Mastering the Four-Part Draw: A Foundation for Safe and Effective Pistol Deployment
Drawing a pistol from the holster may seem simple, but doing it efficiently, safely, and under pressure
requires consistent training and discipline. Whether you’re a law enforcement officer or a responsible civilian
carrying concealed, mastering the four-part draw ensures your response is both swift and controlled.
Here’s a breakdown of the Four-Part Draw-trusted by professionals for decades:
1. Grip
Establish a master grip while the gun is still in the holster. This is where safety starts. Before any upward
movement, the shooter establishes a firm, high grip with the dominant hand. The trigger finger remains
indexed along the frame, and the support hand begins moving toward the center of the chest. The grip must
be final-not something you adjust later in the process.
Tip: A good grip now prevents fumbles later.
2. Clear
Lift the firearm straight up to clear the holster. Using your dominant hand, draw the firearm vertically until the
muzzle clears the holster mouth. The support hand stays clear and out of the muzzle’s path. At this stage,
retention issues are resolved, and the gun is ready to rotate toward the target.
Important: Keep the muzzle pointed downward until it’s clear of the holster.
3. Rotate (or Join)
Rotate the muzzle toward the target and bring the gun to centerline. As the firearm clears the holster, the
shooter rotates the muzzle forward and levels it toward the threat while simultaneously bringing it to the
body’s midline. The support hand joins at the high-compressed ready, forming a two-handed grip.
This position allows for close-contact shooting if necessary.
4. Extend
Push the gun forward into the final firing position. From the high-compressed ready, the shooter punches the
pistol forward toward the target, achieving full extension and sight alignment. The draw ends when the
shooter is on target, ready to fire if necessary.Mastering the Four-Part Draw: A Foundation for Safe and Effective Pistol Deployment
Final check: Sight picture, trigger discipline, and situational awareness.
Final Thoughts
The four-part draw should be practiced regularly through dry-fire drills, live-fire repetitions, and
scenario-based training. Remember, every draw is a potential use-of-force decision. Efficiency is important,
but safety and control are non-negotiable.
When under pressure, you won’t rise to the occasion-you’ll fall to your level of training. So train smart. Train
often.
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