Looking to pocket carry more often this summer, and have been trying to find a good pair of cargo shorts with deep enough pockets to cover my 640-1 and with a cut that will not impede a fast draw. Was wondering what has worked best for you folks? thanks.

There's really no 1 best brand. You listed the most obvious requirements. Just go to your favorite stores and try some on.

I Pocket carry (with a Galco PocketPro holster) in the front Slash pocket, with my keys in the outer Patch (cargo) Pocket. This lets the bulge of the keys mask any markings of a pistol (and keeps the pistol from 'flapping around' as I walk/jog/whatever).

+1......

Exactly what I do with my Model 36 in a Mika pocket holster.

Carhartt works for me. 10 inch leg (don't want to arose anyone) good size pocket, baggy enough the way I wear them....and.... inside pocket made of rugged cloth. Too many pants/shorts have pockets made of thin junk.

My old Columbia and more recent 5.11 shorts work just fine for pocket carry of a 642-1 in an aholster or Uncle Mike's #3.

My new Mika is "supposed" to be delivered tomorrow but I think Monday might be a better bet.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

I've discussed this at length with a number of friends - no one brand but I do choose my shorts/pants by how my pocket pistol (in a Mika holster) will ride in them. And ideally how little they may print.

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Pass it on.
Mark

Not sure looking for any one brand is necessary as I have a couple different brands that work well for me, whats important is measuring inside length and width of pocket to make sure 1)enough room for gun and 2)enough room for your hand to grab and remove gun.

Many will poopoo the wisdom of using cargo pockets for handgun concealment, I've been doing it for years without incident. I also practice drawing (unloaded, of course) from cargo pockets frequently to make sure its not a totally foreign and unfamiliar process if someday necessary. I also wear IWB and OWB, just depends on circumstances, weather, etc. so I look at cargo pocket carry as just one more viable carry option.

Will lastly mention a product called "Holster Patch", found at Product that I sometimes find less bulky for cargo pocket carry than pocket holsters. YMMV. Its got an iron on backing but I've had my seamstress sew it into the pocket as the edges otherwise tend to come undone after several washings. It allows a pretty quick draw but also a pretty secure retention if proper size is purchased. Only use it for carrying DA trigger guns as think that carrying SA with round in chamber without holster is inviting an AD. Again, just my $0.02, YMMV.

Another couple of weeks and I just about live in cargo shorts till October if I'm not at work. Must have 4 or 5 different brands and they all have deep, large opening front pockets. My LCP in a Galco pocket protector is almost to small for a couple of them. I've also carried a G26 in a pocket holster (no brand, found on Ebay) and while it works with the cargo shorts, it's a bit to much bulk. Keep thinking about a single stack 9mm...
I will add I do not carry in the cargo pocket. Are some of you guys carrying there? That doesn't work for me at all.

I'm with you. Front pocket only. Too many of the advantages that pocket carry offers are negated otherwise...imho.

(Not pointing any fingers nor telling people that what works for them doesn't.)

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642-1, M&P15 TS

I can carry a 4 inch N-Frame in the front pocket of my Utilikilt Mocker really well. No printing

Sears carries a brand called Outdoor Life. The front cargo pockets easily hold my carry pistols w/ room in the rear covered pockets for spare mag holders & a folding knife. Additional front covered pockets hold keys, wallet, phone, etc. Very comfortable and the elastic waistband works fine for IWB.

For a few dollars more I've had good results with Tru-Spec 24/7 cargo shorts. I always use a holster including Elite, StealthGear, & a small Uncle Mike's for my BUG.

I just got a pair of cargo shorts at my local Dollar General.
Works for me.

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Keep on Chooglin'

What blues7 says on 5.11 shorts. I just broke them out for summer wear here. They are pricey at around $50 but worth it to me. I also really like the elastic waist band - since they tend to shrink in the closet during the winter ...

I like Wranglers best. I don't carry in the cargo pocket. I carry in my off hand front pocket. I can walk around with my gun in hand and have my right hand free. My other gun is AIWB and can be reached by both hands. My reloads are in my right pocket so I can load right handed.

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Two Handguns every day

How does it compare to the 5.11 tactical duty kilt?

Heavier weight. Deeper pockets. Fasteners are more secure. More expensive. Looks better too IMHO

9+ months a year I have carried for the last 20 years in cargos. I carry in both front pockets with Nemisis holsters. I prefer the Walmart cargos because they have Velcro back pockets and cargo pockets. Those are the two places I carry all my "stuff". The front pockets are for guns only. I am short...5 ft 6 in. I have to be careful not to get too heavy a load in the gun department, it's easy to get a pendulum effect going while walking. One of my shooters described me as a tall burly midget.
2 guns, always, front pockets.

I don't wear shorts; don't wanna scare small children.

However, I've been wearing 5.11 trousers since being issued them in Afghanistan in '04. A Colt Agent hides well in my front pocket. I carry a speed loader in the strong side cargo pocket.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I carry my Sig P238 in one of those back pocket holsters that the back comes unsnapped to use as a lower front pocket holster .. I like leaving the back on facing outward and you don't see any type of printing !!

Would like to get one for my Compact .. I usually carry it in either IWB or OWB at 4 when wearing jeans shorts or even cargo shorts with belt loops .. simple t-Shirt covers nicely .. its much easier to conceal then many people think .. just nothing skin tight .. though I have seen some very shapely women in tight clothing conceal very easily too ..

I don't wear shorts. I wear "wides". My pockets have plenty of room, but I tend to carry a lot of stuff in my pockets. The cargo pockets really help with that. I like the Wrangler's brand sold at Wal Mart about as well as any of the rest. They are relaxed fit and don't bind much, especially when I squat or bend over. They probably wouldn't pass most folks idea of great styling, but that's their problem, not mine. They cover everything that needs covering and a lot more than many folks cover up these days!

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So long ... Ken

I have had good luck with Duluth cargo's, pricey but well made and conceals my 638 or sp 101 in a sticky holster. Heavy material and deep pockets.

I bought a pair of the Wranglers a few months back and they have started to tear near the back pocket. 5.11 are expensive, but they wear good.

I'm thinking about trying some of the Duluth cargoes.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

One of my shooters commented when they saw me in shorts....Look at them legs, look at that figure, two more legs, look like Trigger!

The Kahr PM9 rides very nicely in the pocket. There are lots of pretenders but the PM9 is still the smallest, slimmest, fully usable mini 9 out there in my opinion.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

I agree with you on the Kahr. I just got the CM40, which is the same size except for a little more width and a lot less money. Carry it in a DeSantis pocket holster. This will fit in any of my pants pockets without a problem. I'm thinking that the the CM9/PM9 will fit even better. Mine is less than a half inch longer than my Bodyguard 380. I'll take the 9mm or the .40 over the 380 anytime.

I've got a love hate thing with caring in cargo shorts. Whatever I'm caring tends to disappear but often the pockets are so deep that the gun ends up banging around down by my knees.

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Dave

Muley,
I will say this about the products from Duluth, and I've used several of them. They are good products and well made. They are certainly not the cheapest, but I have some things that are old and have been used for a long time, and they still give good service. I have found that their clothing is made on the large side compared to most other brands of products found these days. Their work clothes are made to work in, be comfortable in, and give long service.

I've never tried the Duluth cargo shorts, although I've been tempted to try. I would order your regular size, with this caveat. If you usually wear an XXL, you may find it a bit larger than you like. Of course, I don't know what you like or how you prefer things to fit. But you have to start somewhere, and I have returned things for a different size with no problems. Duluth is a good vendor in my experience. Once you find out how their stuff fits you, then you will be good to go, if you like the product itself.

I have been wearing their "Buck Naked" underwear, long legged shorts, V neck tees, and athletic style (tanks) undershirts for years. I wear an undershirt every day, which makes CC much more comfortable. This stuff is very moisture wicking and drys quickly, but it wears like iron!! I have never really worn out any of this underwear. I have changed in size so bought more. They run it on sale a few times a year, and it's a bit cheaper then. I highly recommend this underwear. It is comfortable, it is cooler in summer and warmer in winter, but you'd better like it, cause it won't wear out on you! Same thing is probably pretty much true for the cargo shorts.

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So long ... Ken

Reading this I am realizing the lower, right cargo pocket might be a good place to carry while driving. it should be easier to get at the gun there than in the slash pocket when wearing a seat belt.
Steve W

I have mostly Wrangler from Walmart and a couple Dockers cargo shorts. I front pocket carry when I'm walking around and switch to cargo pocket when I get in a vehicle. Easier access to the gun when seated.

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

I wear shorts and t-shirts just about year round here. I try to find cargo shorts with large deep pockets. I use the Uncle Mikes Pocket holster for my Model 342. In the car I will usually have a Model 36 that I use as a car gun in the center console.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Only your gun banging around down by your knees? You're so lucky ... On a serious note, I don't find the cargo pockets - at least on the 5.11 Tactical's - to be usable for carry for the exact same reason. So much flopping back and forth that it makes me nervous.

That's why I carry in the front top pocket. No gun banging my knees and I can keep my hand on it when walking around. I like the idea of the Cargo pocket carry when driving. I'll have to give it a try on the drive home from Florida next week.

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Two Handguns every day

Check out L.A. Police Gear. I have quite a few of their pants and shorts. They have sales often and their prices or good to begin with.

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A Snider squibbed n the Jungle

Fast draw in pocket carry doesn't really work together.

Friends don't let friends buy Taurus.

Its not too bad though. I only use a small gun for local pocket carry. Other weapon other holster for traveling or going to the cities. Pocket carry under those circumstances is to me very good, I just grab the gun and holster stick it in my pocket and go out.

During the summer I wear regular shorts or cargo type a lot but never had a concern which one was better or worse.

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

I don't entirely agree with this. I can draw my 642 pretty quickly from an aholster or Uncle Mike's (and I don't ordinarily have to lift my shirt like with IWB or AIWB).

Plus, under certain circumstances, there is much less of a "tell" going to a pocket or casually having your hand in pocket beforehand vs. trying to draw from the waist in an emergency.

For me, a J frame is easier and faster to draw from a pocket than a small semi-auto, especially one without an exposed hammer or sights that can snag.

The 642 or similar offers several advantages but a few disadvantages as well as compared to a firearm with higher capacity.

There is no perfect solution...though two guns probably comes close. (I'm not EDC'ing two, however.)

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642-1, M&P15 TS

Tru-spec 24-7 pants/shorts work great with a Mika pocket holster. Also have 2 inner cargo pockets on each side that nicely hold mags upright.


5.11 Stryke pants/shorts are very similar but cost 2x as much as the 24-7s.


I wear the former and my Wife wears the latter.

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MA Gun Law & NRA Instructor

That happened to me too. Carry in the top pocket instead. Problem solved.

All my shooters got a good laugh outta this today. Nothing more normal than standing around with your hand on your gun. Glocks, Shields, XDs, J Frames. I have a dozen men that can put a round on a target at 7 yards in .5 seconds. Nothing is faster.

Yes, I tried to carry in a Mika in the lower cargo pocket, banged against my knee also. Quickly transitioned to only carry in the upper pocket without problems.

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MA Gun Law & NRA Instructor

Bimini Bay Outfitters (Cotton). I got a bunch at Walmart though the last 4 I bought I had to order online (check Amazon). The front pockets are large enough to completely conceal my G19 if I wanted to carry it. I usually carry an LCP or LCR because of the light weight though sometimes I'll carry my G26. I prefer Mika pocket holsters.

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Mike
686 no dash

Another vote for Duluth Trading Co. Their Fire Hose jeans and pants wear like iron but are very comfortable. The inside pockets are also made of fire hose material so they won't tear. Are they worth $60? Absolutely.

Really guys, cargo shorts are so 2015...

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NRA Life Member

Fortunately, you're talking to guys who are mostly 1965. (And that's just when they bought their first gun.)

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642-1, M&P15 TS

I think there is one best brand: Cabelas 7-pocket hikers.

OnSite Search : Cabela's

Shorts and long pants. The external pockets are over the front pocket area, perfectly placed to cover them.

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I've still got it made.

Tru-Spec BDU shorts for me. There is an internal pocket that my 642 fits in nicely. The flap has two velcro closures that make sure it's there when I need it. And it does not print.