As many in law enforcement and the "real world" of concealed carry have come to recognize, the NRA's three primary rules for safe gun handling for "Sport Shooting" must be judiciously applied in proper contexts. CHL people and cops are certainly not expected to carry unloaded handguns, so a little common sense is applicable to "the totality of the circumstances" in regard to Rule #1 and #3. As another instructor has pointed out, note Rule #3 says "ready to use".
Rule #2. The real biggie. Trigger finger discipline is especially critical when drawing or re-holstering. While the OWB (outside waist band) holster pictured is just about as safe as modern holsters can be made, "purists" might argue that the muzzle is still pointed at the concrete, where an unintentionally discharged bullet could fragment or ricochet. However, with modern handguns, the probability of such is near zero as long as the operator follows the Redneck Version of Rule #2 and keeps the "booger hook off the bang switch until the sights are on target".
With a common form of carry for both men and women being IWB (inside waist band) and Rule #1 often being compromised, the final photo here depicts what many of us believe is the safest option when re-holstering IWB, particularly with holsters that do not have a rigid opening. Placing the loaded handgun inside the holster while pointed in the safest direction, then putting the holster into the desired position greatly reduces any chance of a finger or a piece of clothing getting inside the trigger guard. The same principle is applicable with pocket holsters. If not doing so already, more "food for thought", especially for many students and friends who opt to carry around front - with the muzzle pointed at things they are generally not willing to destroy!
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