Front pocket /appendix holster for J frame, replace Uncle Mike's sidekick size 4 ?

InTheBlack · Tuesday at 9:45 PM

This holster has been in the drawer for 15-20 years since I stopped carrying that way. I stuck the J in it today & carried it for a while. The gun came out covered in sticky black foam granules - something in the materials has broken down over time.

I have not paid attention to such holsters, so what's new & maybe better? It has to stay in the front pocket when I draw.

326MOD10 · Tuesday at 10:12 PM

Take a look at Bob Mika Holsters.

You shouldn't be disappointed.

I also think Walmart still carries the Sidekick, pretty much the same as the Uncle Mikes. I think you need size 3 (or maybe 4) of that one.

Timothy2700 · Tuesday at 10:13 PM

Not surprising given that length of time. The plasticizers in the foamy polymers break down over time - heat, oxygen and sunlight are all bad actors. It is what it is. I recently replaced a rubbery knob on my wood-working planer, and two foam grips on golf clubs. Time turned them all into a sticky mess.
Buy a replacement holster (even the same uncle mikes model, as long as it is new) and you're good for another number of years before it needs to be replaced again.

BTW other polymers (harder plastics, rubber) will get more brittle, instead of softer, in time due to the above bad actors. Think of tarps and tires spending too much time outside. Nothing lasts forever except maybe gold- Mother Nature is in charge of us all.

a5werkes · Tuesday at 10:13 PM

Uncle Mike's have always been the least common denominator for cheap holsters. Most of their holsters expose themselves like yours after a short time......yours has been in hibernation decaying for decades.

Elite Survival Pocket & Safariland are much superior products in construction and design.
Just a few samples from the load out room.

RobertK3026 · Tuesday at 10:44 PM

I use a Blackhawk Tuckable AIWB for my j-frame S&W model 36.
Take the clip off and it works as a pocket holster.

raljr1 · Tuesday at 10:46 PM

I generally only buy leather holsters. Not a fan of kydex or nylon.

InTheBlack · Wednesday at 8:46 AM

Thanks for the pictures. I'll look to see if they shape it specifically for a revolver.

Mine is a size 4, which is one up from their recommended size 3 for a J frame. But its looseness helps make sure the holster stays in the pocket, as does the slippery lining and the "sticky" band on the outside. The depth of the pocket itself keeps it in my pocket, butt concealed. I have also added a 3/4" square of iron-on velcro to keep the pocket mouth from "gaping."

Came across this, anyone try it for BDU rear or cargo pocket carry? The concern in this style would be if the plate is the right size to fill out the pocket, and if its so tight that the holster comes out with the gun. Might need a velcro strip added inside the pocket & onto the plate.

J&J Formed Wallet Style Premium Leather Rear/Cargo Pocket Holster -Handmade In The USA- Fits Smith & Wesson 2" (Snubnose) J-Frame Revolver

A10 · Wednesday at 9:04 AM

Take a look at Simply Rugged for their pocket holsters. One has a slot for two extra rounds.

I carry an LCP in one and its very good. The holster stays properly oriented.

Guevera · Wednesday at 9:34 AM

You need to ditch those padded pocket holsters that make you look like you're shoplifting a club sandwich.

Far better are the offerings from Pocket Concealment Systems: elegant, slim, beautifully made and reliable:

Lt.Donn · Wednesday at 4:56 PM

Guevera said:
You need to ditch those padded pocket holsters that make you look like you're shoplifting a club sandwich.

Far better are the offerings from Pocket Concealment Systems: elegant, slim, beautifully made and reliable:

I spit my drink out with that one!... shoplifting a club sandwich... priceless

Rocketmedic40 · Wednesday at 5:01 PM

Guevera said:
You need to ditch those padded pocket holsters that make you look like you're shoplifting a club sandwich.

Far better are the offerings from Pocket Concealment Systems: elegant, slim, beautifully made and reliable:

Will do!

InTheBlack · Friday at 2:12 PM

Guevera said:
You need to ditch those padded pocket holsters that make you look like you're shoplifting a club sandwich.

Far better are the offerings from Pocket Concealment Systems: elegant, slim, beautifully made and reliable:

LOL. A particular thing for me is that the shape of the cylinder creates a bulge that is not consistant with a wallet. I have taken a small kitchen sponge and put it between the holster & outside side of the pocket, over/below the barrel, and it makes everything look rectangular.

chief38 · 2025-08-31T07:51:04-0400

I have used a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster for 3 decades. When pocket carrying my M60-7 (up until 6 years ago) that was my pocket holster of choice. When I switched my EDC over to my Sig P365 I bought the same brand and model for the Sig. I find them extremely light weight, they break up the contour so you do not see the gun's outline, they are sweat proof and wear like iron. They also stay put in the pocket when the gun is pulled out of the holster.

The last time I purchased one was 6 years ago and believe it was just under $30 bucks, give or take. As much as I am a huge proponent of leather, I find that real leather absorbs sweat, is stiff and uncomfortable in a pocket and comes out of the pocket unwanted when the pistol is pulled. They are also heavier and bulkier and IMHO for pocket carry do not even come close to the Nemesis.

Front pocket /appendix holster for J frame, replace Uncle Mike's sidekick size 4 ?

InTheBlack

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326MOD10

Timothy2700

a5werkes

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RobertK3026

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raljr1

InTheBlack

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A10

Guevera

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Lt.Donn

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Rocketmedic40

InTheBlack

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chief38

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