A Critical Drill Every Gun Owner Must Practice (One-Handed Training)

Published on August 20, 2025
Duration: 7:19

This video demonstrates a critical one-handed reload and slide manipulation drill essential for gun owners. It covers scenarios where one hand is incapacitated or occupied, such as holding a child. The instruction emphasizes practicing reloads and clearing malfunctions using only one hand, offering techniques like the armpit stow and fabric-assisted slide racking. The importance of training this drill on both strong and weak hands is also highlighted.

Quick Summary

One-handed firearm training is vital for self-defense, enabling you to reload and operate your weapon if your dominant hand is injured or occupied. Techniques like the armpit stow and using clothing fabric to rack the slide are demonstrated for effective one-handed operation.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction to One-Handed Training
  2. 00:23Scenarios Requiring One-Handed Skills
  3. 01:14How to Perform One-Handed Reloads
  4. 01:32Carrying Spare Magazines
  5. 02:02Stowing the Firearm During Reload
  6. 02:46Traditional Reload Method (Knees)
  7. 03:30Armpit Stow Reload Method
  8. 04:03Rack the Slide with Fabric
  9. 04:30Live Drill Demonstration
  10. 05:47Train on Both Hands
  11. 06:06Weak Hand Reload Dynamics
  12. 06:34Importance of Consistent Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is one-handed firearm training important for gun owners?

One-handed firearm training is crucial for self-defense scenarios where your dominant hand might be injured, occupied (like holding a child), or otherwise unavailable. It ensures you can still effectively reload, clear malfunctions, and engage a threat.

What are effective methods for reloading a firearm with only one hand?

Effective one-handed reload methods include the armpit stow, where the gun is tucked under the arm for stability, and using fabric from your belt or clothing to rack the slide after inserting a new magazine.

How can I practice reloading my gun with one hand if I don't have a holster?

If you don't have a holster, you can practice stowing the firearm in your armpit or using your knees (though less recommended due to mobility issues). The key is to find a stable way to hold the gun while accessing the magazine well.

What is the best way to rack the slide when performing a one-handed reload?

When performing a one-handed reload, you can rack the slide by using the fabric of your belt or clothing to push against the slide's serrations or optic. This method works with both iron sights and red dot sights.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from USCCA

View all →