Draw or "The Presentation": Handgun Tip | Gunsite Academy Firearms Training

This expert-level guide from Gunsite Academy, presented by Doug Painter and Rangemaster Charlie McNeese, details the five-step 'Presentation' draw for a handgun. It covers establishing a proper grip, clearing the holster, rotating the weapon to a retention position, bringing hands together for trigger control, and acquiring the front sight for a precise shot. The instruction emphasizes starting slowly to build accuracy, following the mantra 'slow is smooth, and smooth is fast'.

Quick Summary

The Gunsite Academy 'Presentation' handgun draw involves five steps: Grip, Clear, Rotate, Smack, and Look. This technique emphasizes establishing a full grip in the holster, clearing the holster, rotating the weapon to the target, bringing hands together for trigger control, and acquiring the front sight. Instructors stress practicing slowly to build efficiency and accuracy, following the mantra 'slow is smooth, and smooth is fast'.

Chapters

  1. 00:12Introduction to Gunsite Academy
  2. 00:33Step 1: Grip
  3. 00:43Step 2: Clear
  4. 00:49Step 3: Click/Rotate
  5. 01:05Step 4: Smack
  6. 01:14Step 5: Look
  7. 01:52Summary and Practice Philosophy

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the five steps of the Gunsite Academy 'Presentation' handgun draw?

The five steps are: 1. Grip (establish full grip in holster), 2. Clear (draw weapon straight up), 3. Click/Rotate (rotate weapon to target, disengage safety if applicable), 4. Smack (hands meet at center chest, finger moves to trigger), and 5. Look (acquire front sight, initiate trigger press).

Why is the 'Click' step important in the handgun draw?

The 'Click' step, particularly for firearms like the 1911, involves disengaging the thumb safety and bringing the weapon into a retention position. This is crucial for close-range combat scenarios, ensuring the firearm is ready to fire while preventing an adversary from easily taking control of it.

What is the key principle for practicing the handgun draw according to Gunsite Academy?

Gunsite Academy instructors emphasize the principle 'slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.' This means focusing on deliberate, precise movements during practice to build accuracy and efficiency, rather than rushing the process.

Who are the instructors demonstrating the handgun draw technique?

The handgun draw technique, known as 'The Presentation,' is demonstrated by Charlie McNeese, a Rangemaster at Gunsite Academy in Prescott, Arizona, introduced by Doug Painter.

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