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Skill Set: Pistol Presentation
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By Tiger McKee
Step Two of Tiger's presentation is up out of the holster, the gun rotated toward the threat. This is also his close combat or retention firing position.
The method I teach for drawing the pistol from the holster is broken down into a four-step action, and each phase has specific reasoning behind it.
On step one the firing hand acquires a proper grip on the pistol. Any retention devices are disabled. Get a proper grip on the weapon while still in the holster to insure there won't be any need to reposition your hand after the pistol clears the holster. At the same time the support hand is 'slapped' to the center of your upper body for several reasons. First, it positions if for completing a two-handed grip on your weapon. It also preps or cocks the support hand so you can strike or push someone out of the way if necessary, plus leaving it out there where someone can grab it is never a good idea.
With step two you pull the pistol straight up out of the holster and point it at the threat. This is also your retention firing position for when the threat is too close to extend out to a firing position. The pistol is level and positioned against the side of your body; this allows the slide to operate without interference, and the weapon is chest high on you so it's chest high on the threat. The support hand is still on the center of your body, so if you fire from retention you don't shoot yourself.
On step three the pistol is pushed just enough forward so the support hand can acquire a proper grip. You don't want to push the pistol too far and be chasing it with the support hand.
Step four is where you either punch both hands straight out onto target, disengaging the safety in preparation of firing, or you present the weapon to a low-ready position, for example to issue verbal commands. If you are punching it out to fire the finger is placed onto the trigger about mid way to the target. You won't press the trigger until you have the sight picture necessary for the shot you're making, but you want to get the finger positioned on the trigger and ready.
To holster the weapon everything is the same, only processed in reverse. And, while there are definitely times to draw the weapon quickly, when holstering you should take it slow, scanning and checking the environment to make sure it's safe to holster. Pull the weapon into the center of the body, the left hand separates and is held flat on the center of the body, and the firing hand and weapon is pulled to the side of the body into the retention position. Stop, scan again, and make sure your safety is on, or your weapon is decocked, and your trigger finger is straight. After running your check find your holster with the muzzle, keeping your head and eyes up, and slip the pistol into the holster. Hold this position, which is the same as step one, and scan again. Remember, just because you decided to holster doesn't mean the fight is over, so don't get into the habit of 'speed-holstering.' It might look cool, but it doesn't make a lot of tactical sense.
What we are looking for in the presentation is clean movement without any wasted motion, which means we get the pistol into action in the shortest amount of time necessary. Practice until it's perfect.
Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in northern Alabama, author of The Book of Two Guns, a staff member of several firearms/tactical publications, and an adjunct instructor for the F.B.I. (256) 582-4777 www.shootrite.org