Convince me that a J-frame would be perfect for pocket carry

[spotch]

So I recently bought a S&W M&P 9mm and soon realized that there are times when I just won't want to carry something that big. My first thought was to just get a Ruger LCP so I know I have something that I can carry in the pocket of absolutely any outfit. But then I look at something like this...
Smith & Wesson 442 .38 Spl+P 1-7/8" Black $361.00 SHIPS FREE

and think ".....I bet I could make that work in gym shorts and fitted dress slacks!....... somehow..... "

So if you're reading this and bored, please convince me that I would be able to carry the gun I linked to above in the pocket of just about every pair of pants/shorts that I own without drastically altering my pants pockets. And maybe more importantly, that I could actually draw it out of the pocket in an emergency without having to take the pants off first.

I want to believe! It's just so much bigger than all the guns that are widely viewed as 'true pocket guns'.

 

[russp1]

I can't speak to pocket carry (wear my jeans too tight) but since getting my CHL I've carried my 442 everyday in an OWB holster. The only wardrobe change I've had to make is if wearing a tight T-shirt, I need to throw a loose unbuttoned sport shirt over it. Otherwise loose T-shirts cover just fine. In a couple pair of dress slacks, I have thrown the gun in my pocket using the wife's Remora holster just to see how it felt but I prefer the OWB holster. The size and weight is not an issue but it's a little uncomfortable in a front pocket when sitting down or driving. I can't imagine any gun that wouldn't be the same.

 

[Glock 'em down]

Go ahead and buy that 442. You will have zero problem getting your money back for it if you don't like it.

The key to content pocket carry of a J frame is choosing the right pocket holster. I've had a dozen different ones and the one I wear day in/day out is the Galco "Pocket Protector." NOT to be confused with their horsehide pocket holster which in my opinion prints too much due to it's rigid seam on the front of the holster along the sights/topstrap of the revolver.

Give it a week or so. It's gonna be a little uncomfortable at first because you're not used to having a gun in your front pocket. But after a week/10 days or so of CONSTANT pocket carry (don't wear it for an hour or so and say "this sucks!" and then stop wearing it) your bod will adjust to it's weight and shape. Trust me.

Since October of 2008 I have toted a model 38 NO DASH Bodyguard in my right front pocket from the time my feet hit the floor in the morning until I lay back down at night.

I'm like a smoker reaching for his cigarettes...I reach for my Bodyguard, loaded (5 rounds of Nyclads) Bianchi speed strip, Uncle Henry folding knife and Surefire L4 "Digital Lumamax" the minute I get up and get dressed. Hell, with my job (LEO) it's ridden in there for extended periods of time (16-20 hours) with the same amount of comfort and peace of mind.

Once you start totin' that little Jaybird in your pocket, you'll probably never wanna "holster up" that bottom feeder ever again!

 

[Kanewpadle]

A j frame works well in the pocket with the right pocket holster.

I carry either a j frame or Kahr CM9.

The j frame is easier to pull out of the pocket but Kahr has a flatter profile.

Always carry a reload.

 

[off road]

The J-frame hammerless centenials are the ultimate in pocket carry! Revolvers have an irregular shape, so they don't print as badly in a pocket as autos do with their more squared edges.

The 442 is the best choice for the money! I like the excellent night sights on the M&P340, and the much lighter weight of the 340PD (11 vs 15 oz!), but then again they are twice the price of a 442.

 

[sheriffoconee]

I carry a Model 49 strong side from pocket all day, every day, on or off duty....currently it rides in a Remora holster (search this site)
GREAT carry gun....I don't wear jeans, if I did it wouldn't work as well...I wear pants with slash type pockets, no matter what I wear the gun hides well

 

[Glock 'em down]

I carry a Model 49 strong side from pocket all day, every day, on or off duty....currently it rides in a Remora holster (search this site)
GREAT carry gun....I don't wear jeans, if I did it wouldn't work as well...I wear pants with slash type pockets, no matter what I wear the gun hides well

Oh...I dunno. I wear my Bodyguard with jeans quite often and it works just as well as slash style pockets.

 

[bassoneer]

The J-frame hammerless centenials are the ultimate in pocket carry! Revolvers have an irregular shape, so they don't print as badly in a pocket as autos do with their more squared edges.


+1

 

[ladder13]

Can't go wrong with a J in the pocket, or a Kahr CM9, both top of their class, imo +1 on the Remora

 

[badam0112]

The J-frame hammerless centenials are the ultimate in pocket carry! Revolvers have an irregular shape, so they don't print as badly in a pocket as autos do with their more squared edges.

The 442 is the best choice for the money! I like the excellent night sights on the M&P340, and the much lighter weight of the 340PD (11 vs 15 oz), but then again they are twice the price of a 442.

+1 on the 442. If I could only own one handgun. This would be the one I would keep.

 

[Old cop]

I carry my 442 in a pocket holster and the only consideration is if the pocket is deep enough - some of my jeans are not. It works w/all my dress slacks. You really cannot go wrong.

 

[samuelrp]

 

[ldp4570]

I have in the past carrying my 640ND in my front pockets, soon I realized that to get her, I would have to stand up to get her. Like most we spend alot of our waking hours we are usually sitting. This not only is not so dangerous for yourselve, but with all the jerking flinching going on brings Mr. BG attention to you. So now I no longer pocket carry, instead carry IWB or OWB. That way if a situation presents it' self, I can get her alot faster than with pocket carry.

 

[raisedin99]

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...se-gentleman-your-thoughts.html#post135942394

 

[spotch]

I have in the past carrying my 640ND in my front pockets, soon I realized that to get her, I would have to stand up to get her. Like most we spend alot of our waking hours we are usually sitting. This not only is not so dangerous for yourselve, but with all the jerking flinching going on brings Mr. BG attention to you. So now I no longer pocket carry, instead carry IWB or OWB. That way if a situation presents it' self, I can get her alot faster than with pocket carry.

Yeah I was thinking about that too...

Hrm.

Thanks for the responses guys, this is very helpful!

 

[Glock 'em down]

I have in the past carrying my 640ND in my front pockets, soon I realized that to get her, I would have to stand up to get her. Like most we spend alot of our waking hours we are usually sitting. This not only is not so dangerous for yourselve, but with all the jerking flinching going on brings Mr. BG attention to you. So now I no longer pocket carry, instead carry IWB or OWB. That way if a situation presents it' self, I can get her alot faster than with pocket carry.

Yeah, but if you're gonna "holster up" why would you mess with a simple J frame? Why not carry a full size pistola? If belt carry is uncomfortable (like the OP said) it won't get carried. To me, the J frame sits in my pocket just as comfortable as my wallet, pocket knife and car keys.

Naturally and as always, YMMV.

At least with the Jaybird in your pocket, you've accomplished Rule #1...Bring a gun!

If some of you here have not read "The Rules" please do.

Rules for a Gunfight

 

[APS]

That's a good point. If you're using your belt to support the weight of the firearm, you can carry a gun that gives you more advantages than a J frame.

 

[off road]

Ideally, the J-frame in your pocket is a backup for something else, but realistcially we all know that isn't always going to be possible....like when wearing gym shorts.

 

[Old cop]

The Airlight (scandium and the like) restrict ammo selection to jacketed rounds due to heavy recoil and unseating. For me the 442/638 work as well, are only a couple of ounces heavier and much cheaper. I shoot the 442/638 better and that is what really counts for me.

 

[cmort666]

When I pocket carry, it's with a Model 36 "no-dash" and one of my own leather pocket holsters.

I started out with a Desantis Nemesis, but I wanted something that did a better job of breaking up the outline of the gun.

As long as your pants aren't too tight, or the pockets too small, pocket carry works VERY well.

One little talked about advantage of pocket carry which was pointed out by Massad Ayoob is that you can have your hand on your firearm without anyone being the wiser. It makes for a VERY fast and UNEXPECTED draw.