Over the years, several people have wondered why I recommend never putting a loaded gun into your new holster right away.

“Wait, what? Did she just say not to use my new holster immediately??”

Why, yes. Yes I did. Never use  your new holster until you have given it a very complete checking-over. Follow this process for checking out a new holster.

Some people say a process like that is finicky, fussy, maybe even a bit paranoid. Definitely unnecessary. However, I suspect that this guy— and his wife — wish he hadn’t been in such a hurry to slam that gun into his new holster.

From the article at the link:

Two people were shot when a man holstering his pistol outside a Chehalis retailer apparently caused it to accidentally discharge today….

The preliminary investigation indicates a gentleman had just purchased a new holster and was putting his gun inside it, Chehalis Police Department Deputy Chief Randy Kaut said.

‘It accidentally discharged and went through his other hand and his wife’s leg,’ Kaut said.

So, let’s review today’s lessons from the headlines:

• Always follow the Four Rules of firearms safety (even when you have a new holster).
• Never point your gun at your own hand, or at someone you love, even when you have a new holster.
• Never put a loaded gun into an unfamiliar holster. Always check it out first.