Different pocket holsters for J Frame

[FLJoe]

For a while now I've been carrying my 642 (with wood grips that don't grab fabric) in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. I generally like the way it holds and conceals the gun, even in fairly thin "business" or suit pants though they do need reasonably deep pockets.

Twice now over the weekend, wearing fairly lose "cargo" pants with nice deep pockets, I had the gun slip right out of my pocket. One time I had slid under my truck on a sheet of cardboard to work on something, and I heard a clunk as my revolver dropped right onto the cardboard next to me. Another time, wearing similar lose pants, I laid back on the couch and it dropped right out onto the floor.

I don't really remember how tight the holster was when I got it, but it's not really very tight on the gun. I'm afraid now if I lean back enough in my desk chair at work it could slide right out with no warning.

I really like pocket carry for a number of reasons. I know there are a few different manufacturers out there with pocket holsters for the 2" J frames, but without going out and spending a bunch of money trying different options, what are some of your opinions on the different holsters? What what ones will hold the gun pretty securely in my pocket, but where the holster will stay in place during a draw?

Thanks.

 

[326MOD10]

If the concern is it slipping from the pocket check out an "A-Holster" brand pocket holster.

Made of kydex and the handgun slips in pretty tight.

You have two options a standard pocket and the backbone version. I have a backbone version and it works pretty well.

Outside of that I am not sure what would work better for being in a position that could allow the handgun to slip out the top.

I don't crawl around much anymore but that is an interesting scenario if the need ever presented itself and I had to bet low.

 

[murphydog]

This is the first report I have read about a pocket holstered gun slipping out of the pocket.

With the understanding that I have not tried to get a pocket carried gun to fall out, the issue may be with the size of your pants pocket opening or the looseness of the pocket or the pant's fit. There should be a balance between comfort, the gun not moving too much with activity and the ability to access it without too much difficulty (or falling out).

 

[tlawler]

Best one I found is the Bob Mika pocket holster. I’ve got two for J-frames, a round bottom and a squared off bottom, depending on the shape of the pocket bottom. The problem with cargo pockets is the width allows the holster to “roll” so the revolver will slip out. Retention in a pocket holster depends on the upright positioning, not in friction, so you won’t pull the holster out with the revolver. You almost need something attached to the holster bottom that spans the width of the pocket to keep it upright. Im not sure if Bob makes something like that, but I’m sure he would if you asked. I rarely carry in a cargo pocket because it just bangs against my knee. When I do, though, I just put the revolver in the pocket cylinder down and stocks forward with no holster. Keeps it in the proper position that way even if it bangs me in the knee.

 

[Onomea]

If your problem is the gun slips out of the holster and falls out — I can see that happening with something like a Mika which emphasizes that the holster will stay in the pocket when the gun is drawn — you might take a look at a Kramer.

I have both, and I go back and forth with them. The advantage of the Mika is that the gun is very easy, very quick to retrieve. The disadvantage is it a bit bulky, in a shapeless way. Also, I can see the gun falling out of the holster in the scenario you describe.

The advantage of the Kramer is that it is very slim, leather and kydex (?) (a kydex panel faces outwards concealing the shape of the gun), and the gun fits very closely, tightly, into the holster. The disadvantage is the the holster will stay on the gun when you draw if you do not deliberately snag it on your pants pocket. One way to do that is twist the gun/holster while drawing. It is not as fast, for me, as the Kramer.

Mika on top, Kramer below:





Hmm. Now that I'm looking at the two side by side, not sure why I use "bulky" for the Mika... They look pretty similar in size.

I like 'em both.

 

[FLJoe]

Thanks for the thoughts so far. For clarification, yes, the problem is the gun falling out of the holster and right out of my pocket. In both cases the holster stayed right where it belonged in my pocket but the gun slid right out. In both cases it was in my usual carry location of right front pocket.

 

[somorris]

I agree with Onomea -- a Mika would act like the holster you already have. The gun would slip right out. I have had that happen and was glad the 642 had been drop tested.

I'm not familiar with the Kramer, but it looks interesting.

 

[Baxter6551]

A second vote for Kramer but you will draw holster out with gun if you are not conscious of the need to start to release gun from holster in pocket as part of the draw. Same thing with Kramer for Glock 42.
I have Mika also and concur with others above.

 

[Rpg]

After trying several pocket holsters for my J frames, I concluded that carrying without one was superior to using a pocket holster.

I’ve tried a bunch of pocket holsters and the best I’ve found was from DelFatti. Nevertheless I prefer no pocket holster.

I carry nothing else in the pocket with the gun except a handkerchief. Nothing can get caught in the trigger guard with an otherwise empty pocket.

Using a pocket holster with a semiautomatic pistol makes some sense to help you keep your finger off the trigger.

There’s no such concern with a J frame revolver. Their trigger pull exceeds 12 lbs and the very long trigger stroke necessary to fire it is many times greater than on a semiautomatic pistol. Won’t go off unintentionally.

 

[Old cop]

I use a Blue Force Gear pocket holster for my 340PD & 442PC and it holds the gun tight enough that it does not slide out.

 

[white cloud]

One other thing to keep in mind is if you are behind the curve and get knocked on your bottom, you might loose your gun when it is really needed. This could be much worse than embarrassing.

I really don't like kydex holsters much but I have one for a small auto ( I don't like it either although it has been completely reliable) that stays in the cargo pants pocket and has adjustable retention via a screw. It is a most excellent holster. One other great thing about kydex is it keeps the sweat off your gun if it is designed right.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

First, this:

After trying several pocket holsters for my J frames, I concluded that carrying without one was superior to using a pocket holster.

You would be pretty much alone in that analysis.

I’ve tried a bunch of pocket holsters and the best I’ve found was from DelFatti. Nevertheless I prefer no pocket holster.

I use a Galco pocket holster; in loose pants it might emerge with the gun, in jeans it is unlikely to do that. Nevertheless, I am aware of the possibility and prepared for it. I can lose that holster right quick like if I have to.

I carry nothing else in the pocket with the gun except a handkerchief. Nothing can get caught in the trigger guard with an otherwise empty pocket.

That's how I started pocket pistol carry. Pocket holsters are just better, they keep the gun upright, they keep the gun cleaner, and if you don't think that your hankie won't come out with the gun, well, think again.

As for the OP's problem of the gun falling out of a pants pocket, I think if you're on your back wearing loose pants you just need to pay closer attention. That's an unnatural body position except and unless you're working on motor vehicles or machinery. In that case loose pants/loose pockets are probably risky business.

I have found that stiff, leather pocket holsters are uncomfortable, which is why I like that Galco nylon or whatever material it is.

 

[BigBoku]

Keep in mind that the soft material pocket holsters made by Mika, Desantis, Uncle Mike’s etc. are designed to maintain position of the weapon in the pocket and not made for retention. If you want a pocket holster that has retention look at a kydex design such as Aholster or Vedder.

Even having the weapon in one of the above kydex holsters won’t eliminate the possibility of both the holster and gun from falling out if you are wearing loose cargo pants/ carpenter jeans when you’re laying down working under a car.

 

[Onomea]

...Even having the weapon in one of the above kydex holsters won’t eliminate the possibility of both the holster and gun from falling out if you are wearing loose cargo pants/ carpenter jeans when you’re laying down working under a car.

True, but it does make it more unlikely.

 

[BigBoku]

True, but it does make it more unlikely.

Totally agree and will add its best to understand that every method of carry and holster design has limitations.

Anyone remember the video of an FBI agent doing dancing handstands at a wedding…….

 

[10Mad]

Gravity is not always your friend.

 

[Thiokol]

Check out Alabamaholster.com – Concealment Experts. I have a couple of them and they definitely stay put. They also offer a model that's a bit wider to fit cargo pockets.

 

[chief38]

Over 45 years of EDC and at least 30 of them using a DeSantis pocket holster I can say I have never had a gun fall out of any pocket. I've carried both the S&W M60 and Sig a P365 - never had any issues.

I would look at what stye of pants you are wearing and try a different brand or style. If that doesn't remedy the problem, a different holster might help.

 

[Maddog 521]

Another vote for Kramer. Never has a problem with them.

 

[16thVACav]

Take a look at Wild Bill's Concealment pocket holster. Well made and inexpensive.