Holster Arms for Concealed Carry Safety
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011 at 3:46 PMHat Tip: Pat Webb
Holster Arms for Concealed Carry Safety
Virginia Citizens Defense League
Covington VA --(Ammoland.com)- This past week a Spotsylvania County, VA CHP holder fatally shot himself in the hip in front of his four children.
This tragic accident was entirely preventable. Investigators report that it appears the man had placed the gun in the waistband of his pants and accidentally pulled the trigger while trying to adjust his seat-belt.
In light of this, let’s all take a few moments to reflect on safe ways to carry a firearm. There are a few simple things we can do to enhance safety. Holsters should be used and all equipment should be regularly inspected for signs of wear. In addition, not all holsters are created equal and some are safer than others.
Here are a few key features to look for:
- The mouth of the holster should be reinforced so that it stays open when the gun is not in the holster. This allows for one-handed holstering and prevents pointed a loaded gun at your hand.
- The holster should hold the gun securely and should be used as intended; you would not want your gun to fall out while you are going about your daily activities.
- Use a holster that is made for the gun you are carrying. This will insure that the gun fits properly, helping to prevent accidental discharge while holstering. It will also help prevent accidental loss of the firearm during activities.
- Make sure the holster stays firmly attached when you draw your firearm. If the holster stays on your gun instead of on your belt it could cost you your life! If using a belt clip type holster, make sure the clip has a turned-under piece at the bottom that makes a positive attachment to your belt or waistband.
- If you carry your gun in your pocket, use a pocket holster. Do not put anything else in the pocket! You would not want your keys to accidentally trigger a discharge. Nor would you want any obstructions to lodge in the barrel or the action, causing malfunction and possible injury.
- If you carry in a purse, use a specially made holster-purse or attach a holster to the inside of your purse. Make sure it doesn’t move around and, again, don’t put anything in the compartment with the gun. Personally, I dislike carrying in a purse because they get stolen too easily, but sometimes it is unavoidable.
- Inspect the holster for signs of wear. Folds in worn leather can accidentally depress the trigger when holstering.
While it is true that good holsters can be expensive, there are some reasonably priced models out there as well.
What is comfortable is a personal choice, as is whether you carry inside the waist (IWB), strong side, cross draw, shoulder holster, pocket holster, ankle holster and so on. The important thing is to be safe, and these simple guidelines should help us do just that.
Resources: www.crossbreedholsters.com
About:
Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL). VCDL is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to defending the human rights of all Virginians. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a fundamental human right. Visit: www.vcdl.org
