--- title: How to Draw from Concealed Carry description: Learn essential techniques to draw a handgun safely and fast. Master grip, stance, and smooth draw stroke. Avoid common mistakes. Train effectively. image: https://resources.mossberg.com/hubfs/Mossberg%20-%20960x480%20(37).png --- [Law Enforcement](https://lawenforcement.mossberg.com/) [Sign In](https://www.mossberg.com/customer/account/login) / [Sign Up](https://www.mossberg.com/customer/account/create/) [Firearms](https://www.mossberg.com/firearms.html) [Store](https://www.mossberg.com/store.html) [![Mossberg](https://resources.mossberg.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mossberg-theme/images/logo.svg)](https://www.mossberg.com) [Support](https://www.mossberg.com/help/) [Journal](https://resources.mossberg.com/journal) [Dealers](https://www.mossberg.com/dealers/) [Cart](https://www.mossberg.com/checkout/cart/) [Sign In](https://www.mossberg.com/customer/account/login) / [Sign Up](https://www.mossberg.com/customer/account/create/) [Dealers](https://www.mossberg.com/dealers/) - [Firearms](https://www.mossberg.com/firearms.html) - [Store](https://www.mossberg.com/store.html) - [Support](https://www.mossberg.com/help/) - [Journal](https://resources.mossberg.com/) [Military/Law Enforcement](https://lawenforcement.mossberg.com/) - [Home](https://www.mossberg.com) - [Journal](https://resources.mossberg.com/journal) - How to Draw from Concealed Carry [Videos](https://resources.mossberg.com/journal/tag/videos) [How-To's](https://resources.mossberg.com/journal/tag/how-tos) # How to Draw from Concealed Carry 2 Min Read By [Richard Nance](https://resources.mossberg.com/journal/author/richard-nance) ![How to Draw from Concealed Carry](https://resources.mossberg.com/hubfs/Mossberg%20-%20960x480%20(37).png) Drawing a handgun effectively requires mastering several fundamental techniques that prioritize speed, accuracy, and safety. Here you see the Mossberg MC2C being drawn while wearing a jacket.  To learn more about the Mossberg MC2C, [click here.](https://www.mossberg.com/firearms/handguns/mc2c.html)   Critical Issues For Drawing A Gun Include:  Grip and Stance Foundation Start with a proper shooting stance - feet shoulder-width apart, strong-side foot slightly back. Establish a high, firm grip on the pistol with your strong hand, positioning it as high as possible on the backstrap. Your support hand should wrap around the strong hand, with thumbs pointing forward. The Draw Stroke The draw consists of four distinct steps: First, establish grip and defeat retention devices. Second, clear the holster by lifting straight up until the muzzle clears. Third, rotate the gun toward the target while bringing your support hand to meet the pistol. Fourth, extend to full presentation with both hands on the gun. Practice Techniques Dry fire practice is essential - always ensure the firearm is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction. Start slowly, focusing on smooth, consistent movements rather than speed. Use a shot timer to track progress objectively. Practice the draw stroke in segments, perfecting each phase before combining them. Common Mistakes to Avoid Don't rush the process or sacrifice smoothness for speed. Avoid inadequate grip pressure, which affects accuracy and control. Never practice without proper safety procedures, and ensure your holster fits properly and retains the weapon securely. Equipment Considerations Choose a quality holster that covers the trigger guard completely and allows consistent grip acquisition. Consider clothing that doesn't interfere with your draw stroke. Regular practice with proper technique builds muscle memory and ensures reliable performance when needed [![Share on Facebook](https://resources.mossberg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SocialShare/share-facebook.png?width=24&name=share-facebook.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fresources.mossberg.com%2Fjournal%2Fhow-to-draw-from-concealed-carry%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://resources.mossberg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SocialShare/share-linkedin.png?width=24&name=share-linkedin.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fresources.mossberg.com%2Fjournal%2Fhow-to-draw-from-concealed-carry%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://resources.mossberg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SocialShare/share-twitter.png?width=24&name=share-twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fresources.mossberg.com%2Fjournal%2Fhow-to-draw-from-concealed-carry%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fresources.mossberg.com%2Fjournal%2Fhow-to-draw-from-concealed-carry%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=How%20to%20Draw%20from%20Concealed%20Carry) [![Share on Email](https://resources.mossberg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SocialShare/share-email.png?width=24&name=share-email.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fresources.mossberg.com%2Fjournal%2Fhow-to-draw-from-concealed-carry%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fresources.mossberg.com%2Fjournal%2Fhow-to-draw-from-concealed-carry%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### About the Author ![](https://resources.mossberg.com/hubfs/Richard-Nance.png) ### Richard Nance Richard is the founder of Nance Training & Consulting. A retired police sergeant, firearms instructor, and SWAT team leader, Richard contributes regularly to Guns&Ammo and Handguns Magazines. He co-hosts Handguns TV on the Sportsman channel and is the host of Aimpoint’s “Taking Aim” podcast. [See all articles by this author](https://resources.mossberg.com/journal/author/richard-nance) ## Related Posts [![Why Shotgun Red Dots Make Sense](https://resources.mossberg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mossberg%20-%20960x480%20(38).png?width=352&name=Mossberg%20-%20960x480%20(38).png)](https://resources.mossberg.com/journal/why-shotgun-red-dots-make-sense) ### [Why Shotgun Red Dots Make Sense](https://resources.mossberg.com/journal/why-shotgun-red-dots-make-sense) Putting a red dot on your tactical shotgun is not just akin to tricking it out. A red dot optic... 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