When it comes to concealed carry, speed and efficiency are paramount. But how do you achieve a lightning-fast draw from a concealed carry holster without sacrificing safety?
Enter the DeLorean Drill, a technique designed to help you build the neural pathways necessary for a quick and controlled draw. In this article, we’ll break down the DeLorean Drill, a staple of the Haley Strategic Training (HST) team’s regimen, and explain how you can incorporate it into your practice to become a more proficient concealed carrier.
Safariland IncogX Concealed Carry Holster
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Safariland IncogX Right-Handed IWB Holster with Magazine Caddy for Glock 17 / 19 | GunMag Warehouse | $ 127.99 |
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Safariland IncogX IWB Holster Gray/Black for Glock 43X RH | Ammunition Depot | $ 80.49 |
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Safariland IncogX Right-Handed IWB Holster with Magazine Caddy for Glock 43X / 48 | GunMag Warehouse | $ 127.99 |
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Safariland IncogX IWB Black Holster for Staccato CSC Right Hand | Ammunition Depot | $ 80.49 |
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The DeLorean Drill: An Overview
The DeLorean Drill is named after the iconic DeLorean car from the “Back to the Future” movies, known for its time-traveling capabilities. The drill aims to make your draw from a concealed carry holster feel like you have more time than you actually do, effectively slowing down time in your mind. This is achieved by practicing extremely slow, deliberate movements to create strong neural connections. As you build this muscle memory, you’ll find that your draw becomes faster and more efficient without sacrificing control or safety.
Why Slow Down to Speed Up?
Travis Haley, founder of Haley Strategic Partners, emphasizes the importance of slowing down to build proper technique. When you start by moving slowly, you ensure that each step of your draw is executed correctly. This careful practice helps the motor cortex and prefrontal cortex in your brain connect, solidifying the movement in your muscle memory. As you gradually increase your speed, these well-established neural pathways allow you to maintain control and accuracy, even at high speeds.
Step-by-Step Guide to the DeLorean Drill
- Start Slow: Begin with a par time of five seconds on your shot timer. The goal is to use the entire time to complete your draw and fire a shot. Move slowly and deliberately, focusing on each step of the draw process.
- Gradual Speed Increase: Once you can consistently perform the drill within five seconds, reduce the par time to four seconds, then three, and so on. Always prioritize smooth, controlled movements over speed. With each successful repetition, you can attempt to reduce the par time but focus on completing good, clean reps even at slow speeds.
- Practice Counting Out Loud: Counting out loud helps you maintain a consistent pace and reinforces the timing of your draw. This technique is similar to how musicians use metronomes to stay in rhythm.
- Incorporate a Partner or Timer: Using a shot timer or practicing with a partner who can time your draws adds an element of accountability and precision. Aim to guess your draw time accurately to improve your self-awareness.
- Safety First: As you speed up, safety becomes even more critical. If you fumble or your grip isn’t perfect, abort the draw and start over. Never try to catch a falling gun, and always prioritize control over speed.
The DeLorean Drill is more than just a speed exercise; it’s about mastering the fundamentals. A proper grip, stance, and trigger control are crucial. As Travis Haley advises, your draw is only as good as your grip. If your grip is compromised, so is your shot accuracy and control.
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Glock 43X 9mm Pistol - 10rd Black | Rainier Arms | $ 489.95 |
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In a real-life defensive situation, a quick and controlled draw can mean the difference between life and death. The DeLorean Drill prepares you for these high-stress scenarios by building reliable muscle memory and enhancing your reaction time.
The DeLorean Drill is an invaluable tool for anyone serious about improving their concealed carry draw. By starting slow and gradually increasing speed, you build a foundation of solid technique that translates to real-world effectiveness. Remember, efficiency leads to speed. Practice the DeLorean Drill regularly, focus on your fundamentals, and always prioritize safety.
As a retired USAF MSG Security Forces Combat Arms Instructor, we called this the Grab, Draw, Smack, Look & Press. Grab the grip of your pistol, Draw the pistol until the muzzle clears the holster, Smack is when the non-shooting hand meets the shooting hand to establish the two-handed grip and finally Look and Press was when the pistol is at eye level and focus on your front sight and press the trigger. All steps accomplished the same as the DeLorean Drill of this article.
I’ll agree lotsa good ideas on here about doing this AFTER you get hands ON. Any suggestions on getting your hands ON, to start with? Sometimes I’ll have a heavy coat, other times a t-shirt, and every thing in between… after all…this IS concealed carry. Any tips/thoughts on that?
Practicing for perfection brings speed later on.
Today is range day. Get out there if you can and blast off some rounds. T-4 hours for me. Pacific time right now 10:23.
Why get an airsoft pistol? Have you ever heard of unloading your actual cc weapon and practicing with it? I think you post just to watch your handle in use. Better turn up the lights, dimmy.