az-ccw.jpgI read a recent article in American Rifleman on the topic of carrying concealed while in the vehicle. The article offered a number of choices, but I like to carry on my hip at the 3:30 to 4:00 spot on my belt inside the waistband. The article points out that your usual 1.5 to 2.0 second pull from the hip can be seriously delayed into a 4 to 6 second fumble without practice.

The author of the article, Jim Wilson, recommends a procedure to follow if we’re carrying on the hip:

If you are simply stuck on strong-side hip carry, it is important to make releasing the seat belt a part of your firearms presentation. Right-handed shooters should use their support hand to release the belt. The support hand goes behind the seat belt, at chest level, with the palm out. Run the hand down to the buckle, maintaining contact with the belt all the way. As the buckle is released, the support hand sweeps the belt to the left and out of the way, as your right hand takes the shooting grip and draws the handgun.

Considering the buckle release in my truck, I may have to modify the procedure to grab the shoulder harness and slide my support (left) hand down the belt to the release which I can actuate with the fingers on that hand. Then, pulling the belt up and out, I can then go for the grip on my weapon and pull it out and reunite it with the support hand to point and shoot at the assailant.

I will substitute the magazine with an empty one and with the unloaded gun, practice the drill as outlined above. I will report any additional findings if necessary.