Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > Concealed Carry & Self Defense
o

Notices

Concealed Carry & Self Defense All aspects of Concealed and Open Carry, Home and Self Defense.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 06-25-2010, 12:05 PM
442js 442js is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Nevada
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
Liked 24 Times in 6 Posts
Default Pocket Carry

I should have my permit next week, and will be looking at holsters soon enough. I plan on either pocket carrying my 442 or get a pancake holster. I am leaning towards pocket carrying.

During the week I am in a suit, and while I have a semi to carry, during the summer I may want to stick with my 442. Would it be better to pocket carry in my pants pocket or my jacket pocket? I usually have the jacket on, and my hands are close to the jacket pocket usually. I was thinking pants pocket, but that is where I usually carry other items that I need. What do people think about the jacket pocket?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 06-25-2010, 12:27 PM
LoboGunLeather's Avatar
LoboGunLeather LoboGunLeather is offline
US Veteran
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 7,518
Likes: 19,273
Liked 32,340 Times in 5,474 Posts
Default

Even with the 442 I think that you will find that the weight will be distracting, at best, when carried in a jacket pocket, causing the jacket to tug and shift around.

Carrying in the trouser pocket is usually fairly comfortable. Loosely-fitted trousers with good-sized pocket openings work best. You will have to get used to carrying your other "pocket litter" in other places than you are accustomed to.

A strong-side pancake-style holster is very comfortable and highly concealable for most users. The pancake-style is my usual recommendation for concealed carry.

Beyond that, the best advice is probably to settle on a carry method that works for you and use the same method all the time. When confronted with a situation requiring an armed response is not the time to try and remember where your weapon is. Train and practice with the same gear you will be relying on. We fight the way we train, so we need to train the way we will fight.

Best regards.
__________________
Life of the party until 8:00PM

Last edited by LoboGunLeather; 06-25-2010 at 12:42 PM. Reason: addition
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 06-25-2010, 01:08 PM
Dallas Jack Dallas Jack is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I usually carry in a IWB holster with a tee shirt over it. If you wear tucked in shirts there are several models that allow IWB and still tuck your shirt.

I have been concerned about wearing a paddle with a coat because of the coat falling or blowing open. Maybe I am just paranoid.

If you do pocket carry be sure to use a pocket holster to break up the guns outline.

Another option not mentioned is a Kangaroo shoulder holster. It is a canvas type that goes under your shirt. I use mine when I am wearing shorts that will not support the guns weight. I use mine about once a week and it is completely concealed with no printing.

Good luck with whatever method you choose.
Dallas Jack
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 06-25-2010, 03:11 PM
MgoBlue's Avatar
MgoBlue MgoBlue is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 165
Likes: 19
Liked 41 Times in 11 Posts
Default

I carry my S&W 340sc in a Ryan Grizzle tuckable IWB most of the time. Even on days I wear a lightweight polo shirt that needs to be tucked in, the 340 disappears in this holster at around 3:00.

I personally don't like carrying the 340 in a suit jacket or blazer jacket. Even as light as the 340sc is, the weight is enough to cause my jacket to move in an unnatural manner. I much prefer carrying IWB or even in a strong-side pocket holster.

Now, if I'm wearing an outer jacket/coat, that's a different matter. I'll often put my 340sc in an outer coat pocket.

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 06-25-2010, 07:05 PM
MSgt G MSgt G is offline
US Veteran
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 5,124
Likes: 8,481
Liked 1,231 Times in 429 Posts
Default

As for pocket carry, try it in your pants pocket and your jacket pocket while at home going about normal business. See which feels better for you. Pay attention when you go by mirrors to see if your jacket hangs a little funny with the additional weight or if your pants sag.

The main thing is....carry
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 06-25-2010, 07:16 PM
flop-shank flop-shank is offline
US Veteran
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: The Rust Belt Buckle/Mich
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 0
Liked 41 Times in 32 Posts
Default

My wife is my print-o-meter. If I need a second opinion, she'll tell me. YMMV
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 06-25-2010, 07:44 PM
Krull Krull is offline
Banned
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: WV,AKA the outback of USA
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts
Default

Here's a thought:shift the "pocket litter" to your jacket pocket and stuff the J frame in your pants pocket.

Or go for an IWB that lets you tuck in your shirt,I've just started to try IWB and you'd be shocked how pistols just vanish carrying this way,my 4506 just "isn't there" with a vest on.

I don't like OWB for CCW as it gives too many ways your gun can become seen,I like to keep it out of sight and out of anyone's mind until it's needed.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 06-25-2010, 08:32 PM
Frailer's Avatar
Frailer Frailer is offline
US Veteran
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Fort Knox, Kentucky
Posts: 852
Likes: 224
Liked 1,203 Times in 229 Posts
Default

While the advice to pick a single carry method is wise, I don't follow it I opt to vary my method based on what I'm wearing rather than modify my dress to accomodate my carry method. If I were you I'd buy both the pancake and pocket holsters.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 06-25-2010, 09:11 PM
Dogguy Dogguy is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times in 7 Posts
Default

Carry in your pants pocket. While you sometimes will remove your jacket during the course of your day, most of the time you'll keep your pants on.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 06-25-2010, 09:23 PM
MgoBlue's Avatar
MgoBlue MgoBlue is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 165
Likes: 19
Liked 41 Times in 11 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dogguy View Post
. . . most of the time you'll keep your pants on.
Unless you're Al Gore trying to get a "special" massage! lol!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 06-25-2010, 11:04 PM
Goffman Goffman is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Like Frailer, I select a holster based on what I'm wearing, not the other way around. My pocket holster (a Mika pocket holster) serves me and my j-frames well when the pants or shorts I'm wearing have pockets of sufficient size. The same holster works well in my heavy coats (winter coats). But, for me, I wouldn't carry a firearm in the pocket of a sportcoat or light jacket because, as Ray (LoboGunLeather) mentioned, when you walk at any speed the side of the jacket that is weighed down by the firearm gets to moving in strange ways. In addition, in the summer most folks are prone to taking off their jackets/sportscoats, and I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving an unattended firearm even for a brief trip to the bathroom. It sounds like the pocket holster could be the best solution in your situation, but what to do with the extra pocket stuff, right? Maybe a fanny pack for the stuff and the pocket for the gun, instead of the other way around. Kidding, of course. Actually, I carry a ton of stuff in my pockets too, but it didn't take long for me to get used to moving all of the non-firearm stuff into the other pocket. It felt weird for about a day, and then I grew accustomed to it.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 06-25-2010, 11:13 PM
badam0112's Avatar
badam0112 badam0112 is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 417
Likes: 68
Liked 16 Times in 9 Posts
Default

The Desantis Nemesis is the perfect pocket holster for this J-Frame. I carried a 642 daily for 2+ years with Dockers pleated khakis
__________________
I drank what? - Socrates
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 06-25-2010, 11:48 PM
cshoff's Avatar
cshoff cshoff is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Central Missouri
Posts: 871
Likes: 54
Liked 95 Times in 54 Posts
Default

I carry a Sigma in a Kholster every day. It's works well with shorts, jeans, or slacks, and it's tuckable so you can even wear it with more formal attire. I've worn mine to weddings and funerals with no issues. I carry in the 4:30 position and generally carry over 12 hours each day.
__________________
NRA Pistol,PPITH,PPOTH&TASER
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 07-20-2010, 01:49 PM
cambuck's Avatar
cambuck cambuck is offline
US Veteran
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Townsend
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Cool Holster for 4566

Quote:
Originally Posted by Krull View Post
Here's a thought:shift the "pocket litter" to your jacket pocket and stuff the J frame in your pants pocket.

Or go for an IWB that lets you tuck in your shirt,I've just started to try IWB and you'd be shocked how pistols just vanish carrying this way,my 4506 just "isn't there" with a vest on.

I don't like OWB for CCW as it gives too many ways your gun can become seen,I like to keep it out of sight and out of anyone's mind until it's needed.
I've been looking for a IWB for my 4566. What do you use for your 4506?
Is the 45 a little large for CCW?
___________
Heroes know who they are
__________________
Heroes know who they are
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 07-20-2010, 01:55 PM
photoman's Avatar
photoman photoman is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: The Great State of Texas
Posts: 5,056
Likes: 522
Liked 1,907 Times in 787 Posts
Default

Pants pocket carry. You'll always have your pants on in public (I hope).
__________________
Centennial Every Day
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 07-20-2010, 03:33 PM
tpd223 tpd223 is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Kansas
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
Liked 19 Times in 10 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by cambuck View Post
I've been looking for a IWB for my 4566. What do you use for your 4506?
Is the 45 a little large for CCW?

No larger than a 1911 really.

I've used the Galco copy of the Summer Special, or the Blade Tech kydex IWB, for many years, and I have hidden guns as large as my Glock 35 in this style of holster, no issues at all.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 07-20-2010, 04:43 PM
MTKTM's Avatar
MTKTM MTKTM is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Montana
Posts: 934
Likes: 27
Liked 307 Times in 110 Posts
Default

Like the OP, I sometimes wear a suit when I'm working, although not always. I find that a lightweight J-frame in a pocket holster doesn't work well in a jacket pocket, so go with the pant pocket as the best alternative. Plus that allows you to take the jacket off when the situation allows.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 07-22-2010, 07:50 PM
wfparys wfparys is offline
Member
Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 103
Likes: 5
Liked 15 Times in 6 Posts
Default FIST K5

FIST kydex pocket holster for my kahr
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 07-25-2010, 01:23 AM
SJshooter's Avatar
SJshooter SJshooter is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 650
Likes: 78
Liked 1,032 Times in 258 Posts
Default

Look up the Mika hoslter. It's handmade, cheap, extremely functional, and awesome.



Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 07-25-2010, 10:04 PM
Krull Krull is offline
Banned
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: WV,AKA the outback of USA
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by cambuck View Post
I've been looking for a IWB for my 4566. What do you use for your 4506?
Is the 45 a little large for CCW?
___________
Heroes know who they are
I use (for now) an el cheapo Gun Mate nylon IWB,it's kind of like "Mexican carry" i.e. stuff the thing in your pants,without having to worry about the thing sliding down your leg

And the 4506 isn't too big to carry,about all I notice is the weight,but not in a bad way,just you know the gun is there is all.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 07-25-2010, 11:40 PM
vytoland's Avatar
vytoland vytoland is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Illinois
Posts: 5,658
Likes: 15,661
Liked 7,682 Times in 2,744 Posts
Default

an uncle mike's in the pocket holster works well with a S&W J frame. ............carry in the left or right front pocket...............gun & holster only in this pocket...............put your other stuff somewhere else.

Last edited by vytoland; 09-11-2014 at 10:03 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 07-27-2010, 10:07 PM
MaximumLawman MaximumLawman is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: zy
Posts: 876
Likes: 15
Liked 381 Times in 216 Posts
Default

Mika pocket holster in the pants pocket. But I'd put mine in the washer first and let it air dry. If you fall in a river with light colored pants, the dye from the Mika will bleed through.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 07-28-2010, 09:52 AM
enfield's Avatar
enfield enfield is offline
US Veteran
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cornfield County TN
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 6
Liked 55 Times in 23 Posts
Default

I always carry my j-frame in a Kramer pocket holster, strong side pants pocket.

If I can conceal a bigger gun, I carry it instead - in a belt holster.
__________________
VIVERE MILITARE EST
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 07-30-2010, 07:57 PM
Deltaboy Deltaboy is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 248
Likes: 1
Liked 5 Times in 5 Posts
Default

I have a Uncle Mikes and I am looking at getting a custom one made that looks more like a billfold.
__________________
Protected by Sigma 40VE
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 07-30-2010, 08:23 PM
Skeeziks Skeeziks is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 561
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times in 8 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MaximumLawman View Post
If you fall in a river with light colored pants, the dye from the Mika will bleed through.
Yeah...I hate when that happens. ~
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 07-30-2010, 10:38 PM
Dogguy Dogguy is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times in 7 Posts
Default

I own more pocket holsters than any other type. For the J-frame, the Uncle Mike's is the cheapest and my most used. But I also use the Nemesis, Mika's and Galco horsehide holster, depending on the pocket's shape, depth and size.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 07-31-2010, 11:16 PM
NE450No2 NE450No2 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 7
Liked 469 Times in 278 Posts
Default

I have been carrying a gun in my front pants pocket for around 30 years.

Always a second gun it has varied from a S&W Bodyguard, a Colt 1911 LW Commander, Colt Officers Model, to a Glock 17.

Much of this time was before a "pocket" holster was invented.

I ruined a lot of pants pockets...

A pocket holster is a very good thing.

I still carry my "second" in my front pants pocket when ever I leave my place...
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 08-01-2010, 04:41 PM
Skeeziks Skeeziks is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 561
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times in 8 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by NE450No2 View Post
I still carry my "second" in my front pants pocket when ever I leave my place...
If I might point something out: Sometimes that BUG, or "second", that we have in our front pocket can actually end up being the "starting pitcher" in the game.

If I ever have to fire my gun to protect myself or others, I hope it's my pocket carry. Why? Because you can stick your hand in your pocket and take a full grip on your gun whenever you want, for no reason at all. It's really the only form of carry that allows you to do that (without looking obvious.)
So, whenever I'm out and I spot someone that looks a little suspicious or makes my built-in "safety sensor" go off, I'll just casually reach in and take hold of the grip.
Let's face it...the bad guys have the advantage with the element of surprise on their side. If you can have your hand on the grip before it all goes down, that decreases the bad guys advantage considerably.

Just wanted to point out what may be of some use to someone that might be new to all this.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 08-01-2010, 05:07 PM
xopher88x's Avatar
xopher88x xopher88x is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: New England
Posts: 265
Likes: 5
Liked 28 Times in 20 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dogguy View Post
Carry in your pants pocket. While you sometimes will remove your jacket during the course of your day, most of the time you'll keep your pants on.
Heh. Yes, MOST of the time. That is an awesome and funny piece of advice.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 08-02-2010, 01:47 PM
Titan's Avatar
Titan Titan is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: MA - Where the 2nd Amendment is under seige
Posts: 726
Likes: 30
Liked 92 Times in 43 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by badam0112 View Post
The Desantis Nemesis is the perfect pocket holster for this J-Frame. I carried a 642 daily for 2+ years with Dockers pleated khakis

My favorite method as well. I've never had a problem with the Nemesis in Dockers.
Reply With Quote
  #31  
Old 08-02-2010, 04:29 PM
MaximumLawman MaximumLawman is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: zy
Posts: 876
Likes: 15
Liked 381 Times in 216 Posts
Default

Quote:
Yeah...I hate when that happens. ~
And....if you have shirt pockets and you carry a phone and a digital camera, it's probably a good idea to carry them there instead of your pants pockets......and inside a zip-lock back would be good too......
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 08-02-2010, 04:34 PM
sheriffoconee's Avatar
sheriffoconee sheriffoconee is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Watkinsville, GA
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 0
Liked 180 Times in 73 Posts
Default

while we are talking about losin' stuff and stuff gettin' wet, remember to keep your glasses and sunglasses with a dummy cord on them...I had to retrieve a pair of sunglasses that fell out of my shirt pocket from a body bag once...I was leaning over examining the occupant of the bag, when my sunglasses dropped in there....
I hate it when that happens
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 08-09-2010, 09:42 PM
slappy27 slappy27 is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 31
Likes: 10
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SJshooter View Post
Look up the Mika hoslter. It's handmade, cheap, extremely functional, and awesome.




I carry my 642-1 in a MIKA pocket rig everyday. Great product but a bit of a wait. I used an Uncle Mikes pocket holster when I was waiting.
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 08-10-2010, 10:44 AM
yelojaket yelojaket is offline
Member
Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Buford, GA
Posts: 27
Likes: 20
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by slappy27 View Post
I carry my 642-1 in a MIKA pocket rig everyday. Great product but a bit of a wait. I used an Uncle Mikes pocket holster when I was waiting.

+1.....and while you're at it, go ahead and order both the "round" and "square" from Mr. Mika. Not sure which I use more often but they both get lots of use....just depends on the shape of the pocket.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
1911, 442, 4506, 4566, 642, bodyguard, ccw, colt, commander, concealed, desantis, galco, glock, horsehide, j frame, kahr, kramer, kydex, leather, lock, sigma

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
POCKET CARRY bearfoot Concealed Carry & Self Defense 33 11-17-2016 08:33 PM
Best gun for pocket carry jeff1752 Concealed Carry & Self Defense 51 06-04-2013 09:55 AM
Does anyone carry 686 in pocket? 64tinc S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 19 02-19-2012 09:36 AM
Pocket carry with 442? C/O S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 41 09-12-2011 05:01 AM
CS9 Pocket Carry? jfd Concealed Carry & Self Defense 2 12-29-2010 04:54 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:41 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)