How to Safely Walk With an Unholstered Handgun

Smith & Wesson's GUNSMARTS video clarifies some gun-safety questions you may have been afraid to ask.

posted on July 28, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Smith & Wesson's Julie Golob is a competitive shooter with a list of accolades longer than she is tall, but she remembers as well as anyone what it's like to be a beginner. One of the questions that many new shooters have (but are afraid to ask) is about what to do if they need to hand-carry a pistol out of its holster. What does a "safe direction" mean when you're on the move? Is there a special way to hold the handgun to ensure that you're observing the Three Rules of Gun Safety

In this video from S&W's GUNSMARTS series, Golob walks you through what "moving with a gun" means for a beginner versus for a competitive shooter. She'll also demonstrate how to walk safely with your unholstered handgun while explaining exactly why you'll want to copy her moves. These gun-handling skills are the ones you're most likely to need in your day-to-day life, but they can't ever become "casual." 

Latest

Horman Judge20 Lede
Horman Judge20 Lede

20 Years of the Taurus Judge Revolver

This revolver still provides the just-right balance of features and price that turned a niche dual-caliber revolver into one of this company's most successful platforms.

What Is “Necked Down?”

Many common cartridges are simply “necked down” versions of other cartridges—but what exactly does that mean?

 

Young Guns: A First-Time Foray into Upland Bird Hunting

Under experienced mentorship, six young women go afield to experience all that goes in to harvesting game and potentially becoming lifelong huntresses.

New Guns 2026: SIG Sauer P322-ROSE ROMEO-RS

Chambered in .22 LR, the pistol offers a light-recoil, cost-effective alternative to 9 mm.

What Are Armor-Piercing Bullets?

This specialty ammo is designed for a very specific purpose, and it’s not for civilian use. But what is it exactly?

Spring Cleaning Your Concealed-Carry Handgun

If you’ve never tackled this task on your own, follow along with these basic steps.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.