How to Safely Holster Your Firearm


Getting your gun back into its holster is an important skill.

Although drawing your gun in response to a perceived deadly threat is pretty darn important, so is the act of returning your gun safely to the holster. While holstering isn’t particularly exciting, it is critically important. Take it for granted and you’re courting a self-inflicted gunshot would.

If you carry a gun, you need to give careful consideration to when and how to safely holster it. Knowing when to holster is pretty straightforward. When there are no threats looming in your environment, it’s probably time to put your gun away. This is an especially good idea if you have used your gun in defense of yourself or another and the police are responding.

If you’re holding a gun when the police arrive, at best you’ll be dealing with justifiably uneasy cops. In the worst-case scenario, responding officers could mistake you for the perpetrator. This is a tragedy easily avoided by holstering once there is no imminent threat, but you better be certain the fight is over before holstering.

banner

In the police academy, I can remember the firearms instructors cautioning me and my fellow classmates not to be in a hurry to holster. “No one ever won a gunfight by racing to the holster” was the mantra.

We can’t assume that a prescribed number of hits on our target will have the desired effect. Hurriedly holstering your gun when the assailant still poses a deadly threat could be a fatal error.

Hence, keeping your gun on target and being prepared both mentally and mechanically (with your gun loaded and functional) to deliver follow-up shots is a fundamental of marksmanship.

The bottom line is that before holstering, you should make sure the known threat has been nullified and you should scan your environment to be sure you didn’t miss any other threats. After all, it’s not uncommon for bad guys to travel in packs.

 The Easy Part

Knowing when to holster is the easy part. To avoid putting a hole through your leg, you must also know how to holster. Recently, I spoke to a friend, a highly regarded firearms instructor, who’s trained law enforcement, military and civilian shooters at some of the most prestigious shooting academies in the country. He relayed to me an incident that occurred recently in which a shooter he was training shot himself in the leg.

During a private shooting lesson, the relatively new shooter altered his grip to holster. In doing so, his middle finger inadvertently found its way onto and actually pressed the trigger. All the while, his trigger finger remained properly indexed along the frame of the pistol. Fortunately, the wound to the student’s leg was superficial, and after a few stitches he was back on the range later that day.

I’ve witnessed this “altering of the grip to holster” phenomenon more lately than ever before. Most often, it occurs with shooters using leather inside-the-waist holsters worn behind their hip, in roughly the five o’clock position for a right-handed shooter.

Apparently, the combination of reaching behind the torso (where it’s difficult to see), canting the wrist and inserting the gun into a holster that’s slightly collapsed causes some shooters to allow their index and ring fingers to release from the natural shooting grip and hover dangerously close to the trigger in an attempt to more easily insert their gun into the holster. In this case, despite the trigger finger being indexed well away from the trigger guard, the other two fingers present a serious safety concern.

 Proper Grip

For obvious reasons, it’s important to maintain a proper shooting grip with your trigger finger indexed along the frame and your other three fingers on the grip below the trigger guard from the moment you grab your gun until it’s safely and securely stowed. This is conducive to better control of your gun when drawing, shooting and holstering.

If the holster you’re using doesn’t hold its shape when your gun is drawn, either glance at your holster prior to inserting your gun or remove the holster from your waistband. This is a must when using a pliable holster that relies on friction to remain in place and holsters that cover only the trigger guard of your handgun.

Some contend you should never look at your holster. I was of that opinion for years until I took a class from Phil Singleton of Singleton International, a renowned instructor formerly of the SAS. He said if you aren’t absolutely certain your world is safe, you shouldn’t even consider holstering.

When your world is safe, why not take a split second to “look your gun into the holster” to ensure it’s not obstructed by your concealing garment and to make sure your fingers are clear of the trigger?

Doing so could avert an unintended discharge—especially in the adrenaline-filled state you’re bound to be in after you have drawn your gun in response to a real or perceived deadly threat.

 

 



Source link

261 Comments

  1. I was wondering, if I was wrong,looking at my Holster. Thank you. I worried about my gun going off while putting it in my holster. I have a belly ban holster, and a glock 19 gen 5. I find that if I cc, its cold on my skin. I’m new at this and got my gun two weeks ago.
    Richard

  2. Excellent advise to any who carries, during your first holster UNTIL your last. This should be a “reflex” burned into all of us who carry. Period

  3. After watching someone on YouTube shoot himself while drawing, I took it to heart that the other way is also possible. I always look my gun into the holster and if there is just one thing wrong, I stop the motion. Look your gun into the holster.

  4. 87730 134391Should you have been injured as a result of a defective IVC Filter, you ought to contact an experienced attorney practicing in medical malpractice cases, specifically someone with experience in these lawsuits. 176244

  5. 604910 123511This internet website may possibly be a walk-through its the data you wanted in regards to this and didnt know who ought to. Glimpse here, and youll totally discover it. 300844

  6. Howdy fantastic blog! Does running a blog like this take a great deal of work? I have very little knowledge of computer programming but I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyways, if you have any recommendations or tips for new blog owners please share. I know this is off topic nevertheless I just needed to ask. Thanks a lot!

  7. Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too great. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a terrific site.

  8. My relatives always say that I am wasting my time here at net, except I know I am getting experience every day by reading such pleasant posts.

  9. hi!,I really like your writing so so much! percentage we keep up a correspondence more approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert in this space to solve my problem. May be that is you! Looking forward to see you.

  10. Your style is very unique compared to other people I have read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this web site.

  11. Hey! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when viewing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to fix this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. Appreciate it!

  12. A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I do think that you ought to write more on this issue, it might not be a taboo subject but usually people don’t discuss such topics. To the next! Kind regards!!

  13. I have been surfing online more than three hours lately, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the net can be much more useful than ever before.

  14. I’m now not positive where you are getting your info, however good topic. I needs to spend a while learning more or understanding more. Thank you for magnificent information I used to be looking for this information for my mission.

  15. Hi outstanding blog! Does running a blog similar to this take a great deal of work? I have no knowledge of programming but I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyways, if you have any suggestions or tips for new blog owners please share. I know this is off topic but I just had to ask. Cheers!

  16. Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is great, let alone the content!

  17. Great beat ! I wish to apprentice even as you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a applicable deal. I were tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided shiny transparent concept

  18. I like the valuable information you supply on your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I am somewhat certain I will be told many new stuff right here! Good luck for the following!

  19. Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog centered on the same ideas you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.

  20. Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging glance easy. The full glance of your web site is magnificent, let alonewell as the content!

  21. Wow, incredible blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging glance easy. The full glance of your web site is fantastic, let alonewell as the content!

  22. This is very interesting, You are an excessively professional blogger. I have joined your feed and look ahead to in quest of more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks

  23. Simply want to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your post is simply excellent and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the rewarding work.

  24. Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept

  25. Appreciating the dedication you put into your site and in depth information you provide. It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed material. Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  26. I am curious to find out what blog system you happen to be working with? I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest site and I would like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any solutions?

  27. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is fantastic blog. A great read. I’ll definitely be back.

  28. What i do not realize is if truth be told how you’re now not really a lot more smartly-appreciated than you may be right now. You are so intelligent. You recognize therefore significantly in relation to this topic, produced me personally believe it from so many various angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be interested unless it’s something to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your personal stuffs nice. Always maintain it up!

  29. I was wondering if you ever considered changing the layout of your site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?

  30. Hello, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, great blog!

  31. Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after going through some of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely pleased I discovered it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!

  32. Can I simply say what a relief to find an individual who truly knows what they’re talking about on the net. You certainly understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people must look at this and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you aren’t more popular since you surely have the gift.

  33. I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one these days.

  34. I like the valuable information you supply in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and test again here frequently. I am rather certain I will be told a lot of new stuff right here! Good luck for the following!

  35. Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this blog and I am inspired! Very useful information specially the remaining part 🙂 I maintain such info a lot. I used to be seeking this particular info for a long timelong time. Thank you and good luck.

  36. I’m not sure why but this blog is loading extremely slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.

  37. I don’t know if it’s just me or if everyone else experiencing problems with your website. It looks like some of the text within your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too? This could be a problem with my browser because I’ve had this happen before. Kudos

  38. Это лучшее онлайн-казино, где вы можете насладиться широким выбором игр и получить максимум удовольствия от игрового процесса.

  39. Thanks for a marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author. I will always bookmark your blog and definitely will come back sometime soon. I want to encourage you to continue your great job, have a nice holiday weekend!

  40. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement. Do you know any methods to help stop content from being ripped off? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  41. Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any help is very much appreciated.

  42. I think this is one of the most important information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The site style is ideal, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers

  43. Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any assistance is very much appreciated.

  44. Хотите получить идеально ровный пол в своей квартире или офисе? Обращайтесь к профессионалам на сайте styazhka-pola24.ru! Мы предоставляем услуги по устройству стяжки пола в Москве и области, а также гарантируем быстрое и качественное выполнение работ.

  45. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  46. I was wondering if you ever considered changing the layout of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?

  47. Thank you for another magnificent article. Where else may just anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect means of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am at the look for such information.

  48. Thank you for any other wonderful article. Where else may anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am at the look for such information.

  49. First off I want to say great blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts before writing. I have had a difficult time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or tips? Thanks!

  50. I was more than happy to discover this great site. I wanted to thank you for your time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely appreciated every bit of it and I have you saved as a favorite to check out new stuff on your website.

  51. Unquestionably consider that that you stated. Your favourite justification appeared to be at the internet the simplest thing to bear in mind of. I say to you, I definitely get irked at the same time as other people consider concerns that they plainly do not realize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing with no need side effect , other folks can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you

  52. This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!

  53. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My blog site is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would genuinely benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Regards!

  54. Hey there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Outstanding blog and amazing style and design.

  55. hi!,I love your writing so so much! proportion we keep in touch more approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert in this space to solve my problem. May be that is you! Taking a look forward to peer you.

  56. Механизированная штукатурка стен от mehanizirovannaya-shtukaturka-moscow.ru – это оптимальное сочетание цены, качества и скорости.

  57. Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam responses? If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any assistance is very much appreciated.

  58. 548593 501726This kind of publish appears to get yourself a great deal of visitors. How will you acquire traffic to that? It provides a terrific distinctive twist upon issues. I guess having something traditional or maybe substantial to give info on is the central aspect. 771950

  59. Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept

  60. Hey there would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m planning to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a tough time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  61. Не упускай возможности испытать свою удачу с Lucky Jet – самой популярной игрой на 1win.Получай максимум удовольствия и выигрывай великолепные призы с Lucky Jet – выбор профессионалов в мире азарта.

  62. We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with helpful information to work on. You have performed an impressive process and our whole community will probably be grateful to you.

  63. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  64. magnificent issues altogether, you just won a logo new reader. What could you suggest in regards to your submit that you made a few days ago? Any sure?

  65. Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your web site in internet explorer, could check this? IE still is the marketplace leader and a large component of other people will miss your great writing due to this problem.

  66. Simply want to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness in your submit is simply nice and i can think you are knowledgeable in this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to grasp your RSS feed to stay up to date with forthcoming post. Thank you a million and please continue the rewarding work.

  67. This design is wicked! You certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

  68. We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with useful information to work on. You have performed an impressive activity and our whole group might be grateful to you.

  69. of course like your web-site however you need to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come back again.

  70. Hello very nice web site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds also? I am glad to find numerous useful information here in the submit, we’d like develop more strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  71. Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve bear in mind your stuff prior to and you’re simply too great. I really like what you’ve received here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you are saying it. You are making it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a great site.

  72. obviously like your website however you need to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I in finding it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will certainly come back again.

  73. hi!,I really like your writing so so much! proportion we communicate more approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert in this space to solve my problem. May be that is you! Looking forward to see you.

  74. Excellent blog here! Also your site loads up fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  75. Do you have a spam issue on this site; I also am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation; many of us have created some nice methods and we are looking to trade strategies with other folks, be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.

  76. Nice blog here! Also your site loads up fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

  77. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

  78. Hi would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m planning to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a tough time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  79. This is the right blog for anybody who would like to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally would want toHaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic that’s been written about for a long time. Excellent stuff, just great!

  80. Greetings I am so glad I found your blog page, I really found you by error, while I was searching on Digg for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a incredible post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I dont have time to go through it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the excellent jo.

  81. Howdy very nice blog!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds also? I am satisfied to seek out numerous useful information here in the post, we need develop more strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  82. I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i’m glad to express that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I such a lot definitely will make certain to don?t put out of your mind this web site and give it a look on a continuing basis.

  83. Do you have a spam issue on this site; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; many of us have created some nice procedures and we are looking to trade methods with other folks, be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.

  84. Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!

  85. Awesome blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally confused .. Any recommendations? Thanks a lot!

  86. Have you ever thought about publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.

  87. Excellent blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally confused .. Any suggestions? Thanks a lot!

  88. Hey I am so grateful I found your blog page, I really found you by mistake, while I was browsing on Google for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a fantastic post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at the minute but I have saved it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the awesome job.

  89. Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  90. Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam comments? If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any help is very much appreciated.

  91. I don’t know if it’s just me or if everyone else experiencing problems with your blog. It seems like some of the text within your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too? This could be a problem with my browser because I’ve had this happen before. Appreciate it

  92. We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.

  93. I am really loving the theme/design of your website. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems? A number of my blog visitors have complained about my blog not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari. Do you have any ideas to help fix this issue?

  94. Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to check out your website on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the knowledge you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, excellent site!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *