Talk with any of the world’s top shooters and they will tell you the same thing: It’s all about the fundamentals. Execute the fundamentals smoothly and flawlessly and speed will come. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Establishing a grip, the draw, mechanical alignment, acquiring a sight picture, trigger press and follow-through—these elements are the very bedrock of the handgun-shooting discipline. I believe shooting is as much a martial art as any other and our art was born of combat. We have our own kata’s (“form” in Japanese), competitions, styles and disciplines passed down from masters, as well as traditions and legends. If ever there were a true American martial art, shooting would be it.

Those that regard shooting as a martial art are focused on (1) breaking the elements and movements down to their most basic forms, (2) analyzing them to make them as efficient as possible, and (3) formulating systematic training methods for developing conditioned responses. In this article, I will discuss the Five-Point Precision Draw. There are many versions of this method and I certainly did not invent it, but I will provide a basic, methodical approach for learning how to draw a handgun from a holster. This will enable you to find any flaws in your technique, minimize unnecessary movement and maximize your speed and efficiency.

Point One

Start from either the “surrender” position (both hands high next to your head) or with your hands relaxed at your sides. Maintain focus on your target. Move your hands as though they are joined by an 8- to 10-inch piece of string. In other words, move them together as a team.
With both hands open, drive