How Fast is Too Slow?
The Importance of Draw Time and How to Improve It.
As holistic and dynamic protectors, we should be committed to continuous progress, ensuring our skills align with the capabilities required to achieve the most desirable outcome when facing violence or tragedy. Training hard, running various drills, and learning new techniques are essential parts of this readiness. You might set your target at 7 yards, step up to the firing line, and send 5 quick rounds into a 4-inch group, feeling proud of your achievement. However, the ability to shoot fast in a tight group should not give you a false sense of security.
The Critical Importance of Draw Time
One critical factor to consider is how quickly you can access your firearm. Your firearm doesn’t do much good if you can’t get to it before an attacker reaches you. Studies show that most self-defense incidents occur within 3-5 seconds, at a range of 3-5 yards, with the defender typically firing 3-5 rounds. Furthermore, the average attacker can cover a distance of 7 yards in less than 2 seconds. This stark reality underscores the necessity of improving your draw time to ensure you can respond effectively in a self-defense situation.
Evaluating Your Draw Speed
Think about how long it takes you to draw your firearm from a concealed position. Many people find their draw time is around 2 seconds or more, depending on their carry position. This is a standard time for the average CPL holder. Given that an attacker can cover 7 yards at the same rate you can draw and execute an effective firing sequence, you are at a significant disadvantage if an attacker is closer than 7 yards. For instance, imagine attending a parade with your family. An attacker with a knife steps out from cover and closes in on you. By the time you recognize the threat, your attacker is 15 feet away and closing fast. While he may have brought a knife to a gunfight, your gun is still 2 seconds away from being effective, and his knife is 1 second from impact.
The harsh reality is that most people who carry a firearm are not fast enough on the draw or accurate enough to stop a threat that is already closing the distance. This situation raises the critical question: how do we handle a threat closer than our reactive time allows? Obviously, we can’t draw down on everyone within a 7-yard perimeter, and practicing situational awareness can only take us so far.
Improving Your Draw Time
Improving your draw time is essential for effective self-defense. This involves perfect, slow, and methodical training combined with self-awareness. Here’s a detailed plan to improve your draw time, based on my training experiences.
Draw Time Drills
Drill 1: Dry Fire-Extend, Touch, Press from High Compressed Ready
Objective: Maintain kinesthetic alignment and practice consistency.
Pace: Slow
Present the firearm to your target from the high compressed ready position.
Acquire a front-sight-focus sight picture and make contact with the trigger.
Slowly press the trigger to its break point with strict control.
Slowly release the trigger until its reset point.
Collapse posture back into the high compressed ready position.
Drill 2: Dry Fire-Extend, Touch, Press from High Retention Position
Objective: Maintain kinesthetic alignment and practice consistency.
Pace: Slow
The retention stance involves keeping the firearm close to the body with the dominant side elbow tucked behind the shooter.
Present the firearm to your target from the high retention position. As you present, marry your non-dominant hand with the firearm to bring you into a high compressed ready position.
Acquire a front-sight-focus sight picture and make contact with the trigger.
Slowly press the trigger to its break point with strict control.
Slowly release the trigger until its reset point.
Collapse posture back into the high compressed ready position.
Return the firearm to the high retention position.
Drill 3: Dry-Fire Draw from Concealment
Objective: Maintain kinesthetic alignment and practice consistency.
Pace: Slow
From a concealed position (I recommend the appendix carry position), clear your garment, ensuring the fingertips of your non-dominant hand are facing the ground.
Completely clear your garment by pulling straight up and bringing your non-dominant hand to your chin.
As your non-dominant hand clears the garment, achieve a strong grip on the firearm with your dominant hand and bring it into the high retention position.
Complete steps from Drill 2.
Clear the garment again as detailed above.
Lean your body backward slightly to ensure access to the holster and minimize muzzle exposure.
SLOWLY and SAFELY return the firearm to the holster.
Drill 4: Live Fire
Objective: Complete drills 1 through 3 using a shot timer and live ammunition.
Pace: Slow, progressing to fast depending on target feedback and shooter limitations.
Ensure you write down your shot timer results and note areas for improvement.
The Psychology of Drawing Under Stress
Understanding the psychological aspects of drawing under stress is crucial for effective self-defense. In high-stress situations, your body's fight-or-flight response can significantly impact your performance. Adrenaline surges through your body, your heart rate increases, and your fine motor skills can deteriorate. Training under realistic conditions can help mitigate these effects. Simulating stress during practice sessions by using shot timers, incorporating physical exertion, or practicing in varied environments can improve your ability to draw quickly and effectively under pressure.
The Role of Equipment in Draw Time
Your equipment plays a significant role in your draw time. The type of holster, its placement, and how you carry your firearm can impact your speed. Appendix carry, for instance, is often preferred for its quick access, but it may not be comfortable or suitable for everyone. Experimenting with different holster types and carry positions can help you find the setup that works best for you. Additionally, ensuring your holster has good retention without being too difficult to draw from is essential.
Legal Considerations
Understanding the legal implications of drawing and using your firearm is just as important as mastering the mechanics. Different states have varying laws regarding the use of deadly force. Being aware of these laws can help you make informed decisions during a self-defense encounter. For instance, the "Stand Your Ground" laws in some states allow individuals to use force without retreating, while other states require a duty to retreat if possible. Familiarize yourself with the laws in your jurisdiction to ensure you are prepared to act within legal boundaries.
Situational Awareness and Avoidance
While improving your draw time is critical, situational awareness and avoidance should always be your first line of defense. Being aware of your surroundings and recognizing potential threats early can give you more time to react. Simple actions like choosing well-lit areas, staying with a group, and avoiding dangerous neighborhoods can reduce the likelihood of encountering a threat. Training yourself to be observant and to trust your instincts can be as crucial as any physical self-defense technique.
Combining Speed with Accuracy
Speed is important, but not at the expense of accuracy. A fast draw is meaningless if you cannot hit your target. Balancing speed with accuracy is essential for effective self-defense. Practicing with a shot timer can help you find the right balance. Start slow to ensure you are hitting your target consistently, then gradually increase your speed while maintaining accuracy. Over time, you will find that your speed naturally improves as you become more proficient.
Developing a Training Plan
Creating a structured training plan is crucial for improving your draw time. Here’s a template to get you started:
Week 1-2: Focus on Fundamentals
Drill 1: Dry Fire-Extend, Touch, Press from High Compressed Ready
Drill 2: Dry Fire-Extend, Touch, Press from High Retention Position
Week 3-4: Introduce Draw from Concealment
Drill 3: Dry-Fire Draw from Concealment
Week 5-6: Combine Drills and Introduce Live Fire
Drill 4: Live Fire, incorporating drills 1-3
Ongoing: Evaluate and Adjust
Use a shot timer and log your results.
Review and adjust your technique based on performance and feedback.
In Conclusion
Improving your draw time is a crucial aspect of self-defense readiness. By dedicating just 5 minutes a day to practicing these techniques, you can significantly enhance your speed and efficiency. Remember, every quarter-second matters in a real-life scenario. Stay disciplined, stay aware, and keep training.