Practicing your draw

[getlost4x4]

So this is something i have been thinking about lately.

I have two holsters for my bersa 45 ultra carry. I have a shoulder holster set-up and a crossbreed holster as well.

I like both holsters. but since i am not very flexible, my chest is pretty wide, and its a hard reach across for the shoulder holster. The shoulder holster is much more comfortable when i'm driving and sitting. The IWB is okay, but very hard to draw when i'm sitting in my car. And the weight of the gun pulls my pants down all the time. It gets a little annoying. So i like to carry both ways,

I wonder which is best. Is it best to be smooth, or is it better to be really fast?

I know i need to practice more, i'll admit that. I guess it would mostly depend on the situation, on whether I would need to pull my weapon quickly.

what are your thoughts?

[FlashBack]

From what I've been taught... smooth IS fast.

[Flashlight22]

Stand in front of a mirror with the holsters and practice with carry weapon (unloaded or with snap caps of course). Its all about muscle memory

[Iam2Taz]

From what I've been taught... smooth IS fast.

This!

Beyond this... There are a few folks using suspenders to help with the pant problem. Do you have a good belt? You really need to make sure of this first. Both the shoulder rig and the CB - ST have their place. I wish I had one for those times I am traveling.
Good luck!

[Wyldekard]

I don't believe that there is any single holster, bullet, or weapon that is perfect for every situation that one may encounter. I carry my 92FS in a Galco Miami Classic or a Blackhawk Serpa. I carry my XDm Compact 3.8in a Galco Fletch and I'm in the process of selecting a shoulder rig for it. I also have a mouse gun .25that I carry in my pocket in a Blackhawk pocket holster when I feel I might need a backup. Unfortunately, self protection isn't cheap.

What I do is try to equip myself based on what my plans are for the majority of what I'll be doing that day or that trip. If I'll be driving most of the time, I carry my 92 in the Miami Classic because of comfort and draw speed. The XDm in the Fletch is real comfortable to drive with but the seat belt covers it and I'd be dead before I could draw it, thus the need of a shoulder rig for it. So for now, the XDm is for when I'll be out of the vehicle for the majority of the time.

When I have a shoulder rig for the XDm, then how I will dress that day will also be a major consideration as to which weapon and equipment I'll wear.

Like I said, no one setup can possibly cover 100% of the possibilities, so you got to go with your best guess for the majority of the time.

Don't skimp on practice. I have a target on the wall and I spend a lot of time with all my equipment practicing with snap caps. I don't think it's a waste or boring. If it might save your life or the life of someone you care about some day, how can you not do it?

[dgreen]

i agree with Wyldekard. there is no one holster that is perfect for every situation you will encounter on a daily basis. i try to think ahead of what i will be doing that day and carry what will fit best. its good to have some options.

[getlost4x4]

I don't think I'd be caught dead with suspenders.

I should get a better belt for it though. My belt is 2" wide but some what flimsy

[Wyldekard]

I don't think I'd be caught dead with suspenders.

I should get a better belt for it though. My belt is 2" wide but some what flimsy

Hey getlost4x4, I ordered a Blackhawk Instructor's Gun Belt that arrived yesterday. I put it on with an OWB and my XDm and took my Akita for a 1/2 mile walk and then spent the rest of the day doing what I needed to do. The belt kept my pants and my weapon exactly where I put them. That is something no other belt has ever done. Especially since I was born with a birth defect. I have no butt to speak off!

[-06]

Have a bud who is going to make me a heavy belt. Am only 32" in the waist so he said he had some scraps that would work and save money--love that part. He makes beautiful heavy duty belts. PM if interested and will put you two together.

[Treo]

Pratice drawing the gun right, speed will come