One reason for this is the next level in drawing a handgun: drawing to the target. The shooter learns to draw the gun and get it on target without fully facing the target directly WHILE moving. Unfortunately, most shooting ranges do not allow this sort of draw for safety and liability purposes. The reason to do this is to decrease the time from recognition to the shot. There are generally three stages of initiative: behind, equal and ahead. If the bad guy has the initiative, it means that a bullet will be coming in your direction in a very short time. By moving first, we're able to disrupt the bad guy's little plan for us. The movement disrupts the bad guy's aim (provides a defense against the attack) and forces the bad guy to reassess the situation. The bad guy's reaction to our action is called "Getting inside his OODA Loop". All this means is that we're acting while the bad guy is making a decision–we take advantage of that momentary pause to get out of the way and counterattack. If we're stuck with leaning forward as part of the draw, our movement options may be more limited. This doesn't mean leaning forward is bad; we just need to be flexible in our response.
Leaning forward is not needed, though being in the “ready” position can be an advantage. Relying upon a physical stance to achieve a proper grip could lead to a bad draw. What does one do when it’s not possible to lean forward for some reason? What if doing so will tell the bad guy something is about to happen? Another reason to avoid this technique is “Drawing by the numbers”. This is where there are distinct steps during the draw. This looks like: 1) clear garment and slight a pause, 2) lean forward and pause, 3) achieve grip and pause and so forth. Finally, most paddle holsters are adjustable for cant. I prefer my techniques to be as generic as possible; they should be flexible and efficient.
The shooter should learn, through repetition, what a proper grip feels like. It is not difficult to do. This should be part of weekly dry fire practice. My practice regimen includes ten draws that take at least ten seconds each. I then slowly increase speed until I am pushing my limits. Also, repeat each motion backwards to the holster very slowly (there is no need to practice quickly reholstering a gun) so you get a second repetition for each draw. If the shooter does not practice his or her draw, then there will be a tendency to incorrectly draw the handgun with speed.
Thanks for that. I’ve emailed you to ask if we can combine those comments for a separate post. Let me know. Meanwhile . . .
1. The demo did not include moving while drawing. I guess it should have, as that’s what I do whenever possible (I share your frustration that shooting ranges are not set up for that kind of action.) But I wanted to illustrate one point in profile.
2. Bending down IS moving, creating a lower and smaller target for the bad guy—as well as the better shooting stance (as described). I can’t imagine many fight scenarios where you can’t bend down.
While such scenarios may exist, and adaptability is generally a good thing, I like to train one way. I wouldn’t want to have to decide whether or not to bend down during an adrenalin dump.
3. Bending while moving (i.e. crouching) decreases horizontal movement, increasing accuracy. If you’re standing, you bounce more.
4. I understand the OODA loop (Boyd’s brilliance). One key to winning the Observing, Orienting, Deciding and Acting race is to keep your loop as simple as possible, so you can loop as quickly as possible. Hence bend and draw, rather than “should I bend and draw or not?”
In fact, let’s get into that OODA thang. Post to follow.
I would suggest that the best way to safely learn to draw quickly and from different positions would be to join and participate in International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) tournaments. Go to http://www.idpa.com.
One reason for this is the next level in drawing a handgun: drawing to the target. The shooter learns to draw the gun and get it on target without fully facing the target directly WHILE moving. Unfortunately, most shooting ranges do not allow this sort of draw for safety and liability purposes. The reason to do this is to decrease the time from recognition to the shot. There are generally three stages of initiative: behind, equal and ahead. If the bad guy has the initiative, it means that a bullet will be coming in your direction in a very short time. By moving first, we're able to disrupt the bad guy's little plan for us. The movement disrupts the bad guy's aim (provides a defense against the attack) and forces the bad guy to reassess the situation. The bad guy's reaction to our action is called "Getting inside his OODA Loop". All this means is that we're acting while the bad guy is making a decision–we take advantage of that momentary pause to get out of the way and counterattack. If we're stuck with leaning forward as part of the draw, our movement options may be more limited. This doesn't mean leaning forward is bad; we just need to be flexible in our response.
Leaning forward is not needed, though being in the “ready” position can be an advantage. Relying upon a physical stance to achieve a proper grip could lead to a bad draw. What does one do when it’s not possible to lean forward for some reason? What if doing so will tell the bad guy something is about to happen? Another reason to avoid this technique is “Drawing by the numbers”. This is where there are distinct steps during the draw. This looks like: 1) clear garment and slight a pause, 2) lean forward and pause, 3) achieve grip and pause and so forth. Finally, most paddle holsters are adjustable for cant. I prefer my techniques to be as generic as possible; they should be flexible and efficient.
The shooter should learn, through repetition, what a proper grip feels like. It is not difficult to do. This should be part of weekly dry fire practice. My practice regimen includes ten draws that take at least ten seconds each. I then slowly increase speed until I am pushing my limits. Also, repeat each motion backwards to the holster very slowly (there is no need to practice quickly reholstering a gun) so you get a second repetition for each draw. If the shooter does not practice his or her draw, then there will be a tendency to incorrectly draw the handgun with speed.
Thanks for that. I’ve emailed you to ask if we can combine those comments for a separate post. Let me know. Meanwhile . . .
1. The demo did not include moving while drawing. I guess it should have, as that’s what I do whenever possible (I share your frustration that shooting ranges are not set up for that kind of action.) But I wanted to illustrate one point in profile.
2. Bending down IS moving, creating a lower and smaller target for the bad guy—as well as the better shooting stance (as described). I can’t imagine many fight scenarios where you can’t bend down.
While such scenarios may exist, and adaptability is generally a good thing, I like to train one way. I wouldn’t want to have to decide whether or not to bend down during an adrenalin dump.
3. Bending while moving (i.e. crouching) decreases horizontal movement, increasing accuracy. If you’re standing, you bounce more.
4. I understand the OODA loop (Boyd’s brilliance). One key to winning the Observing, Orienting, Deciding and Acting race is to keep your loop as simple as possible, so you can loop as quickly as possible. Hence bend and draw, rather than “should I bend and draw or not?”
In fact, let’s get into that OODA thang. Post to follow.
I would suggest that the best way to safely learn to draw quickly and from different positions would be to join and participate in International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) tournaments. Go to http://www.idpa.com.
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