Following onto Part 1, we are recommending that when at home you can practice your draw stroke and presentation skills by using a similar tool to the SIRT laser training pistol or an airsoft pistol.   With the SIRT pistol you can create a target, and practice your draw and initial discharge safely. 
 
In this article, we’ll talk about starting with the absolute basics of practicing your draw stroke.
 
A three count action is involved with the concealed carry draw stroke. 
Count 1 is the defeat, or clearing of the garment, away from the firearm. 
Count 2 is the grip and draw of the firearm from the holster. 
Count 3 is the joining of the hands and the presentation of the firearm on target. 
 
Consistently practicing this initial 3-count procedure is critical when it comes to executing the actual “draw stroke” of your firearm. 

Practice and training helps build confidence to correctly master your best skills. This could be the difference between life and death. 
 
So far, you’ve been practicing at home. Keep in mind that performing on the range can add new challenges due to the live rounds in the chamber.  In our next article we’ll be talking about the benefits of visiting the range and incorporating what you’ve practiced at home.
 
Let us help you with your counts and until you are successful in performing  full draw stroke correctly.  Start here: https://www.sdtrainingllc.com/contact-us.html

The assailant goes down in front of his vehicle; you go down next to yours. 
You have a bullet wound in your leg and it’s bleeding badly.  
 
You’re able to dial 911, and EMS tells you help will arrive in 10 minutes, but with the rapid loss of blood, 10 minutes will be too long for you to still survive. What can you do to save your own life?
 
Now we admit in this scenario we’ve been a bit drastic, however there is a point we want to make with you.  How to provide medical care for yourself if you are injured during a self-defense incident.

The truth is, a wound to one of your extremities could cause a severe disability or even death if it is not dealt with immediately and in the appropriate way.  EMS might not always be in close proximity ...especially if you live in a rural area, where the closest medic service or fire station may be well over half an hour away.
 
It is for reason we want to raise awareness on the benefit of carrying a Tourniquet.

Over the next few articles, we’ll go into more detail about how to use and carry a Tourniquet for self-defense medical emergencies.
 
Here is a request: If you have a personal experience of a Tourniquets saving your life, will you share it with us? Leave your comments here in the blog and we’ll respond to you personally.
 
Not on our list? CLICK now and join us for more self-defense and situational awareness information.

We've examined the first two parts of the OODA concept; now let’s move on to the third:  Decide: 

This sounds self-explanatory, right? Well there are some intricacies you may want to consider before-hand. Can you imagine having to decide if there is a threat in play and what action you should take?
Should you remain in place, or should you seek cover?  Should you draw your firearm, or other weapon? Should you take some non-lethal action? Should you run? 

When the decision arises to be  "defense ready", your decision will typically be based on your skills, training and your level of comfort with your tools.

 “Practice Makes Perfect” is a true statement and practice can be the deciding factor in the outcome of your situation.

Before you find yourself faced with a treat, where you may be forced to make a decision, be sure to get the proper training for the defense tactic you may need in an emergency.
 
At SDTG, we not only provide our Clients with expert firearms training, we also offer consultation and advice on methods to meet your lifestyle, your individual skill-set and your comfort level. We are serious when we ask, #AreYouDefenseReady?

Last week in O.O.D.A, we talked about the first step in the concept: Observe.  This week we'll touch on Orient. The entire concept works in unison.

 The O.O.D.A loop has two caveats, the first that crowds and being in packed lines (like is common for the holidays) make observation extremely difficult.  Prioritization of persons of interest will be the best play here.  If someone catches your attention, something triggered in your brain to pull them out of the crowd.  They may be worth further observation.

Orient:  At this stage you focus your attention on whatever it is you have observed.  In personal space, this is the person you’re speaking to. Should you notice a knife in someone’s hand, or a weapon of any sort, you’ll orient towards the threat.  This stage can end a threat right then, as observation is the last thing a petty criminal wants. 

In crowded situations, put your phone away, observe and orient yourself in your surroundings.  Situational awareness is your first defense.

At SDTG we specialize in helping you stay defense ready.  Use this link to Connect with us for the latest trends and guidelines in firearms and safety.

When it comes to deciding to carry during the winter, one must first answer a series of questions. What body type do you have? Are you slender, or are you stocky? What is your climate? What clothes are you going to be wearing? Finally, do you plan on carrying inside the waistband (IWB) or outside the waistband (OWB)?

Answering the questions will enable you to decide which amongst the Glocks will be best suited for you. The Glock 17 is the largest glock and has a standard 17 round magazine, but is the hardest to conceal due to its size.
 
Those with larger body types will be more easily able to conceal it than those of a more slender frame. The Glock 19 is a solid halfway point between round capacity with 15 rounds, and ease of concealment. Finally, the 43 is the easiest to conceal, but does not offer a large round capacity with only 6 rounds in the standard magazine.

When you consider your climate, you need to determine the amount of clothes you will be wearing when outside. The more bulky and heavy the clothes are, the more easily you can conceal, but the harder the draw might be without significant practice. If you are just going to be wearing a hoodie and jacket, you will have an easier draw stroke but a harder time concealing a large firearm like the Glock 17.

The holster you choose pairs with this as well. Should you choose to carry OWB, be aware that the firearm will be a bulge in a place where one wouldn’t normally be.
 
Practice your draw stroke as well, the author has a full sized 9mm pistol in a level 2 OWB holster that required plenty of dry fire practice to achieve a fluid draw stroke.
 
The level of a holster tells you how many layers of retention it has. Level 1 is friction only, and standard for IWB holsters, an example includes the T-Rex Arms Raptor holster.
 
Level 2 has a thumb snap or button that must be defeated to draw the firearm such as found on the Blackhawk Serpa holsters.
 
Level 3 and higher include all of the above and a button of some sort that one must press in order to draw the firearm, you can find this on a Safariland ALS holster.

Connect with SDTG for the most useful information related to your safety and firearms training. 

Credits: Officer Douglas Preston - SDTG