by Peter Wheeler
Reference a comment left by Frank Sharpe on our recent story about the Appendix carrier who suffered a negligent discharge and bled out.
I’ve “solved” the problem in my life by employing a VanGuard II holster. It requires me to snap it over the trigger guard before I can slip it into my waist band – thus, I’m not holstering a gun with an exposed trigger. I carry one gun appendix in this manner. It’s obviously not convenient to practice 100 drawstrokes with out on the range, but for daily carry it might actually be “safer” than normal IWB/open top holster carry anywhere else on the waist.
That being said, I waiver on the fence with this method of carry when used with an inside the waistband holster. I haven’t banned it, but I strongly encourage new students NOT start there. So far I haven’t had a student not take my advice in their first class with us. We’ve also changed our doctrine to include: There is NO rush to re-holster – take your time, look if you need to.
One statistic that I’ve never seen compiled is the type of ammo most people shoot themselves with when they experience a negligent discharge. We know that most range accidents with handguns happen on the re-holster, but my guess is that almost 100% of those are with ball ammunition. I’d suggest that if those shooting themselves in the ass were doing so with expanding hollow points, we might be seeing a higher number of fatalities/severe damage, as expanding and fragmenting bullets will take turns and experience odd penetration patterns when they contact meat and bone.
There are potential problems in life with everything we do – some reach a risk/reward tipping point that results in us choosing not to engage in that activity. On the other hand, sometimes we make adjustments and solve problems in order to reap the benefits of the activity. I don’t want to shoot myself at all, and I especially don’t want to clip an artery, so, I chose a holster that can only go on my body when it has been pre-installed on my pistol.
As far as the adrenalin/excitement factor with the police arriving, set the pistol on the ground, the car hood, or drop it and step on it. The police are going to disarm you and confiscate your gun anyway.
I agree with Frank Sharpe in general. However, some newbie shooters are determined to make the decision to use an AIWB (Appendix inside the waistband) holster and gamble on their fate.
With that said, as an instructor I feel compelled to offer a bit of advice.
I strongly suggest to start out using a ‘Blue safety gun’ because they’re extremely close to weight, balance and detail with the model of the gun you already own.
With your brand new AIWB holster, before you put your gun in the holster put the safety gun in. Then start carrying as you would with a real gun, and in your house at all times continue for at least a couple of weeks. This will accelerate to becoming acclimated with your holster while you draw and re-holster it. You want look for anything that will develops into a BAD habit. Do this no less than a dozen times or more each day. Then as you start using your real gun be VERY careful!
Typically, the “blue guns” are used as a training tool by firearms instructors. They are a little pricey but they can be an invaluable tool toward saving your life or somebody you love or care about. However, it’s a small price to pay considering a real possibility of having a very bad.
Generally, “Rings” seems to be the standard used at firearm schools and instructors. Of course there are many other manufacturers out there so hit the Internet.
Good luck and stay safe by practicing safely every time there’s a gun around you.