CCW holsters.

[Adam Helmer]

I prefer quality leather direct draw holsters of the pancake type. I also want the trigger to be fully covered when the handgun is holstered. In the past, on the semi-annual qualification firing line, we had folks FIRE their guns in the holster at the 7 yard line in the 12 rounds in 30 second stage. In all cases, the firer will always have a scar across the buttocks cheek because the cheap holsters did NOT cover the trigger!

When buying a CCW holster, be sure to have the trigger covered by the holster.

Adam

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Adam;
Do you have any makes/models that you would like to share as being "better" than others? I have several different makes (BIanchi 3S, Milt Sparks, Don Hume, custom) and they are all a little bit different.

[Adam Helmer]

Mr. 16 gauge,

I use a Jaypee holster for my 3-inch M65 S&W that covers the trigger when the gun is holstered. I have seen Bianchi, Hume and Sparks holsters which also covered the trigger. The cheap Hunter holsters usually do not cover the trigger.

I advise all my handgun students to cover their triggers so on the draw they cannot pick up the trigger until they clear leather. With cheap holsters, I have seen folks fire their guns IN the holster.

Adam

[Joe Boleo]

My question would be why are folks going for the trigger before they clear the holster? Sounds more like a training and awareness problem than a holster problem. Maybe they are shooting Glocks. Take care...
Joe

[Adam Helmer]

Joe,

Point well taken, BUT under stress, with the adrenelin FLOWING, folks forget to NOT pull the trigger until the gun is on target. A holster covering the trigger is a good first step to prevent unwanted shooting of self or others.

If you ever are in a situation UNDER STRESS, come back and chat. Glock, or no Glock, PULLING the trigger in a holster happens and it is NOT GOOD! Keep on being safe.

Adam

[Gil Martin]

I agree with Joe, more training and awareness seem to be very important when shooting targets. A fellow at our gun club was practicing and shot himself in the leg. I recall seeing a video where a DEA agent in front of a classroom of children put a round into his leg. Not sure what stress was involved there, but prior training may have been an issue. All the best...
Gil

[kt]

a neighboring city had a cadet shoot himself two weeks ago at the allentown police academy (easton cadet). It was on the re-holstering of what a friend told me was most likely a G19 according to academy standards. i agree the trigger should be covered in a holster. I too am in need of a new holster for the G26. Be careful
kt

[Adam Helmer]

kt,

ANOTHER safety point: I often see folks holster up WITH their finger still on the gun's trigger! Wedging a pistol into a holster with finger-on-the-trigger can easily generate the 3-6 pounds of pressure to fire the gun.

Adam

[Adam Helmer]

Gil,

I saw that video. After 10 years training 100 feds a year on the range, I saw all levels of skills/situational awareness.

As for the classroom casuality, I would say the agent exhibited POOR Judgement by taking a loaded handgun into a classroom. He may have had "stage fright" or merely a brain bleep.

I maintain a holster that covers the trigger will increase your safety and especially that of any newbies you instruct. You need "student proof" holsters. You can tell novices many times about safety and they cannot process all the information at once. Last year I was checking a guy out on his M1911A1 pistol at the bench. I explained when he inserted a new magazine to keep the gun pointed down range and finger off the trigger. He got it half right! The gun was down range when he slammed in a loaded magazine and pulled the slide. His finger was in the trigger guard and the pistol fired to his TOTAL surprise!

Training is trumped by Murphy's Law everytime. I know a life-long butcher in Souderton, PA who has had more stitches/casts on his hands/fingers than I can recall.

Adam