Pocket Carry?

CB3

CB3

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Persuade me with a Shield or BG .380 or similar small gun, including snubbys, why pocket carry is a good idea.
Which pocket?
Up and downsides?
All the time or only occasionally?
Safe?
Reloads?
Holster?
Dirt/lint?
Wear of pocket?
Snag on draw?
Draw when seated?
Comfort?
Control?
Printing?
Ambidextrous draw?
Draw when running?
Comfort when seated?
How important is being able to fire from inside a pocket?
Can firing be done in pocket if it is in a holster that protects the trigger?
Trigger pull weight?
Capacity, reload, caliber?
Hammer or hammerless?
 
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That's too many questions to answer in one post, but I'll address a few of them.

I find pocket carry works well for concealment.

In my non-permissive environment, if carrying in a waistband holster and my cover shirt flips up and exposes the gun, I likely would lose my carry license if I was reported. Same if I reached up to grab something from the top shelf at Walmart and my shirt exposed the gun.

Same issue with ankle holsters if your pant leg rides up.

With pocket carry in pants with fairly deep pockets there is no problem. Particularly with a pocket holster to keep the gun in place and hide it's contours.

One advantage living in an anti-gun environment where very few people carry is that no one is looking for a pocket gun printing and really there would be no way to tell a pocket gun in a holster from sun glasses in a case, or a wallet, or even a large smart phone. So you are much less likely to have a problem.

As for reloads, I just carry a speed strip in a weak side pocket, or if my pants have a watch pocket as some of them do, I carry the speed strip in the watch pocket on the same side as the gun.

If I carried a speed loader, I'd just put it in a pocket and not worry about the lump. I wouldn't have a problem with a speed loader pouch on my belt either as no one in this non gun friendly environment would even know what it was.

I haven't had much trouble with snagging with exposed hammer revolvers -- assuming I'm using a pocket holster and get into the habit of extending your thumb to clear the fabric out of the way when drawing. Sometimes I carry a shrouded hammer revolver, and then no problem. My LC9, my only pocket sized semi, doesn't have an exposed hammer so no problem there.
 
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The only way I carry my M38's and Centennials is in my pocket (right front or jacket).

Carrying them on the belt defeats their purpose.

I don't use a pocket holster. In my experience they add bulk, slow things down and have no upside with a M 38 or Centennial. Sometimes I'll also carry a handkerchief.

Printing is a concern primarily of the self conscious beginner. In the real world, it's not an issue (unless you wear tights) assuming the pocket is deep enough to conceal the gun.

Revolvers can be shot from the pocket (a coat pocket, not a pants pocket), although I've never heard of an instance in which it's been done in a real life sd situation as opposed to in the movies.

I don't carry a reload. In real life situations (not zombie fantacies) you need more than what's in the gun only if you plan on missing a lot.
 
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I've been pocket carrying a Taurus TCP (roughly same size as a BG) for 3 years now. My attire consists of mainly Wrangler cargo shorts and sometimes their long cargo pants. In a small pocket holster it is not noticeable at all and is extremely comfortable. After a couple days of carrying it you don't even know it's there, unless it's not and then you feel naked. While it's not my first choice it's much better than nothing. I prefer to carry my Shield or 40c IWB but there are times when absolute concealment dictate my choices. The little 380 is always in my pocket even when I'm carrying a larger gun IWB.

IMO the Shield is too big for pocket carry but there are those who have no problem with it. Draw is much more difficult with pocket carry when seated but it's at least as quick when standing. Plus you have the advantage of sliding your hand in your pocket and being in the "ready" position anytime things just don't feel right and nobody around knows any different.

It's just as safe as IWB or OWB providing you use a pocket holster. Mine does get a decent amount of lint build up and I typically drop the mag, empty the chamber, and blow it out with compressed air every two weeks or so. At one point I went a month and took it to the range and fired 100 rounds without issue just as a test.

Not sure about firing from the pocket. While I'm sure it could be done things are just too tight in there to try that. To sum it up, I don't think pocket carry is the absolute best option available but there may be times when it's the only way to go.
 
Been pocket carrying a 442 for 20+ years. When its hot, I'm in dress clothes for work, and the environment is decidedly anti-gun it is the only "safe" way for me to carry. I carry a speed strip weak side, use a DeSantis pocket holster, and practice regularly. Lint - not an issue in my experience. Drawing isn't a problem standing, walking, or running. Sitting is harder with ANY holster. As for snagging, that's what he 442/642 is made for - to eliminate that issue.
 
I have found pocket carry works well for an appropriate weapon. ALWAYS use a pocket carry holster, it protects the gun, reduces printing and keeps pocket lint and **** out of the mechanism. Plus it keep the gun oriented properly. I used to carry a Colt DS in a front pocket when I was walking around the neighborhood for exercise. Very fast to access and quite invisible. I would carry a speed strip or two in the offside pocket, absolutely NOTHING ELSE but the holstered gun in the carry pocket.
 
I pocket carry either a Remington R51, S&W J frame (concealed hammer only) of some flavor or a Beretta 3032. The 3032 is the only one I pocket carry in a holster. Pocket carry for me is about all I do - 95%+ of the time.
 
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Hmmm?

I'm not a fan of pocket carry but I recognize it as a legitimate carry method under certain circumstances. For example, in the dead of winter, a small frame .38 is easier to access from the outside breast pocket of certain winter coats (if so equipped) than the Model 1911 on your hip and buried under clothing.

If you pocket carry, you must insure that your body type does not permit the gun and/or holster to slip out of whatever pocket when seated or when bending.
 
My snubby usually rides on my belt. It stays concealed even under a light weight tank top in the middle of summer.


Only time it rides in my pocket is when I'm not wearing a shirt.
Then it's in a leather pocket holster in my right front pocket.
A coupla reloads in quick strips ride in my left front pocket either way.
 
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Arik said:
I tried once. No thanks. Like sticking a brick in your front pocket

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

To each their own. Better a brick in my front pocket than unarmed. As I said, there are times when pocket carry is all that is acceptable, other times I use a Black Arch hybrid holster and carry something more substantial than the old reliable 442.
 
Pocket carry is not for me. I just feel better with a secure holster that is attached to a belt. I did pocket carry as a police officer many decades ago, never had to use it though. No pocket holster back then, the pocket was tailored to fit a small frame snub nose revolver. Our dry cleaners did the sewing for us on request.

There are advantages, and disadvantages to pocket carry, just like purse carry for women. The one big advantage I can see for both is the ability to have your hand on your weapon at the ready without alarming anyone. The disadvantage is the time to draw when not prepared.

I don't see lint as a problem as long as you turn your pockets inside out, and clean them before using the pocket for a gun.
 
pocket carry a BG .380 in Remora holster. No good for driving. Nearly always have a primary OWB in a Wright holster, with the .380 as backup. Pocket carrying while driving is problematic, unless you drive standing up.
And the Bodyguard does pick up dust, lint and other debris in the hammer slot. I pocket carry every day, either as primary or backup and find it very comfortable.
 
M638, front pocket in my cargo shorts works well for me.
Other methods of carry? sure, but nice to have as many options as possible. A shrouded or hidden hammer snubby accomplishes that.
 
CB3 said:
Persuade me with a Shield or BG .380 or similar small gun, including snubbys, why pocket carry is a good idea.
Click to expand...
*Which pocket? For the Shield/LC9/G43, etc, Front Pocket is the best bet. For Mini 380s and smaller (LCP/BG, etc) I know poeple who Rear Pocket carry.
*Up and downsides? Up Side for Rear Pocket Carry: You can say you're only reaching for your wallet, when in fact... Down Side for Rear Pocket: You need to wear Long-Tailed Shirts untucked. Up Side for Front Pocket carry: Walk/Stand with your hand/hands in your pockets all the time and nobody would think anything of it. Down Side to Front Pocket Carry: You need to try on and check EVERY pair of pants you intend to buy to ensure that the pockets are large enough to shove your closed fist into and out of easily. If you can't make a fist and withdraw it, you probably wouldn't be able to draw a handgun from it.
*All the time or only occasionally? For me... All the time
*Safe? As long as it's in a Pocket Holster... Sure!!
*Reloads? I don't carry one, but sure... In a different pocket.
*Holster? For me... A DeSantis Pocket Protector
*Dirt/lint? Hasn't been an issue in the last 10 Yrs
*Wear of pocket? Hasn't been an issue in the last 10 Yrs
*Snag on draw? As mentioned above... Try on every pair of pants you intend to use with pocket carry.
*Draw when seated? If you're in a restaraunt situation, you'll probably not going to REMAIN seated, so drop to oe knee where the side you're carrying is straight and carry on.
*Comfort? For many of us... More comforable than IWB
*Control? As with ANY type of carry... Practice!!
*Printing? If wearing Snug pants... Probably. Even so... MOST people won't even be looking. ;)
*Ambidextrous draw? With MOST Pocket holsters, one holster can work on either side. If you're talking about reaching into your right pocket with your Left hand??? THAT would be a neat trick that I'D love to see. :D
*Draw when running? Ya got me there... Either Draw before running, or draw after you get to cover.
*Comfort when seated? For me... No Problem.
*How important is being able to fire from inside a pocket? Not something I'd even consider, unless it's a Jacket Pocket. Would you shoot from an IWB holster?? [shrug]
*Can firing be done in pocket if it is in a holster that protects the trigger? No... Same as firing from an IWB holster.
*Trigger pull weight? Depends on the weapon
*Capacity, reload, caliber? Personal Pref... Not really a Pocket Carry Specific question.
*Hammer or hammerless? I would guess Hammerless would be preferable.

Hope this helps. :)
 
I can answer some but not all . As far as a .380 I M H O I would not go with the Body Guard too many on going issuses. My Kel tech .380 has been flawless with thousands threw also the Ruger is an option in 380. Pocket carry the .32 , .380, and 442 all in blackhawk pocket holsters. The largest I can pull off in pocket is the LC9 again in a blackhawk pocket holster.
 
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I have pocket carried tiny mouseguns in .25 ACP, various .380s, and very often J-frames, and I have even pocket carried a 2" K frame easily in the right pair of pants. I am not a thin mint so nothing I wear is tight but jeans are not loose like cargo pants - I pocket carry in both with ease. When I pocket carry a mouse gun I have been known to drop it into my left front suit coat pocket but that was when i wore suits every day. Back in those days I used to have my new suits' front pockets removed to be replaced with sturdy denim. Otherwise the little gun would wear out the finer fabric quickly. I have long since stopped this practice and even if i wear a coat and tie the gun I carry is in my right front pocket unless it is on my belt. If I pocket it then it is a J frame in a leather or kydex pocket holster. Many varieties abound. I make it a point to place a square of leather in front of the holster so the outline looks way more like a wallet and when the jeans pick up the outline, as jeans will do,,it is just a square.


Which pocket? - answered above
Up and downsides? - Upside is ease of concealment (nobody sees it) and it is easy to draw. Only downside is it is hard to draw, if not impossible, when you are seated.
All the time or only occasionally? Always unless I belt carry a bigger gun.
Safe? Of course it's safe.
Reloads? In a pocket or a briefcase, sometimes. I don't usually worry about reloads. If I have that on my mind I carry a bigger gun.
Holster? See above.
Dirt/lint? Yeah, no big deal, blow it out sometimes. It won't be a problem ordinarily.
Wear of pocket? Very little. Jeans get outlines of things in pockets. see above.
Snag on draw? Practive with an unloaded weapon. It really shouldn't. See below.
Draw when seated? Virtually impossible. Bear that in mind.
Comfort? No problem.
Control? No problem.
Printing? No problem. See above.
Ambidextrous draw? Impossible unless you are a Cirque de Soleil performer.
Draw when running? If I had to. But if I am running I ain't drawing. Not a good move.
Comfort when seated? No real problem - especailly when you do it for decades. Car, couch, office chair. No big deal.
How important is being able to fire from inside a pocket? In pants? Get real. You will blow your foot off.
Can firing be done in pocket if it is in a holster that protects the trigger? No and the holster should protect the trigger and believe me, if pocket firing is what you plan to do then pocket carry in a jacket. See above.
Trigger pull weight?
Capacity, reload, caliber? I have never carried a gun with more than 7 rounds in a pocket.
Hammer or hammerless? Either will work but for the J frame the hammerless (concealed hammer if you prefer) or shrouded hammer works best.

YMMV, as I always say.
 
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