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

Ihtog Walther P38 1
Ihtog Walther P38 1

I Have This Old Gun: Walther P38

On the eve of World War II, the German military sought a new sidearm that was easier to manufacture than the P08 Luger. Its answer was the P38.

C&H Precision STRYKR: A Red-Dot Sight for PDWs

The C&H Precision STRYKR is a hard-use, enclosed-emitter optic designed for PDWs and compact carbines.

Rifleman Interview: Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 OD Green Topographic Rifle

At “Plinkapalooza” in May we had a chance to try out the latest Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 rifle.

Patriots Landing Announces "A Nation Remembers" Veterans Weekend

Patriots Landing, a faith-based veterans workshop based in Kentucky, announced it would hold "A Nation Remembers" veterans weekend in Grant County, Ky., from Sept. 16-20.

Past NRA President Allan Cors, 1936-2026: Liberty Takes A Loss

One of liberty’s champions, past NRA President Allan D. Cors died on August 9, 2026.

Moving to the Micro Red-Dot: An Old Dog Learns Some New Tricks

After shooting open-sighted handguns for more than 40 years, the author's aging eyes finally caught up to him, and his concealed-carry pistol now sports a red-dot optic.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.