If you carry a gun, how you holster it matters just as much as how you shoot it.
At Intuitive Self Protection, we train real people for real fights. And one thing we see far too often? Folks getting lazy, careless, or just plain wrong when it comes to holstering. Bad holster habits don’t just slow you down, they can get you or someone else shot. Let’s break down the mistakes we’ve seen.
Reholstering Without Looking
You’re not “tactical” if you reholster blind, it can be dangerous. Negligent discharges happen because someone tries to reholster too fast, and something (like a shirt or drawstring) gets caught in the trigger guard.
Slow down, look down, and make sure the holster is clear. If you rush the reholster, you might win the draw but lose the aftermath.
Bad Holster = Big Problem
A good holster does 3 things:
Fully covers the trigger guard
Holds the gun securely
Stays in place during movement
A proper holster keeps your firearm in place during movement
If your holster flops around, doesn’t hold your gun tight, or lets things touch the trigger, you’re asking for trouble. Cheap nylon holsters, sticky pads with no clips, and soft collapsible designs may be comfortable, but they are accidents waiting to happen if you plan to reholster. Keep this in mind and choose your holster wisely.
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Reholstering with Your Finger on the Trigger
Sounds obvious, right? Yet it happens. Under stress or after shooting, people forget. Your trigger finger should be straight and indexed every time you reholster. No exceptions.
Holstering is not a time to relax. It’s the last step in a dangerous moment. Treat it with respect. ISP encourages firearms owners to holster slowly and reluctantly.
Holstering in a Fight
Here’s a pro tip: don’t reholster in a fight. Unless your gun is completely empty or you need your hands for another task (like helping someone), your gun should stay out until the threat is gone and you’ve checked your surroundings.
Putting your gun away too early is a mistake that’s gotten good people hurt. Stay in the fight until you're 100% sure it's over.
Summary
Holster mistakes can be deadly. Don’t reholster blind, don’t go cheap on gear, and never let your finger near the trigger on the way in. Holstering should be slow, clear, and conscious every single time.
At Intuitive Self Protection, we teach you to carry smart, stay sharp, and avoid the kind of mistakes that turn deadly. Come train with the pros and learn the habits that keep you and everyone around you alive.
About The Author
Hank Hayes is a Combat Arts Hall of Famer and inventor of the No Lie Blade. He is the founder and CEO of both Intuitive Self Protection and NLB Tactical and creator of the ISP/NLB viscous fighting system. Since 1998, he has trained well over 30,000 Military and Law Enforcement personnel via Government contract mainly at the elite special teams level and continues to train both civilians and MIL/LE how to come home safe.
