CHECKLIST CRITICAL: 4 Must-Know Drills for Concealed Carry

1. TRUE GRIP 

If your shooting grip is lacking, you’ll be more than just griping should you ever be in a situation where you need to draw your concealed carry weapon. In fact, you might find yourself on the receiving end of your own gun if you don’t know how to properly hold your concealed carry.

The WATER BOTTLE drill will train you for grip control. Sounds silly, but yep — it really works.

This is a dry fire lesson designed to show flaws in your grip and help you achieve more control and consistency.

You’ll need a buddy to help you do this.

First, make sure your weapon is NOT loaded.

This bears repeating so I’ll say it again… this exercise is strictly a dry fire drill.

Next, face your target from about 3 yards away with your pistol presented and ready to dry fire.

Begin to dry fire…

Meanwhile, your drill buddy (standing off to the side) takes an empty water bottle and lightly taps the gun area under the slide. Result: simulated recoil that allows you to analyze grip control.

A solid, rock-steady grip will elicit only minor movement when the pistol is tapped with the water bottle. If — on the other hand — the firearm bounces around unsteadily, then grip adjustment is needed.

2. JERKY TRIGGER FINGERS ARE STRICTLY FOR JERKS

Assume shooting position. Place coin or bullet on the slide near the gun nose.

Pull the trigger.

If the object resting on top of the handgun hasn’t fallen off, then a straight and fluid pull was achieved.

If said object has fallen off the weapon, it’s time to work on that pesky jerk to improve accuracy.

3. PRESENT ARMS!

I think the first thing to be aware of is “printing” which refers to the outline of a concealed carry gun being visible through a garment even though the gun is technically “covered.” This is a big giveaway that you’re carrying and defeats the whole purpose of your firearm being concealed.

This drill ensures you draw successfully from concealment and do it safely without sweeping.

Pull your unloaded weapon and assume a firing stance.

Was it easy to execute or did you fumble for your weapon?

Did your holster enable you to get the weapon out smoothly?

Did the pistol snag on your jacket or shirt?

4. T.R.A.P.: Tap, Rack, Assess, Pull

When things go wrong during self-defense situations — and they will, promise — this drill will save you from panicking and making things worse.

As with all of these drills, this is strictly a dry fire exercise — be sure your weapon is not loaded.

This drill is basic but potentially life-saving should your firearm fail:

TAP the magazine

RACK the slide

ASSESS your surroundings to scan for and identify potential targets sneaking up from the side

PULL the trigger.

While handling the firearm, always be sure to keep it in a safe direction at all times.

Sorry, I know I’m stating the obvious here, but better to be safe than sorry.

Okay, admittedly this wasn’t the most exotic drill, but it’s a great confidence booster — perfect to ensure comfort when clearing your malfunctioning weapon and feeling familiar with assessing issues.

IN CONCLUSION

Truth be told, there’s no way to predict or control every aspect of concealed carry and self-defense, but if you follow these simple drills, you’ll be better prepared and stand a fighting chance.

Here at iconcealed.com we’ve designed these drills to produce well-rounded concealed carriers. We hope they help.