Seated Draw

What is it?

        While the basic concept of the seated draw is pretty self explanatory it must be practiced. It is the act of drawing your weapon while in a seated position.

        This can take on many forms. Imagine for a moment the difference and associated complications of drawing in the seated position from behind a desk, in a car, the inside position of a restaurant booth, someone seated beside you, etc. The position you carry your firearm in also plays a huge role in the mechanics of a seated draw. Can you draw quickly without covering yourself with the muzzle?

 There is a lot to think about on this one and that is why lots of practice, while in different scenarios, is so important. 

Dry Fire Drill

Dry Fire Drill for Seated Draw

Level - Beginner to Intermediate

Safety! See link for dry fire safety

Time Period - 20 Repetitions per day for a week. This drill will take at most 10 minutes per day

Drill - Vary the seated draw in any area you think you may need to draw from a seated position. Ideally you would be able to devote time to each different position/circumstance.

        Focus first on form and mechanics, don't rush things, you can acquire speed later when you are more comfortable with the drill. You will draw your firearm from the seated position and acquire the target. With this drill you will need to be very aware of any obstacles and tailor your draw and practice accordingly. 

Do you need to push away from a desk?

Do you need to unbuckle in a car?

Can you clear your clothing?

Do you need to lean hard one way or another to draw? If so, what if there is an obstacle that prevents that leaning?

Range Drill

Live Fire Range Drill for Drawing from a Seated Position

Level - Beginner to Intermediate

Safety! See link for live fire safety

Time Period - 20 Repetitions as many days as possible for a week.

Drill - We like to use full size silhouette targets whenever possible.

        If you have space to shoot at home, on the farm for example, or a friends place, you can really customize your setup. Set up 3-5 targets to engage, spaced randomly left to right and near to far. Set up the scene as best you can, use patio chairs and table, shoot from your vehicle, even place the chair and table against a tree to represent a wall. 

        You will draw your firearm from the seated position and acquire the target. With this drill you will need to be very aware of any obstacles and tailor your draw and practice accordingly. You should practice the dry fire version of this drill first so you can get the correct form down without the danger of live fire. START SLOW and focus on your mechanics. Speed can be built upon later, do not go faster than you are comfortable doing. When in a tense situation with a lot of different moving parts, if you go too fast it's easy to rush things and end up muzzling yourself or fumbling your gun. You can be the fastest in the world, but if most the time you endanger yourself or drop you gun, then it doesn't matter. 

Some questions you may need to address during your training. Each different situation may require different mechanics and movement. 

Do you need to push away from a desk?

Do you need to unbuckle in a car?

Can you clear your clothing?

Do you need to lean hard one way or another to draw? if so what if there is an obstacle that prevents that leaning?

Can you stand easily while engaging the target?

        Remember to start at a slower speed and focus on the mechanics and fundamentals; that will give you a good foundation to build upon. Happy shooting and stay safe!