Okay, how do you draw your gun out of a pocket holster?

[ISCS Yoda]

I think you had the right answer for 30 years: don't use a pocket holster. I don't.

Just my opinion, of course.

I can think of a host of reasons why you should use a pocket holster for a pocket pistol and not one why you shouldn't - UNLESS your pocket holster is incorrect, of course.

The answer to how you should be removing your pocket pistol from your pocket is "carefully". There are so many small guns in pockets I can't give a better blanket answer but I do recommend two things:

1. Make sure that the holster doesn't come out of your pocket.

2. Practice. and more practice. Because when you need it you'll be fumbling for it in a hurry - get some muscle memory!

***GRJ***

 

[Michael from Wynnewood]

I have carried a Ruger LCP in a DeSantis Nemesis. Recently sold the Ruger and replaced it with a Bodyguard M&P. Have a Nemesis for the BG that works okay, but I have a kydex pocket holster on order from Multi Holsters ~ Quality Custom KYDEX Gun Holsters for Inside, Outside, Multi 2-in-1 Inside/Outside Waistband & Mag Holders - Pocket Style. When it arrives, I'll post a follow-up.

 

[Buford57]

Thanks guys. I am a big fat type and I tend to wear loose fitting pants with big pockets for comfort. Maybe I need to give them a chance and break the holsters in. I carried a model 60 with a snubbed hammer loose in my jeans for around 30 years. It was stolen and I went to a old model 40 but for some reason that more often than not wants to turn itself up side down in my pocket. I dont know why but I didnt have that problem with the model 60 but I dont wear the tighter levi`s like I use to either. I will start working with it.

Hey! I resemble that remark!

And I carry a 642 in a Galco horsehide. It is another roughout with a tab that catches the pocket and except for the oversized cargo pockets on a couple of pairs of shorts it is almost impossible to draw with the gun.

 

[hangnoose]

#1, WITHOUT YOUR FINGER ON THE TRIGGER

#2 without shooting Lil Jimmy in the process. IMO that Sigs a bit big, (maybe) a Sig p239 single stack 9mm. The use of the afore mentioned pocket holsters helps. A couple of cheap tricks is to wrap some rubber bands around the holster to grab the pocket and stay put, sew the pocket to the shape of the holster so it stays as you want it. To the "savvy guys" that shot themselves, they sure don't sound too savvy to me. Guns just don't go off without a trigger being "moved". It's NOT accidental IMO, it's negligence & poor technique.

 

[Squarebutt]

An Uncle Mike's and a Galco horsehide holding a J-frame work for me. Also, I have no problem shooting through the holster if it comes out of the pocket and something needs shooting RIGHT NOW.

 

[TexasArmed]

I can think of a host of reasons why you should use a pocket holster for a pocket pistol and not one why you shouldn't - UNLESS your pocket holster is incorrect, of course.

The answer to how you should be removing your pocket pistol from your pocket is "carefully". There are so many small guns in pockets I can't give a better blanket answer but I do recommend two things:

1. Make sure that the holster doesn't come out of your pocket.

2. Practice. and more practice. Because when you need it you'll be fumbling for it in a hurry - get some muscle memory!

***GRJ***

I strongly agree with using a holster that covers the trigger guard on a pocket holster. In drawing it there is no reason to
have your finger inside the trigger guard till the hand gun is drawn. I can draw faster from my pocket holster than from
my paddle holster, because with the pocket holster you can already have your hand on the gun, without drawing it. I
think there are times that it is very much an advantage to
be able to reach for the pocket holstered gun than for the
one on the hip. For one it requires no split second to pull the
shirt or coat back to draw. Police would be an exception to
this since they need not keep their duty weapon concealed.
But then I normally carry both, but for pocket holstered guns
I prefer a snub with no external hammers.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

I put my thumb behind the hammer of my S&W Model 37 so it doesn't hang up on the way out. No-name pocket holster is sticky on the outside and slick on the inside so it stays put.

 

[Neumann]

An Uncle Mike's and a Galco horsehide holding a J-frame work for me. Also, I have no problem shooting through the holster if it comes out of the pocket and something needs shooting RIGHT NOW.

A Galco pocket holster, correctly sized for a snubby j-frame, covers most of the trigger guard and trigger.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I have two very gun savvy associates whom have shot themselves in the leg while pocket carrying, one putting the gun in the pocket, one taking it out, both under administrative conditions.

Gun savvy - by what definition?

 

[pineappleshooter]

The closest I ever came to a accident was once at shift change I was to hand off my revolver to the guard releaving me. I had been around guns forever and was probley over 30 years on the job when this happened. I probley was tired from a lot of OT, still, there was about 6 or 7 of us in crowded quarters at shift change. I idly cocked my revolver in my holster! I noticed it right away before anyone else did. I stepped out to get rid of my chew and fixed the matter. I never could explain the incident to myself. I will say I started out with single action revolvers when I was a kid yet I still shoot my double action revolvers single action probley 95% of the time except when I used to have to requalify every six months.
As far as pocket holsters go it sounds like all of us that do pack a gun in the pocket really should take a honest look at how it really is working for us and go with what works the best for us. I still must say the gun and both holsters I have come out of the pocket together and both hands then must be used together with some too much effort to separate them. At this point I STILL dont trust them. I will give it a fair practice trial.
Here is my other set up.

Try wrapping your gun in plastic wrap and jamming it in your holster - let it sit for a couple of days and then check the fit - should be stretched out enough for the gun to draw smoothly. You can also use wax paper - the wax slicks up the inside of your holster and stretches it. Good luck - nice piece you got there.

 

[shouldazagged]

Gun savvy - by what definition?

Good question. Not too savvy to get careless, it seems.

 

[feralmerril]

If In taped a bowling ball to the holster and picked up the gun by the grip I believe the bowling ball would follow the gun. That cant be right. Today I carried it sans holster in my right pocket. Feels good. I just dont know yet about how delicate the gun is to pocket lint being a auto. I must have lived dangerous the last 40 years. I dont personally believe for me a pocket holster is all that necessary. Truth is my habit has been to get in my vehicle, wrap my pocket gun in a rag and put it in the door pocket or the luggage compartment between the seats in my truck. I go by smell. Depending on where or what type establishment I am going into I either just pocket it or leave it wrapped in the nasty looking handkerchief. This makes two or three "pocket holsters" I have tried through the years, AND the holsters were made for the exact guns. I am not a believer yet.

 

[eveled]

feralmerril,

I use one of Bob Mika's holsters, which has a rough, sticky strip all the way around the outside which clings to the pocket during a draw. It is also made so that the gun fits loosely inside. These two features prevent the problem you describe.

Regards,
Andy

Plus one on Mika's holsters. They are great holters, he is a great guy to deal with. A big advantage is that he will make the holster to fit your pocket, not just the gun.

 

[gsm73]

Homemade horsehide for my 642. Stays put with pulling back slightly when drawing.

 

[Chris642]

Pocket carry is my favorite, most convenient way to carry and has never been a problem for me with the right clothing.

I'm carrying my 642 in a cheap Blackhawk No.4 pocket holster I got at Wal-Mart. The gun clears the holster quickly and it stays in my pocket every time. They break up the profile of the gun pretty well too.

Sure, they won't last very long but they're cheap enough to replace without breaking the bank. I plan on buying several of them to put away at least until I find something better made that works as well.

 

[claudel]

<snip>

I have two very gun savvy associates whom have shot themselves in the leg while pocket carrying,

<snip>

<snip>

When reholstering, the holster should always be withdrawn, gun inserted, and replaced in the pocket together with the gun. That is the only safe way to avoid an accidental discharge, especially with a striker fired pistol.

Well, I certainly proved the truth in these statements...

I was practicing pocket draw & replacement a couple of days ago and
during one of the insertions my shiny new 649-3 went "click".


Ooops.

Not sure what I did. I know I didn't have my finger on the trigger. Probably not.


Glad I had enough foresight to make sure it wouldn't go "bang"...

I wont quite agree with the "don't pocket carry', but I think I'll repeat this...

<snip>

When reholstering, the holster should always be withdrawn, gun inserted, and replaced in the pocket together with the gun. That is the only safe way to avoid an accidental discharge, especially with a striker fired pistol.

Also, make sure you're unloaded when "just practicing".

Check a couple of times.

 

[feralmerril]

Well I have been carrying my new toy, the sig 238 on and off for the last two weeks or so loose in my pocket and it feels practical. I suppose something could be said about the gun picking up lint and maybe also ripping holes or seams in the pocket but really I dont see a need for a pocket holster especially the way they hang up for me. I carried a hammer snubbed model 60 and a model 40 for 45 years before this. Maybe skinny guys that wear disco cloths might need them for not printing but I need not apply.

 

[BearBio]

feralmerril,

I use one of Bob Mika's holsters, which has a rough, sticky strip all the way around the outside which clings to the pocket during a draw. It is also made so that the gun fits loosely inside. These two features prevent the problem you describe.

Regards,
Andy

Ditto. Also, I usually have a 649 (no hammer) if I'm using a pocket holster.

 

[3dots]

Posted this before

Your pocket holster is only as good as the pocket it sits in, no doubt. If you practice your draw you that sometimes the holster and or pocket come out, here's the fix. The lady across the street from me is a seamstress and I have her sew my pockets for me. Most pockets are too deep and curved at the bottom and your CCW rides crooked and bounces on the top of your thigh when you walk. She raises it up with a straight across stitch so it's more comfortable. I mark around my Nemesis and she sews the curve and then anchors the bottom of the pocket to the outside pant with a couple of discreet stitches. The Nemesis kinda snaps in, I guess you could say, and gives you place for an extra mag too.

If your hands are in your pockets, which is not unusual, you can pull and shoot in less than a second, pocket and holster stays put.

Pic attached.

 

[feralmerril]

My Sig P-238 came with a little joke of a plastic belt clip holster. Weighs maybe a 1/8 ounce. Something like you would expect in a box off cracker jacks. Today I thought I would give that a whirl. Put it on my belt with a untucked shirt. We went downtown for lunch and errands. I am wideside built to start with. I felt like I was printing. The little thing does stick out almost as much as most any other gun I have packed that way. That gun just belongs loose in my pocket as far as I am concerned.