What NOT TO DO When Carrying a Handgun (7 Critical Mistakes)

Published on May 10, 2026
Duration: 11:59

This video from Line 45, presented by Ted, details critical mistakes to avoid when carrying a handgun. It emphasizes that most negligent discharges occur during routine handling, not gunfights. Key errors include improper trigger finger placement during the draw, rushing re-holstering, using non-rigid holsters, carrying with an empty chamber unnecessarily, using unreliable ammunition, and ignoring legal no-carry zones and use-of-force laws. The instructor stresses the importance of disciplined training and safe habits over speed.

Quick Summary

Most negligent handgun discharges happen during routine handling due to a lack of respect for the firearm, often involving mistakes during drawing or re-holstering. Rushing these actions, particularly re-holstering, can lead to accidental discharges if clothing enters the trigger guard. Using a rigid holster and practicing disciplined trigger finger placement are crucial for safety.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction: The Danger of Routine
  2. 00:33Mistake 1: Finger Inside Trigger Guard During Draw
  3. 01:46The Fix: Slow Down Your Draw
  4. 02:05Mistake 2: Re-holstering Too Fast
  5. 02:30The Danger of Clothing in the Holster
  6. 03:33Mistake 3: Carrying Without a Rigid Holster
  7. 04:01Why Rigidity Matters: Consistency
  8. 05:07Mistake 4: Printing and Poor Retention
  9. 06:07Testing Carry Setups in Motion
  10. 06:45Mistake 5: Carrying Without Chambering a Round
  11. 07:07The Reality of Defensive Encounters
  12. 08:29Mistake 6: Unreliable Ammo or No Function Testing
  13. 09:34Magazine-Specific Failures
  14. 10:13Mistake 7: Ignoring Legal Zones and Use of Force Laws
  15. 10:44Post-Bruen Legal Landscape
  16. 11:00Self-Defense Law Nuances
  17. 11:31The Aftermath: Legal Scrutiny

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common cause of negligent handgun discharges?

According to Line 45, most negligent discharges occur during routine handling when people stop respecting their firearm, not during gunfights. This often involves mistakes made during drawing or re-holstering due to complacency or poor habits.

Why is it dangerous to re-holster a handgun too quickly?

Re-holstering too fast increases the risk of clothing or fabric getting caught in the trigger guard, especially with striker-fired pistols. This can inadvertently press the trigger, leading to an accidental discharge and potential injury.

What type of holster is recommended for safe concealed carry?

A rigid holster, such as Kydex or well-built leather, is recommended. Rigid holsters maintain their shape when the gun is drawn, ensuring the trigger guard remains covered and preventing accidental trigger contact during re-holstering.

Why is it important to function test carry ammunition?

Function testing ensures that the specific defensive ammunition reliably feeds and cycles in your particular firearm. Different pistols can have varying tolerances, and a round that works in one might fail to feed in another.

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