If you’ve been following this series on obtaining a concealed carry license (CCL), you’ve already read about Elizabeth Buerling’s background in part 1 and about her lessons on grip, trigger press and sight picture in part 2. In this 3rd part of the series, Elizabeth learns the importance of proper gear for training and how to draw a pistol from a holster.
Gear Up is sponsored by Springfield Armory
Before even considering what type of holster to use for carrying concealed, a new shooter needs to have practice on the range. In the first part of this series, I mentioned that although Elizabeth plans on using the Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2 in 9mm for carrying concealed, she will be shooting the XD Mod.2 – 4-inch in 9mm while she is learning on the range. A full-size, high-capacity gun is much easier to train with for long days at the range.
When first learning to draw from a holster and for high repetition training classes, I strongly recommend using an outside-the-waistband (OWB) Kydex holster. It enables you to return the gun to its holster easily and securely.
A belt used with a holster must be sturdy. It should fit tightly against your body and keep your holster from sagging or coming up along with the gun as you draw. Be cautious of standard leather and dress belts, as they tend to wear, stretch and crack. You may find yourself fumbling on the draw and while re-holstering if the belt isn’t sturdy. Pairing a sturdy belt with an OWB holster allows you to keep your mind on the lesson and not stress about drawing or returning the gun to the holster.
Also for training purposes, Elizabeth is using a magazine carrier to store her extra magazine. I recommend open-top carriers, since they are faster to manipulate. Using a magazine carrier not only makes reloading easier on the range (she always knows where her extra magazine is), but also it helps her get repetitions in, should she decide to compete in a new shooting discipline.
Drawing a pistol from a holster and drawing from concealment are 2 very different skills. Since Elizabeth is just learning how to use her holster, we are only going to concentrate on that type of draw. Our main goal when we teach holster draw at Cerino Consulting and Training Group is to get the gun into your plane of vision as quickly as possible while obtaining the sights.
Shoot your elbow back and obtain a master grip, high in the backstrap with your trigger finger straight and alongside the frame. Pluck the gun straight up, out of the holster, while rotating the muzzle down range.
With the muzzle oriented down range, bring the gun up to meet your support hand, somewhere near chest level.
Press the gun out toward the target while bringing the sights into your line of vision and completing a 2-handed grip.
Repeat the process to return the gun to the holster, almost like the gun is on a rail. If necessary, look your gun unto the holster.
With a confirmed empty gun and no ammunition in the room, Elizabeth practiced manipulating her gear and drawing the gun numerous times. She started working very slow and practiced getting smooth with the draw. Lining up the sights and pressing the trigger were added once she felt comfortable with the movement and didn’t fumble.
Learning to manipulate your gear is an extremely important part of firearms training. Dry practicing at home is the perfect way to learn the movements in a safe environment without recoil or the loud noise of the range.
Speaking of the range … that’s where we will be headed next time.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
