Editor’s note: The below article and video was originally published in February 2017. We are republishing it today with a few minor edits to bring attention to this important topic.
I want to make sure whenever we make decisions on anything in life, that we make them with as much factual information as possible. In this video, I discuss two incidents in which a firearm owner had a negligent discharge due at least in some part to the holster they were using. Don’t worry, in both incidents, the subject survived and did not sustain any serious injury.
The point of this video is not to Monday morning quarterback, or point fingers. Rather, it is an attempt to recreate the factors that led to these incidents and separate myth or rumor from fact.
Here are the links to the two incidents:
There is no peace of gear that can take the place of your mind and proper training in keeping you safe.
If having a safe holster is important to you please click here to read our article 4 Deal Breaking Criteria For Holsters, And Why The Majority of Holsters Fail
https://www.concealedcarry.com/gear/4-deal-breaking-criteria-for-holsters-and-why-the-majority-of-holsters-fail/
What did you think about this video? Leave a comment below.
13 Responses
Excellent video! Your common sense shines through. Thanks for posting this video.
Thank you Mr. Castagnaro, I sincerely appreciate the kind words. I am a simple guy who believes if I can break things down into simple concepts, more people will learn. Stay safe out there, and God bless.
What kind of gun was the guy carrying in the 2017 incident?
The only thing I could glean is that it is a 9mm striker fired semi automatic. I really wish we knew the type of gun rather than the type of ammunition used. Much more interested in the gun and what, if any modifications were made to it. IF I find anything more about the incident I will update the article for sure.
Thank you. I enjoyed the video and it was educational. I was just curious if the gun could at all be in fault at all because I have that exact same holster for my xds and have never had a problem. Not saying that I’m going to keep this holster forever (. Waiting for my stealth gear to come in to replace my Blackhawk ). Just saying IV had my Blackhawk as a temporary holster .
Thanks for watching. I made the video for that exact reason. I know people use these holsters and would start to question if their firearm is going to ‘just go off’. In all of the cases I have been able to find (these two being the most well known) there is ALWAYS some major human factor that contributes greatly to the incident. I really wanted to drive the point home that we are ultimately the masters of our own safety, and anyone who rests on a piece of gear to make them safe is setting themselves up to be the next poster child for ‘what not to do’. I am very curious as to why there is so much critical information missing regarding the incident with the Blackhawk holster. I am skeptical and suspicious that there is something that is intentially being left out. The ‘t-shirt getting bunched up’ idea was nearly impossibly to recreate. Even if that was the cause, if we are not aware of our clothing being jammed into our holster, it is the us that is not being safe, and no fault of the holster. But thanks again for watching and the kind words. I see you are a podcast listener and also an Ohio resident! Stay dry…
IMG_0923.PNG is there anyway to order this holster??
Kaitlin, there is no way to put a picture in a comment so we don’t know which one you are referring to. Can you describe it in some way or can you email the picture to support@concealedcarry.com?
Good morning,
Good video for once we’re looking at the operator rather then the equipment always being at fault. I teach concealed carry to brand new license issued students and one after the other they arrive with the CHEAPEST Holster they can find to tuck in their pants. Spend Hundreds on firearms, the twenty dollars on a envelope to carry it in. I spend the first twenty minute showing the short falls of collapsing holsters once one draws and the difficulty of carry.
This topic requires so much more coverage and please to anyone who reads thins, wait a few weeks, to save a few more dollars and buy a High Quality Holster hit belt carry if you New to Carry. You can explore other methods after you learn the basics.
Be safe
Thanks for the positive feedback and commitment to train gun owners the right way. I agree, no matter what, the onus of safety always lies with the human, not with any piece of gear. Proper training, education and awareness will allow you to handle guns safely, far more than simply relying on a plethora of manual external safeties or an empty chamber. JMHO thanks buddy, stay safe!
Outstanding video Matthew! I’m waiting any day now for my ccw permit. I’m safe, and competent with my Glock 23. I purchased an L.A.G. Kydex holster for belt carry, and a “first response ” belly band type holster for more hot weather carry, (if I might be wearing shorts without a belt). This is the holster I’m more concerned about because of its nylon material. I’ll try “manipulating the trigger ” as you did in the video. Great advice, but like you mentioned, nothing like serious gun safety, especially like the kind between your ears. Thanks again…
Thanks, Chris! I am really happy you got something from the article and video. There are definitely products out there that are not as safe as others, but when we hear a story like one of the ones mentioned, we can’t immediately blame the piece of gear and cause hysteria that somehow it is entirely due to a bad holster. Often times it is due to the owner not following safety rules or a lack of training.
So happy you decided to get your license and wish you all the best. If you have any questions or anything reach out and I would love to help in any way I can. Stay safe and God bless.
I have found that most ND’s are just that. Negligence on the part of the gun handler, poor or no training on their part. I prevented one while qualifying an individual when the adjustment toggle on her jacket had lodged in the trigger guard of her Glock. I immediately grabbed her hand and prevented her from holstering the gun. When you are a trainer you have to pay attention at all times as well!