TonyD
One Shot One Maggie's Drawers
Just another one of my "food for thought" items.
This topic has come up from time to time over the years so I just thought I'd put some ideas down on paper, so to speak. I've had the opportunity to come across some very single minded and stubborn folks in the shooting community ranging from the inexperienced to the ex-purts. Now, I know you can "what if" something to death and there will always be disadvantages to every tactic or technique.
The vast majority of folks that carry concealed for self defense (we are not discussing LEO here) carry on the hip, strong side, with extra mag's (if they carry them at all) on their weak side. When I inquire if that's the way they always carry they usually respond in the affirmative, and when I ask why it's usually, "cause that's the way it's done".
Most of us know, or at least realize, that in a no-shit situation Mr. Murphy tags along for a ride and nothing happens like a range session. You can expect certain things to happen, including but not limited to; going deaf, running your gun dry, fumbling and dropping at least one magazine into the only mud puddle within 3 square miles, having at least one malfunction you'll have to clear, getting injured in some manner, and finding that your target at seven yards is as hard to hit as a thumb tack at fifty meters! Just count on it and it won't be a surprise. This is where the mental preparation comes into play.
So, knowing what to expect, our mindset begins as soon as we go to strap that bad-boy on our side. Now, one problem that continues to pound this preconcieved notion into our brain-housing group is, no class, course, or competition (that I'm aware of) allows any other type carry position, and most ranges don't allow you to even draw-and-shoot from any position.
My opinion is this - the strong side traditional carry position is the least accessible position for the individual to present their weapon unless they are completely unobstructed in wide open spaces and have full use of their strong-side arm. Think about that for a moment then re-read paragraph three above. Now, try to imagine all the possible, and even likely, scenarios in which you may have to resort to deadly force in a self defense situation.
Let's take a look at one very likely and common possiblity, a car jacking. Is the image becoming clearer? How about sitting in a booth having dinner with your family at your favorite diner? Or, standing a$$hole-to-belly button in a confined space such as an elevator? What happens if you take a round in your strong side? I'm sure we've all praticed weak-side shooting (a little) but have you ever tried to draw with your weak-side? Go try it, I'll wait. Ain't gonna' happen, is it?
Now, I'm certainly not going to sit back and try to tell someone where they should, or should not, carry their firearm. My point is just to interject a little reality, from time to time, and help folks understand a bigger picture. Like anything else, there are times when one particular technique is more appropriate than another - and your carry position is no different. Ever go to a crowded public function and put your wallet in your front pocket? You changed its "carry position" dictated by the circumstances.
The Mental-Prep leg of the survival triangle includes planning. Planning requires forethought and an analysis of your agenda.
Just another thought from the "Corner of my opinion only".
Semper Fi!
This topic has come up from time to time over the years so I just thought I'd put some ideas down on paper, so to speak. I've had the opportunity to come across some very single minded and stubborn folks in the shooting community ranging from the inexperienced to the ex-purts. Now, I know you can "what if" something to death and there will always be disadvantages to every tactic or technique.
The vast majority of folks that carry concealed for self defense (we are not discussing LEO here) carry on the hip, strong side, with extra mag's (if they carry them at all) on their weak side. When I inquire if that's the way they always carry they usually respond in the affirmative, and when I ask why it's usually, "cause that's the way it's done".
Most of us know, or at least realize, that in a no-shit situation Mr. Murphy tags along for a ride and nothing happens like a range session. You can expect certain things to happen, including but not limited to; going deaf, running your gun dry, fumbling and dropping at least one magazine into the only mud puddle within 3 square miles, having at least one malfunction you'll have to clear, getting injured in some manner, and finding that your target at seven yards is as hard to hit as a thumb tack at fifty meters! Just count on it and it won't be a surprise. This is where the mental preparation comes into play.
So, knowing what to expect, our mindset begins as soon as we go to strap that bad-boy on our side. Now, one problem that continues to pound this preconcieved notion into our brain-housing group is, no class, course, or competition (that I'm aware of) allows any other type carry position, and most ranges don't allow you to even draw-and-shoot from any position.
My opinion is this - the strong side traditional carry position is the least accessible position for the individual to present their weapon unless they are completely unobstructed in wide open spaces and have full use of their strong-side arm. Think about that for a moment then re-read paragraph three above. Now, try to imagine all the possible, and even likely, scenarios in which you may have to resort to deadly force in a self defense situation.
Let's take a look at one very likely and common possiblity, a car jacking. Is the image becoming clearer? How about sitting in a booth having dinner with your family at your favorite diner? Or, standing a$$hole-to-belly button in a confined space such as an elevator? What happens if you take a round in your strong side? I'm sure we've all praticed weak-side shooting (a little) but have you ever tried to draw with your weak-side? Go try it, I'll wait. Ain't gonna' happen, is it?
Now, I'm certainly not going to sit back and try to tell someone where they should, or should not, carry their firearm. My point is just to interject a little reality, from time to time, and help folks understand a bigger picture. Like anything else, there are times when one particular technique is more appropriate than another - and your carry position is no different. Ever go to a crowded public function and put your wallet in your front pocket? You changed its "carry position" dictated by the circumstances.
The Mental-Prep leg of the survival triangle includes planning. Planning requires forethought and an analysis of your agenda.
Just another thought from the "Corner of my opinion only".
Semper Fi!
It seems more comfortable to draw from my left hip than to bring my arm back to remove it from the holster.
![[wink]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/002.gif "Wink [wink]")
