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-Short Attention Span Theater-

Speed Holstering: Why It's a Bad Idea by Sheriff Jim Wilson

2019-06-19

[Shooting Illustrated] I’m not really sure where this business of speed re-holstering a handgun got started. Possibly, it began among competition shooters who thought it looked cool and was an indication of savvy gun handling. It might also have started with some defensive trainers for the same reasons. On the other hand, it really doesn’t matter. What folks should know about speed re-holstering is that it's dangerous and not a good idea at all.

Problems and injuries often occur when the hands move faster than the brain does. We get in a hurry and forget to get our index finger out of the trigger guard and put it alongside the frame. The one negligent discharge resulting in an injury that I personally witnessed was just such a case. The student was an old-time revolver guy who just couldn’t remember to get his finger out of the trigger guard when putting his gun away. His finger hit the top of the holster, and it came in contact with the trigger. There was a loud noise, when no one was expecting one.

The danger of speed re-holstering is increased if the shooter is using a striker-fired pistol with no external safeties. Not only can the trigger finger be the culprit, but pieces of clothing or some portion of the holster can also inadvertently impact the trigger, causing a discharge. This is not a condemnation of the striker-fire design but rather an indication that the shooter does not know and understand the mechanics of his or her chosen handgun.

Posted by:Besoeker

#7 Re-holstering. Isn't this returning your weapon to the holster (how I envision it)? What's the point of rushing that?

Posted by: Frank G 2019-06-19 18:46

#6 I don't know about "Gun Culture". Sort of has a negative connotation in the way your saying it. Ya want arrogant know it alls? Go to a cooking or fashion convention. They are on every group, loudly proclaiming to know the truth. I chimed in because when there is an AD event, the root cause analysis more often than not, comes back to training deficiency. We see it in guys buying high end 700 HP cars and crashing them within 100 miles. We see it boat owners, and aircraft pilots.
To B point, every weapon and holster is a personal choice, and responsibility to learn how to use effectively. I don't have a problem with no safety, like B does - and he is all good for his choice, I wont own a Glock because you cant control the hammer. Before you all jump me as Glock being the safest gun on earth, its personal preference- nothing more.

Posted by: 49 Pan 2019-06-19 14:15

#5 Whoever shoot himself using a speed holster does not practice using it

That would seem the crux of the matter. Train like you fight, fight like you train and all that.

By no means an expert, but keeping your finger off the on-switch unless you mean it is a good general rule. Same with power tools.

Posted by: SteveS 2019-06-19 12:21

#4 The worst part of the "gun culture" is all the know-it-alls it attracts. It's always interesting holding a loaded gun at the range while someone tells you you are doing everything wrong, often in an uncomfortably rude fashion.

Posted by: M. Murcek 2019-06-19 11:41

#3 I disagree completely with this man. At first I thought it was a joke. Speed holsters are a good thing. The second you save might just save your life. His points talked all around the truth. Whoever shoot himself using a speed holster does not practice using it. We go to the range and shoot hundreds of rounds so we can hit out target. But how often to people work on the reflex of proper drawing and aiming a gun? If you draw and your finger goes to the trigger, you need a few hundred hours of draw practice.

Posted by: 49 Pan 2019-06-19 10:50

#2 Not much of a hands-on sheriff, I guess.

When a citizen is momentarily subdued by the threat of the gun a one-handed grab is used for further control. A speedy reholstering frees the gun hand for a cuff reach or other grab (stun baton, pepper spray, taser,...) before the citizen thinks to make a 'break-away' move.

Not a lot of time to find an open holster mouth when the potential for violence looms in close proximity.

Posted by: Skidmark 2019-06-19 08:02

#1 The danger of speed re-holstering is increased if the shooter is using a striker-fired pistol with no external safeties.

"Speed" and firearms...generally don't mix. Striker-fired pistol without a safety? Never owned one, never will.

Posted by: Besoeker 2019-06-19 07:58

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