Lesson 8.4: Administrative Handling and Safe Reholstering
Purpose of This Lesson
Many negligent discharges happen during ordinary firearm handling.
This lesson covers administrative handling and safe reholstering.
Administrative Handling
Administrative handling means handling a firearm for any reason other than firing it.
That includes loading, unloading, holstering, unholstering, casing, uncasing, cleaning, storing, moving, adjusting, or showing the firearm.
Administrative handling is not casual handling. The Four Rules always apply.
Handle It Less
A carried pistol should stay in the holster unless there is a lawful and necessary reason to handle it.
Do not touch, adjust, remove, or display the firearm in public just because it is uncomfortable or because you want someone to know it is there.
Unnecessary handling creates unnecessary risk.
Safe Reholstering
Reholstering must be slow and deliberate.
Clear clothing, drawstrings, straps, and other objects from the holster opening. Keep your finger off the trigger.
Do not force the firearm into the holster.
If something feels wrong, stop.
End of Day Routine
Have a controlled routine for securing the firearm at the end of the day.
Do not toss a loaded firearm on a nightstand, dresser, chair, vehicle console, or counter.
If the firearm can remain safely secured in the holster, removing the holster and firearm together reduces unnecessary gun handling.
Davey Defense Standard
Handle the firearm less. Handle it deliberately.
Keep the muzzle controlled. Keep the trigger protected. Slow down.
Fast reholstering is dangerous and unnecessary.