[Old Dog New Trick]

Holsters are like everything else. They come in many different styles, colors and materials. Some have much security built into it and other little to none.

Find the one that right for you and designed for your weapon. Inside the waist band IWB or outside the waistband OWB. A simple thumb break snap over the hammer makes it at least a level 1 retention holster but other factors can come into play. Speed vs Security or location of carry. Don’t cheap out. There are very good holsters that will last a lifetime and holsters that will break in a year or two. Paddle holsters are convenient but actual belt loop attachment is more secure. And then there are all the shirts and undergarment holsters that simply keep it from falling down your outerwear. Roll around on the ground and they will fall out of the pocket.

Once you find the holster you like (know it won’t be the first or last) put it on and move it around until you find a comfortable position. Empty and clear your weapon and get ready to practice practice practice. With your firing hand open it like you are going to shake someone’s hand fingers together thumb extended. Reach straight down over the grip strap putting the web of your thumb up high under the dovetail while rolling your other fingers (not trigger finger) around the grip. If thumb break type release the snap and pull upwards. At this time your trigger finger should rest along the frame directly above the trigger housing and outside the trigger guard. As the muzzle clears the holster rotate the gun up and towards the target.

Pressing out and meeting your support hand. Your support hand should have been in waiting - about lower sternum/upper abdomen in the ‘Namaste’ position. As you punch out with your weapon the two hands should meet and as you continue to present your weapon you should have a preferred shooting grip short of full extension. From here you can hold at high ready or continue to press out to engage the target.

You can practice in front of a mirror or place a piece of tape or a target on the wall and practice a smooth and deliberate draw all the way through to a smooth trigger press (dry fire).

Practice every morning and every night until your muscles and sights align with the target. Add varying degrees of difficulty with concealment garments, jackets and gloves as the case may be.

When you can draw with one hand, your eyes closed and align the sights on that piece of tape consistently you should feel prepared and pretty good about yourself.

DON’T EVER FORGET TO CLEAR and MAKE SAFE and KEEP YOUR FINGER OUTSIDE THE TRIGGER GUARD UNTIL READY TO FIRE!

Good luck Rita!