Support-Hand Draw

posted on July 23, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rackley2015_fs.jpg (4)

There are many reasons why you would want or need to draw your defensive handgun with your support hand. It could be that your gun hand or arm is injured, or that you are defending against a close attacker with your stronger arm.

Regardless of the reason, knowing how to draw your handgun with your support hand is a good skill to have. Of course, a lot of it has to do with where your gun is located, but most carry methods can be accessed with either hand with some practice, which should always begin with an unloaded or inert gun.

Sheriff Jim Wilson recently explained two methods for drawing a handgun with the support hand, and the issues that should be considered for this to be possible. Both of these, though, were explained from the strong-side position, which is not used by everyone. Personally, I believe the best way to provide a firearm for the support hand is a second firearm.

Sure, I have trained reaching my Kimber with my support hand, but regardless of how much I practice, it just doesn’t feel smooth, and I can see this being a problem in a real situation. For this reason, I prefer a second handgun located in a position that is more easily accessible with the support hand, such as in the pocket or on the ankle. Beyond the better access to a handgun if the strong arm is disabled or otherwise engaged, a second handgun provides additional firepower and can be handed off to a partner if needed.

Latest

Sub Calibers Self Defense 1
Sub Calibers Self Defense 1

Small Calibers for Self-Defense: Addressing Common Myths & Criticisms

For decades, small cartridges like the .22 Long Rifle were derided as incapable rounds for defensive use and were even considered dangerous for the user by some. Today, those critiques deserve a second look.

New for 2026: HUXWRX Flow 9k PCC & Flow 9 M Suppressors

Continuing the legacy it first established as Operator Suppressor Systems, HUXWRX is still introducing new and mission-specific flow-through suppressors, with its latest products being the FLOW 9 M and FLOW 9k PCC.

Armed Citizen Stops Oregon Attack; NRA Reaffirms Importance of Law-Abiding Armed Citizenry

The National Rifle Association of America today issued a statement regarding yesterday’s act of violence in Oregon.

Gun of the Week: Tokarev TT-12 Pro

While there are several AR-style, semi-automatic shotguns on the market, the Tokarev TT-12 Pro has a few features you won’t find elsewhere. And it’s affordable, to boot.

Beretta Holding Announces Preliminary Results of Cash Tender Offer for Shares of Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

Beretta Holding announced today the preliminary results of its cash tender offer to purchase up to 2,400,184 of the outstanding shares of Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. common stock.

Ankle Holsters: Are They Still a Good Option for Concealed Carry?

The use of ankle holsters is an old-school, deep-concealment method that was popular in the age of the snub-nose revolver. In today’s world of micro-compacts, does it still hold up as a good carry position?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.