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

Rao Off Season Rifle Getting Into Position Photo By Rao
Rao Off Season Rifle Getting Into Position Photo By Rao

It's Time for Your Rifle's Off-Season Check-Up

When fall hunting season is just around the corner, summer is time to make sure your guns and gear are in shape for shooting.

The Armed Citizen® Reload July 18, 2025

A spousal abuser and a registered sex offender met their fate while attempting to carry out their crimes. 

Want to Become an Outdoors Woman? Here's One Way to Start.

The successful BOW program (Becoming an Outdoors-Woman) began in 1990 in Wisconsin but its popularity as one of the leading programs for women has propelled its expansion into 38 states.

Winchester Safes Donating to Kerr County Flood Relief

Through July 31, 100 percent of its profits from online sales will go to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.

The Headrest Safe Company Introduces Compact Model

Take your firearm, cash, medications and more in your vehicle and relax knowing it will stay out of the hands of kids, valets or intruders.

What’s a Monolithic Bullet?

What do monolithic bullets do, and what are they good for?

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.