One Handed Draw

Be ready and able to draw a handgun one handed incase the support hand can’t assist.

What is the One Handed Draw Drill?

While two handed shooting is faster and more accurate, there are scenarios in the defensive handgun world and the shooting competition world where one handed shooting is needed. Not only is one handed shooting needed, but the ability to get the gun out of the holster and in action using only one hand is called for.

In the defensive world, it is best to drop whatever is in the left hand and use both hands to go to work. When we’re talking about a defensive gun use, a cracked cell phone isn’t a big deal. Check out the Empty Your Hands drill.

However, sometimes the support hand is otherwise occupied, such as holding a child or even wounded. Practicing the one handed draw stroke helps us be prepared for this worst case scenario.

It’s really quite simple – draw the gun one handed without assistance from the support hand and go to work.

How to Setup

Drill Setup

  • 3 Targets at 7 yards with 1 yard between each target
  • Start position: Gun loaded and holstered, wrists below belt
  • 6 shots required
How to Dry Fire

Drill Steps

  1. At the beep, draw the gun using one hand. If using a cover garment, don’t use the support hand to clear concealment.
  2. Engage all three targets with two shots each.

When running the drill repeatedly, alternate clearing the target array from right to left and from left to right.

How to Mod

Drill Modifications

  • Start with different hand positions as if you were going about your day.
  • Don’t always start with your torso perfectly squared up on target.

Drill Tips

The most unique part of this drill is the one handed draw stroke. When working from concealment, the primary hand must clear the cover garment and get to the gun. This often requires moving the shirt or other article of clothing further away from the gun than during a two handed draw stroke. It also requires fast hand movement to the gun once the cover garment gets out of the way.


Members only content available.
Login Get FREE All Access Training

Drill Diagnostics

Consistency is key on the draw stroke. Well, it’s key with everything, and the the draw stroke is no exception. Pay attention to issues getting a consistent grip on the gun and consistently clearing the cover garment.


Members only content available.
Login Get FREE All Access Training


Don't know what drills to run to meet your goals?

Try out a virtual training call to talk with Brian about shooting goals, training methods, and drills to best meet those goals.

Drill Environment

More Drill Modifications

Modifications to focus on: Conceal Carry

Modifications to focus on: General Modifications

Modifications to focus on: Movement

Modifications to focus on: Push Speed

  • Broaden what is considered “acceptable accuracy” - More info »
  • Decrease the distance laterally between targets - More info »
  • Increase the distance laterally between targets - More info »
  • Move targets closer - More info »
  • Put a black dot on the main point of aim on the target - More info »

Modifications to focus on: Tighten Accuracy

Modifications to focus on: Transitions

  • Decrease the distance laterally between targets - More info »
  • Don’t pull the trigger during transitions - More info »
  • Increase the distance laterally between targets - More info »
  • Transition from outside targets of an array and work inwards - More info »

Summer Practical Pistol Course

Join me for a three month virtual training program!

Learn More