Knowing how to holster properly is paramount for everyone who owns a gun. The simple process of reholstering must follow a safety procedure, otherwise, you can injure the case, yourself, or others.
How to Holster | Tips for Safe and Proper Holstering
Learning how to holster properly isn’t given much attention in gun training, but it should. Re-inserting the gun into a holster is a high-risk activity for many, but it doesn’t have to be. Avoid pain, disability, or worse by doing it the right way every time. Here are some pointers about equipment and behaviors to keep you free of unwanted bodily holes. Not to mention, understanding how to holster properly will keep you looking competent on the range.
1. Maintain a firing grip throughout the holstering process.
The term “firing grip” means the “V” of your thumb and forefinger is as high as reasonably possible on the back strap. Further, the three non-trigger fingers are wrapped firmly around the grip, and your trigger finger is straight and planted against the frame.
Never loosen your grip as you re-holster. This is an essential discipline not only for safety, but also for developing an automatic habit in self-defense or competition.
2. Be sure the holster is clear of obstructions involving the holster itself.
Some holsters have retention straps that tend to dangle over the opening. Some have trigger finger-operated retention devices that collect snow or small sticks that protrude into the holster. There is nothing inherently wrong with either type, so long as you ensure the opening and interior are clear before inserting your gun.
Never use your muzzle to clear an obstruction, and never cross your support hand in front of the muzzle to clear the holster!
3. Be sure the holster is clear of potential wardrobe malfunctions.
It’s best to tuck your shirt in tightly when wearing a holster outside the waistband. If not, or if you’re wearing a baggy shirt, you risk pushing a fold of clothing or a button into the holster. This can result in an unintentional discharge. Clearing baggy shirts from the holster area is best done by placing your support hand flat against your abdomen just in front of the holster, and then pressing against yourself as you draw toward your midline. This will clear the holster opening while preventing the muzzling of your own hand.
4. Don’t use the muzzle to work the gun into a collapsible holster.
My everyday carry holster is a Sticky brand. It works great for me, but one of its limitations is reholstering. The collapse of a holster upon drawing must be deliberately placed back on the gun, not vice versa. This means I have to remove the holster from my waistband and use my support hand to lower it onto the muzzle from above.
This way, the muzzle never covers my non-gun hand or other body parts. It’s very little trouble since this is only necessary when I’m doing a chamber check or after firing.
5. Stand up first, reholster second
It’s a great idea to practice firing from different positions once you’re safe and comfortable shooting from a standing position. It’s a big risk to reholster when prone, kneeling, sitting, and so on. Keep your muzzle in a safe direction, with the gun in a firing grip in one or both hands as you rise. If you want to be proactive in your training, visually scan your environment as you come up to a standing position, then go to the holster.
6. Take your time.
Some lasting advice I got from my first pistol class at Gunsite Academy is to “draw quickly, fire slowly, and reholster reluctantly.” This was often followed by “There are no awards for speed reholstering.” This simple investment of a couple extra seconds will protect your life and health.
Watch this video about holster angle and placement by PersonalDefenseNet:
Apparently, holstering is not as simple as it appears in the movies. Carrying a loaded gun so close to your body is already a risk in and of itself. Otherwise, these tips wouldn't be necessary. A huge percentage of gun owners own a gun for self-defense, thus, proper holstering to compete is somewhat of a secondary priority.
Overall, the proper knowledge of holstering is an essential skill to become a well-rounded gun owner.
What can you say about learning the right way to holster? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on October 31, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
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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.
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.
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.