Front Pocket Carry for Shield 9mm?

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TripleB

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I'm looking to purchase my first concealed carry handgun and the Shield 9mm seems to check all the 'boxes' on my want list: 9mm, under $400, super reliable, nice sights, stays open after last round fired, external safety, etc.

The one concern I do have is how easy it is to front pocket carry in blue jeans. Due to having an 8 year old who still loves to hug his dad around the waist when in public, and a wife who currently doesn't want to hear anything about firearms much less see me carrying one on my waist, I really need for my weapon to be carried in my front pocket.

So, how easy (or difficult) is the Shield 9mm to conceal carry in the front pocket (in a holster of course) of blue jeans?

Thanks for any and all advice/help.

TripleB
 
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For me, the Shield just won't work in jeans pockets. Cargo pants have a larger pocket and it will fit but not comfortable, especially when you add the extra thickness of a pocket holster which IMO is an absolute necessity. Mine rides in either an Alien Gear Cloak Tuck or N82 Tactical IWB holster. Some folks on here do pocket carry the Shield but I can't make it work.
 
It will depend on how big you and your pockets are, I am 5'10" 230 and when I wear bib overrals I can but it is almost too big even then.
 
Ballistic147 said:
For me, the Shield just won't work in jeans pockets.
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This is what I was afraid of...I tried to put a Ruger LC380 (which is almost the exact same size as the Shield, even though it's a .380) in the pocket of my blue jeans and I could get it into the pocket fine, but getting it out was a slow and difficult process...not something you want in a self defense handgun. Also tried the 442/642 revolver and got the same results.

It makes me believe like I'm going to have to go with a handgun under 5.5" or so in length, and probably around 4.0" in height since I need to pocket carry.

Taking those measurements there are not a lot of offerings out there that offer great reliability: Kahr CW380, Kahr CT380, Kahr CM9, Ruger LCP Custom, Sig Sauer P238 (although it's quite a bit over my $400 price point), and M&P Bodyguard .380 (although many have complained about the trigger on this one).

fyi: I'm 6'2", 190 pounds, wear Wrangler and RedHead blue jeans, and would not carry any gun without having it in a holster.

Thanks for all the help so far!

TripleB
 
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What about a fanny pack made for pistols?

The only gun I carry in a pocket is my Daniel Defense DoubleTap 9mm. Super thin and small. Disadvantage is the low round count.

I normally carry my G17 or 1911 Commander. OWB in fall and winter, IWB in warmer months.
 
TripleB said:
So, how easy (or difficult) is the Shield 9mm to conceal carry in the front pocket (in a holster of course) of blue jeans?
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Depending on your current pocket size you might have to buy your jeans one size larger.

If pocket carry doesn't work out for you I'd go with a tuckable IWB holster like the JW J201T :)
 
Some people say they pocket carry the shield comfortably, but for me it just wouldn't work. I have pocket carried some of the small 380s which work fine (such as the Ruger LCP, Taurus TCP), there are some great deals going on the Ruger LCP right now by the way. Have you considered carrying the shield IWB?
 
I have room in the front pocket in my cargo pants for the Shield with a black DeSantis pocket holster but I don't think it would work in jeans. Given the choices you listed I would probably go with one of the Kahrs, Kentucky Gun Co. has a CM9 for $331.34 and a small CW380 for $299.64. I only mention these as reference points. I have the BG380 and I don't like practicing with it very much so that is why I don't recommend it although it is very handy. I also have the Sig P238 but I got a really good deal on it, $529 new and I like shooting it more than the BG. I added the rosewood grips and aluminum trigger but that's just me. Good luck in your choice. Regards, Elliot
 

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You'll need to find the right pants. Mine works fine for pocket carry with certain "large" pocket pants (I actually prefer my rear pocket when possible though). I have one pair of Levis that it works in, and two that it doesn't. I have two different styles of 5.11 pants that it works in, but one style it doesn't. I have some Kirkland pants and TruSpec pants that it works in too. You'll have to find what works for you, but it is possible.
 
I know i am sounding like a jerk, and all of us older experienced men who give advice or opinions to most who happened to have been born after 1960 seem to be so, SEEM TO BE. The fact is we are mostly correct. So, CW, and a place to carry it on your body.


RULE 1. When you are purchasing a firearm, and after you nail down the caliber, type, mfg. and model you, you MUST DETERMINE EXACTLY HOW YOU PLAN TO CARRY IT SAFELY AND COMFORTABLY ON YOUR BODY, IN THE SUMMER, AND IN THE WINTER. This is the snag, in the summer it needs to be very small, or inside your waistband, or a leg holster. To get it that small to place in a front pocket you end up with a pea shooter not an adequate defensive pistol. So, THERE YOU ARE, FANNY PACK, EXPOSED HOLSTER, concealed leg holster, or a very small weapon.

Winter clothing provides good possibilities in inside coat pocket, and inside waist band, plus all the aforementioned options and more,

I carry the gun that matches the need, I want is concealed so as not to bring unwanted fear or attention, and this is always best. I have several weapons, but two separate ones for summer versus winter, and I have large hands, so a really small pea shooter is not for me, plus, I want quality, Reliable and accurate Sig Sauer OR such, not a stamped out toy.
 
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I carry the Shield in a Remora IWB holster. For me the Shield is just way too heavy the my front pocket. It was also very uncomfortable when sitting down. As someone suggested maybe a bodyguard or an LCP would work for you. They are small and light. Also as someone mentioned the deals on the LCP 380 are very good right now. I saw one advertised for $199.00.
 
I've yet to find any handgun that feels comfortable and can be drawn effectively in any of my front pockets (especially jeans). I tried the Shield in a Remora and an Uncle Mike's in my jean's pocket and it was a "no go" for me. Some can, I can't.
 
kozmic said:
I've yet to find any handgun that feels comfortable and can be drawn effectively in any of my front pockets (especially jeans).
Click to expand...

Same here. No way no how.

But a lot depends on your clothes and style of jeans. You may need to find ones with bigger and roomier pockets as well as overall space.
 
I looked at the Shield for pocket carry but decided on the Airweight 638 revolver. Incredibly small and very lightweight.
 
One thing I check when I buy a pair of pants is pocket size.I wear diamond gusset jeans.Their pockets are roomy and they have severa different styles.While I usually carry my shield in a belt holster I have carried it in a pocket with no problem.Just use the shorter mag and I do recommend a pocket holster for any weapon carried in a pocket.
 
I easily appendix cary with a holster very similar to the CrossBreed show here. Blue jeans, shorts and flat front khakis – no problem. Often when those hugs come, I either direct the kiddos to the other side of my waist or simple place my hand over the weapon. Once my 9 year banged his head on the slide while wearing a t-shirt but it really hasn't been a problem.

857e03da2058f1cbd55d80105d69713d.jpg


CrossBreed
 
I searched for pants that I can carry my Shield in.

1. Wrangler cargo jeans have deep wide front pockets and work great with a DeSantis Superfly holster. Search walmart.com Not available in stores.

2. 5.11 tactical pants. Deep wide front pockets but look tactical.

3. 5.11 Covert Cargo pants. Deep wide front pockets and look normal.

4. Tru Spec pants. Deep wide but look tactical.
 
I've been Front Pocket carrying my Shield since May '12.
The Brand and Style of Jeans does matter. Some brands just don't work (ie: Harley, Old Navy and Levi, to name a few). I can easily Front Pocket carry with Wrangler 'Relaxed Fit' jeans and most Wrangler slacks.

The Pocket Holsters I have are the Galco Pocket Protector and the DiSantis Pocket-Tuk. Both are made with good leather and very affordable. The Pocket-Tuk comes with a removeable 360 clip, so you can use it IWB as well as in a Pocket.
 
Shield is too big for pocket carry and too heavy. Stick with IWB. If you want to pocket carry get a micro 380.
 
I have carried a Kahr CM9 holstered in my jeans front pocket for over 3 years. I wear Wrangler relaxed fit which has bigger pockets than some of their other styles. I'm 6'3" and weigh 250#. I find the Kahr very easy to shoot well. The trigger pull reminds me of a quality double action revolver--long and smooth. I have 1911's; Glocks; and CZ's but the Kahr is the one I rely on every day. I want a 9MM in my carry gun
 
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re: pocket carry

Duluth ball room jeans works great.
Thick, 12 inch deep roomy pockets.
 
pyro said:
Could you elaborate on this? I have never heard this explained in depth other than to say you might shoot yourself in the leg or get the trigger snagged.
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Pocket holster keeps the gun oriented for a proper draw.Protects the trigger and also keeps dirt,pocket lint,change,keys and anything else from getting in the action of your pocket gun.
 
shell627 said:
Pocket holster keeps the gun oriented for a proper draw.Protects the trigger and also keeps dirt,pocket lint,change,keys and anything else from getting in the action of your pocket gun.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the response, I appreciate the information.
 
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