Third-grader pulls trigger on Maplewood cop’s gun, firing a shot
Third-grader pulls trigger

Saw this last night and can't see how this could happen - One news article showed a 92FS - Nothing so far as to WTF.

A "holster" that doesn't completely cover the trigger of the weapon making it impossible for the trigger to be pulled is WORSE THAN USELESS! It will lead to tragedy and sorrow.

What I don't understand is how/why was the officer allowed to use a holster that should've been banned?

quote:

Originally posted by SapperSteel:
A "holster" that doesn't completely cover the trigger of the weapon making it impossible for the trigger to be pulled is WORSE THAN USELESS! It will lead to tragedy and sorrow.

What I don't understand is how/why was the officer allowed to use a holster that should've been banned?

Well, the linked article says “The officer, who was unaware that the child was touching his gun, was wearing a department-approved, Level 3 security holster, the news release said.“

Now we don’t know if the holster was defective, if the pistol wasn’t properly holstered, if the kid defeated the retention and partially removed the pistol, so it is hard to say whether or not the holster is worth than useless, but it is (at least reportedly) a department approved holster.

On a Level III holster, according to the article? I call BS

Would it be typical for a plainclothes liaison officer to carry in a Level 3 duty holster? The ones I've seen look more like a standard thumbsnap pancake rig.

If it was a Level 3 holster for a gun with a WML there could've been enough of a gap for a child to get their finger on the trigger.

More concerning is the apparent lack of awareness of the officer that a child was that close to his gun, presuming the article is accurate.

Per the linked article:

quote:

The officer, who was unaware that the child was touching his gun, was wearing a department-approved, Level 3 security holster, the news release said. The holster is equipped with a trigger guard designed to prevent a gun from being fired while in it .

So either, as already stated, the holster was defective/damaged or the officer was oblivious. Otherwise BS! Locally, our school resource officers are uniformed as if they were on patrol.

If it was a Beretta, it had to be cocked also. No way a third grader could pull that trigger without using 2 hands and out of the holster. I experiment with my son before going shooting. He’s a fifth grader that is a strong athlete. He can barely pull a typical DA/SA trigger using all his leverage.

Are there any modern pistols that would fire if the kid pulled an exposed hammer back and let it go?

I have a OWB for my work gun and it’s light that is worthless to me because I can get one of my fat little stubby fingers into the trigger due to the larger opening for the WML. I can’t trust the holster.

It’s not a level three, but I agree that could potentially be an explanation.

Of course, I’m overlooking everything else that’s wrong with the story...

quote:

Originally posted by smithnsig:
If it was a Beretta, it had to be cocked also.

I’m about 99% sure the Beretta rumor came from a stock image used with the story. The Maplewood PD manual indicates the Glock 22/23 as approved duty sidearms.

Yeah, I dont believe it was a Beretta. My money is on a striker fired pistol of some sort. Regards 18DAI

The officer should never have allowed anyone to fondle his gun like that.

quote:

Originally posted by henryarnaud:
If it was a Level 3 holster for a gun with a WML there could've been enough of a gap for a child to get their finger on the trigger.

This is a known issue with a large majority of light-compatible holsters. Due to the wide opening needed to accommodate a TLR-1 or X300 light, you end up with gaps on either side of the trigger guard, which are potentially large enough for someone with tiny fingers (like the 3rd grader) to reach inside.

Here's an example photo of a Safariland 6360, which is the most popular Level 3 duty holster in the country. Note the gaps on either side of the trigger.

Okay, I see it now: The new hot topic in law enforcement circles (and among non-LEOs that know what’s best for them) will be the call to ban current gear and demand slimmer weapon lights (that run a third as long) and tighter holsters that will keep a little kid from firing another SRO’s gun when he isn’t paying attention to what’s going on around him.

Or perhaps all LEOs could just go to NYPD-spec P226s with DAK mainsprings and their 13-pound DAO triggers. That would probably work as well.

quote:

Originally posted by chongosuerte:

Of course, I’m overlooking everything else that’s wrong with the story...

Being much closer to retirement than to the beginning, I'm finding this easier and easier to do over time.

I suspect there is a lot left out of the story. Doesn't pass the smell test.