The Loadout Room
Menu
  • Shooting
        • Pistol
        • Pistol Accessories
        • Rifle
        • Rifle Accessories
        • Shotgun
        • Machine Guns
        • Air Guns
        • Ammunition
        • Optics and Sights
        • Weapon Lights
        • Tips & How-To
        • Concealed Carry
        • Holsters
        • Suppressors
        • Precision Rifle Shooting
        • Firearms Training
        • 1A Gun to Ride the River With: The Smith & Wesson 686
        • The Tristar folding shotgun is ready for your wilderness adventuresThe Tristar folding shotgun is ready for your wilderness adventures
        • maxim defense cqb stock (8)The Maxim Defense CQB Stock: Short and Sweet
        • Perfecting your zero | A little help goes a LONG wayPerfecting your zero | A little help goes a LONG way
    • Close
  • Gear Reviews
      • Mission Gear
      • Camping Gear
      • Survival Gear
      • Medical Gear
      • Adventure & Travel
      • Knives & Tools
      • Overland
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Footwear
      • Womens Gear & Clothing
        • RIP-MVehicle Preparedness: Fast access to essential items | Grey Man Tactical RIP-M
        • Midland radioOverland Essential | Midland Radio MXT275 | GXT1000
        • ppGrab your gear and go | Here’s everything you’d need to build an adventure go bag
        • Scrubba Washbag: Keep your clothes clean in the fieldScrubba Washbag: Keep your clothes clean in the field
    • Close
  • Men’s Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • EDC
      • Eyewear
      • Watches
      • Electronics & Technology
      • Downtime
      • Mens Clothing & Accessories
      • Manly Skills
      • Style & Grooming
      • Gentleman Drinks
      • Crate Club
        • The Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stingerThe Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stinger
        • How to determine how long you have before the sun setsHow to determine how long you have before the sun sets
        • fireWilderness survival expert breaks down how to build a fire
        • 5.11 Tactical Expedition Long Sleeve Shirt5.11 Tactical Expedition Long Sleeve Shirt, SWAT Tested and Approved
    • Close
  • News
  • Video Demo
  • Shop

Tips to Improve Your CCW Skills

Tips to Improve Your CCW Skills

October 1, 2017 by Jens "Rex Nanorum" Hammer 1 Comment

I have always felt carrying a concealed handgun (CCW) to be both a right and a responsibility. The vast majority of citizens I’ve talked to have felt the same way.  Carrying a lethal weapon for the defense of life is accompanied (to most) by the weight of the knowledge that the carrier may be called on to intervene in a deadly situation. Failure in that event is simply unacceptable and to mitigate that chance, we should always endeavor to keep our skills honed.  Having revised my concealed carry setup a number of times in the last few years, I’ve compiled a list of tips to consider as you prepare your body and mind for the possibility of a deadly encounter.

  1. Question everything. Are you using the gun that provides you with the best balance of accuracy, firepower and concealment? Is your holster adequate? Does it have any locking or retention features? Is your gun both adequately concealed and ready to present in short order? Are you packing quality defensive ammo or range box leftovers? Having an inefficient setup is better than none, but always keep in mind the rule of “good-better-best”.  Moving from a basic leather holster to a Safariland 537 with middle finger lock has increased my retention security.
  2. Verify your setup in training. Ensure your draw is clean and a spare magazine is accessible. Train using the same clothes and jacket you’re carrying with. Have you practiced shooting in a low light setup with a flashlight? The first time you’re forced into a real world situation shouldn’t be the first time you’ve drawn a handgun in a similar scenario. Neither my Glock 17 or my Remington R1 are optimal for CCW, but they’re what I have for now.  With proper consideration to clothing, both can be carried concealed.
  3.  Dry fire and reload. This is the single best way to improve your draw speed and weapon manipulation skills (unless you have an ammo sponsorship). Start in slow motion and make sure your form is solid. Speed up little-by-little until you’re at the ragged edge between speed and comfort. Practice reloads without looking down at your “workspace”. You should be comfortable enough with your gun to feed it blindfolded.
  4. Use alternate training techniques. Besides your standard draw and shoot, try drawing when the tango is within arms length. Try drawing when you’re on your ass. Simulate a “gun-grab” attempt where someone manages to spot you “printing” and tries to forcibly remove your possession. A rubber “trainer gun” in your make and model is useful here as you can practice with a partner for more dynamic training.
  5. Consider the situations in which you wouldn’t shoot. The rule is, never draw your gun unless you’re ready to use it. In the 1-2 seconds is takes to draw, what will you do if the assailant turns and runs? What if he/she drops their weapon and you need to provide medical assistance to someone?  Wacky scenarios aren’t needed here, but make sure you know your priorities. Indecision leads to inaction.

Keep your eyes scanning and your mind attentive. Don’t just be the guy who’s there when someone is needed, be the right man for the job.

Share This

Filed Under: Shooting Tips & How-To Tagged With: .45 ACP, 9mm, CCW, concealed carry, defense, Glock, holster, lethal, Lethality, r1, Remington, Rex Nanorum, Safariland

About the Author

Avatar

Jens "Rex Nanorum" Hammer is an Alaskan Expatriate living in Oregon with his wife and kids. Growing up on commercial fishing vessels, he found his next adventure with the 2nd Bn, 75th Ranger Regt. After 5 tours to Afghanistan and Iraq, he roamed about the west coast becoming a commercial diver, rated helicopter pilot instructor (CFII) and personal trainer before becoming a staff writer with Loadoutroom.com

See All Jens "Rex Nanorum" Hammer Articles

More From The Loadout Room

Comments

What’s Hot

My current non-firearm everyday carry
EDC

My current non-firearm everyday carry

Top 8 upgrades every Kel-Tec Sub 2000 owner needs: MCARBO parts review
Featured

Top 8 upgrades every Kel-Tec Sub 2000 owner needs: MCARBO parts review

AR Build Kits under $300
Firearms Technology

Peak AR: Davidson Defense AR Build Kits under $300

Emerson CQC-7 BW: Minimal maintenance and maximum self-defense
Featured

Emerson CQC-7 BW: Minimal maintenance and maximum self-defense

Firearms

Covert Operations Case - Keep Your SMG Discreet

Email Newsletter

Sign up to receive email updates daily and to hear what's going on with us!

In Case You Missed It

Firearms

Covert Operations Case – Keep Your SMG Discreet

February 26, 2021 Leave a Comment

Gear Reviews

KA-BAR LDK – Slash, Stab, and Escape

February 22, 2021 Leave a Comment

Firearms

The Flash 5 From Tactaload – Best Shotgun Stock

February 12, 2021 Leave a Comment

Firearms

The Romeo5XDR – Budget Blasting Red Dot

February 1, 2021 Leave a Comment

Get it on Google Play

© Copyright 2021 Crate Club Group · All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers