Does a Bodyguard or LCP size .380 carry better in the pocket than a j frame? I currently use a J but it seems big somtimes. Does the auto pistol shape print like a gun more?

IMHO, no. Although I can pocket carry my Kahr K9 or Glock 26 if I need to, the long slide length definitely prints more than if I carry my 642.

The J frame has enough of a break with the way it tapers off behind the cylinder and the way the barrel and cylinder are different widths that it creates irregularity with the outside of the pocket.

The auto, on the other hand prints this long angular line (where the top and side of the slide come together) that sticks out like a sore thumb.

YMMV

Yes, they do, if the pocket is a good size.
Tight fitting pants or pockets should be a no-no for pocket carriers.

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Stay protected my friends.

We started pocket carrying with the Kel-Tec P-32 and then the P-3AT which Ruger copied (exactly) to produce the first LCP. Although we had an LCP for a while too, for some reason I favored the older Kel-Tec P-3AT and sold the LCP. The latest version of the LCP is reported to have a better trigger and sights than does the Kel-Tec whose design has not been updated since it created the small pocket semi-automatic pistol market many years ago.

There is no question that any of the current, plastic .380 ACP semi-automatics are easier to hide and lighter than my current most frequent carry gun, a S&W 642-1, J-frame.

But . . . the J-frame is more comforting than any of those smaller, somewhat anemic, semi-automatics. Not only is it more powerful, but it is easier to shoot and seems more reliable. Add that 38 special is easy to reload and the appeal of .380 ACP fades badly.

However, if you decide on a semi-automatic, allow me to suggest you at least move up to 9mm or even a .40 S&W caliber. I have a Kahr PM40 (about the same size as a Kahr PM9) that I pocket carried a lot before acquiring the J-frame.

The Kahr PM40 is much easier to shoot well than any of the smaller .380 semi-automatics and even the J-frame. More powerful too. But, it's several ounces heavier than the J-frame and really fills my pocket to capacity.

Best of luck in your quest.

Nothing pocket carries like a J frame. I've tried several different guns in 380 and 9MM.

Ruger now makes a small frame revolver in 9MM. There is absolutely no reason to carry a 380. None.

Just my 2 cents of course.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

I think a enclosed hammer j-frame is the ultimate pocket gun. I find I can get one out of a pocket a lot smoother and faster than any small auto. For me, pocket carry usually means jacket pocket carry and I like the option of walking around with my hands in my jacket pockets with a firing grip on the revolver(even pointing it at someone if appropriate) with no one the wiser and be able to fire from inside the jacket pocket in a sudden close quarter situation if need be which you can't efficiently do with a semi-auto.

Saw a bunch of guys pocket carrying j frames at the last gun show. . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Absolutely!

The LCP is shorter in both height and length and a lot thinner.

So, yes... They carry much nicer in pockets. In fact, I own some pants that I can't even comfortably fit my 642 in the pocket.... Or even get it out in a smooth / timely fashion. Sure, a jacket pocket is a different story.... In there I'd much rather my 642.

Actually, my Sig P938 9mm is easier to pocket carry too.

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- The Federalist #46 -

For me, yes.

I pocket carry a 642 and LCP. Mostly LCP.

The difference for pocket carry is significant in both weight and size, particularly width, and VERY obvious to me. LCP remains in the front pocket at all times, walking downtown or snoozing on the couch. Never notice it's there. When carrying the 642 I get used to it quick enough but it doesn't always go unnoticed like the LCP.

DeSantis Nemesis / Mika

The cylinder of a J-frame is 1-3/16", whereas most pocket pistols are less than 1" thick. Revolvers are a lot harder to shoot well than most pistols because they are double action by necessity when used in self defense. They also have less capacity and are much slower to reload. A 9mm, .40 SW or .45 ACP pocket pistol is easy on the hand to shoot, whereas a .38 Special with half the power stings a lot in a revolver the same weight (< 20 oz).

A pocket holster will conceal the outline of a pistol or revolver. The revolver will create more of a bulge, and generally be longer as well as wider than the pistol. On the plus side, a revolver hardly ever misfires and can't misfeed.

I pocket carry a bodyguard .380 and love it. I used to carry a J frame but I like the bodyguard better it is a lot more comfortable to me.

In my experience, things with corners do not draw from pocket carry very well. Given the circumstances in which the gun would need to make an appearance, the draw has to be a "first time, every time" type of affair. That is why the only gun that I pocket carry is a 442/642. As far as printing goes, with a quality pocket holster, I find that they are about the same.

i pocket carry both a 442 and an LCP. i find that the LCP is easier. its thinner, lighter, and carries a few extra rounds. do i think its better than a j? not sure. do i like it more than a j? no way. the LCP is loaded with powerball in 80 gr. it packs a whallop. is .380 better than .38 +p? doubt it. its a trade off i'm willing to make...

The Ruger is wider, longer and heavier than my 642, and I don't consider moonclip reloads as pocket carry worthy. Not exactly a game changer for pocket carry or what the OP asked about. Though I guess it is lighter than other 9mm revolvers, so for the few 9mm revolver fans it's great.

I pocket carry my Walther PPK/S in a Uncle Mikes pocket holster all the time, even when wearing shorts which I do most of the time. Hardly know it is there.

Bob

J frame all the way. In fact I like pocket carry so much that I don't think I'll ever go back to a belt mounted gun ever again.

Regardless of what is carried it is important to use a holster, and not just slip a gun into a pocket with lint, and certainly not into a pocket with other items that could get inside the trigger guard. That said, I routinely carry a 642 in my jean's pocket in a Remora holster. But I do have some jeans that seem to have a smaller tighter pocket, where the butt of the revolver just peeks out of the pocket. For those pants I carry the LCP in an Uncle Mike's holster or a DeSantis pocket holster. I much prefer the 642 for reasons others have stated, but the LCP is easier to conceal in pocket carry.

More and more I find I am carrying my Ruger LC9s rather than either the 642 or the LCP (but not usually in my pocket). The 9mm round seems a good compromise between the 38+p and the smaller 380, and having 8 rounds rather than 5 seems positive as well. But for me the real advantage of the LC9s is that I can shoot it more accurately than I can my 642. Maybe that's just me.

Here are some 642 / LCP comparison shots:







Here, the 642 is on the left of the shot (my right pocket) and the LCP is on the right side of the shot (in my left pocket):



IMO, the LCP looks like a wallet and the 642 is larger and bulkier looking.

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- The Federalist #46 -

Forgot one:

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- The Federalist #46 -

It's generally very easy to spot the J-Frame bulge. I know what it is, other guns guys would know what it is, but Johnny Citizen who is his own little world would think you were carrying around a bag of gummy bears.... If he noticed at all.

Something like the LCP looks like a wallet if it's in a good holster.

I sometimes think I could carry my Model 9, 4-inch, in my pocket and the average citizen would not even notice. The photo posted showing the two guns in your front pockets shows how easy either of these guns generally are to pocket carry.

When I am wearing my shirt out of my pants I often carry OWB for (in my opinion) the greatest comfort. Some of the shirts that are somewhat snugger may cause the gun to print if I twist my body to grab something or a similar action. I have looked in the mirror while doing this and to me it seems a bit obvious that the bulge under the shirt is a gun, but I have never had a problem in public while doing this.

That's really the thing... most people who don't think about concealed carry would never think the bulge was a gun, unless it was not in a holster and printing horribly.

I wonder how many non gun people, who's knowledge of the topic comes from TV and movies, realize pocket carry is even a thing.

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- The Federalist #46 -

My EDC is a 442 pocket carried for well over 40 yrs.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

As the saying goes - "A picture is worth a 1000 words".
Thanks for saving us 4000 words.

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Stay protected my friends.

When wearing Jeans and pocket carrying a M60 I wear LL Bean Natural Fit Jeans. Their pockets are larger and deeper than most jeans I've worn and they are quite comfortable as well. I've never been made carrying.

They are reasonable priced and are often discounted with free shipping

Pocket carry - can you reach your weapon while seated ?
Ankle carry - can you reach your weapon while seated or standing ?
Strong Side carry - can you reach your weapon while seated ?
Cross Draw carry - can you reach your weapon while in any position ?

I find that the thin flat profile of a sub compact semi auto will print less than a "J" frame in any situation. But that said, I often carry my "J" frame in a Uncle Mikes #3 pocket holster and do not feel like I am broadcasting it to the world. Pocket carry like any concealed carry needs consideration as to your clothing. Being a plus size old man "skinny" jeans are not in my wardrobe and dare I say should not be in the wardrobe of anyone thinking of pocket carry. I have also found several makers of pants have different pocket styles and depths. I have a pair of Columbia pants with very deep, straight pockets that place part of the gun outline below the front of the hip and down the pant leg. Bottom line for me is that the right pocket holster and the right pair of pants can effectively hide just about any sub compact, compact semi auto or "J" frame.

I couldn't agree more.

However, I pocket carried a Beretta BS 950 25 ACP for 20 years before that. A classic mousegun, I admit it, but it went everywhere, easily. I had a M649 for a long time but just thought it was too heavy. Then I acquired a M 642, an Airweight and concealed hammer, WOW!, and the Beretta went into a drawer, re-emerging only under some very limited circumstances. I bet I have carried that 642 for nearly ten years now. I doubt that I would ever pocket carry a semi-auto again except under the limited circumstances when that Beretta comes out again.

Sidebar: Springfield makes a couple of gorgeous little pistols that could be carried in a pocket in 9mm and .45 ACP. I think those are their "XD-S" guns. The .45 ACP is pretty stout and hard to control according to one knowledgeable source but he says the 9mm is a joy. My love for snubbies got my mouth watering when I handled a couple the other day. I controlled myself - my love for my S&W 642 kept me under control.

Pocket carry does make drawing your weapon problematic while seated. Bear that in mind at all times. Not impossible - just problematic.

Items:

John Q. Citizen is, for the most part, unaware of pocket carry. Everyone carries a wallet or a phone or both so pocket bulges, even if noticed, are overlooked. A large revolver or pistol could be concealed in your pocket and the average person will never know.

But the bulge of the revolver cylinder can be made so discreet that I agree, a large wheelgun could be hidden in a pocket if it fits into the pocket.

Rule one - you should use a pocket holster.

Yoda's rule number two - especially for wheelguns - and this is ever so easy - do it yourself or have your local shoe repair person do it - and he will have leather - obtain a piece of soft, quality leather that can be folded into an approximately 2.5" x 3.5" rectangle. If it's good leather it will remain soft and pliable but since it's a few layers thick it will be very much like a wallet in shape and strength. Stitch along it's edge so that it becomes solid and won't open. Place it between your somewhat swollen pocket holster, right over the offending cylinder of your J-frame. PRESTO! It's all you can see, a wallet shape.

I can't tell you how many times folks who know me really well have come up to me and said they knew I was carrying a gun but had no clue where it was. Even trained personnel will miss it.

***GRJ***

I don't have a j frame but do carry my LCP in my pocket but I carry it in a pocket holster. Work fine.

My trust in revolvers, for many reasons having to do as much with my physical limitations as anything, make me insist so far on a steel J-frame for pocket carry. I'm comfortable and confident with it.

I'm also an old man who walks with a cane, and I doubt anyone really figures me to be carrying a gun. In seventeen years or so of pocket carry, if anyone has recognized the gun nothing has ever been said. Haven't even observed any intent looks at the pocket.

Anyway I subscribe to the theory well expressed here that most people just aren't real observant. Many too busy on their smart phones to notice a damn thing.

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Oh well, what the hell.

I usually carry my 442 on my belt but sometimes it needs to ride in a pocket. Always in one of my own homemade pocket holsters.
This ones mine;

And a nice new one I made for a forum member;

He likes the curve I molded in.

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Keep on Chooglin'

this is what's important to me. if I think I might need my gun, I can put my hand in my pocket and no one is the wiser, You can't put your hand on your holster without someone raising an eyebrow.

if someone does see the "bulge" of my LCP, they'll think it's a wallet, if they're also the bad guy and demand me to hand over my wallet, I raise no suspicion while I reach into my pocket and pull out a gun instead of a wallet.

The LCP is great for what it is, a very small and reasonably reliable semi-auto. I have one and it is ideal when concealability is paramount and your clothing gives you limited options (like lightweight summer shorts without a belt, only an elastic top, or light weight dress trousers). But the 380 round is less desirable than a 38+p in its ability to stop a threat.

Well I have carried my purchased mid 70s Model 60 a lot in a pocket in the past, and just for the heck of it recently tried out my 642 and to me it’s more comfortable and a better concealment to use my Bodyguard .380. I have no problem drawing the .380. as I have practiced a lot (empty of course) and it comes out fine.


All people’s shapes and preferences count for a lot, but as stated the flat sided .380 is my constant companion for everyday use.

Now knowing that you possibly really going In Harm’s Way (Cities) I normally leave the bodyguard in the safe and using a ITWB holster carry take the XDS.45!

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

And the winner is?

Out
West

Pocket carry is ok standing ,but not setting or in the car or truck. When sitting take it out so you can reach it the the car or truck. I put behind me on the seat or under my leg so I can grab it.

I normally carry two revolvers, one the Smith & Wesson 642-1 left
pocket, and as a backup and/2nd gun, as well as my Charter Arms
44 Special in a paddle holster. Since I dress lightly even in Winter
I do not have many other places I can conceal my guns. This brings
me to a problem I had this morning which I will need to address.

When I arrived at a convenience store and went inside to talk with
someone for about 20 minutes when I started to leave I realized my
S&W 642-1 was NOT in my left pocket where I thought It was but
my cheap holster was. It was disconcerting when I returned to my
vehicle and discovered it was not inside my vehicle either. Since I
carry it on the left side my first thought is if it fell from the holster it
would not necessarily still be in the vehicle. I went back home and
sure enough I found the gun in my computer chair where it had
slipped out of my holster while I was sitting in the computer chair.

So now I am rethinking my selection of holsters which are cheap ones
that don't come out with the gun when I draw from the pocket. I
don't very well want to put two revolvers in holsters on my belt.
I also do not like holsters which would have to snap or unsnap to
draw. I do not like behind the back holster rigs, nor should holster
setups. I also refuse to pocket carry except in a pocket holster that
covers the trigger guard. So now I am rethinking my selection of
using pocket holsters for my backup carry. It would have been like
pulling an eye tooth for me to have lost that smith & Wesson 641-1
which is one of my favorite guns, not to mention the need to have
reporting it being lost. Medical pouches work but then that slows
down the access. I am concluding there is no 100 % method of
ideally carrying.

Yes, that would be troubling & alarming.

I use a Galco horse hide pocket holster when OWB is not practical for me, or when I have the need to carry more than one gun. I can turn it upside down and it will retain the gun. During a draw from the pocket, the holster hooks & stays in the pocket every time.

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-Roger

Good, I will contact Galco for a suitable pocket holster then for my S&W 642-1. As long as it does not come out with the handgun when I draw and it retains the gun it would eliminate the possibility of it sliding out from my pocket and me not knowing it.

Not long ago, I switched my EDC from a 642 with Crimson Trace, to a Kahr CM-9 with Crimson Trace. The Kahr is a little heavier, but then again I have a couple of more rounds. The spare magazine is easier to carry, IMHO, than a speed loader. The Kahr, being flatter, doesn't print. That being said, I don't think I was ever "made" in many years of carrying the 642 pocket holster. After trying a few different brands of pocket holsters, I settled on the DeSantis Nemesis.

My M&P bodyguard carries better in smaller pockets than my 638. I generally carry the bodyguard when I wish to be super discrete (church carry). I carry the 638 the vast majority of the time, as I just really like j frame revolvers. The 36-1 gets some carry, and my 915 when I have a bulky cover garment on (recently got turned on to 3rd gen Smiths).

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Mike

+1 for the Galco pocket holster. Stays in the pocket, conceals well, and makes for an easy draw because of its stiffness. IMO, the perfect pocket holster for the perfect concealed carry gun, the 649. I also like the Desantis "Superfly" for the Kahr PM45. Too bad I hate plastic guns. I'm selling the Kahr and my Glock 30.

I own a LCP + a S&W Model 60-7 The LCP is much easier to Pocket Carry for Me due to being muck thinner when I carry the Model 60 it's in a older Desantis IWB Holster I do feel better armed with the Model 60 however.

The ONLY reason I decided to buy a LCP ... after not having owned & carried a .380 ACP for at least 25 years ... is because of the handy size. It is easier to pocket carry (holstered) than any of my J's.

I have a number of pants which have front pockets that are either too short, or too tight, to effectively conceal any of my J-frames. The LCP fits handily, in a UM pocket holster, in all of them.

My cellphone and credit card wallet usually make a larger rectangular silhouette.

I make sure whatever pocket holster I'm using completely and safely covers the trigger.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

I have had a couple LCP's in the past, and while I admit to poking fun at the little .380 for ccw duty, I also admit that while I owned an LCP, I also carried it every day...something I don't always do now, even my 442

Over the 5 years of me carrying a gun, I've gone from carrying my large Sigma handgun on my hip to having my J-frame or my Sig in my pocket. Over time, I grew tired of having something heavy on my hip. I also got tired of always having to pull my jeans up and making sure my shirt didn't ride up whenever I got out of my car or got up from my chair in public. Pocket carry is what I do 90% of the time when I leave my house.

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Don't look, reload and shoot!

bodyguard 380...great little pocket pistol

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S&W BG380, S&W 915 9mm

I pocket carry a 37 with factory bobbed hammer in a Galco pocket holster. In the past I've carried a Colt Mustang in Uncle Mikes pocket holster and a Beretta Tomcat in a Kramer pocket holster.
I've found the autos do tend to carry easier and used them mainly after back surgery. I do prefer the 38 over a .380acp or .32acp and mainly carry the S&W now.
Wrangler jeans have enough pocket to carry it remaining hidden and most dress pants do the same.
I also doubt many people do notice the extra bulge in my pocket and I've come to not notice the extra weight now my back has healed.