Concealed carry is not just about carrying a firearm; it's about being prepared for any situation, no matter where you find yourself.
One scenario that often gets overlooked is drawing your concealed weapon from a seated position. Whether you're at home, at work, in your vehicle, or dining at a restaurant, knowing how to draw effectively and safely in such scenarios is a crucial skill for any serious concealed carrier.
In this month's Shooter Ready Challenge, we'll delve into the art of drawing from a seated position using a laser trainer and LASR X software.
Safety First
Before we dive into the practical aspects, let's address the most critical component of concealed carry: safety. Regardless of your preferred carry position, be it appendix, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, or even cross-draw, you must avoid muzzling your own body. Muzzling or pointing your firearm at any part of your own body is a recipe for disaster. Safety should always be your top priority when drawing from a seated position.
Dry Fire Tips for Success when Drawing from a Seated Position
Appendix Carry
When drawing from an appendix carry position, the process is relatively straightforward. In a seated position, the gun is already oriented upright with your body as it exits the holster. You can easily orient it in front of you, between your legs. This minimizes the risk of muzzling any part of your body. If you need to shift your aim, simply pivot in the desired direction.
Behind-the-Hip Carry (3:00, 4:00, 5:00)
Drawing from behind the hip, especially in a seated position, requires extra attention to avoid
muzzling your leg. The temptation is to clear the holster and sweep your gun across your leg, as you might when drawing from a standing position. However, this poses a safety risk, especially if your femoral artery is in the line of fire.
To draw safely in this position, follow these steps:
Draw up while keeping the muzzle pointed away from your leg.
Get the gun above your leg, maintaining muzzle awareness.
Transition to a high-compressed ready or low-ready position.
When it's clear, you can pivot to address the target in your line of sight.
Remember that drawing from a seated position may require some compromises between safety and effectiveness, but your primary goal should always be safety.
The Shooter Ready Challenge
For this month's Shooter Ready Challenge, we recommend using the LASR X software with a standard 8.5 by 11-inch white paper target. Place your hits anywhere on the target to practice your accuracy and speed from a seated concealed carry position.
Accuracy-Focused Drills
Start by practicing your accuracy. Ensure that your draws are precise and you're hitting your target consistently. This is the foundation on which you'll build speed.
Speed-Oriented Drills
Once you're comfortable with accuracy, transition to speed-oriented drills. Practice drawing quickly and efficiently, focusing on reducing your time while maintaining safety.
Combined Speed and Accuracy
The final stage of the challenge is a combination of both accuracy and speed. This is where you find the perfect balance between hitting your target and doing so as quickly as possible.
Remember to practice from various angles and positions, including when seated in your vehicle or at a restaurant table. Real-life scenarios can vary, so adapt your techniques accordingly.
Realism in Training
One of the key advantages of using software like LASR X is its ability to replicate real-life scenarios. You can set up your training sessions in your vehicle, incorporating obstacles like steering wheels, seatbelts, and center consoles. This kind of training allows you to practice drawing from your concealed carry position under the conditions you're likely to face.
Safety should always be paramount, and ensure your firearm is unloaded and follow proper dry-fire safety protocols.
In conclusion, mastering the art of drawing from a seated concealed carry position is a critical skill for responsible gun owners. Practice your draw strokes diligently and safely using tools like LASR X, and always prioritize safety. When confronted with a threat in a seated position, you'll be prepared to respond effectively and, above all, safely.