Legal Issues Selling Holsters

[K-Man]

I full well realize that - my own daily carry piece is an SA wheelgun (Ruger New Vaquero in 357).

But when sweeping body parts as crucial as those, I'm a "belt and suspenders" kind of guy - I don't want my finger on the trigger while doing so, period.

I also intend to make and at some point sell holsters of this sort that fit, say, Glocks where the warning will need to be pretty damned clear.

That's Cowboy Action Shooting/Single Action Shooting Society he's doing. If he's on the firing line, tell me what body parts he's sweeping? The rules require you to turn that hip towards the target as the gun is drawn to prevent sweeping of one's self or anyone else for that matter.

To the OP - the suggestion above that you obtain liability insurance is spot on. The suggestion to turn your business into an LLC or Corp is worthy of consideration. It would be wise to have competent legal counsel craft some sort of liability release, though that's not going to prevent anyone from bringing action against you. Search your local area for counsel who specialize in such documents. It would be, IMO, money well spent.

Edited April 15, 2010 by K-Man

[troppy]

Has anyone here ever faced liability charges related to a holster they've sold?

Great question! Hopefully we can get some input on this.

[Denster]

That's Cowboy Action Shooting/Single Action Shooting Society he's doing. If he's on the firing line, tell me what body parts he's sweeping? The rules require you to turn that hip towards the target as the gun is drawn to prevent sweeping of one's self or anyone else for that matter.

To the OP - the suggestion above that you obtain liability insurance is spot on. The suggestion to turn your business into an LLC or Corp is worthy of consideration. It would be wise to have competent legal counsel craft some sort of liability release, though that's not going to prevent anyone from bringing action against you. Search your local area for counsel who specialize in such documents. It would be, IMO, money well spent.

Actually that is a demo of Will Gormley's holsters not cowboy action shooting. The cross draw is allowed if you don't break the 160 degree rule as you stated however the prarie twist draw will get you disqualified in short order.

[K-Man]

Actually that is a demo of Will Gormley's holsters not cowboy action shooting. The cross draw is allowed if you don't break the 160 degree rule as you stated however the prarie twist draw will get you disqualified in short order.

You're correct. I had the guy sitting on the saddle in mind with respect to SASS Mounted Shooting and knowing that Will Ghormley does holsters for that venue. Crossdraw holsters are legit in that shooting arena.

[Shorts]

Setting your business entity is a real good first step to protecting yourself. I'm more than glad to have done this. I got that good piece of advice not to long ago and I sure appreciate it. It's a real small price to pay compared to what can be brought against you. Another step, while probably not applicable specifically to the business is a personal umbrella. At the very least you are protected in your innermost financial layer. Last and certainly not least is squaring away a lawyer. That will help tremendously and take the guesswork out of sorting your affairs.

Kman, I thought of you the other day when I met the extended family of my new neighbors. Play me tune guitar man?

Oh before I veer off topic, I send along specific steps to fitting holsters. First thing: UNLOAD GUN

We can all have all the time in the world spent on drills and technique but one brain fart will ruin your day, your underpants and possibly your life. Be sure to enclose a GOOD, SPECIFIC, NO NONSENSE set of instruction with all your holsters. It'd be a better plus to get your lawyer to edit a good legally written version to go with.

Edited April 16, 2010 by Shorts

[Jim March]

The Prairie Twist Draw is insanely dangerous and is flat banned at every sporting event and shooting range in the world, as it should be. It must never be practiced with a loaded gun, ever.

But...there's times it can save your life.

Example: you're carjacked from the passenger side of the car. You're either the driver or passenger, you're carrying crossdraw and you're right-handed. You have to use your right hand to fend off the attack while doing a Prairie Twist draw to bring the gun to bear against the threat. If you attempt a strongside draw you won't be able to bring the gun to bear without it first getting grabbed, bludgeoned or knifed.

Another example: as a biker I face the very real possibility of being deliberately crashed into so as to rob me - this happens. I may end up with a broken right arm. In which case the Prairie Twist can save my butt.

It's absolutely necessary to know about the Prairie Twist and practice it DRY...but never, ever with live ammo because it's the single most dangerous draw there is. Primer-only loads at the most.

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

Has anyone here ever faced liability charges related to a holster they've sold?

Even if they had, they would probably be advised by their lawyer not to discuss it. It would also be bad for business to bandy that information about, because it could lower the perceived value of your product, even if there was no fault of your own whatsoever. Unfortunately, you can be sued by anybody for anything, relevant or not.

[Denster]

Even if they had, they would probably be advised by their lawyer not to discuss it. It would also be bad for business to bandy that information about, because it could lower the perceived value of your product, even if there was no fault of your own whatsoever. Unfortunately, you can be sued by anybody for anything, relevant or not.

Jeff is spot on. I have to agree with him and K-Man. Liability insurance is like having a gun. Much better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

[whinewine]

Don't go to a leather forum for legal advice; talk to a lawyer. That is the best thing you can do. It probably wouldn't hurt to look into some liability insurance either.

I agree wholeheartedly with Boom: to use a crude example, if you would have a rectal problem, you'd go to a proctologist for a colonoscopy, not a leather forum; if you would need legal advice, you'd better go talk to a good lawyer, not the people here on this forum: they know as much about colonoscopies as they do about legal matters. You need to go directly to the source & not listen to hearsay.

[gregintenn]

Lawyers cost money, as does insurance. For a hobbyist like myself, and probably several more on here, it would not be feasible to purchase insurance and legal counsel to sell an occasional holster. It is a shame that the United States has gotten to the point where the work is the easiest part of earning a dollar.