drawing, and pointing your firearm. But... If he is attempting to draw a weapon an officer would have the advantage as he's already halfway through his draw if covering from the loaded position.

I dont know about Jelly Brice, but I have met Bill Jordan, and seen his fast draw technique... I saw him place a pin-pong ball on the back of his hand, and draw with the same hand and hit the ball halfway to the floor. And I'm no Bill Jordan. By the way he was wearing the holster of his design (Jordan Border Patrol Holster) and it had a retaining strap.

But I think that most would agree that Mr Jordan was unique, and something special.

I'm not preaching against practicing fast draw. I'm just adding my own perspective on the subject. As are we all. I believe that people would be better served practicing situational awareness, and perfecting all their tactics including drawing the handgun. I dont think there is any one size fit's all soloution. Everyone having their own physical, and financial limitations can only do what they are able, and what works best for them. I'm just offering a slightly different perspective for consideration.

moose_nukelz · May 15, 2011, 10:12 AM

My 2 cents from the Police side, depending on how close I am determines what I am going to do. Drawing your weapon is not always the best option. People also get compliant very quickly when my OC or baton come out. I also have spent a lot of time training in hand to hand self defense so I am fairly comfortable being up close and personal when someone doesn't want to play nice.

Mello2u · May 15, 2011, 12:07 PM

Buy a timer and experiment to find what is fastest for you.

Capt. Charlie · May 15, 2011, 12:11 PM

I've toyed with this some. When you talk about speed, the time it takes to "clear leather" isn't nearly as important as the time it takes to bring the gun on target.

With a strong side draw, most of the motion is along a vertical axis with little horizontal correction required.

Cross draw requires correction on both the vertical and the horizontal axis, making it more difficult and time-consuming to come on target. From what I've seen, a lot of folks tend to place shots opposite their strong side when using a cross draw, i.e., a right handed shooter tends to shoot left of the target.

oldkim · May 15, 2011, 12:55 PM

So folks will give their opinions...

You have to keep in mind what perspective they are talking about and why.

First, what gear (holster - style and design and material) and what firearm... we need a "known" to discuss some of the variants most people would talk about when it comes to speed. FYI I conceal carry.

Biases:
Why cross draw (from an ex LEO). Cross draw is a positive from a seated position as you have access while in a car or in a seated position. If one carries for these reason it also comes to mind that they would be more proficient in this position... hence more biased as they feel it's "faster."

Strong side (IWB or OWB) - used for conceal carry and also for IDPA/USPSA (IPSC) for safety and for speed. No cross draw or shoulder rigs or small of back configuration as the muzzle is a safety issue.

So back on topic:
What is the fastest draw configuration?

"Real World" Well, it depends on your needs (e.g. conceal carry, open carry, duty carry) and how well or secure you need to keep your firearm (retention level) or how concealed (light shirt or deep conceal carry).

"Movies and books" Well, obviously per the book it's cross draw but again that's in the movies and in a mystery book...

So pure speed is one thing... putting "lead" on target in conjunction with speed is what folks need to keep in mind.

How many of you practice drawing from your holster and actually firing? (Not dry fire) Many shooters here may be good marksman but many again have never fired on the move... see my website and see what I'm talking about...

ClayInTx · May 15, 2011, 01:39 PM

A cross draw will beat a hip draw every time. Try it yourself; without the bias to prove yourself right for the past 20 years.

Yes, a cross draw will cause one to sweep everything and everyone on his weak side, but if one needs to draw that fast then it’s not an issue.

A hogleg in a low, hip mounted holster with the bottom tied around the leg with a rawhide string and a belt full of cartridges is impressive. Act 3, Scene 4: Dudley DoRight enters, stage left.

Read up on John Wesley Hardin, who never killed a man who didn’t need it.

smince · May 15, 2011, 03:19 PM

Glenn Dee:
I'm not one to carry any kind of pocket pistol, and gym bags are out of place in many scenarios.

Quote:

The trick is to percieve the danger in time to react before it's upon you.

What happens in those less-than-ten-feet encounters? You can't keep everyone at 7yds+ all the time, and no one can stay switched on 24/7/365.

threegun · May 15, 2011, 05:47 PM

Quote:

I'm just offering a slightly different perspective for consideration.

And a very good perspective at that. Best perspective on this thread IMO.

MLeake · May 15, 2011, 06:21 PM

With regard to concerns about muzzle sweeping (and for surprisingly as yet unmentioned concerns about a BG trying to grab one's gun), one can minimize both problems by blading weak hand side toward the threat. This has the dual advantage of positioning the weak hand for a shove or parry, and reducing required lateral travel of the gun by about 90 degrees. (Helps speed, reduces sweep potential for bystanders, and also presents the grip at a much more challenging angle for a BG gun grab attempt.)

Blading can be accomplished by advancing on the weak side foot, retreating on the strong side foot, pivoting on the ball of either foot, or any combo of the above.

Glenn Dee · May 15, 2011, 08:05 PM

Smince..

I see your point. I'm not suggesting that you or anyone carry a firearm off body. In fact I dont think women should even carry one in their handbag. What I am suggesting is once you percieve a threat, you can draw, and place your gun in a gym bag, or purse, or tool bag, or outer pocket, or someplace it would be hidden from view and still give you the advantage of being first on the gun if the situation calls for it.

As far as a threat getting within 7 yards?... IMO if an armed threat is within 7 yards of you. And your not already on the gun... you may have a problem. I do understand your point. I'm from an extremely congested city, and now live in a suburban neighborhood. From time to time I work in another congested somewhat dangerous city. I get that you cant always keep a buffer zone around yourself. This is when, and why situational awareness becomes a lot more critical.

Glenn Dee · May 15, 2011, 08:17 PM

And Oh Yeah...

My radar is on 24/7. I'm always looking for the unusual, or out of place. When out in public I look everyone passing me in the eye, and notice things out of place I do sudden visual sweeps of my rear at random. I never sit in public with my back to the door. I always look for cover when ever I enter anyplace When in locations that I consider could be trouble I always look for a fighting position, and what around me could be turned into a weapon. I never drive through my neighborhood the same way twice. I always drive past my home at least once before pulling in to park.

I'm like this 24/7... My kids tease me about it. I dont even notice i'm doing it. But guess what my kids do when they are out.

I'd bet dollars to donuts that most of the forum members have the same or similar learned behaviour problems...

Glenn D.

May 14, 2011, 09:23 PM	#1
cosmicdingo Member Join Date: December 12, 2010 Posts: 64	Fastest Draw position? Read in a mystery novel(James Lee Burke's Robicheaux, quite good), that a cross draw holster is a faster draw than a hip mounted gun.Dunno if that's true, but Burke IS an ex-cop..

May 14, 2011, 09:29 PM	#2
Onward Allusion Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Back in a Non-Free State Posts: 3,133	Depends on where the holster is on the strong side. Crossdraw is faster than a high-mounted strong side, however, it isn't faster than a tactical mounted holster - aka low gunslinger style with a strap to thigh. __________________ Simple as ABC . . . Always Be Carrying

May 14, 2011, 10:09 PM	#5
moose_nukelz Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2011 Posts: 125	Technique plays a huge part in drawing, there are parts of the draw you want to be fast and parts you want to be smooth because in the end it all makes a difference when you shoot. My department issues Blackhawk Serpa level 2 holsters and it took me about a week of practice to get up to speed with it. Fast - getting your hand to your weapon Smooth - index a point on the weapon and get a good grip (including operating any retention and safety devices) and get the weapon out of the holster, this take a lot of practice to build muscle memory Fast - getting your weapon on target Smooth - trigger squeeze __________________ Bust em

May 14, 2011, 11:12 PM	#6
KenpoTex Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2009 Location: SW Missouri Posts: 215	The farther you get from centerline, the slower and less economical you're going to be due to the necessity of more joint-articulation. Appendix and cross-draw tend to place the gun close to the centerline, ergo, they tend to be faster than hip or behind the hip carry. I don't consider myself, nor would I claim to be, particularly fast. However, I've been to classes and training sessions where I was carrying A-IWB under a cover shirt and was consistently getting rounds on target faster than guys using open-top strong-side hip holsters without a cover-garment. __________________ "Either you are the weapon and your gun is a tool, or your gun is the weapon and you are a tool." Matt K.

May 15, 2011, 12:29 AM	#7
Dre_sa Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2005 Location: Left coast Posts: 610	I've always thought that the fastest position to draw from would be a little higher than where your hand sits when at rest. For most, I believe this to be roughly two thirds up the thigh on the strong side, slightly to the front of the thigh. The reason for this is that it requires the least amount of motion and changes of direction to A) get to the pistol and B) pull it out of the holster. Positioning the pistol in the natural arc of your hand's movement I think will always speed up a presentation / draw. Of course, any position could become lightning quick, provided the presentation is practiced enough and engrained into muscle memory. __________________ Imagine what I would do, if I could do all I can.

May 14, 2011, 09:31 PM	#3
BikerRN Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2007 Location: "State of Discombobulation" Posts: 1,333	Appendix carry has been found to be a faster draw for most folks, and it stands to reason that cross draw in a forward position, in front of the hip, would be faster than a standard hip/behind the hip as well. Biker

May 14, 2011, 09:56 PM	#4
scsov509 Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2006 Posts: 819	Depends on a lot of things, not the least of which is the holster design (ride height, cant, slide cut, etc). IMO strong side hope is by far the fastest way to get the gun in the fight, particularly when you consider you can draw and hip shoot at contact distances if needed.

May 15, 2011, 12:29 AM	#8
ranburr Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2006 Location: TX Posts: 1,278	It depends on your build. For some strong side will be fastest, for others, it will be appendix. I would think crossdraw would be the slowest in all but possibly a seated position. __________________ ranburr "There are no stupid questions, just stupid people asking questions".

May 15, 2011, 06:10 AM	#9
smince Junior member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Location: Northeast Alabama Posts: 2,580	Agree with BikerRN anf KenpoTex. I've found AIWB to be the fastest (and the most concealable also) for me.

May 15, 2011, 07:31 AM	#10
Glenn Dee Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,560	Hello Everyone. Well once again based on my training and experience I say the fastest draw is from the loaded position. IMO The need for a fast draw is more a function of gaming and competition. In real or imagined self defense situations a fast draw is almost a non issue. The more realistic issue is a persons level of awareness. Once someone percieves danger or a possible threat it's then they should begin to employ their tactics. Including their draw and presentation. I'm not suggestion that anyone should wave their gun around at some percieved danger... I said BEGIN to employ their tactics... including their draw and presentation. Covering from the loaded position is simple. You can have the person or situation covered before actual presentation. An example is having your hand on a j frame in your pocket, or having a larger firearm in your gym bag with your hand on it. The trick is to percieve the danger in time to react before it's upon you. Anyone who thinks in terms of some high noon squair off with the bad guy is IMO fooling himself. The bad guy will most likely not give you a fair chance, and in fact will probably do everything he can to get the drop on you. Starting from the surrender position is fine when the target is unarmed and cant shoot back or swing a bat, or slash with a knife. Glenn D.

May 15, 2011, 08:21 AM	#11
bds32 Senior Member Join Date: August 5, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 481	Just my two cents worth after carrying on duty, off duty, concealed in various different locations. From an untucked shirt concealed carry, I think the fastest you can do is from inside the waistband, near the center (belly). This is with a open top holster IWB. I think this is based on economy of motion. One hand has to lift the shirt while the other brings the pistol into action. By moving both hands to the centerline, I think that economy of motion is maximized. With a tucked shirt, at least one of the hands, cross draw or strong draw, has to move completely across the body. When carrying open, I believe a strong side, mid rise OWB hip carry is your fastest. This is with no retention device such as a thumb break. The legendary fast draw peace officers like Bill Jordan and Jelly Bryce carried in this fashion. Both could draw and hit in under .4 of a second. There are others who have come after them with similar skills with the same type of set-up.

May 15, 2011, 08:53 AM	#13
robmkivseries70 Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2005 Location: free territory Posts: 203	Really, it depends upon where your hand is in relation to the pistol at the time. Physiologically the holster should place the pistol at the end of your arms reach, just short of full extension. If your elbow is fully extended or hyper extended it takes more time to start the contraction (lifting) process through the elbow joint. There will be an efficient point midway between coming out of a front break clam-shell holster and lifting the pistol as high as possible before presentation as well. Best, Rob

May 15, 2011, 09:09 AM	#14
Diamond LawDawg Member Join Date: May 19, 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 75	AWARE Being in constant awareness of your surroundings,persons within a certain perimeter to yourself and the common sense (in my career as a PO, you were born with whatever common sense God gave you......you can't buy it,learn it or drink it from a can ) So, in relation to what you wear or how you carry that weapon is mute. I am ready no matter location,time or circumstances..hell..I love Hawaiian shirts(been there done that) dressed up or grubby...if your comfortable thats a plus....but stay alert and it won't come down to a Quick-draw Mcgraw senariao. Be careful and practice.

May 15, 2011, 09:23 AM	#15
Glenn Dee Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,560	bds I'm also looking from a Police point of view. People including bad guys make furtive movements all the time. That in itself is no excuse or reason to be drawing, and pointing your firearm. But... If he is attempting to draw a weapon an officer would have the advantage as he's already halfway through his draw if covering from the loaded position. I dont know about Jelly Brice, but I have met Bill Jordan, and seen his fast draw technique... I saw him place a pin-pong ball on the back of his hand, and draw with the same hand and hit the ball halfway to the floor. And I'm no Bill Jordan. By the way he was wearing the holster of his design (Jordan Border Patrol Holster) and it had a retaining strap. But I think that most would agree that Mr Jordan was unique, and something special. I'm not preaching against practicing fast draw. I'm just adding my own perspective on the subject. As are we all. I believe that people would be better served practicing situational awareness, and perfecting all their tactics including drawing the handgun. I dont think there is any one size fit's all soloution. Everyone having their own physical, and financial limitations can only do what they are able, and what works best for them. I'm just offering a slightly different perspective for consideration.

May 15, 2011, 10:12 AM	#16
moose_nukelz Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2011 Posts: 125	My 2 cents from the Police side, depending on how close I am determines what I am going to do. Drawing your weapon is not always the best option. People also get compliant very quickly when my OC or baton come out. I also have spent a lot of time training in hand to hand self defense so I am fairly comfortable being up close and personal when someone doesn't want to play nice. __________________ Bust em

May 15, 2011, 12:07 PM	#17
Mello2u Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2009 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,424	Buy a timer and experiment to find what is fastest for you. __________________ NRA Life Member - Orange Gunsite Member - NRA Certified Pistol Instructor "When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men living together in society, they create for themselves in the course of time a legal system that authorizes it and a moral code that justifies it." Frederic Bastiat

May 15, 2011, 12:11 PM	#18
Capt. Charlie Moderator Emeritus Join Date: March 24, 2005 Location: Steubenville, OH Posts: 4,446	I've toyed with this some. When you talk about speed, the time it takes to "clear leather" isn't nearly as important as the time it takes to bring the gun on target. With a strong side draw, most of the motion is along a vertical axis with little horizontal correction required. Cross draw requires correction on both the vertical and the horizontal axis, making it more difficult and time-consuming to come on target. From what I've seen, a lot of folks tend to place shots opposite their strong side when using a cross draw, i.e., a right handed shooter tends to shoot left of the target. __________________ TFL Members are ambassadors to the world for firearm owners. What kind of ambassador does *your* post make *you?* I train in earnest, to do the things that I pray in earnest, I'll never have to do. --Capt. Charlie

May 15, 2011, 12:55 PM	#19
oldkim Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2008 Location: Renton, WA Posts: 462	Biases and perspective... So folks will give their opinions... You have to keep in mind what perspective they are talking about and why. First, what gear (holster - style and design and material) and what firearm... we need a "known" to discuss some of the variants most people would talk about when it comes to speed. FYI I conceal carry. Biases: Why cross draw (from an ex LEO). Cross draw is a positive from a seated position as you have access while in a car or in a seated position. If one carries for these reason it also comes to mind that they would be more proficient in this position... hence more biased as they feel it's "faster." Strong side (IWB or OWB) - used for conceal carry and also for IDPA/USPSA (IPSC) for safety and for speed. No cross draw or shoulder rigs or small of back configuration as the muzzle is a safety issue. So back on topic: What is the fastest draw configuration? "Real World" Well, it depends on your needs (e.g. conceal carry, open carry, duty carry) and how well or secure you need to keep your firearm (retention level) or how concealed (light shirt or deep conceal carry). "Movies and books" Well, obviously per the book it's cross draw but again that's in the movies and in a mystery book... So pure speed is one thing... putting "lead" on target in conjunction with speed is what folks need to keep in mind. How many of you practice drawing from your holster and actually firing? (Not dry fire) Many shooters here may be good marksman but many again have never fired on the move... see my website and see what I'm talking about... __________________ "Shoot Safetly, Shoot Often and Share Your Sport." Jim Scoutten, Shooting USA Check out my new website: www.shootonthemove.org

May 15, 2011, 01:39 PM	#20
ClayInTx Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,066	A cross draw will beat a hip draw every time. Try it yourself; without the bias to prove yourself right for the past 20 years. Yes, a cross draw will cause one to sweep everything and everyone on his weak side, but if one needs to draw that fast then it’s not an issue. A hogleg in a low, hip mounted holster with the bottom tied around the leg with a rawhide string and a belt full of cartridges is impressive. Act 3, Scene 4: Dudley DoRight enters, stage left. Read up on John Wesley Hardin, who never killed a man who didn’t need it.

May 15, 2011, 06:21 PM	#23
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	With regard to concerns about muzzle sweeping (and for surprisingly as yet unmentioned concerns about a BG trying to grab one's gun), one can minimize both problems by blading weak hand side toward the threat. This has the dual advantage of positioning the weak hand for a shove or parry, and reducing required lateral travel of the gun by about 90 degrees. (Helps speed, reduces sweep potential for bystanders, and also presents the grip at a much more challenging angle for a BG gun grab attempt.) Blading can be accomplished by advancing on the weak side foot, retreating on the strong side foot, pivoting on the ball of either foot, or any combo of the above.

May 15, 2011, 08:05 PM	#24
Glenn Dee Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,560	Smince.. I see your point. I'm not suggesting that you or anyone carry a firearm off body. In fact I dont think women should even carry one in their handbag. What I am suggesting is once you percieve a threat, you can draw, and place your gun in a gym bag, or purse, or tool bag, or outer pocket, or someplace it would be hidden from view and still give you the advantage of being first on the gun if the situation calls for it. As far as a threat getting within 7 yards?... IMO if an armed threat is within 7 yards of you. And your not already on the gun... you may have a problem. I do understand your point. I'm from an extremely congested city, and now live in a suburban neighborhood. From time to time I work in another congested somewhat dangerous city. I get that you cant always keep a buffer zone around yourself. This is when, and why situational awareness becomes a lot more critical.

May 15, 2011, 08:17 PM	#25
Glenn Dee Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,560	And Oh Yeah... My radar is on 24/7. I'm always looking for the unusual, or out of place. When out in public I look everyone passing me in the eye, and notice things out of place I do sudden visual sweeps of my rear at random. I never sit in public with my back to the door. I always look for cover when ever I enter anyplace When in locations that I consider could be trouble I always look for a fighting position, and what around me could be turned into a weapon. I never drive through my neighborhood the same way twice. I always drive past my home at least once before pulling in to park. I'm like this 24/7... My kids tease me about it. I dont even notice i'm doing it. But guess what my kids do when they are out. I'd bet dollars to donuts that most of the forum members have the same or similar learned behaviour problems... Glenn D.