Question:

If you pocket carry, do you use a holster? If so, what gun and what holster do you use? I'm curious because I carry a Model 60 and just slip it in a front pocket. Have I been wrong all this time?

http://www.desantisholster.com/store...jpg/image_mini

This is what I would recommend. Comfortable, inexpensive, and most important keeps the gun in one position in your pocket. Sticks to the inside of your pocket so you don't pull it out when drawing the gun. Also helps to hide the lines of the weapon and makes it look like a wallet.

No one can really say you're wrong, especially if that works OK for you. I do use a cheap off brand (no logo) similar to the one in the pic above for my Model 38 or 442. It keeps the gun from flopping around and, more importantly, keeps the trigger covered.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Better get a holster. Many of us with a few years to our credit used to run around like that but things are a little different now. Some states require it, and for your own safety, it is not a bad idea to have the gun in some sort of holster. In spite of what anyone says, I still believe by far the best - and safest - way to carry a pistol is on your belt, where it is almost always pointing at the ground until you draw it. With a pocket holster, the gun can be pointing at your friend sitting across the table from you (front pants pocket). In a jacket pocket, you may find the loaded gun pointed at your upper leg (femoral artery) while you are driving. All kinds of unhappy thoughts come to mind with pocket holsters and almost none with a good belt rig.

I have the same holster as in post #2 and carry a 649 religiously.

In the summer when it's shorts and tanktops or no shirt at all, I carry my snubby in a homemade leather pocket holster in my right front pocket. It's designed to hold the gun upright, keep the trigger covered and stay in my pocket when I draw my gun. What I like about making my own holsters is that I can custom cut them to fit a specific pocket.

Attached Images

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I recommend always using a holster, that way not only is the gun oriented properly in the pocket, but (more importantly)...the trigger is covered.

Most pocket carried guns have a heavy trigger, but why take the chance of something...somehow, causing an unintended discharge?
I pocket carry a Bodyguard 380 - always in a Galco holster.

On matters such as this, I am not a risk taker.

Get a pocket holster that has a moisture barrier to protect it from sweat and other things migrating into your pocket. Remember to clean the weapon weekly to keep lint and rust from building up.

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This≠DodgeCity&You≠BillHickok

I've carried with and without pocket holster. WITH a holster is much, much better. I use an Uncle Mikes #3 for my 340pd. Works great and keeps gun from rotating in my pocket.

If it works for you, its right.

I'm a holster man myself.
I've "pocket carried" a few times, and I'm sure its not for me.

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WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

There have been several threads about about pocket carry, holster versus no holster. I believe the majority have concluded that a holster is something to use in order to keep the firearm properly oriented in your pocket and reduce printing. Also if I recall correctly the DeSantis Nemesis is by far the most recommended, with Uncle Mike's in second place. I use the Nemesis.

I carry a 642 every day in a Simply Rugged Pocket Protector. Works great.

I carry a 642 in a Mika pocket holster. Look him up on the Internet and read some of the reviews before choosing.

I have a wide variety of J Frames, and when I pocket carry I use a Nemesis. It's cheap, rugged, protects the guns and me. It also keeps the gun positioned correctly for a smooth draw. If you try it I am sure you will like it better than carrying without.

That being said, I normally prefer to use a belt or paddle holster, and only pocket carry when I'm being lazy, or the attire dictates that.

I have a pocket holster for my J frames (I think it is a DeSantis, but I am too lazy to look); I don't carry a J frame often and almost always only as a BUG. I use a Kramer Leather pocket holster for my G33, and a G26 before that. Works great. I also have a Mika pocket holster for my 296. It works with a big enough pocket, but I'm pretty good sized and it only works in my 24-7 cargo pants.

Pocket carry is very good for many purposes. I have often carried in places where legal, but where discretion is critical. In dress clothes, I can take off my coat and look unarmed. It is not good for a draw when seated if the pocket is in your trousers, but there are compromises that have to be made. It is a sound choice for ME - no guarantees it will work for you. I carried a J frame a long time ago without a holster, in pockets I had to beef up with pants patches. The cylinder still cut through the cloth pretty quickly. Use the holster, one that keep the trigger covered. There is no down side if you use a quality piece of equipment designed to stay in the pocket when you draw.

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NHI, 10-8.

I've found that pocket carry for a model 38 or 40 or 42 id better without a pocket holster.

For me , it's less bulk and no disadvantage

Lots of folks worry about 'printing'.

In my experience, that's a result of thinking you are the focus of the world! You're not.

A handkerchief works wonders if you're worried pocket carry 'prints'.

I do like back-pocket carry for the rare occasions I pack my LCP instead of a j-frame. But when I tried j-frame pocket-carry, both without and without a holster, I didn't care for it. But it was definitely better with a holster. I made a pocket holster fitted to the size & shape of my jeans front pocket and it helped keep the gun from rotating around in there. I also think a holster would prevent the gun from wearing through the pocket in fairly short order. I wonder if sewing a gun shape into the front pocket of a pair of jeans might not work alright- it would keep the gun in the proper position yet not add any bulk.

Attached Images

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CC hasn't been legal here for all that long, but, I find
that for me, a pocket holster keeps the gun oriented
properly. If you do go for a pocket holster, keep in mind
that the bottoms of pockets are either rounded or flat.
For what you need, I'd get one of each. (I vote for MIKA)
TACC1

Attached Images

HOLSTERS 1.jpg (140.2 KB, 96 views)

DeSantis Nemesis or Uncle Mike's pocket holster, depending on what fits better in that day's pants pocket. I prefer the Nemesis now, but used the Uncle Mike's for years.

My carry gun is DAO. The risk pf accidental discharge while drawing it is minimal. The gun is held firmly in the correct position for the draw, and especially in the Nemesis, will not shift. The holster also keeps pocket lint and debris out of the works.

The very few times I pocket carried without a holster I couldn't be sure what the angle of the gun would be after I had walked a few steps.

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Oh well, what the hell.

I've been carrying for over 28 years and never pocket carried until a few years ago. I am a Private Investigator and own a contract Security company. I had an assignment where I was security for jewelry sales people that were carrying about a million dollars worth of product. Figgered I should have a BUG to back up my Glock, so I slipped my M340PD in my left front pants pocket on my suit. I put a piece of cardboard in the pocket so it wouldn't print. Never worked too well, so I got a Galco leather pocket holster. That M340PD now lives in my left front pants pocket 24/7. Works really well as a BUG, or occasionally as my primary.
Oh, and I'm right handed. Shooting an 11ounce .357 Magnum, with full powered Magnum loads, with a wood grip, with my weak hand is, shall we say, not pleasant.
I still do it though.
Nobody said I was smart.
Jim

I pocket carry my back up LCR357 or S&W442 in a Uncle Mikes / Blackhawk pocket holster. $8 to $12.

Model 36 in a Tuff pocket holster.

I do have a close friend who is 6' 4", 350 + and says he does not use a pocket holster b/c he's so fat (his words) the 642 digs into his leg through the pocket.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I carry a Ruger SP101 in a Mika holster. Mr. Mika does outstanding work and is a great guy to deal with. His holsters all have a band of rough material around the outside so that the holster stays put when you draw(but then maybe all pocket holsters are that way -I don't know).

Someone mentioned printing, and that we aren't the focus of the world when we're carrying. I agree, but I regularly catch people staring at the bulge in my pocket. I don't know if they all know what it is or not. It bothered me at first, but not anymore. I just do the best I can to minimize printing, such as wearing dark pants, which I've learned hide things better for some reason.

Regards,
Andy

Occasionally carry CS9 in cargo pocket using Bob Mika or Recluse pocket holster. Recluse takes up a little more room but does a great job of keeping holster and gun upright in proper position and alignment.

I pocket carry either a M36 or a M49 in a Blackhawk size 3. Works great for me.

Better you than me. "Not pleasant" is my nominee for understatement of the month.

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Oh well, what the hell.

I know many people are against switching back and forth between carry guns......BUT....well i'm guilty times 4.........All fit nicely into a Desantis pocket holster, Ruger Sp101, S&W model 36, Shield 40, and a Sig P238 .380......Depends on my mood and what I'm wearing.....OMG i'm turning into my wife....

I no longer pocket-carry often, but I always use a holster when I do. I have several holsters of this sort, but the ones that I use for the duty these days are the Remoras.

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Now go make God proud...

A S&W 642 in a Desantis Nemissis I think if one carried often without a holster the bottom of the pocket might wear through before too long.
Steve W

Thanks for all the comments. I went ahead and purchased a DeSantis Nemesis from Amazon at a pretty decent price. I'll give feedback when I see how it works for me.

Something about good leather that I just love.

I OFTEN pocket carry -- almost always in the summer months when I am in shorts, but even in the winter, when I making a quick spur-of-the-moment trip for an errand or to pick up a pizza or something.

For my 642, I have a Don Hume holster



And for my Shield 40, I love this one from RGrizzle




Both holsters are curved nicely to meld with the curve of your leg.

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M&P-9FS,Shield40,642,32ColtPPS

I pocket carry with a Mika when I wear shorts and a tee but if I'm wearing an undershirt I much prefer a Barami Hip Grip and a Tyler T on the belt.

I pocket carry a lot with a S&W Model 649-2 in a plain leather holster with a leather flap on the outside of the gun to prevent any kind of printing through the pocket. I also have a Don Hume like the one in posting # 32 above, but I don't use it very much.

I have other snub nose, J-frame, Smiths, but they never get pocket carried, and will probably get sold some day.

I don't much trust semi-autos small enough to pocket carry and I don't like revolvers with a big hammer spur for pocket carry.

It's made to kill at one end and hurt at the other.

I also use a Nemesis to pocket carry when wearing shorts or when on my motorcycle.

At all other times my 442 is carried in a Galco Ankle Lite.

I pocket carry my 40c in the front pocket of my cargo shorts using a Desantis Superfly holster. Recently got a Shield and also use a Superfly holster. For my BG380 I use a Nemesis.

I carry a 340PD in a pocket holster.

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USAF 1971 - 1978

Ruger LCR with CTC Lasergrips, in a Desantis Nemesis, loaded with Speer 135 GDHP SB .38+P, for those times when I really don't feel like wearing a belt holster.

Holster, of course.

LCP/DeSantis Nemisis
642/Mika

I just got the Mika and have been carrying for the past few days to see how I like it. Honestly, I had forgotten how big a J frame is in the front pocket. Though you get used to it quickly enough.



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I'm glad I asked you guys. I got the Desantis Nemesis and it's working out great. Fits nicely in my front pocket and very comfortable.

Your not wrong. One needs to carry the most confortable way for them.
I carry a 357 cal. revolver in my back pocket, no holster, with my shirt out to cover the grip.

It works for me.
djh

In SE Texas in the summer, pocket carry is my choice. I have a Kahr CM9 in a Galco Pocket Protector as a constant companion. It's cooled off here finally and I'm back to belt carry with one of several options but none are as hassle free as dropping the little CM9 in my pocket.

I use an Uncle Mike's. It was very cheap when I bought as temporary about 10 years ago. I keep saying I'll better a better one but it works just fine. When it wore out I couldn't find an UM one but I did find one by Blackhawk that was almost identical.

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Support your Police, & NRA

I used the Uncle Mike's for over twelve years--wore out two eventually--before people here steered me to the DeSantis Nemesis. I still use the UM in some pants pockets that don't accommodate the Nemesis as well. Inexpensive and works--what's not to like?

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Oh well, what the hell.

Mika
NOTHING else comes close.
Plus a very nice man to deal with.

Mika's Pocket Holsters - Custom Made Pocket Holsters, Waistband Holsters, Vest Holsters, Tactical Pocket Mirrors And Much More.

If I have a front pocket my Model 38 is in a Mika and in it.

If no pocket the Airweight or a Cobra rides in a belly band.

I carried this setup as a BUG. Will be doing so again here in a bit.

My EDC, 340PD, generally rides in my right-front pocket in a DeSantis Nemesis holster. If not that, then a Don Hume leather pocket-holster. Just getting used to or transitioning to a Kydex made by a forum-member. I am constantly seeking to find something new. That's just me.....

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GA Carry member
Vietnam Vet

I pocket carry a Sig P938 in a Desantis Super Fly

Super Fly® ? DeSantis Holster

Desantis says it is stickier than the Nemesis line and also has a flap of material that velcroes for better breakup in the pocket.