Learn How To Holster The Right Way

how to holster

Knowing How to Holster: The Key to Safe Gun Handling

Understanding how to holster your firearm properly is essential for every gun owner. The process of reholstering must strictly follow safety protocols; failure to do so can lead to injuries to yourself, others, or damage to your firearm. Ensuring effective holstering is vital for safe gun ownership and practice.

How to Holster | Tips for Safe and Proper Holstering

How To Holster | Maintain a Firing Grip Throughout the Holstering Process

How To Holster

While learning how to holster properly isn't always emphasized in gun training programs, it is a critical component of firearm safety. Re-inserting your firearm into its holster poses various risks, but with proper technique, you can significantly reduce these risks. This guide aims to provide you with crucial tips and techniques to help you holster safely every time, allowing you to maintain your competency on the range and in daily carry situations.

1. Maintain a Firing Grip Throughout the Holstering Process

Keeping a firm firing grip is crucial when reholstering your firearm. Your thumb and forefinger should form a “V” shape high on the back strap, with the remaining three fingers wrapped securely around the grip. Importantly, your trigger finger should remain straight and outside the trigger guard. This grip stability not only enhances safety but also instills an automatic reflex that is vital in self-defense scenarios or competitive shooting. Practicing this discipline can make a significant difference in minimizing accidental discharges.

2. Ensure the Holster is Clear of Obstructions

Before holstering, check that your holster is entirely free of obstructions, such as retention straps or debris. Holsters with retention features should be inspected to avoid any dangles that might impede the smooth insertion of your firearm. It's also important to avoid using the muzzle to clear any obstructions; this could lead to a serious accident. Always ensure your support hand is not crossing in front of the muzzle when checking the holster's integrity.

how to holster

3. Check for Clothing Interference

When holstering, especially with outside-the-waistband concealment, make sure that your clothing doesn’t get caught in the holster. Loose clothing can easily fold into the holster, which increases the risk of unintentional discharges. Tuck your shirt in snugly or utilize tighter-fitting garments. If a baggy shirt is present, use your support hand against your abdomen to clear any obstruction while holstering your firearm. This technique prevents your non-gun hand from crossing the muzzle while promoting safety.

4. Avoid Using the Muzzle to Aid Holstering

While it may seem natural to use your firearm’s muzzle to aid you in reholstering, this practice is unsafe. For instance, consider using a holster like the Sticky brand. While convenient for everyday carry, reholstering requires removing the holster from your waistband. Only after ensuring all safety protocols are followed should you maneuver it back onto the firearm’s muzzle. This keeps your fingers and other vulnerable body parts clear from rifles that are in the process of being reholstered.

5. Stand Up First, Then Reholster

A critical safety note is the importance of standing before attempting to reholster. Various shooting positions are valuable in practice, but reholstering while lying prone or kneeling can significantly increase risks. After firing, keep the firearm in a safe direction, maintain your grip, and rise to a standing position while scanning your surroundings. Only when you’re in a stabilized position should you reconsider your holstering approach.

6. Take Your Time

One of the best pieces of advice I received during my first pistol class was to “draw quickly, fire slowly, and reholster reluctantly.” There’s no rush when it comes to reholstering. Being deliberate slows you down while ensuring safety during the process. This additional few seconds could make all the difference in preserving your safety and health.

Video Resource for Understanding Holster Angle and Placement

For visual learners, I recommend watching this informative video about the correct holster angle and placement by PersonalDefenseNet.

The correct knowledge of how to holster effectively is an essential skill for any responsible gun owner. Proper techniques can prepare you to avoid common accidents that others frequently encounter. Always prioritize your safety and practice good habits to protect yourself and those around you.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to holster your weapon safely demands focus and practice. With time, you can develop responsible habits that make you a more proficient gun owner. Remember, safety begins and ends with you. Take every opportunity to reinforce these practices both at the range and in everyday situations, and you’ll ensure a higher level of safety for yourself and others around you.

What have you done to improve your gun handling skills, especially regarding holstering? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

UP NEXT: 3 Must-Have Properties of All Carry Holsters

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on October 31, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

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6 Responses to :
Learn How To Holster The Right Way

  1. Mikial says:

    I’m sorry, I appreciate the need to teach people safe gun handling skills, but . . . there is no reason anyone should ever be in such a rush to holster their gun that they do not pay attention to what they are doing. If you are holstering your gun, that means the threat is over and you can safely holster your firearm slowly and with deliberation, and if that is the case . . . then take your time and be deliberate in your actions.

  2. Infidel says:

    6. Look at the holster before and during re-holstering.
    If the bad guy is dead, there is no threat, and, therefore, no need to watch him while you are re-holstering,
    If the bad guy is not dead, you should not be re-holstering unless,
    You are a law enforcement officer with a need to use both hands to handcuff him,
    Or a cowboy trying to impress someone with your blind re-holstering talents.

  3. Art Brown Sr. says:

    Unfortunately MOST firing ranges do not allow drawing, shooting and reholstering practice. and unless the individual can take some R&R time in the wilds they have little time /space /opportunity to get it right.
    I myself have the space available a few miles from home in the opposite direction from work.

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