With the Texas Shooting at the church last week. I had to re evaluate the way I carry my pistol when doing church security. The man that stood up to draw his pistol lost his life BECAUSE he was reaching for his pistol from behind his back and was struggling to get it out. It took him 3 FULL seconds to draw before he got killed. IF he had his pistol on his side and his shirt tucked in, I believe things would be different. This is a humbling lesson that someone payed with there life and a lesson we can all learn from. So how do you carry?
Sidearms & Scatterguns How do you carry your pistol?
- Thread starter culater
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I carry a P238 in a sticky holster in my front pocket.
I've tried appendix carry, and it just isn't comfortable for me.
Also tried a left handed holster tucked in my back, and for a full size 1911, it just doesn't work. Might work better with a smaller pistol.
I've tried appendix carry, and it just isn't comfortable for me.
Also tried a left handed holster tucked in my back, and for a full size 1911, it just doesn't work. Might work better with a smaller pistol.
Warm Weather - Kahr K9 or CM9 in a WhiteHat Holsters MaxTuck IWB at 3:00-4:00, and a WHH spare mag carrier with one spare 8rd mag.
Cold Weather - SA XD40 in a Barber Leather Works OWB at 3:00. Depending on where I’m going, I’ll toss on one or two JM Custom Kydex OWB mag carriers. Always wear a Carhartt hoodie in the fall/winter anyways...
Cold Weather - SA XD40 in a Barber Leather Works OWB at 3:00. Depending on where I’m going, I’ll toss on one or two JM Custom Kydex OWB mag carriers. Always wear a Carhartt hoodie in the fall/winter anyways...
If EVER there was a time to downsize to a snubbie .38spl or a pocket .380, THIS is it.
You never want to sacrifice "penetration" or sight radius when the shot matters..........
I carry appendix also. For me it is the fastest way to draw and the easiest to conceal. I carry a g19 with an rmr and can easily conceal it.
Carrying like this is a very holster depended though. Take a look at Keepers concealment. They cost an arm and a leg but are one of the best designs out there. A good holster is extremely important for appendix carry.
Carrying like this is a very holster depended though. Take a look at Keepers concealment. They cost an arm and a leg but are one of the best designs out there. A good holster is extremely important for appendix carry.
I open carry a Lobo enhanced avenger style holster with a light jacket covering it. Can draw in less than a second.
Practice drawing no matter how you carry!!!!
Practice drawing no matter how you carry!!!!
if i was def going to be wearing a (suit) jacket, i would carry owb 3-4:30 no questions.
if i can wear a loose sweatshirt or t-shirt, then it's aiwb at 12-1:30. plan b is iwb 4-4:30.
but yeah def practice drawing from whatever position/method you choose.
if i can wear a loose sweatshirt or t-shirt, then it's aiwb at 12-1:30. plan b is iwb 4-4:30.
but yeah def practice drawing from whatever position/method you choose.
Appendix. I started training/carrying this way over 5 years ago and I'll never go back to carrying on my hip or anywhere else. It truly is the fastest means to draw, easiest to fully conceal with little to no printing, and it keeps your hands in front of you and body squared up with the situation you have to deal with.
Shoulder holster here. IMO they have accessibility benefits when sitting or wearing wet/cold weather clothing. To me they are the most comfortable by far and print less.
I hadn't been able to find a shoulder rig for my P365 or P320 X-Carry w/ Romeo optic from the traditional sources, the church shooting prompted me to do another search.
I went to Falco Holsters and was pleasantly surprised at their options and apparent leather quality. I ordered a rig with dual mag counter balance, once received and inspected I'll most likely order one for the X-Carry as they are the only shoulder holster manufacturer I've found that accommodates optics.
I hadn't been able to find a shoulder rig for my P365 or P320 X-Carry w/ Romeo optic from the traditional sources, the church shooting prompted me to do another search.
I went to Falco Holsters and was pleasantly surprised at their options and apparent leather quality. I ordered a rig with dual mag counter balance, once received and inspected I'll most likely order one for the X-Carry as they are the only shoulder holster manufacturer I've found that accommodates optics.
The problem isn't how or where most people carry. The problem is that almost no one who carries gets any training nor practices on what they were trained.
I have never seen anyone, besides me, draw from the holster (let alone from concealment) at the small private range I belong to.
It's gotten to the point that I assume everyone who owns a handgun is totally incompetent unless I know you are a current, active competitor in USPSA or IDPA or I have actually seen you draw, shoot, and reload.
I have never seen anyone, besides me, draw from the holster (let alone from concealment) at the small private range I belong to.
It's gotten to the point that I assume everyone who owns a handgun is totally incompetent unless I know you are a current, active competitor in USPSA or IDPA or I have actually seen you draw, shoot, and reload.
A draw, for the purpose of timing, ends with one shot on target.
If you mean actually drawing and placing a shot into the vitals of a person at 3 - 5 yards in less than a second, I'll need to see video with a shot timer.
If you mean just barely clearing leather, that doesn't count.
For me the only way I can carry is front pocket. Due to my dress style, work environment, shape of my body, I 've never found any other way that seems to work as well for me.
Agreed.
Sadly many ranges do not allow or frown on people practicing live fire drawing drills. I understand the reasons, but new paradigms need to be accommodated via facility modifications and specific training programs.
Performing dry fire practice drill sessions at home with a shot timer are better than nothing.
4 o’clock
Yes, 1 second to clear leather.
About 3 seconds to place a shot accurately. I'm not Jerry Miculek, whom I watched yesterday drawing and 2 shots on target in less than 2 seconds.
I carry at 3:30, work a modified El Pres a couple times a month from 7 to 15 yards. I have same view as @308pirate of most CC folks.
Then you have a 3 second draw, but at what distance? That's also what defines the draw.
A 3 second draw at a 30 yard target is pretty sporty. At a 10 yard target, there's room for improvement.
Dry fire is FAR more important than most shooters think. Dry fire is used by all top level IDPA and USPSA competitors to get the mechanics of their pistol manipulations running as well as they do.
The best practice regimen consists of dry fire against ever decreasing pars, followed by live fire of the same exact drills to confirm the dry fire training, then more dry fire to address any problems found in live fire.
That's how this guy became 8-time USPSA Production national champion and how he can pull off a sub 4 second El Presidente or FAST drill
He's also published several dry and live fire practice books showing you how to take your skills as far as you want to go.
His book is excellent. I’m still trying to get consistent sub-5 second FAST times but I can consistently and comfortably shoot in the 5.5-5.7 range, when i see him shoot in sub-4 it amazes me.
I haven’t been able to get to the range much and have really focused on dry fire. I got a SIRT pistol combined with lasr app and a 10 yard dry fire “range” setup in my basement ?
I did a preliminary/ self diagnosis with 3 different courses of fire, the day before starting a dry fire regiment with the sirt pistol/ lasr, and bens book. Interested to see the results, especially combining all of it with the above book by Ben stoeger
I did a preliminary/ self diagnosis with 3 different courses of fire, the day before starting a dry fire regiment with the sirt pistol/ lasr, and bens book. Interested to see the results, especially combining all of it with the above book by Ben stoeger
This is a buddy of mine, we just shot the local USPSA match today.
ETA: His fastest time is at 4:30 in the linked video. Appendix, timer to hit, 0.88 seconds.
I carry IWB appendix, and practice with timer and laser insert.
I am improving slowly.
My main item of practice is lifting my untucked shirt and drawing cleanly with no fouling from shirt.
Practicing with heavy coat is also good.
NOT QUICK ENOUGH YET.
I am improving slowly.
My main item of practice is lifting my untucked shirt and drawing cleanly with no fouling from shirt.
Practicing with heavy coat is also good.
NOT QUICK ENOUGH YET.
I watched the uncut video of the entire Texas church shooting. The thing that struck me was that the gentleman who was killed didn't appear to comprehend what was happening until it was far too late for him to do anything. The killer already had his shotgun up and pointed when the gentleman started to get up off the pew, let alone start to draw. At that point, it wouldn't have mattered if he had his weapon in his hand. The killer had him covered already. It was just far, far too late.
In no way do I pretend to be an expert in armed confrontation. I practice, but not enough. The one time I used a handgun to thwart an assault (no shots fired), I could see the situation developing and was ready. But situational awareness, to me, remains at the top of the priority list when it comes to preparation. As I told my wife: if I see a guy enter a crowded place covered head to toe and acting weird, we're either outta there or I have my hand on my weapon. If SHTF, I HOPE I'm not gonna be sitting with my hand up on the back of the pew or couch or whatever watching in disbelief. In training scenarios. I KNOW I'm prone to tunnel vision; it's gotten me "dead" from only watching the obvious.
In no way do I pretend to be an expert in armed confrontation. I practice, but not enough. The one time I used a handgun to thwart an assault (no shots fired), I could see the situation developing and was ready. But situational awareness, to me, remains at the top of the priority list when it comes to preparation. As I told my wife: if I see a guy enter a crowded place covered head to toe and acting weird, we're either outta there or I have my hand on my weapon. If SHTF, I HOPE I'm not gonna be sitting with my hand up on the back of the pew or couch or whatever watching in disbelief. In training scenarios. I KNOW I'm prone to tunnel vision; it's gotten me "dead" from only watching the obvious.
John Ralston at 5 Shot Leather I know he has an STI mold but it might be a 5”. Tony Mayer at JM Custom Kydex has also made me a bunch of holsters and they are excellent as well. That is his high rise mag carrier.
- Nov 3, 2010
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Bianchi 101 on the right hip and Beretta Jetfire for most days
Just grabbed a Tier 1 Axis Slim with a wedge set myself.
As noted by others, for a situation such as the church shooting, quick draw isn’t the key to survival. Situational awareness, preparation and using your brain rather than freezing or panicking. The weapon between your ears needs to be used more than any other.
I carry iwb @ 4:00 or ankle, depending on clothing/ setting.
Appendix carry sounds good but I just can’t feel at ease with a loaded pistol pointing at the boys...
I carry iwb @ 4:00 or ankle, depending on clothing/ setting.
Appendix carry sounds good but I just can’t feel at ease with a loaded pistol pointing at the boys...
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Summer: 4
Winter: this is what I like. My build causes printing issues without the proper clothing. If I have a coat on, I have one in each pocket.
E
Winter: this is what I like. My build causes printing issues without the proper clothing. If I have a coat on, I have one in each pocket.
E
In an original model M-tac at approximately 4:30
I tried the other positions, but I'm short and lean and I printed like a tumor everywhere except appendix, so that's how I roll. Besides, I actually find it a bit faster on target than strong side hip, all things being equal.
I can’t find it on google, anyway you can pm me the link to the video?
IWB at 4-4:30. As already mentioned, the way you carry is less important than your practice and efficiency with it. Do what works for you as long as you are confident and fast enough to react appropriately.
Personally I won’t appendix carry because I’m not going to end up on the “I shot my nuts off” thread. I know it’s popular, I did it for a short time but decided I’m not ok with my weapon pointing at me when I’m sitting down.
Personally I won’t appendix carry because I’m not going to end up on the “I shot my nuts off” thread. I know it’s popular, I did it for a short time but decided I’m not ok with my weapon pointing at me when I’m sitting down.
Agreed. And on the second point, I have to point out that I don’t endorse appendix position for most people.
Personally, I would NEVER carry a handgun that lacks an external safety (such as a Glock) in this position. I’m confident that the redundant safeties of a 1911 (external thumb & grip safeties) plus a holster that gives 100% trigger guard and thumb safety coverage will prevent an accidental discharge. Can’t speak to the safety of other platforms. Even then, this position presents an inherent danger to the shooter when drawing to shoot. If you get ahead of yourself and disarm the thumb safety and put your finger on the trigger too early in the draw stroke, you could have a bad day.
Finally bought KC holsters for my M&P and Kahr CW9. Definitely a solid design, with very good retention.
Appendix is also easier to "fight" from - if you have to grapple, etc, before a safe opportunity arises to draw, it's going to be easier to draw from appendix (at least, based on the combatives experience I have, which is not massively extensive, but has been very educational)
I have been using a remora holster at 4:00, very comfortable
I carry aiwb, all the time, dress and activity dictates weapon choice (sig p365, rmr'd g19/aplc, czp10c/tlr1hl, rmr'd fnx45t/tlr1hl)
I can confidently draw and have a round on a 10" plate at 30 yards in right around 2 seconds, closer I'm getting down towards 1 sec. Dry fire every day and shoot at least every other weekend for a few hours.
I can confidently draw and have a round on a 10" plate at 30 yards in right around 2 seconds, closer I'm getting down towards 1 sec. Dry fire every day and shoot at least every other weekend for a few hours.
Blackhawk SERPA cross draw... tilted forward for right hand draw
Got my Enhanced CHCL today so I picked up this STI Stacatto-C (single stack 9mm) and it came with a Long's Shadow Holster Quandary IWB. Easy to hide and super comfotable! Don't know if the fluffy helps or hurts but it is what it is! 
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WTF is that?
BTW, the weather positively sucked today (cold, pouring rain and 30 mph winds) so I went to an indoor handgun range.
It only reinforced my opinion of how badly the average American gun owner SUCKS. The skills I saw on display today were just fucking laughable.
Arkansas implemented an Enhanced CHCL and it has some different qualifying requirements and an extra 8 hours of class room time. It lets you carry in state buildings, on college campuses (no sporting events), in bars, and other "sensitive" locations. A holder can even carry in airports right up to the TSA check point...
And I agree! During the course we waited for the folks qualifying for basic CHCLs and it was terrifying!!! The plus side was our instructor brought his supressed B&T 9mm rifle. It had the Franklin trigger that fires once when you pull it and once when you release it! Super fun to shoot once you got a good rhythm down!
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