Smith & Wesson Forum

Advertise With Us Search
Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > Concealed Carry & Self Defense

Notices

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


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 09-22-2011, 05:27 AM
off road off road is offline
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times in 14 Posts
Default Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry

When carried in the pocket, a very light revolver isn't just more comfortable, it is also more concealable! I have Centenials that are in the (aprox) 11, 13, 15, and 23 ounce categories....and the lighter ones are indeed far easier to conceal during pocket carry.

I know, a few ounces doesn't sound like a big deal, but every ounce of extra weight makes the gun drag the pocket down just a bit lower, and that can cause it to print just a little bit more.

I don't even try to pocket carry the heavy 640 (can't remember now why I ever bought the thing), but I just picked up a 642 for my daughter (15 oz), and while it sure has a lot more attractive price than say a scandium/Ti 340PD (11.4 oz), after carrying it around for a few days, I am thinking that the extra money (2.5X more!) may have been worth 4 fewer ounces of weight for the lighter gun. Better yet, she can have my old 342, and I will get a new 340PD...

Last edited by off road; 09-22-2011 at 05:36 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 09-22-2011, 08:41 AM
Rob1109 Rob1109 is offline
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 138
Likes: 2
Liked 11 Times in 6 Posts
Default

I have a Nickle Colt DS that is too pretty to carry at 22oz. A model 36 at 20oz. (non +P). A 642 no lock with CT Laser and a LCR. The last two is what I carry. Great weight, manageable recoil (little stout with +P). And good concealabilty. The LCR is actually the "best" recoil with +Ps. Best.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 09-22-2011, 08:43 AM
Rob1109 Rob1109 is offline
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 138
Likes: 2
Liked 11 Times in 6 Posts
Default

I have a Nickle Colt DS that is too pretty to carry at 22oz. A model 36 at 20oz. (non +P). A 642 no lock with CT Laser and a LCR. The last two is what I carry. Great weight, manageable recoil (little stout with +P). And good concealabilty. The LCR is actually the "best" recoil with +Ps. Best.

P.S. I use DeSantis Nemisis pocket holsters which are great IMHO.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-22-2011, 09:47 AM
Bat Guano Bat Guano is offline
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 3,259
Likes: 1,224
Liked 2,526 Times in 1,043 Posts
Default

I've been carrying a 15 oz. 442 in a pocket holster 16/7 since 1996. That's heavy enough on a long term basis.

In a belt type holster that's nothing. But in a pocket that equates to a big bunch of keys and a lot of quarters. YMMV.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 09-22-2011, 10:30 AM
SRAM SRAM is offline
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 2
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default Weight

I am like you, I like the light- weight guns for pocket carry. I have a 340 and 442 no-locks as my primaries, one has tritium sight and the other a laser. I can tell a weight difference in them when empty, but when loaded it is not as noticeable, however they both are light in the pocket. I use Uncle Mikes grips on my 340 because they allow better grip and contro since I carry .357s in my 340. That adds a little weight but it is well worth the difference in gun control and they allow me to shoot it more.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 09-22-2011, 10:37 AM
raisedin99 raisedin99 is offline
US Veteran
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: The Bluegrass state
Posts: 1,445
Likes: 1,046
Liked 1,922 Times in 607 Posts
Default 340 PD for me

I need your expertise gentleman, your thoughts on...
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 09-22-2011, 12:05 PM
off road off road is offline
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times in 14 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob1109 View Post
and a LCR
I am actually a bit disappointed in the LCR. Trigger pull is great, and it has the best grip in the business for absorbing recoil, but the downside is that it is bulky. I have tried the boot grip several times, but find it a bit to slick to be 100% reliable to grab in an emergency. The trigger guard is unusually bulbous too. My guess is that they needed some extra material for strength, and that is where they put it. (Somebody said it was deliberate to make it workable with gloved hands, and this will now be the wave of the future. We will see.)

Guns in this class are meant to be pocket carried. All this adds up to a gun that just isn't nearly as concealable as a Centennial. Sure, it carries nice IWB, but if I am going to carry that way, I am going to carry a Glock 26 which holds twice as many rounds, a more powerful cartridge, and can be reloaded in half a second.

Last edited by off road; 09-22-2011 at 12:08 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 09-22-2011, 01:32 PM
cmort666's Avatar
cmort666 cmort666 is offline
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Rocky River, OH, USA
Posts: 9,451
Likes: 1,271
Liked 9,184 Times in 3,621 Posts
Default

I regularly carry a Model 36 in a pocket holster. I don't have any problems with the weight at all.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 09-22-2011, 02:06 PM
vytoland's Avatar
vytoland vytoland is offline
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Illinois
Posts: 5,658
Likes: 15,661
Liked 7,682 Times in 2,744 Posts
Default

for me...............a S&W model 649 (23 ozs) in an uncle mikes #3 pocket holster carries very well in the pants pocket.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 09-22-2011, 06:28 PM
CowboyKen's Avatar
CowboyKen CowboyKen is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Henderson, NV
Posts: 269
Likes: 1
Liked 147 Times in 60 Posts
Default

"At just 9.40 ounces (with an empty magazine), the LCP is lightweight and ideal for all-day carry."

Ruger® LCP® Centerfire Pistol

Ken
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 09-22-2011, 06:44 PM
off road off road is offline
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times in 14 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by CowboyKen View Post
"At just 9.40 ounces (with an empty magazine), the LCP is lightweight and ideal for all-day carry."

Ruger® LCP® Centerfire Pistol

Ken
In general, I find that the squared edges of an auto, make them more difficult to conceal than the much more irregular outline of a revolver in a pocket holster. But...I can't say that I have specifically checked out the LCP either. Also, not a big fan of .380. Hard to argue with 9.4 ounces, however.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 09-23-2011, 09:54 AM
Rob1109 Rob1109 is offline
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 138
Likes: 2
Liked 11 Times in 6 Posts
Default

Cowboy Ken has it right! Also, reliable!!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 09-23-2011, 10:51 AM
David Sinko David Sinko is online now
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 0
Liked 379 Times in 219 Posts
Default

Light weight is not a priority for me. My favorites are my Models 940 and 64, both with 2" barrels. My 940 with the 2" heavy barrel is probably the heaviest J Frame pocket gun available but it's also the easiest for me to shoot well and make the hits. And I don't trust the durability of the alloy frame guns.

Dave Sinko
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 09-23-2011, 05:00 PM
chp chp is offline
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 465
Likes: 48
Liked 31 Times in 21 Posts
Default

In a pocket, I agree with the OP: I like them as light as possible and prefer the Ti J's to the Airweights in a pocket. I carry a bobbed 337PD in pocket everyday - don't even notice it's there.

However - just as DS stated above, the lighter they are the harder they are to shoot well. You must spend the time and $ to practice these little guns.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 09-24-2011, 01:08 PM
Tracer_Bullet Tracer_Bullet is offline
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 631
Likes: 10
Liked 192 Times in 84 Posts
Default

I have never had a problem carrying a steel j-frame in a pocket, as long as I am wearing jeans or heavier cotton shorts and using a pocket holster. With pants made of lighter materials, such as dress pants, it definitely sags in the pockets and I could definitely see having a lighter gun for that situation.
__________________
Ban lunatics and criminals
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 09-24-2011, 03:21 PM
dinooch dinooch is offline
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 156
Likes: 7
Liked 63 Times in 26 Posts
Default

I love my 340sc. It makes my 442 feel like a boat anchor in my pocket. The 442 is a great gun as most of you would agree but a .357 that's even easier to carry is as comforting as it can get.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 09-24-2011, 06:10 PM
sheriffoconee's Avatar
sheriffoconee sheriffoconee is offline
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Watkinsville, GA
Posts: 1,843
Likes: 0
Liked 180 Times in 73 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by David Sinko View Post
Light weight is not a priority for me. My favorites are my Models 940 and 64, both with 2" barrels. My 940 with the 2" heavy barrel is probably the heaviest J Frame pocket gun available but it's also the easiest for me to shoot well and make the hits. And I don't trust the durability of the alloy frame guns.

Dave Sinko
My 940 is also my newest pocket gun of choice, others in my inventory include a blue steel 49 and a Model 40....steel just feels and shoots better in my hands....I wear a belt to keep my pants up
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 09-24-2011, 08:25 PM
Alk8944's Avatar
Alk8944 Alk8944 is offline
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Sandy Utah
Posts: 8,728
Likes: 1,582
Liked 8,858 Times in 3,534 Posts
Default

After having carried a gun concealed for most of my life, about 48 of 67 years, I have not found the weight or size of a revolver or automatic to really be an issue. Certainly smaller and lighter are more comfortable, no argument there. But not necessary.

Over the years I have carried everything from a 2" Chief's Special to a 5" 2nd Model 44 HE, full-size 1911 Colt, S&W "Shorty-Forty", and quite a few others. Currently my pocket gun is a 2" round-butt Model 12, alternating at times with a 2" round-butt Model 10.

I can promise you that you are overly concerned with your gun "printing". You are still too self-conscious about carrying it. The average person doesn't even consider that someone around him is carrying a gun and is observant enough to suspect that wrinkles in your clothes indicate the presence of a gun. Even police officers generally only discover that someone is carrying a gun is by a "frisk" when warranted, or by simply asking the person they have already stopped for whatever reason. Relax, get over it and wear clothing heavy enough so the gun cannot be seen through it.
__________________
Gunsmithing since 1961
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 09-24-2011, 08:33 PM
Old cop Old cop is offline
US Veteran
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 7,807
Likes: 4,238
Liked 15,203 Times in 4,161 Posts
Default

I have both a 442 no-lock & a Colt Cobra which I pocket carry. No problem w/jeans of chinos but a problem w/dress slacks. The Ruger LCP .380 has them all beat for pocket carry when dressed up.

Just my two cents worth.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 09-26-2011, 07:24 AM
Goldstar225 Goldstar225 is offline
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Austin, AR
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 1,621
Liked 2,423 Times in 749 Posts
Default

I'll go with the OP's train of thought. My 642 rides in my pocket. Anything heavier, I'll take a longer barrel and carry on the belt.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 09-26-2011, 10:26 AM
moxie moxie is offline
Member
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 292
Liked 641 Times in 345 Posts
Default

Agree that lighter is better up to a point.

But, your gun shouldn't print at all if you are carrying it in a pocket holster. Anyone who looks will only see you have "something" in your pocket. It could be your wallet and a cell phone. But it shouldn't print.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 09-26-2011, 04:36 PM
cjtraining's Avatar
cjtraining cjtraining is offline
US Veteran
Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry Centenial Weight vs Pocket Carry  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 377
Likes: 489
Liked 168 Times in 67 Posts
Default

A good pocket holster is a must. I carry my M638 in a Mika pocket holster. Very comfortable.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
1911, 2nd model, 340, 340pd, 380, 442, 640, 642, 649, 940, cartridge, centennial, colt, concealed, desantis, j frame, lock, model 10, model 40, ruger, scandium, smith-wessonforum.com, tritium


Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Summer carry 442-1 weight - happy psjoe S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 20 08-09-2014 06:49 AM
6906 vs. 908/3913 Carry Weight kbm6893 Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 4 07-17-2014 12:29 AM
the LIGHTEST weight most easily concealed pocket pistol Samsonxd S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 102 04-01-2013 08:27 AM
Weight of pistol for pocket carry greybeard43 Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 3 09-13-2011 08:15 PM
For LEO's that carry 40SW, what bullet weight? Rule3 The Lounge 14 12-17-2009 07:19 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 07:41 AM.


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