Since I'm just a recreational shooter, I don't have a holster for my guns. This just gives me the willies.

if you keep your finger off the trigger, the gun won't go 'bang'... that's the short version.

long version... practice at home without ammo to attain a proper grip, draw, and presentation; watch magpul's dynamic handgun dvd and practice just attaining a full grip from different positions WITHOUT drawing until it becomes muscle memory... then move on to the draw, finger OFF the trigger of course.  your wife/girlfriend might think you're weird, but when you have to use that reaction to thwart a bad situation, they'll be thankful you practiced.

then maybe, you won't act like a dumb gun nut at the range and end up like the guy in the vid.

depending on your holster it can go bang sometimes too.
 so really always know your gear even if it isn't a weapon and practice dry runs with it.
make sure to do regular checks and maintenance or your gear to make sure it isn't worn down or breaking

carry is a very big responsibility so i would expect some of this to happen to some people in hawaii that might think they are some gunslinger cause they've seen it in the movies enough.

ah yes, i did forget to mention 'use of quality gear'...
universal, one size fits all type stuff is not what you want to rely on if your life (or femoral artery, leg, privates, etc) literally depends upon it.
a quality holster always has the trigger completely covered (with the exception of some race holsters which i'm not addressing here).  look for that and other no frills type stuff that minimize the possibility of hanging up on something upon drawing.

and i don't really see local folks having a problem carrying responsibly... if good ol boys on the mainland can do it, so can we.
we've all seen the same movies, and think we're all pro's and can 'do it better', but in the end, i believe that the spectrum of firearms owner's is level with training and practice being essential.

Practicing "the draw" with something like a Rings Dummy gun is a good first step.  Develop that muscle memory along with other skills likr clearing clothing.  Then move on to doing so with an empty gun because one needs to train with the correct weight fir fqmiliarity.  Keeping in mind that you should be indexing your trigger finger and not lazily allowing it to drop down to the trigger.  Then continue training with a full mag and empty chamber.  Once one is not only smooth, but comfortable too.....then one should (where safe and allowed) practice the full draw including cycling the trigger, either SA or DA if your weapon has the option.  Practicing both would be ideal and even more so with your SD/HD load as well.

Tracked down the video that the gif was made from:

Keep yer booger hook off the bang switch!

Keep yer booger hook off the bang switch!

Brevity being the soul of wit, you win the internets tonight, sir.

There were many problems with what that guy did. The biggest mistake was sticking his finger in the trigger guard and pulling the trigger while it was pointed at his leg.

There were many problems with what that guy did. The biggest mistake was sticking his finger in the trigger guard and pulling the trigger while it was pointed at his leg.

You think?

I'd say his biggest mistake was his high cholesterol diet.

Don't forget the reverse, Keep finger OFF trigger when holstering gun.

Same thing will happen.

Don't forget the reverse, Keep finger OFF trigger when holstering gun.

Same thing will happen.

Other sage advice I've picked up along the way is, not only keep your finger off the trigger when re-holstering; but always re-holster slooooowly.  There's no such thing as a situation where your life will depend on your ability to get your pistol into the holster quickly, so take your time about it, make sure your shirt isn't bunched up or otherwise screwed up in a way that's going to catch on the trigger.

There are numerous versions of this video. The important thing not discussed here is the type of holster he was using which was different on this self inflicted shot than he HAD been training with (thumb release instead of SERPA).

There is a video out there where he explains the whole incident.

For those that have jumped on the ban-wagon regarding the SERPA, I'd like to offer this thread from another forum:  http://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/430601935/m/6970093072/p/1

However, if you cannot be objective, then don't waste your time.  Especially don't bother the follow up on the second page.

I've been using the older style without the "channel" for over 6 years (though not in force-on-force) without EVER having an ND.  I have had no specialized training and have ALWAYS "indexed" my finger (straight) during and after the draw.  I rotate my finger down to the trigger only when I am on the target and always have - booge hook off the bang button until it needs to be there.  I have other holsters but still use my SERPA with confidence in it and my skill and abilities with it.

^^^Will need to finish reading that article later.  Pretty interesting.

Here's a story about the importance of regularly checking your gear and retiring it when it gets worn out.  The old rock climbing adage that says "You should never, ever, have a 'trusty old rope' or a 'trusty old harness" probably applies to leather holsters as well.

Guy has accidental discharge with gun in holster, on hip, and untouched.

I just picked up a bladetech holster for my M&P 9. So far, it looks pretty solid, but that is just me getting all cowboy in the bedroom ^_^.

I just picked up a bladetech holster for my M&P 9. So far, it looks pretty solid, but that is just me getting all cowboy in the bedroom ^_^.

M&P, blade tech and skivvies. 

Haha.