Pocket holsters for snubnose revolvers?

[Naphtali]

The idea of using a pocket holster for my S&W 640-1 interests me, but I've been concerned about drawing revolver from pocket holster - and having revolver and holster leave the pocket together.

1. Among pocket holsters for the 640-1, how is holster retained in pocket?

2. How secure are those two or three that retain better than the others?

3. What pocket holsters for my 640-1 are these "more secure" holsters?

[Ivan the Butcher]

Most J-frames fit in you front pocket with a DeSantis "Nemesis". There is a tacky rubber on the outside of the holster that grabs the pocket fabric. With time dust and lint reduce the tacky-ness, just clean with with a lint roller. As for how they fit in the pocket; there will be some of your pants that the fit is fine others not so much! it the pocket is very loose there can be quick drawing problems. You can sew the pocket smaller to fit or get used to it. IWB are more consistent fitting.
, from pants to pants. The Nemesis is probably they most used pocket holster due to price, function and availability. I have been carrying a J-frame every day in one for years. The holster protects revolver from the action getting gummed up with lint. Ivan

[lebomm]

I carry my 640 ND in a pocket holster billed as the "Sticky Holster". It has a tacky rubber-like outside with a slick nylon web inside. As above, the "tacky" has diminished a bit with time and wear, but it always has grabbed the pocket lining and let the gun slip out nicely. The whole package fits nicely into the side pocket of my Carhartt Double Fronts as well as my khaki Dockers.

Larry

[mgriffin]

I like my Uncle Mikes pocket holster, Works great on my 442 with loose fittings jeans

[nolesfan]

Uncle Mikes size 3 for a J frame. It works well. It has a tacky band on the outside.

[MSgt G]

Two links that should answer your questions :

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

https://youtu.be/4izM0fiz6kk

[MichiganScott]

I use a Mika pocket holster that has a sticky band on the outside.

If you carry in a pocket holster, you will not be able to draw from a sitting position. I find that it's also difficult to draw from snug fitting jeans. That being said, I have had a 642 in my pocket as a constant companion since 2004.

[F75gunslinger]

I've got a Don Hume pocket holster that works well. The shape is designed to catch if you pull the gun. Take a look at your pants pockets to see what shape they are. Jeans, casual ,and dress pants have different shaped/sized pockets, so choose one that will work best in the pant style you commonly wear.

[msauter]

I use both Uncle Mike's and Sticky brand pocket holsters; they both work well. If you are worried about the holster staying in the pocket, you can use your off hand to apply light pressure to the front of the pocket during the draw, this will make sure the sticky/grippy material engages properly and keeps the holster in the pocket. With practice this becomes a natural part of your draw, much like lifting your cover garment with belt carry. This technique also works if you are carrying in a jacket pocket.

It is difficult to draw from a front pants pocket while seated, although it can be done if you are able to lean back.

[cmort666]

I made my own pocket holster (and few others for friends).

It's in a rectangular shape that conceals the outline of the gun.

I place my thumb on the top of the holster when drawing. Even if the holster came out with the gun, it would be only a flick of the thumb to make it fall off.

I prefer leather for all holsters.

[Old cop]

I use a Galco suede holster that stays put when the gun is drawn.

[Buford57]

Originally Posted by Old cop

I use a Galco suede holster that stays put when the gun is drawn.

+1 Mine is the Galco horsehide

[haywood]

I use the cheep Uncle Mikes #4 for my J-Frames. I like the #4 because it's a hair bigger and stays in my pocket better. I have added Velcro to the holster to hold it in some pants. In the Stopping Power Forum there is a guy that pins the holster in his pocket to make it stay.

[sodacan]

The Galco horsehide pocket holster is my favorite followed by the Desantis Nemesis/Superfly, which is great for concealment, but questionable for durability. I have no long term experience with it. The Uncle Mikes is not bad for a cheap one, but it loses it shape and the material wears pretty easily. The retention band is only fair. It is basically a disposable holster. The Galco will last a long time. Great retention. Easy draw. Doesn't print. Stays put.

[RSanch111]

I second the Mika pocket holster. Retired after 30 years on the PD, carried it on duty and off in various types of pants and coat pockets. It's the perfect holster for what it's intended to do. Have several for my J-frames and one for my PPK. You can't go wrong with Mika's pocket holsters, he does a good job. Before them, I made my own out of the thin leather tongue from an old pair of jump boots. Just big enough to cover the gun up to the back of the cylinder. I wasn't worried about "printing" as much as the gun poking holes in my pockets.

[jeff1981]

I have both the Mika and Desantis pocket holsters. Both work, though for most applications I prefer the Mika. Here's a few pics of how a S&W 36-2 fits and conceals- the "in the pocket" pics are of the Mika as the Desantis doesn't work well with jeans, for me.

Jeff

[getoff]

Originally Posted by Buford57

+1 Mine is the Galco horsehide

another +1 for the Galco horsehide... got one for my J, and for my LCP.

[Old cop]

Mine is the G129L, PRO 158 (taken from the side of the holster in my pocket, holding my new-to-me M37 nickel as we speak).

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Originally Posted by RSanch111

I wasn't worried about "printing" as much as the gun poking holes in my pockets.

Same here. Depending on the pocket, a holster may also sometimes be necessary for proper positioning of the gun.

My most common choice for a pocket holster is a Don Hume JIT slide, usually for a slightly larger gun, like a Detective Special holster for a Chief, or a K for a DS. Also, it is possible for a JIT to get old and worn, and then it may not be tight enough for its intended use, but just right as a pocket holster for the gun it was designed for.

[Cal44]

Originally Posted by mgriffin

I like my Uncle Mikes pocket holster, Works great on my 442 with loose fittings jeans

On the other hand, I've had trouble with Uncle Mikes pocket holsters coming out with the gun.

Nemesis stays put.

Mika Holsters stay in place also for me.

If the holster isn't so tight that it prevents the cylinder from turning, the gun will still fire even if the holster is still on it.

It might look kind of weird, but the BG you are shooting won't care.

[Naphtali]

One idea stands out to me. The person who secured his pocket holster to its pocket with a [safety??] pin completely takes care of any problem for any holster. The only difficulty might be to pierce the holster. I suspect buying a holster from its maker, the buyer could request some sort of teat or "waste" space to be included somewhere on extremity of holster to facilitate its being pinned.

[raisedin99]

I'm thinking the idea is to leave the holster in your pocket isn't it? I drop this in my pocket every day and the holster stays put. I have been using this 340PD and homemade corduroy holster for several years now.
My wife threw this together in just a few minutes with some scraps. it has enough bulk to prohibit printing.

terry

[tops]

[QUOTE=Cal44;138868319

If the holster isn't so tight that it prevents the cylinder from turning, the gun will still fire even if the holster is still on it.

It might look kind of weird, but the BG you are shooting won't care.[/QUOTE]

You beat me to it and the holster won't slow the bullet down. Larry

[jframejoey]

I used the Don Hume and Desantis Nemisis for years and they worked fine. I now use a Kramer pocket holster for my j frames.

[joe44va]

Midway has the Nemesis on sale

[cmort666]

My home made pocket holster with my 36-"no-dash" in it:

[Goldstar225]

Another fan of Robert Mika's holster. I tried the Nemesis first then the Mika. I quit looking after using the Mika holster.

[BigMoneyGrip]

I have the Milt Sparks PCH-RI and love it. It keeps my M&P 340 comfortably in my pocket all day.

[KalamazooKid]

Originally Posted by MichiganScott

I use a Mika pocket holster that has a sticky band on the outside.

If you carry in a pocket holster, you will not be able to draw from a sitting position. I find that it's also difficult to draw from snug fitting jeans. That being said, I have had a 642 in my pocket as a constant companion since 2004.

I've always been a big fan of Mika's. Everything you want in a custom fit holster. My Smith 340PD calls one home.

[badge 851]

MD-5 Medium Sticky Holster - Sticky Holsters

[RSanch111]

Originally Posted by Naphtali

One idea stands out to me. The person who secured his pocket holster to its pocket with a [safety??] pin completely takes care of any problem for any holster. The only difficulty might be to pierce the holster. I suspect buying a holster from its maker, the buyer could request some sort of teat or "waste" space to be included somewhere on extremity of holster to facilitate its being pinned.

The purpose of pocket carry is easy in, easy out....or one of them, anyway. You're not going to bother with a safety pin after the....fifth time....

[RSanch111]

The big name makers need their holsters to look polished and "production". Mika doesn't need to do that. Just sews together a piece of naughahyde or something similar with some rubbery stuff on the outside and call it a day. He doesn't have to worry about what the VP of marketing says after doing a market survey, he just goes to the back room at his house and cranks out what other cops have ordered. Utilitarian like a '72 Plymouth Fury with a big motor, a shotgun and no dashcam.

[Donn]

My Tuff pocket holster has the sticky outside. Not to the touch, but it stays put in my pocket.

[shouldazagged]

I used the Uncle Mike's #3 for years, replacing them every three years or so when they started to get threadbare. Then a couple of years ago, on the recommendation of people here, I ordered a DeSantis Nemesis.

Now I select one or the other depending on the pockets of the pants I'm wearing. The Uncle Mike's seems to work better in most Wranglers.

Now I'm waiting for delivery of a Mika, and looking forwad to trying it. I ordered the round-bottomed model. If I like it I may get a square-cut one too.

EDITED TO ADD: I have never, ever had either the Uncle Mike's #3 or the Nemesis come out of my pocket with the gun. The Nemesis is especially effective at holding the gun indexed for the draw. It won't shift, period.

[APS]

My usual favorite is the Nemesis. I am currently using a stickyholster MD-5 with my 642 that has a lasermax light on it as it won't fit in a Nemesis. The stickyholster is nice for moving to appendix carry when driving.
Something you have to be aware of is if the material of the holster comes up behind the rear of the trigger guard. When you get a firing grip, your middle finger pins the material against the trigger guard and the holster comes out with the gun.

[Florida J Frame]

Been using a Mika for my J Frames for years with no issues. They are well made and don't print plus Bob is a great guy to deal with. He calls each customer to verify what you need. Good American craftsmanship at a fair price. I need to have min make one for my G42 now.

[gdogs]

I've carried a 640-1 and a Seecamp in a Nemesis and while they do a good job, I wouldn't say they are excellent at retention. Certainly adequate, but I'm much happier with a new triggerguard style kydex holster I found recently. It has a lanyard that you slip through your belt loop. When you pull the pistol with a quick high draw it snaps free. Works great for pocket or iwb. I usually bag carry so retention is a must, but if I need to leave the bag I can easily conceal either of these setups.

[Guevera]

In contrast to a lot of the holsters cited above, the one made by "Simply Rugged" is not a fat and padded thing, but thin leather, just enough to break up the outline of the gun. I never understood pocket holsters that had so much padding on it and were so bulky. I think the Simply Rugged approach is far better.

[Coastie762]

Attached are a couple of photos of my M&P 340 in a Simply Rugged holster. The horsehide leather is very thin and blends well into the front pocket of my "relaxed fit" jeans or cargo pants. Stays put when the gun is drawn.

[raisedin99]

If I might add, my homemade holster is absolutely ugly and is cheap in price, I believe 4 years old now.

May I suggest that those of you who might have someone with a sewing machine take a little bit of
corduroy as my wife did and throw one together? The material is doubled over and a simple machine
stitch in the general shape of the gun, then turned inside out to hide the raw edge.

This is a winner, not glove tight, a little oversized so I guess it could be considered a custom shaped sack, nothing more.


Stays in your pocket when you pull out the gun but at the end of the day when you empty your pockets of “stuff” you’ll
figure out quickly how to pull the gun and holster out together. Does not print.

terry

[Brian41]

I've been real happy with my Galco pocket holster as the tab at the bottom keeps it in my pocket well and even have to turn it over to remove it from my pocket. I had a Kramer for a Tomcat that was nice too.
I have a couple Uncle Mikes pocket holster and after some use found one had formed a grip on my J frame and would come out of my pocket when I drew the gun. Someone here mentioned they were made in Vietnam now and sure enough my second one was from there and the older one said USA. That was enough for me to not purchase another one.
The Galco one I use with a 36 and 37 and prior to that a 49 I had but sold.

[oldiegoldie]

I have 4 or 5 Mikas, mostly round bottom. Have never had a problem or complaint with any of them. Use them for J frames and Ruger LCR. My favorite color is the dark brown. They are reasonably priced.

[scootergirl69]

Mika pocket holster....low price...custom made...great customer service...disappears in jeans pocket with a j-frame gun

[snubbyfan]

It's leather for me.

[andyo5]

Originally Posted by Buford57

+1 Mine is the Galco horsehide

+2 Galco horsehide. It is a rough side out holster, so the inside is smooth, with a sight channel. It is my favorite by far.

[Backlighting]

No complaints with the Nemesis. Does the job for my J.

[Maddog 521]

I found a Kramer like this for $5 at the gun show many years ago. It works for me.

Pocket Gun Holsters, Pocket Gun Holsters | Kramer Handgun Leather