Pocket holsters for snubnose revolvers?

Naphtali

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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?
 
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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
 
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
 
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 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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Mika and Desantis

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

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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).
 
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.
 
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.
 
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