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

American Rifleman 2026 Gun Guide F
American Rifleman 2026 Gun Guide F

New Guns For 2026: A Full Guide

While it’s claimed the firearms industry is experiencing a slowdown, that hasn’t meant a stall to innovation. It means gunmakers are working harder than ever to earn your business.

Rifleman Review: Tikka T3x Ace Target

Tikka's T3x line of rifles has long been a popular option for many hunters and shooters, and recently, the Finnish company has expanded this line with its T3x Ace Target model, which is specifically designed for competition use.

New For 2026: Bersa BP9 FS

Bersa USA has expanded into many corners of the firearm market in recent years, and new for 2026, the company has now launched its BP9 FS, a new design intended for duty, self-defense and competition use.

Surprising Concealed Carry Statistics

A survey conducted by the Crime Prevention Research Center studied how many likely voters regularly carry concealed handguns, and the results defy expectations.

I Have This Old Gun: Universal Model 1000 Carbine

To meet the domestic demand for M1 carbines while the original guns were still in government service, several manufacturers emerged, and one of them was Universal Firearms of Florida.

FN Browning Group to Acquire Accuracy International

Accuracy International will join a roster of companies that includes FN America, FN Herstal, Browning firearms and Winchester firearms—among others—in FN Browning Group’s Defense & Security and Hunting & Sports Shooting divisions.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.