Quick and Accurate Draw

• NCJ Number: 195008
• Journal: Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 26 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2002 Pages: 52,54,56
• Author(s): Dave Spaulding
• Date Published: February 2002
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article reviews a method of rapid draw skill in police firearm training.

Abstract

The goal of any defensive training program is to prevent a life-threatening attack against a police officer or an innocent party. Marksmanship is just one part of the gun skill equation. The ability to bring the sidearm into action is equally important. A rapid draw is an important street skill, but only if the sidearm is drawn the same way every time. Adjusting the shooting grip once the gun has left the holster will cost valuable seconds that the officer may not have. The following method achieves a consistent draw, whether it is from a duty- or concealment-style holster. It requires the use of index points to learn, but becomes very natural and reflexive with a little practice. This system has been taught to several thousand police officers and cadets with numerous gunfight survivors reporting back to praise its success. Start with gun in the shooting hand in the exact position that it should be when firing. Double-check trigger finger reach, and take note of where the middle finger is located in relationship to the juncture of the grip and the trigger guard. Push the middle finger up into the trigger guard. After a few seconds, stop pushing, remove hand from gun, and look at the middle finger. There should be a red indentation on the finger that marks the contact with the trigger guard. Take note of the location of this mark, as it will become the primary index point. The primary index point is the location that will guide the hand to a consistent shooting grip. As the “index-wrap” portion of the draw becomes more familiar, the hand will actually engage the grip all at one time in a “C clamp” action, indexing, wrapping around the grip, and sweeping the thumb break all in one motion. The secret to a fast and consistent draw is to grasp the gun and draw it the same way each and every time.