The importance of reholstering?

[Seabear]

I personally feel that I have no other way of doing it. (unless it is a pocket holster)

I carry at 4 o'clock. Maybe I am not as flexible as some, but I can't even begin to reach my holster with my left hand. Ok, I just tried and I can touch it when my left hand goes around my back. I do know for a fact that I cannot see it. (remember, 4 level neck fusion) So, I reholster one handed without looking.

Now, that is my concealed carry. Cross Breed Super Tuck or Galco KingTuk depending on the pistola.

However, even both of my comp. rigs (1911 or 625 revolver) which are open carry of course are set where I can draw as fast as posible (2:30-3:00), and when reholstering I am seldom looking at my holster. I have normally just reloaded while watching/looking at my targets and VERY seldom take my eyes off the targets while reholstering because I am planning my next string, reviewing the last etc. I also consider it good training for defense. In competition I may take a quick glance to be sure of my footing in the shooter's box other than that I'm concentrating on targets.

The holster isn't gonna help me survive.

Now, another point . Let's say I have not drawn my Concelaed weapon to shoot someone. I draw mine almost daily so I can go into the Post Office. When I return to my truck I grab my pistol from it's hiding spot and can be looking out the windows as I reholster discretely. I can do it seated or as I enter or as I am exiting the truck. I like having that ability.

I also think it is important.

[cbunt1]

I'll chime in here.

It's important. I'd even say very important, but I wouldn't call it a showstopper. Depending upon the method of carry, and the situation.

If we're talking about a pocket carry or secondary carry location (e.g. a snubbie in an ankle rig), HAVING the gun is most important. Having a WAY to secure the handgun, even temporarily, is more important than a strict "one-handed, eyes off reholster capability" in my opinion. Don't forget that after I draw and use the handgun, I can ALWAYS drop it in a pocket, or slip it in a waistband long enough to show the police arriving on scene that I'm not a threat.

Now for my primary carry, I PREFER one-handed reholster, and I do train to "eyes off" holster. Yet, I will still watch the gun into the holster when possible/appropriate. It's part of muzzle control.

That said, I'm a firm believer that there are two types of holsters out there. Some are made to carry a gun, and others are made to use a gun. Most serve both purposes, but many do not. Smart Carry is designed to carry a gun. Yes, you can use it as well, but it's not designed to holster, shoot, and re-holster 20-30 times in a session. It's about having a gun on hand, being able to get to it, take care of business, and survive to make the decision about "what to do now."

The Crossbreed/MTAC/Summer Comfort lines serve both purposes quite well. They allow you to carry a handgun, well concealed, access it, and put it away with ease. They're the best of both worlds...but they too require some thought about 'what to do now."

The common thread here is that we all need to think the whole scenario through, and know (without having to come up with "new ideas" on the spot) what we're going to do with our gun (or guns) after the fact. As for me, my primary carry goes back into the holster it came out of--which happens to be one that I can one-hand/no eyes re-holster with. My backup would go in a coat pocket (if I'm wearing one) or in my waistband until I am in a position I can put it back in its deep-conceal position (usually an ankle rig). This is safe with a DA revolver...maybe not so much with an SA auto...the point is to know what you're going to do.

Ayoob's point is well taken. Let's not forget that his background is that of LEO, who has plenty more to do on scene once the immediate threat is over, and as an instructor he needs to be able to give "sound bite" advice that is applicable in ALL situations. The core of his message here, is still "Have a plan" -- at least in MHO.

Sooo...all other things being equal, it's best if you can re-holster one-handed without having to look. If you use a method that doesn't allow this...know what you're going to do when the gun work is done.

[bayouhazard]

I personally feel that I have no other way of doing it. (unless it is a pocket holster)

I carry at 4 o'clock. Maybe I am not as flexible as some, but I can't even begin to reach my holster with my left hand. Ok, I just tried and I can touch it when my left hand goes around my back.

I think using the other hand to move a cover garment counts as two handed reholstering.

[Seabear]

I personally feel that I have no other way of doing it. (unless it is a pocket holster)

I carry at 4 o'clock. Maybe I am not as flexible as some, but I can't even begin to reach my holster with my left hand. Ok, I just tried and I can touch it when my left hand goes around my back.

I think using the other hand to move a cover garment counts as two handed reholstering.

Sure, if you have to do that. I don't . I use my thumb to get under my shirt going in for the draw, and I do the same thing with the pistol in my hand.

When I am reholstering my index is in proper position, my last three fingers are griping the grip, and my thumb is under the safety verifying the "locked" position. I let my thumb curl outwards from the frame and it catches my shirt.

If you can't do that it may be a garment issue or a practice issue. I do it so often it just comes natural to me. My new extra move now with this King Tuk is to recheck the safety on my Ultra since the shape of the leather can knock the safety off as I pivot the pistol into the Kydex. It's all done in one move. I bet on a slow day I do it 6-10 times a day.

I holster like that in the morning as I get dressed (1) I unholster and reholster when nature calls. (twice if I am lucky LOL I know TMI (3) I unholster and reholster at the PO, (normaly once a day (4) If I am working as fishing guide add two more times, I don't carry while fishing but reholster before leaving the boat (5), when I sit down to watch TV (6) if the phone or the doorbell rings and I have to get up from my recliner (7-8) again when I go check our gates (9) when I go to take a shower and go to bed(10).

That's a slow day. Now you see where I get the everyday practice and why I consider it very important for me to be able to go one handed.

[canvasbck]

I voted that it is vital. It is virtually impossible to reholster while holding a soft sided holster open without sweeping your off hand with the muzzle. I'm not a fan of sweeping ANY body part that I don't have to while the weapon is still out of the holster.