Is the M&P Shield a pocket gun?

[RobzGuns]

As you have read... Depends on the person and the type/style pants they wear.
I've successfully Pocket Carried my Shield, in a Galco Pocket Protector (or DeSantis Pocket-Tuk) for over 18 Months wearing Wrangler Relaxed Fit jeans, Wrangler Cargo and various 'Docker' Style slacks. I comfortably Pocket Carried a PF-9 for 3 Yrs before that. It does Not 'Flop' against my leg when I walk (or run), It does Not bulge enough to scream GUN, It just works and nobody has 'made' me.

The trick (other than going 'Relaxed Fit') is the Slash of the Front Pocket. The slash pocket needs to be long enough and the pants loose enough to be able to insert your hand, make a fist and pull your fist out of your pocket. If you can't make a fist and withdraw your hand, you definitely wouldn't be able to draw a pistol from that pocket.

When I go pants shopping, my pistol is with me. If I can't pocket carry in the pants I'm trying on, I try a different Brand/Style.

Like any Dress to Conceal thread... Find the right pants to successfully Carry.

 

[stmry]

I think it can be considered a pocket gun, but pushes that definition to the max.

 

[Arik]

I'm 6'1 and 170 and I don't find any gun to be a pocket gun. My pockets have keys, change and maybe a pocket knife. My guns go inside belt holsters

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[Rav]

Till I got rid of my glock 27 I would carry it in my front pants pocket when out walking my dog, I didn't have any problems and if it printed I didn't care. Most people are oblivious to whats going on around them.

Being its winter I have not tried to carry my shield in my pants pocket yet. Once I shed the winter coat come spring I'll be pocket carrying it just like I did the Glock.

 

[71velle]

Shield is a no go in my jeans pocket. But, I few friends of mine can get it in and out of their pockets ok. I would think it would start to get heavy in a pocket.

 

[icemn]

Put me down for ...No Way!

 

[Dano]

I regularly carry my 40 Shield in a Desantis pocket holster. It won't work in tight fitting pants, but these days I'm more of a relaxed fit kind of guy, so no problem.

I agree 100%. I regularly carry my Shield40 in a Desantis
pocket holster as well as my XDs45 and S&W 340PD. I wear
5.11 Uniform pants 90% of the time and they have deep
pockets and a relaxed fit. All 3 just disappear in them. I buy
all my pants based on pocket size and depth as well as fit.
For some, if you really want to pocket carry, it could mean
a wardrobe change.
Another way I pocket carry a lot is with a Desantis Cargo
Pocket holster. You might consider this. BTW, I'm 5'8", 180.
Dano

 

[Riflemann]

OK, I'm 6-1 and 225 and I wear a 36x32 Wrangler carpenter jeans all the time with my 40Shield in a BlackHawk #4 pocket holster. I have no problems getting my pistol from my pocket. I have nothing else in my front pocket when I have the the Shield , it doesn't print. It works for me so that is all that matters.

 

[bob98366]

Not sure why so many emphatic "no" votes. It works if you do it right. You need pants with large pockets and a properly fitted pocket holster made for the Shield and covering the entire trigger guard. Wearing a proper belt eliminates the potential pants sag issue, but with any carried pistol you should have a proper belt. Pocket carry is not for those who feel the need to wear skin tight pants.

 

[Doug M.]

I wear either cargo (24-7 right now, but have had Woolrich Elite and others) pants or suit trousers. I carry a Glock 33 in a Kramer pocket holster as my EDC. While drawing while seating is a complete cluster with any pocket carried pistol, other than that it is a workable system for me. Compare your Shield to a mini-glock, get a decent holster, and see how it goes. My guess is that jeans will be a no go.

 

[robkarrob]

My 2 cents worth.

With all these post, it look like what style pants your are wearing is the biggest determining factor of whether it can be a pocket gun. There are many that just plain would not pocket carry, no matter what. I wore jeans for years and years, and the tight cut of the pockets, would make it extremely difficult to get a gun out. I had a hard enough time getting my phone out.

I now wear looser fitting pants, and pocket carry my Shield 40 daily, for the last 1 1/2 years. Prior to that was pocket carry a Ruger LC9 for 2 years, and prior to that a model 60 revolver. I do have to tighten up my belt, as the gun in one pocket, and the extra mag, cell phone, and keys in the other pocket, along with my wallet in the back pocket , puts a strain on keeping the pants/shorts up. The advantages to pocket carry is it is easy to draw a pocket carry gun (again without having tight pockets). It is comfortable to pocket carry. Also a man standing with his hand in his pocket, is not going to raise much concern, and that gives the pocket carry an advantage in the situation of who can draw first. Disadvantage is you have to watch the gun position when sitting.

Bob

 

[Smitty357]

Ive tried shooting my shield out of my pocket. But it keeps aiming pretty close to my feet.

I decided to carry it like a normal person. Problem solved.

 

[Edmo]

I say no, however some would say they pocket carry a full sized 1911 everyday!

It depends on the person.

Edmo

 

[FLY FIS]

I tried to carry my 9mm Shield in both front and cargo pockets. It was not comfortable for all day long. If wearing jeans, the pockets are to tight for a smooth draw. So I tried it with cargo type pants in the cargo pocket and the weight was a problem. I just got a 380 Bodyguard last month and it is perfect for inside the pocket. Granted,,,,,, it's not a 40 or even a 9mm, but for all day inside the pocket, with a DeSantis Super Fly, it's perfect.

 

[pyro]

NO !!!!!!!

There is no way this is a yes or no answer. I do not wear jeans and I comfortably carry my Shield in the cotton Docker style pants that I always wear. Along with an Alabama kydex pocket holster, it is my preferred carry. Pants do not sag if you are wearing a good belt that is correctly utilized. The hips carry all the weight and the gun weight is evenly distrbuted.

 

[negi]

the shield is only pocket carry if you are andre the giant.

 

[dahoss2002]

If you want a real pocket pistol try a kel-tec p32

 

[Ranger98]

Pocket Carry works for me..

 

[modraker]

First I tried the Shield 40, then I tried the Kahr CM9. Neither worked for me as a pocket pistol. I finally settled for a Seecamp LWS32. It's a nice comfortable carry but I sure hope I don't have to shoot anyone from more than six feet away.

 

[timn8er]

I don't understand why so many people can't pocket carry the Shield! As I have already stated, other than it being a little hard to draw from a seated position, It works fine for me, & no, I'm not a giant. You guys must be wearing "skinny jeans"!