Glock 42 vs. J Frame for pocket carry

[gman51]

I will take the j-frame. I guess because of the revolver butt shape it is easier for me to draw it out of my pocket than the semi auto.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

For me, a hammerless Airweight J-frame is strictly a pocket revolver. With a leather pocket holster it stays properly oriented in the pocket to be grasped for a draw if needed. The lack of square corners enable it to be drawn smoothly as opposed to my G27 which was much heavier and blocky. I have little experience with the "slimline" Glocks, finding them somewhat more difficult to manipulate than the G26/27 guns.

 

[SquarePizza]

My experience with my 649 and glock 26 is the same as Kframerbluvr. I wouldn't mind trying a single stack glock, but I don't think they will clear the pocket as smoothly as a J frame.

 

[hostler]

There's something about the rounded shape of a revolver that lends it well to pocket carry. On paper it may be a little longer or a little thicker or a little heavier than a single stack 9 but for some reason a j frame still seems easier get a purchase on and draw from the pocket. To find a semi that carries and draws as easy from the pocket you would have to go down in size to one of the small 380s. For pocket carry, that's not an unreasonable step if you think you need a couple more rounds.

 

[walkin' trails]

There's something about the rounded shape of a revolver that lends it well to pocket carry. On paper it may be a little longer or a little thicker or a little heavier than a single stack 9 but for some reason a j frame still seems easier get a purchase on and draw from the pocket. To find a semi that carries and draws as easy from the pocket you would have to go down in size to one of the small 380s. For pocket carry, that's not an unreasonable step if you think you need a couple more rounds.

Don't have an alloy J-frame or a 42. I do have several steel Js, including a 640, and a 43. The 43 conceals better than my G26 or M&P9c, but I believe the overall profile of the J-frames conceals a lot better. The downside of the revolver is that the quickest method of reload, i.e. speedloaders, do not lend themselves to easy concealment. I also find that its easier to carry my 640 appendix style than even the 43 - and that is with a holster designed for AIWB. You really have to play around with the guns and holsters to find what works best for you.

 

[Stevens]

It seems to me that carrying in the front pockets of a jacket in cool weather or in the pocket of a "shoot me first" vest in warmer weather is an option to consider. Outside of a few times under a Tux I have never worn a vest, but, I have been thinking of getting one suitable to carry in. Seems natural to put your hands into the front "handwarmer pockets", in an "iffy" place get a grip on your handgun. I may give it a try this winter and follow up with a light weight version for warmer weather.
Have any of you tried it? How about some feedback?
Thanks Steve W

 

[alwslate]

I used to carry my dehorned S&W md 37 in the pocket of a hooded
jacket and the gun naturally would always lay upside down and butt
forward in the rounded bottom pocket. I found that it was impossible to
draw it quickly because there just wasn't enough room in the pocket for
me to grasp the butt and turn the gun over easily. Had to give up that
mode of carry.

 

[adwjc]

I used to carry my dehorned S&W md 37 in the pocket of a hooded
jacket and the gun naturally would always lay upside down and butt
forward in the rounded bottom pocket. I found that it was impossible to
draw it quickly because there just wasn't enough room in the pocket for
me to grasp the butt and turn the gun over easily. Had to give up that
mode of carry.

They have a cure for that - a pocket holster!

 

[alwslate]

They have a cure for that - a pocket holster!

I use a pocket holster when I carry a gun in the front pocket of
my jeans but there is a big difference between a jeans pocket
and the handwarmer pockets of a light jacket. Try drawing a
gun from the snug side pocket of an unzipped jacket with or
without a holster and see what happens. You'll draw the jacket,
not the gun unless you use both hands.

 

[adwjc]

I use a pocket holster when I carry a gun in the front pocket of
my jeans but there is a big difference between a jeans pocket
and the handwarmer pockets of a light jacket. Try drawing a
gun from the snug side pocket of an unzipped jacket with or
without a holster and see what happens. You'll draw the jacket,
not the gun unless you use both hands.

Sorry, but I have to disagree with you on that, a properly fitted holster will release the gun as you draw it. If your j holster is that tight, and doesn't grip the pocket lining, you need a different type of pocket holster for that pocket.


Have you tried a fabric/composite type holster such as a Sticky, Uncle Mike's or one of Mika's designs?

 

[alwslate]

Sorry, but I have to disagree with you on that, a properly fitted holster will release the gun as you draw it. If your j holster is that tight, and doesn't grip the pocket lining, you need a different type of pocket holster for that pocket.


Have you tried a fabric/composite type holster such as a Sticky, Uncle Mike's or one of Mika's designs?

No. I've had a carry permit for about fifty years now and I've
tried all modes of carry over the years. Years ago when I was
much younger I wore my Army field jacket for years until it
became threadbare. I don't wear Army green these days at
my age. My jackets have smaller side pockets than my old
field jacket and there just isn't enough room in them to stick
my hand and wrap in around a J frame and draw it without
pulling the jacket. I've really stopped carrying my J frames
anyway and carry semi autos about all the time now. If you
can find a pocket holster that works in a light jacket side
pocket I'm happy for you.