SIG Sauer Issues Light-Bearing Holster Safety Bulletin

Using a pistol without a light in a holster designed for a light is probably a bad idea anyways.

by
posted on September 12, 2023
Sig Logo

SIG Sauer has issued a reminder about the risks associated with the use of light-bearing holsters, which have been involved in a number of alleged unintentional discharge incidents. Large openings in these holster designs, which are around the trigger to accommodate the bezels of attached weaponlights, may allow fingers or foreign objects to enter these holsters and contact the trigger.

The risk increases when a light-bearing holster carries a pistol not wearing a weaponlight. Placement of a firearm in a holster does not relieve the user from the requirements of proper trigger discipline and safe firearm handling practices.

Selection of a proper holster is the responsibility of the user and special care is mandatory to ensure a chosen holster complements safe handling practices—including adequate trigger protection—and other use considerations. Holster manufacturers routinely publish warnings about the vulnerabilities of light-bearing holsters and print them in their manuals and stand-alone bulletins.

Blackhawk, for example, reminds owners of its T Series that, “The trigger on certain firearms is unavoidably accessible in Light Bearing Holsters. Extreme caution must be used during a struggle to prevent unauthorized person from accessing and pulling the trigger.”

The warning is nothing new or unique to any company or model. In 2005, Safariland—manufacturer of the popular 7TS series of holsters—issued a bulletin explaining, “In the same manner that an agency would test, evaluate and approve a duty holster for retention capabilities, Law Enforcement agencies have the responsibility to evaluate and approve any modification to their duty handgun (including the addition of a light or laser), to ensure the weapon and holster are still operable in a safe manner that meets their requirements. Please be aware that handguns with lights mounted to them create a necessarily large opening in the holster that could possibly allow access to the trigger of the holstered handgun.”

Certain models of light-bearing holsters have also recently been subject to Safety Bulletins issued by the manufacturer relating to firearm-retention and, under certain conditions, risk of unintentional discharge of holstered firearms. Concerns regarding those issues should be directed towards the holster manufacturer directly.

Latest

Derya Melik Gold Pistol
Derya Melik Gold Pistol

First Look: Derya Melik Gold Pistol

Based on the ubiquitous Beretta 92 pistol.

First Look: Bond Arms First Lady Pistol

Chambered in .38 Spl. and inspired by an icon.

Exclusive CZ 75 Royal Air Force Limited Edition Now Available to U.S. Buyers

Created to honor the Czechoslovakians who served in the Royal Air Force.

Dipping a Toe Into Modernity

Updating an older Gen3 Glock to (almost) a Gen4/Gen5 MOS.

First Look: Beretta 20X Bobcat Pistols

Four new distinctive models of this diminutive pocket pistol.

First Look: Reptilia Offset Scope Mounts

Easily switch between a magnified optic and a red dot.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.