| from Guns & Ammo March 2007 |
Concealed Carry Basics
To ignore these actual shooting situations would be ridiculous, but I'm still not a huge fan. I have found that drawing from a shoulder holster violates the quick and simple body action needed to get a concealed handgun into the fight.
When considering how you're going to carry a concealed firearm, keep in mind that you won't always be in a standing position when it comes time to draw the gun.
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First, reaching across the body to acquire the gun can actually carry the holstered handgun around to the back, retarding the draw. Second, it is all but impossible to draw the gun to a weapon-retention position against the body without a great deal of arm motion--a motion that can also be trapped against the chest by a determined attacker. While it is true that the belt-mounted cross draw can also be subject to such a trap, the arm is lower and does not travel as far around the torso, making the draw faster and easier to accomplish.
Regardless of which holster and concealment location you select, it must be comfortable for long periods of time. It must also be accessible from every likely position that you might likely find yourself in. You will not always be in a standing position; you might be sitting or kneeling, so being able to draw from these positions is essential.
Such positions should also be part of your regular practice sessions, but don't become overly concerned with being able to shoot from, say, a motor vehicle. Knowing how to do so (both stationary and moving) and being able to get out of it while under fire are good to know, but knowing how to drive away quickly is even better.
I have conducted training scenarios in which the obvious answer to the problem is to punch the accelerator and exit the danger zone, only to have students bail out of the car and return fire from the hood. When asked why they did this, they say they learned it at a "high speed" tactical pistol school. Please trust me on this; keep your response simple and don't fall victim to "tactical stupidity."
While I'm on the subject, developing a combat mindset is more difficult than you may think. A quality combat pistol course will deal with this topic sometime during the class. If it doesn't, then you are just learning how to shoot, not fight--and there is a difference.
Once you've chosen your gear, seek quality training. There are many quality instructors across the country, and you don't have to go to a big-name school to get top-notch training. Just be sure to shop around, and if the school or course you're considering doesn't offer training in proper mindset, go elsewhere.
In the end, the mental aspect of concealed carry is much more complex than the mechanics of it. For the latter, all you really have to do is select a quality handgun that will fill your whole hand and fires the most powerful cartridge you can control. Carry it in a comfortable holster that will reasonably conceal the gun under the clothing that is common to your locale, and in most cases you'll suspend the gun and holster from a belt that is capable of holding the gun solidly in place without shifting.
The only remaining equipment considerations are to have a spare magazine or speed loader readily accessible. Also, carry a folding knife that will cut things that may endanger your life and have a light powerful enough to allow you to identify an adversary in situations where vision can be impaired.
Once you've selected these accessories, get quality training and then stay alert to what is going on around you. If trouble rears its ugly head, then be prepared to do whatever it takes to prevail. Survival is not enough.
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