Caution.  Unintentional discharge when holstering

In June 2012, a law enforcement officer in another state was participating in firearms training at a department range.  The officer was using a .40 caliber SIG P229 DAK double-action trigger carried in a right-handed Blackhawk Serpa CQC concealment paddle-style holster.  The officer was wearing a light weight wet-weather jacket due to rainy conditions that day. 

After firing several rounds, the officer was in the process of holstering when the pistol discharged through the open portion of the bottom of the holster.  The round entered the outside of the right upper calf, exited the outside of the lower calf, and impacted the ground.  The round did not strike any bone or the ankle or foot.  The officer is expected to make a full recovery.  

An examination of the pistol in the holster revealed that the trigger was depressed to the rear of the trigger guard (see photograph below).  A plastic cylinder-shaped draw cord adjuster attached to the officer’s wet weather jacket was lodged against the front of the trigger.  The plastic draw cord adjuster had become caught inside the trigger guard during the holstering of the pistol.  The downward thrust of the pistol into the holster against the taught drawstring with the plastic adjuster wedged against the front of the trigger caused the weapon to discharge.  
 
This type of draw cord adjuster is commonly found on many jackets.  The one that became lodged was for the side/waist adjustment.

Safety is always our first priority.  Be aware of any condition that could possibly result in serious injury or worse.  Check and double check your equipment.  

    Note draw cord adjuster lodged in front of  trigger                                                                                           
  
  

    Close up of trigger
 
 

Example of draw cord adjuster found on jacket

Thanks for reading.