Inside the Waistband
Inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters have become one of the
most popular holster options for officers who carry concealed off duty or while
working plainclothes. But many of the officers who carry IWB holstersdo not
train adequately to draw from this position smoothly and effectively.
Drawing from an IWB can be entirely different than drawing
from your duty holster. Points of consideration include: placement of the
weapon on the body, retention systems of the holster, and the layers of
clothing that might be covering the firearm. With these variables in mind,
let’s look at how to draw from an IWB, regardless of where it is located on
your belt line.
The first priority is to clear the clothing that is
concealing your weapon. (This step does not apply if the IWB is not concealed.)
As your primary hand is reaching for the weapon, your support hand should
simultaneously be grabbing the clothing that is closest to the weapon and
getting the material out of the way. For example, if the weapon is located on
the right side of your body, then you should not be pulling on the left side of
your clothing.
From the Ankle
An ankle holster can be a very effective way to carry and
conceal a handgun on your person. While there are several ways that an ankle
holster can be placed, let’s talk about drawing from the inside position of the
support leg with your primary hand. So if you are right-handed the holster and
weapon will be placed on the inside of the left leg.
When drawing from an ankle holster placed in the position
noted above, your first movement will be to take a step forward with your left
leg and place your right knee on the ground. Next you have to clear the pant
leg that is covering the handgun. A common method used to clear the pant leg is
to grab the lower part of the pant leg on either side with both hands and lift
it. This will expose the weapon.
Once you have exposed the handgun, you can
establish a good firing grip with your primary hand, which allows for an
effective draw. Because this method is so entirely different from drawing from
a duty holster, it will require a lot of practice before you can become
proficient.