Looking for pocket holster suggestions for a J-Frame

[guitarzNgunz]

I'm looking for a new pocket holster for my S&W 642. I'd like something sturdy, with minimal bulk, and protects the gun from sweat. I'm thinking maybe a thin horsehide leather holster?

I had the Unkle Mikes #3 pocket holster which worked out nice since it's so thin but I lost it. I may end up getting another just wanted other suggestions for something a little more rigid with better protection from perspiration.

Thanks

 

[rock_castle]

Galco horsehide is nice. I tried a bunch including the Galco and Mika, and ended up going with a Blackhawk #3 from Walmart.

 

[Jingles]

For my 642 I went with a Don Hume H715-M WCS IWB with sweat guard. It's very comfortable and secure.

EDIT: Sorry, just saw the "Pocket" part of your request. Here is the correct link to Hume's pocket holster.

http://www.donhume.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65_5&products_id=31

 

[biker65]

remora makes nice pocket holsters

I'm looking for a new pocket holster for my S&W 642. I'd like something sturdy, with minimal bulk, and protects the gun from sweat. I'm thinking maybe a thin horsehide leather holster?

I had the Unkle Mikes #3 pocket holster which worked out nice since it's so thin but I lost it. I may end up getting another just wanted other suggestions for something a little more rigid with better protection from perspiration.

Thanks

the remora holsters make a nice pocket holster that I use itb

 

[sooper44]

I use the Galco Pocket Protector Holster for my 442, works great. Fits Wrangler pockets perfectly.

 

[jack the toad]

I'm not an expert and my experience is limited but the Mika pocket holster has worked well for me and is very affordable.

 

[tcon]

I use a Mika. It's supple, flexible, stays in, stays open when empty and allows easy reholstering.

 

[Erich]

I've had fancy pocket holsters and I've had cheapo pocket holsters. I love Remoras, but use them IWB. For my J-frame pocket carry, I'm still using the Mika that I got over a dozen years ago. Can't see that changing. The Mika carries the gun the best (without dragging or printing), it presents the gun the best (gun comes right out; holster doesn't), it reholsters on the best tier of pocket holsters, it protects the gun as well as any, it's handmade in the USA by a good-guy craftsman for me with my name in it, and it was inexpensive.

 

[KalamazooKid]

Another vote for Mika. Awesome holsters.

 

[Buford57]

I have been completely satisfied with a Galco horsehide for my 642.

 

[zumatodd]

Uncle Mike's, but I use a #4 for my 642.

Also Mika!

 

[Stevens]

Desantis nemesisworks fine with my 642 but I have never used anything else so can't compare.

 

[sodacan]

+1 for the Galco.

 

[TACC1]

I have only tried a half-dozen holsters for pocket
use, and found that Mika's pocket holsters really work well for me.
One with square bottom and one with round bottom
so that I can match the holster to the trousers I'm wearing.
Just my 2 cents,
TACC1

 

[rjm6120]

I have a Sticky Holster that I have been using everyday for my J. Although I have using it IWB exclusively (which, by the way, is a carry method I never adopted until I got it about 3 weeks ago. I tried it and it amazingly comfortable and has opened my eyes to the virtues of IWB carry. I never practiced the method before because my physique decreed it beyond uncomfortable), it can double as a pocket holster and will stay in the pocket on the draw. I know it's not leather and is not as sturdy sided as the Micas suggested, but I think it's a great holster suggestion for someone on a budget.

 

[mj2008]

I have a Galco horsehide which is very good. Another one is Desantis Superfly. Has a removable front over. It's very light and it stays in your pocket and won't pull with the gun.

 

[Sclays]

I believe that Kramer makes by far the finest pocket holster.
There was a thread on this forum some time ago regarding a guy that had an accidental discharge while using a "soft" holster.

 

[Florida J Frame]

Can't beat the Mika and it isn't leather so it won't soak up sweat. Bob is a great guy to work with and his holsters are worth the wait. After you place your order, he will call you to verify what you need.

 

[crazyphil]

If you are, or want to be, a collector a Chic Gaylord 8 Ball in the side
pocket just popped up on ebay. Great little holster. Legendary maker.
Expensive!

 

[bsg]

the late Lou Alessi made one heck of a pocket holster and my money has liked several of them.

 

[Rpg]

Try carrying it in your pocket with nothing but (if you want)'a handkerchief.

I've never found a benefit from a pocket holster.

They add bulk.

Some say they avoid printing. Those folks tend to be new to ccw and irrationally concerned they will be 'discovered' carrying. Spend a day trying to guess what's in the pockets of the people you see. Can't be done with success. Whatever you imagine in these speculations, you will rarely be able to determine whether your speculation was accurate.

They avoid 'junk' from accumulating in the gun which might impare their function.
O
I know of no instance of such imparement, do you? I've carried a M38 for years without any such problem. Of course, I have my clothes cleaned regularly. This includes emptying the pockets. I'd do the same whether I pocket carried or not. I like clean clothes.


They orient the pistol.

True, but not the only way to accomplish this. An old fasioned tailor (check with your laundry) can fix your pants to accomplish this goal. Some off the rack pants will do the same. You have to shop a bit (I find .Orvis products sometimes meet my requirements).

The negative for pocket holsters:

They add bulk.

They do nothing you can't do more elegantly, with out them

Other than accessorizing a gun, they offer no benefit.

 

[Dave R]

I'm not an expert and my experience is limited but the Mika pocket holster has worked well for me and is very affordable.

+2..........I have both the round and square. They are the only pocket holsters that I own. Can't recommend them enough.

 

[DevilDog72]

I'm looking for a new pocket holster for my S&W 642. I'd like something sturdy, with minimal bulk, and protects the gun from sweat. I'm thinking maybe a thin horsehide leather holster?

I had the Unkle Mikes #3 pocket holster which worked out nice since it's so thin but I lost it. I may end up getting another just wanted other suggestions for something a little more rigid with better protection from perspiration.

Thanks

I have a horse hide pocket holster I will sell you... it is in the attached photo with my 642. It has been used for 1/2 day. I do not like pocket carry.

 

[Neumann]

The Galco holster is horsehide, and of two piece construction. It lies flatter in your pocket than one piece (folded) holsters like the Mika or DeSantis Nemesis. The Galco is made flesh side out so it clings to your pocket and is slippery inside. There is little or no retention. If you want retention, a custom made holster (e.g., Ryan Grizzle) is very nice and has a smaller footprint than the Galco. Another possibility is a Kydex holster from Detroit Holsters, especially if you attach a laser.

For safety, always reholster OUTSIDE your pocket, then reinsert the whole assembly. There aren't any body parts nearby you wouldn't regret losing in the case of an accidental discharge. Besides, it would attract unwanted attention.

 

[les.b]

I carry everyday, 365 days of the year. Mostly in a Galco Horsehide pocket holster. I'll find a picture in a minute and post it... My holster still looks like new. I don't think I'll live long enough to wear it out, horsehide is very tough. I carry mostly 340 PD, 640-1 Pro Series, or M&P 340, but the same holster will also carry my Colt Detective Special, Cobra, or Agent. Sometimes I carry an older Model 42 ni dash. Same holster.

Here it is with my M&P 340:



I disagree with Rpg above, in that I feel that the holster does keep the gun in the same place every time, and also keeps the trigger covered, which I find somewhat comforting, as my leg is in close proximity to the muzzle of the revolver. Rpg does make some good points, however, in that most people are not going to notice the gun "printing". Most folks don't notice much that goes on around them, particularly young folks who are texting so intently that they won't even notice that you are there, let alone whether you even have pants on, let alone what you have in your pockets.... That's another story for another time, though. ...But DevilDogs holster looks pretty nice as well....and it's for sale!

Best Regards, Les

 

[BC38]

...They do nothing you can't do more elegantly, with out them

Other than accessorizing a gun, they offer no benefit.

What about covering and protecting the trigger?

 

[les.b]

What about covering and protecting the trigger?

BC38:

That was one of my points in my post above yours...I think that is reason enough just by itself, and presenting the gun in the same position is another important point.

Best Regards, Les

 

[TAC]

Desantis nemesisworks fine with my 642 but I have never used anything else so can't compare.

I've been using the Desantis Nemesis for decades. I've found nothing that beats it. It fits the gun, and the pocket perfect. It's substantial enough to hide the the gun's shape from printing, yet not so bulky as to look like you have a bag of beans in your pocket!

 

[Mtnfolk325]

I'm still using the Mika I bought in 2007, it is carried EVERY Day and still works as intended. Having my Name in it is just a Bonus .... ;o)

 

[tom turner]

I've been using the DeSantis Nemesis for years too. They are soft, won't hold moisture like leather, and are simply wonderful for a low price!

Plus, they'll fit my S&W 9mm Shield well too, and in all cases the totally protect the trigger area.

Either the # 02, or the N3 will work for an N frame.

I surely miss the old USA versions, with the American flag label proudly affixed. The texture of the outside of the US version looked like bug screen and gripped better and longer than the ones imported today from Mexico. They have little raised "polka dots" as a patter. Still ok though.

I'll be rotating mine out for a new one soon.