J-frame pocket carry help!

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JayFramer

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I have just recently obtained my CCW license and I currently have a S&W M642 revolver that I'm carrying in a Bob Mika pocket holster, in the front right pocket of a pair of jeans I carefully sought out they it had a nice big pocket and was relaxed fit. The only problem is, this is what my setup looks like from outside the pocket (click on images to enlarge):









I feel that this isn't how a pocket carry setup should look. One can clearly see a definite bulge, does it look unnatural or does it shout "gun", or does this look okay? Is bulging acceptable with pocket carry if there is no printing of a "gun" shape? And is my gun printing a "gun" shape? I bought a S&W M642 under the impression that it would be great for carrying in the pocket, but I'm not sure I'm getting good results with it!

I need some recommendations on what I should do. I have carried this way a couple times in public but with a large flannel shirt that covers the pocket pretty well. I am afraid of going out with just a T-shirt on as it's getting warmer outside but I don't feel comfortable doing so yet.

Please critique how bad this looks and give me some advice as I really am not sure how this should look at all. Thanks for your time!
 
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What was that what Mae West said? Anyway I wouldn't worry about it. I have a pocket holster for a model 40. I really dont use mine as much as just carrying the gun sans holster in my pocket. I never really trusted mine as usually the holster wants to come out of my pocket with the gun.
The way I use mine the most is to leave the gun in the holster, wrap it in a rag, insert it in my truck door side pocket. And it either stays in the truck covered with said old rag, or if I am going to carry it when I get out the gun without the holster go`s in my pocket. I am a old fat man that wears suspenders and no one has noticed yet. You know, I really believe there is a unexplainable force that some people can pick up on. Lets say your new to packing and are thinking or nervous about it like can others tell etc. I believe some people CAN pick up on it! I think two identical people, with same build and cloths and gun in same pocket, a person that has packed a long time and dont even think about it wont send out that almost spiritual signal that a vet might pick up on the newbie. It`s something like my wife and me. Almost every day I or her will get a thought and a few seconds later the other will talk about the same subject the other had just thought about! I really believe this!
 
I carry my 640 in an Uncle Mikes holster in my rear pocket. It is more comfortable for me and I feel it looks better. In your photos both look fine, but in the end it is what you feel the most comfortable with and is easiest for you to access.
 
By looking at your pics, I don't think your setup screams "gun" at all. I mean, something's in there, but it's probably your phone, right? ;)

I front pocket carry in jeans all the time, and since I'm a bit heavier than I'd like to be, I tend to wear slightly longer shirts that give me a bit more coverage than you're getting.

I use two different holsters, a cheapo Uncle Mike's #4 and a Galco horsehide model. The Galco really seems to hold my J frames flatter than the mike's.

My Sig p238 carries flatter than any of my revolvers, if I'm really worried about a big bulge.
 
If you feel conspicuous, try some Docker style chinos with front pleats. Here in warm Arizona, I usually wear pleated front, Chaps brand chino shorts or Docker trousers, also with pleats. Dockers have nice deep pockets that are detached from the surface fabric. So, usually a small revolver does not "print" at all.

The pockets in Chaps brand shorts are also separate from the outside layer of fabric, but not as deep. With boot grips, they work still fairly well. Some shorts do not have deep pockets and some have a more narrow pocket opening. I try to avoid those.

We have similar builds. I think you would be very pleased at how a 642 pretty much completely disappears in that style of trouser. It is also very easy to draw since the pockets have nice wide openings.

If you decide to stick with jeans, buy a cheap Uncle Mike's brand pocket holster or a DeSantis Nemesis. Both are less bulky than your highly rated Mika. They are also cheaper and easier to find so it's not a difficult experiment. ;)

Best of luck, sir!
 
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I don't see imprinting at all. Yes it looks like you have something in your pocket but it could be a phone or set of keys or a case for eyewear. I think you are feeling the early on carry jitters.
 
I have a 642. Also got a Mika and a couple other pocket holsters.
Jframe is great but it's pushing the pocket carry size limit IMO. Its going to bulge like that. When you first start carrying it's quite common to be a bit self conscious. It's very unlikely that anyone else will notice or think gun.

642/Mika comparison size to LCP/DeSantis

 
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I believe that you're overly concerned. I pocket carry a 642 in a Mika holster. Yep, there's a bulge, but it a smooth rounded profile unlike the sharp angular shape that a semi-auto sometimes presents.

What does the casual observer see? Nothing probably. The vast majority of people are so oblivious to their surrounds and other people that they wouldn't notice a martian with two heads if he were in the checkout line ahead of them. If they do notice the bulge they can speculate all they want.
 
there is no such thing as "printing" in wisconsin, so i never worry about it. nobody has ever said anything to me about what's in my pocket.
 
I use a Mika pocket when I carry my Model 36 and it works quite well. I think if anyone is aware of the gun in my front pocket, it's me.No one else seems to notice. If it feels good, use it.
 
To me it looks like you either have a wallet or phone in your pocket, quite common. Most people are too wrapped up in their own world to even notice if it's raining. I've carried my 442 in a Galco horsehide pocket holster for years w/o anyone noticing, and I'm a skinny (6' 2" 190) guy.
 
I wear cargo pants/shorts and carry my 442 in a Mika pocket holster in the right front pocket, not in the cargo pocket. Virtually disappears.
 
I've carried M38, 40 and 42 in my pocket for years (when I don't carry a lightweight Commander in an iwb DelFatti) I don't use a pocket holster, just a handkerchief.

Your setup is bulky, mostly because you have the big Goodyear grips and the pocket holster.

You choice of pants may also be an issue. When I'm dressing casually, I wear Orvis or Eddie Bauer kaki slacks. They have much deeper pockets than your pants and are cut better for me. If you like the denim, you might try one waist size larger.

I use the factory wood grips and a Tyler t grip adapter: no big rubber grips: they defeat the purpose for me.

So, in answer to your question: most people won't think you are carrying, but your setup doesn't look comfortable and is appears remarkably bulky.

Just my opinion, of course.
 
I have three pocket holsters for my 638 and the Uncle Mikes 3 is the least bulky for wearing with jeans. The Remora works fine for cargo shorts and Dockers that are a little looser. My pocket looks almost identical to yours and no one has ever noticed. My other pocket has either my cell phone and or wallet and speed strip in it and doesn't look much different than the gun pocket.

As others have said, people aren't that observant. I'd say your good to go but you might try a looser fit jean too.
 
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I carry a 640 in either a DeSantis Nemesis (recently) or an Uncle Mike's size 3. The gun wears Pachmayr Compac grips because they make it easier for my arthritic hands to control it.

There is no way in hell that I can afford Orvis or Eddie Bauer pants, or even Dockers. Wranglers, Dickies twill pants, Wally World dress slacks; and from May to mid-October, shorts with polo shirts or T-shirts: that's the best I can manage.

I've carried this way for fifteen years. If anyone has noticed nothing has ever been said. I think a couple of police officers spotted the gun but didn't say a word.

I don't sweat it.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. I went to the ol' Wal-Mart today and tried on some different jeans. I bought a pair of Wrangler relaxed fits, and this is now what the same set up looks like in the pocket:









I like these jeans because they are more comfortable and I prefer the color. Does this look like an improvement over my original pics or should I go back to my old jeans?

Thanks!
 
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wear what you want, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.
 
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