7 BIGGEST Mistakes When Carrying a Handgun – Avoid These at All Costs!

Published on April 24, 2026
Duration: 11:59

This video emphasizes critical mistakes to avoid when carrying a handgun, focusing on safe practices during drawing and reholstering. It highlights that negligent discharges often occur during routine actions due to complacency. Key takeaways include maintaining proper trigger finger discipline during the draw, the importance of slow and deliberate reholstering to prevent accidental discharges caused by clothing interference, using a rigid holster for consistent draws and safety, ensuring proper retention to prevent printing, carrying with a chambered round for immediate readiness, function testing ammunition, and understanding legal no-carry zones and use-of-force laws.

Quick Summary

The biggest mistakes in handgun carry often stem from complacency during routine actions like drawing and reholstering. Negligent discharges frequently occur when trigger finger discipline is lost, clothing interferes with reholstering, or a rigid holster isn't used. Proper training emphasizes slow, deliberate movements and understanding legal restrictions to ensure safe and effective concealed carry.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Danger of Routine
  2. 00:36Mistake 1: Finger Inside Trigger Guard During Draw
  3. 02:03Mistake 2: Reholstering Too Fast
  4. 03:31Mistake 3: Carrying Without a Rigid Holster
  5. 05:09Mistake 4: Neglecting Retention & Printing
  6. 06:45Mistake 5: Carrying Without Chambering a Round
  7. 08:29Mistake 6: Unreliable Ammo or No Function Testing
  8. 10:13Mistake 7: Ignoring Legal No-Carry Zones & Use of Force

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common cause of negligent handgun discharges during concealed carry?

The most common cause of negligent handgun discharges during concealed carry is complacency during routine actions like drawing and reholstering. Bad everyday habits, rather than malicious intent, often lead to critical failures when individuals stop respecting the inherent dangers of handling a loaded firearm.

Why is it crucial to reholster a handgun slowly and deliberately?

Reholstering slowly is vital to prevent accidental discharges. Clothing, drawstrings, or other fabric can easily get caught in the trigger guard during a fast reholster, especially with striker-fired pistols, leading to unintended firing. Visual confirmation of an unobstructed holster is key.

What type of holster is recommended for safe and consistent concealed carry?

A rigid holster, such as those made from Kydex or well-built leather, is highly recommended. Rigid holsters maintain their shape, ensuring the trigger guard remains covered and the holster mouth stays open, facilitating safe reholstering and consistent draws.

Should you carry a handgun with an empty chamber?

For firearms designed for it, carrying with a chambered round is generally recommended for immediate readiness. Modern striker-fired and double-action pistols have built-in safeties that make this practice safe when handled correctly with a proper rigid holster.

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