Front Pocket Carry for Shield 9mm?

[PirateJim]

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

I admit to not having read all the previous answers, but this is my take.

The Shield won't go in the pockets of any of the jeans I have, though the options are limited as I don't wear them that much; Florida is "shorts country" most of the year. And to tell the truth, the pockets on my current jeans (Lee?) are so small I don't think I could hide my LCP in 'em.

I do pocket carry in cargo shorts all the time using a Galco pocket holster. Likewise, I have golf shorts with large enough pockets the Shield will disappear into them, though I don't think it would work out on the course. I can also use it in the pocket of a pair of Dockers I've got, though with both those and the golf shorts I usually use a Lobo OWB pancake holster under an un-tucked shirt or sport coat.

I'm a big Shield fan, but for your application, you may want to consider a smaller pistol, perhaps the Bodyguard or Ruger LCP. Those are definitely "stealthier" solutions and way way better than nothing in a pinch.

 

[RussC]

The CM9 is only about .2" longer x .2" taller x .1" thicker than small .380s like the M&P Bodyguard...do you find the CM9 kicks lot with the 9mm ammo compared to a .380 of the same size?

Has the CM9 been 100% reliable?

Thanks for all the information.

TripleB

My experience with the CM9 was not good. I sent it back 3 times in 4 months and finally gave up and after talking to the factory manager worked out a deal were they cut me a check for the full amount and they keep the weapon.

The customer service was fantastic and before they offered to cut me a check I was offered as a trade a PM9 straight across but at that point I was done.

My next ccw was the Beretta Nano and my experience was equally frustrating. Fortunately, Cabelas manager where I purchased the weapon exchanged the Nano after 1,300 rounds for my Shield and I have never looked back.

It is my opinion if you want a single stack 9mm you have 2 choices if reliability is important: Shield and Glock 43. I own both and I believe they are the two best.

I put money down on a Kimber Solo a few years back but quickly changed my mind after testing one at the range. The Kimber did not like light loads.

My friend owns the Sig Sauer P938 and enjoyed it until it started jamming after about 2,000 rounds.

Good Luck

Russ

 

[txbirdman]

The CM9 is only about .2" longer x .2" taller x .1" thicker than small .380s like the M&P Bodyguard...do you find the CM9 kicks lot with the 9mm ammo compared to a .380 of the same size?

Has the CM9 been 100% reliable?

My CM9 has been 100% reliable through close to 1000 rounds. I had a Sig 938 and found I could shoot the CM9 better and I'm a long time 1911 shooter. I also have an LCP with laser (the bump they call sights is useless to me). I quit carrying the LCP when I got the CM9. I shoot quite a few drills for practice and find the CM9 to be about 20% slower in mutiple target drills than my 1911's or Glock 19 but the CM is always in my jeans pocket (guess I've not grown up yet) and the others are home in the safe usually. I like to carry the same way ALL the time and here in Texas you WILL stand out with a cover garment in the summer months. If I was looking for another choice I'd try the Ruger LC9s. The trigger is great and it holds an extra round. YMMV

 

[oldfart64]

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

OK, here is the deal, I use a DeSantis Nemesis holster. I wear relaxed fit jeans and it hides my Shield perfectly. Can I get it out as fast as an outside holster, hell no! can I get it out quickly enough to defend myself; yes if I have my head on straight and am aware of what is around me. End of story.

 

[Wishbone]

You guys need to stop wearing skinny jeans!

 

[bcb577]

I like to pocket carry also,and I carry a bodyguard 380,some on here would call it a pea shooter,or something else derogatory..but being a retired Leo I can tell you a 380 can stop an assailant especially with proper shot placement.don't listen to people on here that try to tell you what to carry or what to wear,I guarantee such people would want to be on the bad end of my bodyguard 380 loaded with lehigh extreme penetrater rounds,and I'm sure they wouldn't volunteer to let me shoot a few rounds into them.some people on these threads go beyond giving advise and go straight to being bossy,judgemental,jerks.dude if you want to pocket carry in jeans then try the bodyguard 380, and don't listen to people on here that tell you what to wear

 

[Ranger98]

For what it's worth,this is the DeSantis E1 pocket holster

 

[jmace57]

No problem - just buy some of these...

 

[Whitwabit]

Try drawing a weapon from a front jean pocket during a robbery and odds are you would not get your hand out of your pocket before your shot or stabbed !

Get a good IWB holster and problem is solved .. wear at either 1 or 5 .. Always use a holster or a device that covers the trigger completely until the weapon is drawn !!

with small child would carry at 5 .. easily covered by a t-shirt wife won't know you even have it .. it is called conceal carry ..

 

[delphidoc]

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.

Exactly what you said. IMO it's non-negotiable.

No holster = dangerous to you and anyone around you.

 

[RobzGuns]

Try drawing a weapon from a front jean pocket during a robbery and odds are you would not get your hand out of your pocket before your shot or stabbed !

The same could be said about tugging up one's cover shirt/vest/jacket and drawing from an IWB holster... IF one didn't practice the maneuver. Whichever way someone decides to carry, you need to practice presentation.

With pocket carry, it helps if one normally stands with a hand in his/her pocket. [shrug]

 

[Inusuit]

I pocket carry a Kahr .380 as a primary or backup to a larger gun depending on circumstances. Mostly I wear full cut pants, khakis in the summer, corduroy or wool in the winter. I never carry anything else in the pocket with my gun (in a holster). No keys, no change, nada. Also, I check and clean the gun regularly as it is a lint magnet.

 

[kwh]

I have both a Shield and Kahr CM9. Every day carry Kahr in front pocket DeSantis holster,business casual (Dockers) pants. Shield takes up more room than Kahr.
Due to Kahr's trigger I do not feel the need for a thumb safety.
My jean pockets are too tight for pocket carry unless for my BUG 32 acp Kel-Tec.
+1 on all above comments on Kahr's and also wearing clothes that fit the gun chosen to carry. Both my Kahr and Shield are reliable. I carry my Shield IWB N82 holster @ 4:00, or in a Tacti-Pac pouch @ 12:00.

 

[Super Blackhawk]

Jeans pocket

In pocket is the only way I like to conceal carry. The Shield is fine in some jeans I wear. W slightly bigger pocket. It lies very flat n un- detectable in a Desantis pocket holster. For me it is the perfect cc

 

[webfarmer]

If you want to pocket carry, I suggest the Ruger LCP. My Shield is far too heavy & large for pocket carry and is relegated to OWB and IWB holsters. The LCP is so lightweight, you can totally forget it's there quite frankly. For now, this new pistol is carried in an Uncle Mike's #2 pocket holster. I plan to try a Recluse pocket holster next. The Shield is far more accurate than my LCP due to weight and a better (modified) trigger. But I'm more comfortable carrying the LCP in public. It will do just fine in the remote chance I actually have to use it.

I'm not recommending the S&W Bodyguard simply because I haven't handled or owned one. Hopefully from 54 responses you can make a decision. Good luck!

 

[86lxjunker]

I tried the Shield but it was too square and boxy - I went with the LC9 - the more rounded off slide and sights made it easier in the pocket and pocket holster, plus is lighter.

I even carry it in my gym shorts when going out with the wife and dogs for a walk, cant even tell its there.

I am surprised more people did not reference the LC9 here.