The Hidden Risks of Strong Side Carry: Lessons from Christopher Bean

When it comes to concealed carry, few topics spark as much debate as holsters and holster placement. Appendix carry gets plenty of scrutiny, but what about strong side carry? In a recent video, firearms instructor Christopher Bean of Tactical Advantage takes a clear-eyed look at some of the less obvious dangers associated with strong side carry—particularly when it comes to muzzle orientation during reholstering.

Chris is a fantastic human and instructor and was kind enough to be our range master at the 2024 Guardian Conference. I respect his opinion a lot.

His video, published on the Active Self Protection Extra YouTube channel, is a must-watch for any gun owner who carries on the strong side. Bean delivers valuable insights with practical demonstrations that may make you rethink your draw and reholster techniques, regardless of how many reps you've logged on the range.

Below is his video, and further below, I have prepared a summary of Chris's comments and recommendations.

Strong Side Carry: Not as Safe as You Think?

Strong side carry is often seen as the more “forgiving” method of concealed carry. It's popular among new carriers and longtime gun owners alike. But Christopher Bean reminds us that no carry position is without risk—especially if we get lazy about our technique.

Using a rendered-safe Glock 19 and a bore-sight laser, Bean visually demonstrates how common habits—like standing upright while reholstering—can cause the muzzle to sweep across femoral arteries, abdomen, or other critical areas of the body.

These are not just theoretical risks. Self-inflicted gunshot wounds during reholstering do happen, and strong side carry presents its own set of hazards that can be just as serious as those debated in the appendix carry world.

Key Risks Identified in the Video

🔴 Muzzle Sweep During Reholster

• Reholstering while standing straight or “fishing” for the holster can cause the muzzle to track across the upper thigh or femoral artery.

• Improper hip positioning can angle the muzzle toward the shooter’s own body—a recipe for disaster if clothing or debris enters the trigger guard.

🔴 Garment Interference

• Loose or untucked shirts can easily become trapped in the holster, potentially pressing into the trigger as the gun is reholstered.

• Many carriers fail to fully clear their garments when reholstering, especially under stress or when distracted.

🔴 Poor Draw Angles

• Drawing upward without attention to body positioning can cause the muzzle to sweep the shooter’s abdomen or torso.

• Lack of awareness during the draw can create an unnecessary risk of self-inflicted injury.

Practical Mitigation Tips

Christopher Bean doesn’t just identify problems—he offers clear, actionable solutions. Here are some of the best takeaways from his video:

✅ Kick the Hip Out

• Slightly rotating or thrusting the hip outward changes the muzzle angle during reholstering.

• This simple adjustment helps keep the muzzle pointed safely away from your body.

✅ Reholster Vertically, Not at an Angle

• Avoid trying to “guide” the gun into the holster at a slant.

• Use a deliberate, vertical movement with eyes on the holster (yes, it's okay to look).

✅ Clear the Cover Garment Completely

• Lift the entire shirt or jacket clear before holstering.

• Double-check for any fabric bunched near the holster mouth before proceeding.

✅ Slow Down

• Speed kills—literally. There's likely no prize for the fastest reholster in a real-world situation.

• Treat every reholster as a high-risk maneuver that requires conscious attention.

✅ Be Body-Aware During the Draw

• Adjust foot positioning to allow for a clean draw that doesn't sweep the body.

• Practice consistently from a variety of stances to identify unintentional muzzle direction changes.