Weak hand practice?

[flintknapper]

You understand, that I am not suggesting that anyone change their holster, or where they carry. I recognize that the chance of having to draw "weak hand" is small.

Me neither

I understand your disclaimer but why is it based on my post. I didn't suggest that. If I came across that way It was purely unintentional.

Thanks
Eric

Eric,

I understood your post completely, and no... you did not suggest any such thing.

I was just taking the opportunity to point out that I didn't want anyone to "change" their mode of carry, or change holsters because of anything I have written here.

To have written this disclaimer in my other post.... would have made it longer than it already was. Your post contained the subject matter of what was on my mind, so I took advantage of it.

I should have been more clear.

Thanks.

Flint

[KBCraig]

Well, in the spirit of "You should know before you post", I realized that I'd never actually tried drawing left-handed from my Fobus.

Whaddaya know... because of the forward cant, I can do it! Granted, I am left with an upside-down pistol. I can either grip it between my knees or other method, or I can even get off an emergency shot with my pinky. I didn't think I could manage that DA first shot with the little finger of my weak hand, but I can.

Kevin

[Tom]

Well, in the spirit of "You should know before you post", I realized that I'd never actually tried drawing left-handed from my Fobus.

Whaddaya know... because of the forward cant, I can do it! Granted, I am left with an upside-down pistol. I can either grip it between my knees or other method, or I can even get off an emergency shot with my pinky. I didn't think I could manage that DA first shot with the little finger of my weak hand, but I can.

Kevin

When I shot at regular IDPA matches our RO/Match Director would come
up with many really unusual scenarios. The one that fits into the category
being discussed here involved drawing with the weak hand and then
rolling the handgun across the stomach, gaining a normal grip with the
weak hand and then firing at targets.
He allowed us to practice this with unloaded handguns a few times until
we got the hang of it. It actually works quite well.
The part of this sequence that bothered me just a tad was the direction
that the muzzle was pointing (down) and the particular body parts
in jeopardy at that time.
But we had no incidents, dropped handguns, or other mishaps through
about 40 shooters, most of whom who had never done anything like this
before.
He also had us draw with the weak hand, put the handgun on a flat surface
(table in this case), get a proper grip and then fire. This too worked well
and was surprisingly quick to accomplish.
I have never tried the knee/thigh thing but will, just to have a few more
options if the situation ever arises.

Kind Regards,

Tom

[flintknapper]

Kevin[/quote]

The part of this sequence that bothered me just a tad was the direction
that the muzzle was pointing (down) and the particular body parts
in jeopardy at that time.

I have never tried the knee/thigh thing but will, just to have a few more
options if the situation ever arises.

Kind Regards,

Tom[/quote]


Exactly,

If rolled across the chest or stomach you can easily "cover yourself".

Assuming you still have use of the upper part of the injured arm (strong side), then you can use the inside (crook) of the elbow to support the weapon, this leaves the muzzle pointing away from you. Same holds true for using the thigh.

"Between the knees" works very well if you have good footing...but is a little slower.

Anyway, the purpose here is to generate some thought about what you might do if your strong side became incapacitated. Releasing safeties is another concern. The "muscle memory" to disengage them isn't there unless you practice weak hand from time to time.

Sounds like a fair number of you have already given it some thought, or actually tried it.

Good on ya!

[ea40ss]

Flintknapper, It was I who didn't fully understand.
That's why I read more than I post. :)

Keep up the good posts, thoughts and ideas!

Eric

[OverEasy]

OverEasy checking in.
I wish I had practiced with my weak hand more often in the past. I had some nerve damage in my neck that affected my right hand. Even after surgery my right hand and arm still have problems.
I can still shoot right handed but not as good as before. I have been practicing left handed and now some days I shoot tighter groups with my "weak hand".
Dry firing helps alot! It's amazing how fast your off hand will tire out, dry firing double action.
My advice: learn how to use your weak hand NOW, so if the day ever comes that you have to use it, you'll be ready.

PS. You might want to try brushing your teeth, shaving and doing some other personal hygiene tasks with your weak hand(not at the same time!) It will come in handy if you ever have an injury that prevents you from using the strong hand. Been there done that!

OE.

[longtooth]

Overeasy, I know a Counstable that lost much of the movement in his strong side through a bad fight & broke arm w/ a BG before his backup arrived. He completly changed hands. Now his strong hand is left. Took him about a yr to complete the conversion. Now you would not know he ever shot R. handed. A thought. My .02 is usually worth about half that.

[ElGato]

To draw weak hand to strong side I reach around behind my back and draw, I have one holster that is hard to draw from like that so with it I reach across the front, draw and bring the gun up and clamp it under my arm pit, the gun is upside down with the butt to the front, then I change my grip.

Tomcat

[flintknapper]

To draw weak hand to strong side I reach around behind my back and draw, I have one holster that is hard to draw from like that so with it I reach across the front, draw and bring the gun up and clamp it under my arm pit, the gun is upside down with the butt to the front, then I change my grip.

Tomcat

Don't why I didn't think of "armpit". I've never seen anyone do that. I like that idea though. Under the AP would be stable enough to make magazine changes as well. Would allow the shooter to remain on the move too.

Thank you for the contribution.