Alright, so you've got your everyday carry, your concealed carry license, and your trusty holster. But here's the question: do you have a technique for drawing from concealment? And if you do, have you practiced it enough times to make it second nature? We'd even go as far as to suggest that once you've mastered your technique, you keep practicing your draw regularly. Just like any other skill, self-protection abilities can fade over time, and you want to make sure you're ready to defend yourself and your loved ones if things ever hit the fan. We have over 25 years of professional experience in law enforcement and military training, and we’ve learned from seasoned professionals how to draw from concealment. We’re giving you an inside waistband drawing technique that we’ve found is most efficient. Keep in mind, this isn’t the way to draw but it is a way.
Your Holster and Carrying Positions
Make sure your holster is not only comfortable, but also securely and safely holds your firearm. If you need more information about what to look for in an inside waistband holster, click here. I like my Kydex holster with a claw feature and back strap to keep my firearm secure. When it comes to where you stash your piece, you’ve gotta figure out what's most comfortable for you that would also allow you to get to it fastest. Personally, I'm all about the 12 o'clock position because it feels comfortable and easy to reach. But hey, everyone's got their preference. Make sure you know yours.
Best Clothing for Concealed Carry
Some garments are more effective than others to conceal your firearm. We find that shirts or jackets with darker colors and patterns are better at concealing any printing or outlines of your weapon. Loose fitting clothing also helps to minimize any bulges or outlines that might give away your concealed firearm. The goal is to blend in and not draw attention to yourself or your weapon. So, opt for clothing that allows you to move freely while keeping your firearm completely concealed.
Situational Awareness
You must keep your head on a swivel and be locked in to know if what your (IDing) identifying is a threat that warrants you drawing your firearm. You certainly don’t want to pull your gun out on someone who just has a phone in their hands because in that case, better have the best lawyer around. It should be abundantly clear that you have a situation where drawing your weapon is justified.
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Drawing Your Firearm
Once you’ve identified that you have a major threat and you need to draw your weapons system, you want to make sure you are in a solid stance which is the same stance you need to draw your weapon. Then you’ll want to grab a piece of your garment and clear it up and against your chest with your non-dominant hand. Be sure to check out the video above to see why we do this. With that garment out of the way, you sink a solid grip on your firearm. Next, you bring your weapon system up by your non-dominant hand and drop your garment. You’ll then build your grip and punch your weapon system out and aimed at your target with your finger on the trigger. Execute the shot when you must and look around to make sure there are no more threats. Then and only then, you can visually clear your garment to slowly and reluctantly sink that weapon system back into the holster. Check out this video If you need more info on stance and master grip, which is part of what we call “The Big 6”.
Hank Hayes showing course participants how to clear the garment while sinking a solid grip on the firearm.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering your drawing from concealment is a must for anyone carrying a firearm for self-defense. Regular practice and refinement of your draw ensure that you’re prepared to react swiftly and effectively in any situation. Remember, self-protection skills are perishable, so keep honing your abilities to stay sharp.
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About The Author
Hank Hayes is a Combat Arts Hall of Famer and inventor of the No Lie Blade. He is the founder and CEO of both Intuitive Self Protection and NLB Tactical and creator of the ISP/NLB viscous fighting system. Since 1998, he has trained well over 30,000 Military and Law Enforcement personnel via Government contract mainly at the elite special teams level and continues to train both civilians and MIL/LE how to come home safe.
