Thoughts on muzzle discipline while holstered

[Philadelphia]

I'm not sure if this is the right subforum for this so if it's not, feel free to move it.

I'm presently using the holster that came with my XD-9SC at roughly 3:00. Works well enough and it didn't cost extra.

What I find, however, is that the way the holster is designed coupled with the balance of the pistol makes the muzzle torque in toward my leg while holstered. No matter how much I tighten my belt, the butt leans out slightly enough to ensure that the muzzle is always pointed in toward my leg while holstered.

I'm not all that concerned about an ND while it's holstered and I am very careful to disengage the grip safety while holstering, but rule number two of gun safety coupled with my desire not to destroy my leg leads me to ask is this something of enough concern to shop for a better holster or am I being paranoid with the whole issue?

Thanks.

[VarmintKiller]

The XD gear holster that comes with your pistol is more suited to mounting in your vehicle or a nightstand or some other comparable application. Its my opinion that it is poorly suited for carry use, and you would be better off spendind the $$ on a quality holster. Its not worth an accident just because you want to save a few bucks.
Although this is just my opinion, I think many other people would agree with me.
Good luck with your decision.

[scalce]

The XD Gear is not as robust or solid as say a BladeTech with the Stingray belt loops so the XDs do tend to lean inwards towards your leg.

The major cause is a weak belt that is not torsionally stiff.

You need a good solid gun specific belt to help. Check out Wilderness belts and 511 belts. Uncle Mikes also make a similar but cheaper version.

Also try to get the muzzle behind your pant seem which seems to far back if you are new to holsters but it helps get a better grip from the start.

[KnightHawk]

Originally Posted by scalce

The major cause is a weak belt that is not torsionally stiff.

Also try to get the muzzle behind your pant seem which seems to far back if you are new to holsters but it helps get a better grip from the start.

What he said.

Try an internally reinforced belt, not just one with lots of stitching, and move the gun behind your hip. A decent holster will make things much better.

[bountyhunter]

Originally Posted by Philadelphia

I'm not sure if this is the right subforum for this so if it's not, feel free to move it.

I'm presently using the holster that came with my XD-9SC at roughly 3:00. Works well enough and it didn't cost extra.

What I find, however, is that the way the holster is designed coupled with the balance of the pistol makes the muzzle torque in toward my leg while holstered. No matter how much I tighten my belt, the butt leans out slightly enough to ensure that the muzzle is always pointed in toward my leg while holstered.

I'm not all that concerned about an ND while it's holstered and I am very careful to disengage the grip safety while holstering, but rule number two of gun safety coupled with my desire not to destroy my leg leads me to ask is this something of enough concern to shop for a better holster or am I being paranoid with the whole issue?

Thanks.

A good way to never have to worry would be to carry the gun with the mag topped but no round chambered. If you train to rack the slide as you draw, it only adds a very slight amount of time to the motion. Also... if I ever was holding an autoloader with my life on the line, I'd probably rack the slide just to make sure I had one up.

[jeepinbanditrider]

Originally Posted by bountyhunter

A good way to never have to worry would be to carry the gun with the mag topped but no round chambered. If you train to rack the slide as you draw, it only adds a very slight amount of time to the motion. Also... if I ever was holding an autoloader with my life on the line, I'd probably rack the slide just to make sure I had one up.

This would burn precious time. In the distance most SD situations occur you aren't going to have time to rack the slide, by that time the BG has closed the distance and jumped you. Now if this is the only way you can feel comftrable carrying than by all means do so however, be forewarned that this method could use up precious seconds when you don't even have 1 second. Or maybe you have a hurt hand or arm.

If you bend over to pick something up how many people do you think you are flagging with that weapon. Get a good quality holster and keep your finger away from the boom switch.

[Maximum1]

Thoughts on muzzle discipline while holstered..NEVER EVER place your finger on or near the trigger; use straight finger discipline at ALL TIMES.


Also, don't buy any holster which points the barrel at Mr. Happy

[Mike TRT]

when its holstered, its not a problem, its putting it in or removing it that can be bad...... I see people all the time aiming their pistol at their kidney when they reholster, its ugly but it happens, but it won't fire unless the trigger is pressed...... be safe, use common sense and all will be good, but.......

a chain is only as strong as its "weakest" link, you have a quality firearm, if your carrying it, I imagine (hope) your a quality human being, get that pistol and yourself a quality holster........the free one is not it

[GrovenSpringer]

I came to the same conclusion. What I did is buy the XD gear paddle holster. I love it! It was cheap too. I think I paid $16 and change for mine. XDPH1 is the model. Fits my SC9 perfectly, but if I remember right, it fits all models.

[03RangerXLT]

My suggestion for what its worth (probably not much )
Invest in a good holster. I love the Blackhawk CQC Serpa holsters as far as paddle holsters are concerned. They even conceal pretty well if your shirt allows for it. I think mine was $36. Not bad for a GREAT (in my opinion) paddle holster.

I carry my GLOCK 27 in a leather Galco IWB tuckable holster or in a Crossbreed Holster Supertuck IWB holster. Both great holsters for the money and very comfortable. A little more coin out of the pocket though. But (again, in my opinion) they are great investments as far as shelling out for quality products that are very comfortable to use.

In my opinion (I seem to have lots, what they are worth), if you are going to carry a sidearm, do it right. That may require spending some money. I have a drawer of cheaper holsters that helped me learn this lesson. The costs of those cheaper holsters has added up. But for the money, you will hopefully end up with a comfortable and SAFE method of carrying your XD.