M&P Pocket Carry Setup

[Flame Red]

Folks,

Don't expect this will help many but if you are one of the folks that like to pocket carry this is something for you to consider.

When I first got my M&P 9c, I bought it to give me something beyond 7 rounds of 380 to use as a pocket carry. Yeah I have heard everyone say that it is too heavy or too big, whatever the nay sayers out there dream up about pocket carrying the M&P compacts. I did find a few posts about holsters available for pocket carry a M&P compact. I dress very casually, and usually ware big cargo pants pockets. I selected the Kramer Leather pocket carry holster based on the few posts I found.

Pocket Gun Holsters, Pocket Gun Holsters

I was a bit skeptical, as I wanted to make sure the trigger was completely covered as was the thumb safety, and the pictures did not really show that on the Kramer site. But I took a chance. After waiting for a couple of months I got it and tried it out for a while and wanted to report back my findings.

First, the Kramer rig is kind of an unusual design because it has a plastic side that faces on one side with a rough surface that seems to hold the rig in your pocket and keep it in the correct orientation - at least if you don't do cartwheels. It is not "sticky" like I have seen on some others. The other side is leather. It completely covers the trigger and safety. However, I thought it was two easy for the safety to flip off accidently, so I hot glued a very small piece of leather on the inside so that it holds the safety in the safe position but does not interfere with draw or re-holster in anyway. It was also very tight when I first got it so I unloaded the gun and inserted it in a plastic bag and left it in the holster for a week. Now it fits just right.

Of course one does need to practice drawing (unloaded) as I found it is necessary to use my thumb to push down on the holster while drawing. Perhaps this will be less necessary as the holster breaks in.

The second part of the set is that I installed a Crimson Trace as I have this on some of my other carry pieces and I have been most happy with them. Others may poo-poo this but it helps me. It involved removing the thumb safety's right lever, then the LG661 fits right on with no problems. Since I am a righty I don't miss the ambi safety at all. Here is the link on how to make this modification:

The #1 Compact, Full Size, and Modified M&P Pistol Source :: MP-Pistol.com

Here are a few pictures to help you visualize the setup.









Just wanted to share this information with others that might like to pocket carry like I do and I don't intend to create a whole thread on the sins of pocket carrying.

[bronco45]

No sin in pocket carry, I carry but its a Colt DS. The sin, if there is one, is carrying any weapon loose in a pocket.

Nice setup for the Compact.

[SheepNutz]

I thought about doing this, but ultimately went with a Kel-Tec PF-9 for pocket carry. My pocket holster holds the pistol and a spare mag, so I have 15 rounds of 9mm on hand.

[ab4ka]

I used to carry an XD9sc in my pocket so I know the M&Pc is doable with the right holster. That used to be the only way I carried. Now that I've discovered the Comp-Tac MTAC, my M&P40c rides there, and if I need to pocket carry (depending on the how I'm dressed/where I'm going/what I'm doing) it's either my S&W 638 or Ruger LCP.

I do like the addition of the Crimson Trace...I've got the "safety" version and have thought about setting it up like yours.

[silvercn]

$99............ very expensive for what it is.........
where do they get off charging that much........ hwy robbery!

[southchatham]

I have a $12 uncle mikes #4 for my LCR that also fits my M&P 9c. The problem is the gun is kind of a brick in your pocket and no pocket holster is going to change that. I wish it would work better, but it doesn't. That's why I bought the LCR, otherwise I would not have. If I'm going iwb, owb or smart carry it's the M&P. In my pocket it's the LCR.

[KyWstJoe]

I cut the bottom out of a watch pocket and carry a full size in it. I used iron on fabric tape to modify it for a decent fit.

[mrt949]

Do you have a PIC.

[Prime Winner]

Originally Posted by Flame Red

Flame Red, the slide on that gun looks quite worn, or scuffed. is that the case? if so, what caused it?

[Flame Red]

Originally Posted by Prime Winner

Flame Red, the slide on that gun looks quite worn, or scuffed. is that the case? if so, what caused it?

That is a trick of the camera/flash. You are right, it looks like holster ware in the picture, but in person there is no ware there.

[chuck s]

There are several techniques for pocket carry and it's unlikely we'll agree on all of them!

I'd use a rough out holster and get rid of the pinky finger magazine base plate and safety levers. The safety levers are just one other thing to have to worry about during presentation. Even if you carry the pistol with the safety Off you need to depress the levers to be sure.

I sometimes carry an Airweight J-frame revolver this way in a coat pocket.

-- Chuck

[beardking1]

I initially bought my 9c as a hopeful replacement for my S&W 642 which I have pocket carried for about 5 years now. I had a coworker who, makes custom leather holsters, build me a very nice IWB holster and was hoping I'd be off to the races. However, I found that all of the advice I had been given about IWB being rather uncomfortable to those like me that carry their spare tire around with then to be very honest advice. Unfortunately for me, I didn't (and still don't) see me being able to get rid of that spare tire anytime soon, so the 9c had been relegated to house duty.

I stumbled upon this thread a while ago and it prompted me to start considering my 9c for pocket carry to replace my 642 (I was looking to trade the 642 for a reloading setup). I wasn't too big on the design/price of the holster that the OP listed in his post, but it did give me the belief that pocket carry was possible. Prompted by that I placed an order from Knifekits.com for a 12x24 piece of black kydex (.08 thickness) and some eyelets. Over the past weekend (while dealing with a major sinus infection), I sat down and fabricated my very holster. It has a few warts (needs to be smoothed in a couple areas and I apparently suck at installing grommets), but it's fully functional and so far fits all of my pockets as needed.


Please excuse the ****** cell phone pics. I was too lazy to get my digital camera when I took these.

[Flame Red]

Good Job! I like!