Pocket carry is something I’ve never tried, therefore a little advice is being solicited from experience folks. Which of the two, Alabama or Vedder, would be best for front pocket carry of a J frame? If there is a brand that is better, which one and why is it superior? Thanks.

I hate to be that guy who choose options that weren't offered, but I'd choose neither. For comfortable pocket carry, I prefer leather. For revolvers, I also perfer leather FWIW.

If my hand was forced, I'd go with Vedder. They have more customization options, are more well known, and they have a 20% promo running.

Thanks Well Armed. Do you have specific recommendations?

If you are set on kydex take a look at A Holster.

I like, and have, a Pocket Backbone I think it is and like it. It is thin and compact but keeps revolver where it should be.

You also might look at Mika. Good quality, highly thought of and Bob Mika is a great guy.

For the money? The Don Hume "001-FRONT POCKET." They too have sale going on as well, and their holsters are less expensive vs kydex holsters you're looking at which is backwards. The plastic fantastic synthetic holsters should be less expensive IMHO especially in the simple fold-over design that Alabama and Vedder incorporates.

I've used a Mika pocket holster for years.
Very affordable and works great.

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John

This....Mika.

Do you use the round or square cut?

Kramer pocket holster.

Mika is the top choice. And, his wait time is a week or two. The Kramer looks good but is 14-16 weeks.

Recently talked to Bob on the phone and he’s making me one of his for my Bond.

I mostly pocket carry my 442 in an Uncle Mikes. Very comfortable.

442 2.jpg

Never thought I'd be a fan of sturdy leather pocket holsters until I got this. Now I'm looking for something similar for a J frame.

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Add me to the Mika camp. The past couple of years, pocket carry is all I've done. Mika's for both my BG380 and 642. I went with the round cut.

I like the SoftArmor size 3 - it is a "sticky" type holster that also works for IWB in a pinch.

For pocket I prefer something that doesn't fit the gun so tightly that it comes out with the gun. Mostly what I want is for it to keep the gun upright and in place. The SoftArmor does that well, lets me get a good grip while still in the pocket, and is pretty dang cheep to boot.

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Uvidíme se později, aligátore.

Round cut.

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John

My Galco works great!
It holds the pistol secure and has a clean, fast draw. Just push a bit against the leather curve, with your middle finger and it breaks the slight hold, then draw.

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Death? Smile back...

Another vote for the Galco. A S&W Shrouded hammer Bodyguard .38 is the gun I carry when I can't carry a gun.

Here's My answer - Who needs a pocket holster?

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Mika’s round cut. Law enforcement officer, understands pocket carry. Personally calls you to go over your order. Holster personalized to you. Reasonably priced. I own two.

Used a Barami for a few years. Nifty idea. But I switched to an LCR... I know I know.

He called me when I made my order coincidentally on Thanksgiving. What a remarkably great guy. It’s my fourth Mika. I wish I had more pocket guns just to give him more business.

I have never tried the Vedder but have used the AHolster Backbone for years and really like it. I have several different AHolster products and have been very happy with them.

Take a look at the Hamre Forge grip for the LCR. I use a Desantis Clip Grip on my Mod 38, often in conjunction with a trigger guard "holster".

Consider Mika. Bob makes great pocket holsters, reasonably priced and first class service.

For the hip grip try wrapping the grip with rubber bands. Didn't slip around as much, but I kept the gun inside the waistband instead of a pocket. Seems like that would be prone to slipping out.

After pocket carrying a M60, M36 for many many years (over 40) my #1 choice was a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. I don't care much for leather pocket holsters as they get wet from sweating and transfer moisture to the gun and ammo. They are also less comfortable and print more than a DeSantis soft Nemesis.

Today, my EDC is a Sig P365 and when pocket carrying I still use a DeSantis Nemesis. BTW, the Nemesis is extremely light and comfortable and is also sweat-proof. It breaks up the gun quite well and doesn't print. At $30 bucks or so, anyone pocket carrying should try one!

LCR options exist

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I have a Vedder Pocket Locker for both my G42 and my Sig P365s. I honestly don't see a significant difference between the Vedder and the Alabama, so I went based on price and current promotions.

While I will pocket carry my smaller semi-autos, I don't think that I could get away with pocket carrying a revolver, due to my build. I did pick up an Uncle Mike's when I had thoughts of pocket carrying a Mauser HSc, but I was not really fond of it. I think that if I had a J frame or a Colt DS, I would lean towards something made from leather with a pocket catch hook.

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Judge control not gun control!

I have a pocket holster from Blue Force Gear for my J Frames. It’s the lightest, thinest I could find.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Another fan of the Glaco Horsehide.

Works equally well with the 642 pictured or a M38 Bodyguard

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I need ammo, not a ride.

The Alabama works great for me, been carrying everyday since I got it with no issues whatsoever. People say leather is more comfortable but I've carried it in every pocket type imaginable from athletic shorts to sweat pants to pajama pants and it hasn't been uncomfortable in any of those. Great retention, the draw takes a bit getting used to but after a day or so you get the hang of it.

Question for Gdogs.. where do you find the trigger cover? Used to see them advertised, now that I have a couple of pocket pieces to use one I can’t find one.

Mika gets another vote here. I've tried many through the years and all the others are in the holster box or sold.....

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NRA Endowment Member

It depends entirely on the shape of the pocket.

And another vote for the Mika holsters - been using nothing but for years.

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Pass it on.
Mark

I'm going with neither. Same for leather, which looks nice but isn't as practical as the best choice.

The purpose of the pocket holster is not to retain the gun - your pocket does that. The purpose is to insure the correct orientation of the gun is maintained while you move around and sit, so it doesn't wind up upside down pointing at your head. Another function is to cover the trigger guard to prevent accidental actuation of the trigger.

IMHO, you don't want anything hard-sided in your front pants pocket, it's both obviously odd-appearing and uncomfortable as you move around and sit. It's also bulky.

You also don't want anything that you have to make some extraneous or additional motions to draw the gun in a hurry - like catching a tab, pushing a leather piece, etc. It's difficult enough drawing any gun from a pocket. Adding time to the equation when someone it trying to kill you is bad juju.

DeSantis Nemesis or SuperFly, Mika Pocket and Uncle Mike's Pocket are all soft-material holsters that carry comfortably, unobtrusively and release the gun quickly with no extra moves. I've used all three, all good, prefer the DeSantis for the thinness with durability.

PS. I would avoid any pocket holster than incorporates an ammo pouch for a speed-strip as part of the holster, unless you plan on pocket-carrying in a big coat pocket. Even if it fits in your pants pocket, the loader interferes with releasing the revolver from the holster.

Before deciding on a pocket holster consider this. They are convenient for carrying while you are walking about, but what about the majority of the time when you are sitting in your car, office chair or recliner or in a restaurant chair or booth. Trying to draw from a pocket holster these circumstances is virtually impossible! You will be better served by an inside-waist-band holster of some type, and the gun far more accessible.

The best reason I can see for pocket carry is if you work in an environment where carrying a gun is prohibited but you are going to carry anyway!. After retiring from law enforcement I worked for several companies that prohibited firearms but carried anyway for over 25 years and no one ever suspected a thing except those I trusted to know!

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Gunsmithing since 1961