These are just a few pointers to help you consider some factors regarding safe pistol handling. They are by no means exhaustive, and are only one aspect of this complex subject. There are many opinions on this subject, and you are advised to study multiple opinions and comments.
These comments are for information only, and you must understand that gun safety is always your personal responsibility.
What is common is that you need to practice safe handling at all times, and the more comfortable you are with your drills the safer your handling will be – so long as you never take safety for granted or become complacent regarding gun safety.
There are 4 basic rules to safe pistol handling:
- ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED.
- NEVER POINT THE MUZZLE AT ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO SHOOT
- NEVER PUT YOUR FINGER IN THE TRIGGER GUARD UNTIL SIGHTED ON TARGET THAT YOU ARE WILLING TO SHOOT
- ALWAYS BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET – AND YOUR BACKSTOP
Have a Consistent Reference Point for Draw so that hand and arm are in constant position e.g. Part of Forearm that touches Pistol Handle (or not quite touching if required by stage)
There are many different ways of drawing your gun from its holster.
Just 2 examples used are:
Philippino Style
Draw Gun – bring up through lower arc and onto aim
Tactical Style
Draw Gun – Raise close to body then extend Arms
Your Holster should be up and down or pointing slightly forward. If you do have your holster pointing to the rear ensure that when you draw you bring the muzzle forwards well before your finger goes anywhere near the inside of the trigger guard, or your gun will be pointing in an unsafe direction.
Keep support hand out of way when drawing from holster
Never put your finger onto the Trigger until the muzzle is pointing at your intended target.
Never Mount the Trigger until the gun is parallel to ground so If have an Accidental Discharge (AD ) or a Negligent Discharge (ND) the muzzle will always be in a safe direction
Only Safety is Your Finger and Face of Trigger
Never leave your finger in trigger guard when holstering
Avoid sweeping to rear especially when holstering
When holstering DO NOT point the gun at YOU – Angle of entry to holster
Drawing by the Numbers:
- Finger NEVER inside trigger guard unless muzzle parallel to ground in a safe direction and firing imminent
- Finger OUT of trigger guard when re-holstering
- Hands by Side (Reference Point)
- When grabbing pistol weak hand moves at same speed (grab belt or touch stomach) to avoid sweeping weak hand with pistol
- Mount Trigger finger
- Extend away from body and come on aim