Pocket Carry?
- Thread starter CB3
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Yes, with cargo pants you can pocket carry a shield. I'm sure with the right pockets someone could carry a DE in 50 cal.
With slacks or jeans, a shield is too big (for me anyway).
Fwiw, I also find the shield just on the other side of "too heavy" for pocket carry, even with big pockets.
If it works for you, stay with it. Everyone has their own comfort zone.
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My EDC is a 642 in a Galco horsehide. Reload is a speed strip in the watch pocket or lower cargo pocket or jacket pocket, strong side, depending.
I've also carried a Bersa Thunder .380 and a Remington RM380 in this manner in Desantis holsters. When in uniform I pocket carried a 2" Colt Lawman .357 in my weak side pants pocket in summer and a High Standard .22 Mag derringer in my strong side hip pocket. The Colt proved a bit of a burden and was replaced with an airweight Agent. Never noticed the rest after the first week or so.
The upside is that I don't have to give much thought to "dressing around the gun". The Galco is a work of art and drawing and even reholstering are smooth and uncomplicated. While the gun exits unimpeded, the holster requires both hands to remove from the pocket once it is in. The downside, as others have noted: it is virtually inaccessible when seated in a vehicle. I switch to IWB for known extended trips.
I've also carried a Bersa Thunder .380 and a Remington RM380 in this manner in Desantis holsters. When in uniform I pocket carried a 2" Colt Lawman .357 in my weak side pants pocket in summer and a High Standard .22 Mag derringer in my strong side hip pocket. The Colt proved a bit of a burden and was replaced with an airweight Agent. Never noticed the rest after the first week or so.
The upside is that I don't have to give much thought to "dressing around the gun". The Galco is a work of art and drawing and even reholstering are smooth and uncomplicated. While the gun exits unimpeded, the holster requires both hands to remove from the pocket once it is in. The downside, as others have noted: it is virtually inaccessible when seated in a vehicle. I switch to IWB for known extended trips.
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Bleek Gilliam
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My P3AT rides in my pocket when belt carry isn't an option
And when pocket carry isn't an option due to the style of slacks I waistband carry it with a clip. Not ideal but at least I have it.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
And when pocket carry isn't an option due to the style of slacks I waistband carry it with a clip. Not ideal but at least I have it.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
jyork08854
Member
Fascinating thread for me since I have only been carrying for 6 months. I use an Uncle Mikes pocket holster for my 9mm Shield. I wear cargo shorts 9-10 months of the year and bought tactical cargo pants for the cooler months. Upper right pocket. Still not the best for a fast draw but easy to get to if I have a few seconds. I have an OWB holster and an IWB holster came with the Crimson Trace green laser I bought at the NRA Annual Meeting in Atlanta. I am going to try working with one of those. But the pocket is great for concealing in the South with minimal clothing. To date, I do not carry spare magazines unless on a road trip.
Will41
Member
+1 Another vote for the DeSantis Nemesis.
This holster was so comfortable for about a year. After that, it would not stay in my pocket when a practiced drawing. So I called Desantis and they told me it was only meant to last one year.
I had no problem with Remora or the Mika pocket holster.
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I am not a big fan of pocket carry but there are situations when its the only choice. I normally carry my sig p290 or Kahr cm40 in a Boraii holster (you can google for pics of this combination). I find drawing sitting down is slow - especially in a car with a seat belt on. It does print a bit on me and feels heavy loaded at 24oz and 21oz respectively. If you want really light weight with little or no print you need to move down a caliber to the .380. A Ruger LCP is a a good choice. Bottom line one carry option (pocket) does not always fit every concealed carry scenario. Good luck.
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I personally don't carry in my pocket - primarily because with the guns that I have, it is hard to conceal in the pocket. One thing I would want to be careful about if I did pocket carry would be ensuring there is some way to protect that trigger guard area. My preferred method of doing that is a kydex holster - but however you do it, that trigger area needs to be protected to ensure that a negligent discharge doesn't occur.
Bruce C
Member
I pocket carry a Sig P938 in my right front pocket sometimes without a holster but most of the time in a Red Turtle leather holster. I always were Duluth Trading Co. Flex jeans lots of room and deep pockets. Never have a problem.
shutmal
Member
I used to use the DeSantis Nemisis pocket holsters for my LCP, Kahr CW380, or Taurus TCP, but the padding in the holster produces a fairly large bulge in my pocket. I have switched to Alabama holsters, which are made of .060" kydex and add close to zero bulk or weight in your pocket. The retention is just right and the holster always stays in my pocket when drawing. My largest pocket carry is a Kahr PM9, and with an Alabama holster it works well in most pants. In summer with shorts or jeans and a shirt worn out, I usually carry a shield in a small kydex single clip IWB holster in the 4 o'clock position. This is by far the most comfortable carry for me---even more comfortable than pocket carry. With pocket carry you always know there is a weight in your pocket--with the kydex IWB carry I forget it is there.
Putting a striker fired, or even a single action semi auto in a front pocket just seems like a real bad idea to me. I'm sure plenty of people do it, but the only gun going in one of my pockets will be DAO. S&W 640, Seecamp, RM380 are all good choices for pocket carry.
mgriffin
Member
I pocket carry my 442 with an Uncle Mikes holster in my Levis 505s. No hammer to snag on anything. Also has Crimson Trace LG-405 grips. Speed strip in watch pocket or my Lobo leather belt pouch. Always very comfortable and also easy to have hand in pocket while walking around. If driving, I just remove gun and holster and set it in my cup holder of my truck. My Uncle Mikes holster is about 10 years old + and starting to look a little beat up but works. Also easy to carry in jacket pocket during cool weather.
shutmal
Member
DAO
The fact that a gun is striker fired does not mean that it is not double action only (DAO). DAO means that the hammer (or striker) is cocked (at least partially) by the pulling of the trigger. Some striker fired guns are fully cocked before pulling the trigger, but all Kahr's, for example, are striker fired, but have a long, smooth trigger pull during which the striker is cocked.
The fact that a gun is striker fired does not mean that it is not double action only (DAO). DAO means that the hammer (or striker) is cocked (at least partially) by the pulling of the trigger. Some striker fired guns are fully cocked before pulling the trigger, but all Kahr's, for example, are striker fired, but have a long, smooth trigger pull during which the striker is cocked.
I think by definition if you remove the gun from your pocket and place it some place more accessible, it is no longer pocket carry.
I believe snubby pocket carry has some advantages, but it also has some real disadvantages. Inaccessibility except in certain circumstances would relegate this form of carry to a last choice for me with so many other options available in gun, caliber, and carry method/position.
In a contrasting poll pitting a small pocket carried revolver against another small gun in Appendix Inside the Waistband (AIWB) position, I think pocket carry would lose overall through multiple categories of need.
Of course each of us assesses his needs differently, and for those who have not tried a different system it's not fair for them to reject it out of hand.
I carried my wife's 642 hammerless, steel .38 for a day in a pocket and disliked almost everything about it:
Position
Weight
Accessibility other than from standing still
Low capacity
Hard to reload
Poor sights
Long, heavy trigger which reduces accuracy
Significant blast
Challenged recoil management for fast and accurate follow up shots.
Had to have just the right pants and pocket--most were not suitable.
Had to have a good pocket holster to position the gun, protect the trigger, and make drawing and definitely leaving the holster in the pocket easy. This is a technique that lends itsel to foreknowledge of the draw, not a fast reaction to an aggressive threat.
Lack of ambidextrous access.
Recognizing these and other problems, especially when dressed so a covering garment is not appropriate--needing a tucked in shirt--I found in the early 90's that a Thunderwear waist holster worked well. It is deep concealment (below the belt line) AIWB. More accessible in more situations than pocket carry (especially seated), and can carry a larger/heavier gun such as a Shield comfortably with a reload.
As mentioned before, there are always trade-offs, different experiences and opinions, but in sharing our observations we can give others options for their choices. I don't really get anything for arguing that I know the right way to carry. That's ignorant and rude.
I hope this thread has been helpful.
Carry on.
I believe snubby pocket carry has some advantages, but it also has some real disadvantages. Inaccessibility except in certain circumstances would relegate this form of carry to a last choice for me with so many other options available in gun, caliber, and carry method/position.
In a contrasting poll pitting a small pocket carried revolver against another small gun in Appendix Inside the Waistband (AIWB) position, I think pocket carry would lose overall through multiple categories of need.
Of course each of us assesses his needs differently, and for those who have not tried a different system it's not fair for them to reject it out of hand.
I carried my wife's 642 hammerless, steel .38 for a day in a pocket and disliked almost everything about it:
Position
Weight
Accessibility other than from standing still
Low capacity
Hard to reload
Poor sights
Long, heavy trigger which reduces accuracy
Significant blast
Challenged recoil management for fast and accurate follow up shots.
Had to have just the right pants and pocket--most were not suitable.
Had to have a good pocket holster to position the gun, protect the trigger, and make drawing and definitely leaving the holster in the pocket easy. This is a technique that lends itsel to foreknowledge of the draw, not a fast reaction to an aggressive threat.
Lack of ambidextrous access.
Recognizing these and other problems, especially when dressed so a covering garment is not appropriate--needing a tucked in shirt--I found in the early 90's that a Thunderwear waist holster worked well. It is deep concealment (below the belt line) AIWB. More accessible in more situations than pocket carry (especially seated), and can carry a larger/heavier gun such as a Shield comfortably with a reload.
As mentioned before, there are always trade-offs, different experiences and opinions, but in sharing our observations we can give others options for their choices. I don't really get anything for arguing that I know the right way to carry. That's ignorant and rude.
I hope this thread has been helpful.
Carry on.
PPS1980
Member
Appendix carry is iffy for many folks. First there is body type, tactical muffin tops have great difficulty with AIWB carry. Second, AIWB carry is not really accessible when sitting unless you are rather thin from what I have seen in real world use. Third, there is femoral artery exposure. Finally, Ambi access with most holsters in my experience is a fantasy under stress.
As for weapon choice - To each there own, hence the vast array of weapons available. The 442/642 models are not meant for long-distance work. They are <7yrds and at that distance if you need sights.....well, you need to practice more is all I can say.
When I can manage it I concealed carry with a hybrid (I prefer the Black Arch with their dry backing) at 4 and my PPS and a reload weak side (16+1). When its OC I go with the P99AS and 2 reloads (45+1) - although I am going to try out my new M&P 357Sig rig for OC as its penetration is ideal and I would have access to the same number of rounds. Only range time will tell if I make the change to the M&P.
As for weapon choice - To each there own, hence the vast array of weapons available. The 442/642 models are not meant for long-distance work. They are <7yrds and at that distance if you need sights.....well, you need to practice more is all I can say.
When I can manage it I concealed carry with a hybrid (I prefer the Black Arch with their dry backing) at 4 and my PPS and a reload weak side (16+1). When its OC I go with the P99AS and 2 reloads (45+1) - although I am going to try out my new M&P 357Sig rig for OC as its penetration is ideal and I would have access to the same number of rounds. Only range time will tell if I make the change to the M&P.
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Will41
Member
I think the Ruger LCP II would be perfect for pocket carry. The Shield and 642 are a little big for my pockets (Wrangler Cargo). For the first 2 years, I only pocket carried. But, I changed to IWB carry and love it.
On occasion, I still pocket carry but rarely because my pants pockets are a little smaller than the ones that I used to wear. You need really deep pockets. Painter pants work out well. I used to try on pants everywhere for pocket carry.
On occasion, I still pocket carry but rarely because my pants pockets are a little smaller than the ones that I used to wear. You need really deep pockets. Painter pants work out well. I used to try on pants everywhere for pocket carry.
Does anyone use one of those kydex trigger guards on their snubby?
It just covers the trigger and is attached via a loop of para cord to your belt.
I have one but have not carried with it yet. It fits pretty tightly and I have the concern of actually pulling the gun out of my hand if I make the mistake of yanking it clear from the guard with a bad grip on the gun. That and it won't keep the gun oriented, but is does present the slimmest profile.
It just covers the trigger and is attached via a loop of para cord to your belt.
I have one but have not carried with it yet. It fits pretty tightly and I have the concern of actually pulling the gun out of my hand if I make the mistake of yanking it clear from the guard with a bad grip on the gun. That and it won't keep the gun oriented, but is does present the slimmest profile.
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I use one, usually IWB, but sometimes in a pocket. Just run the lanyard through a belt loop and remember to pull through the draw.
I use a LCP in a super thin Blue Force Gear pocket holster. Great pocket holster. They are new, so there are just a few models currently available.
Thanks for that! I just ordered one, they look very promising, especially worth trying at the price ($20 + $4.50 shipping)!
In non-permissive environments, ultimate discretion/concealment is king, and that holster looks THIN, and very well made.
Don't get me wrong, I prefer to have my G26 with a G19 spare mag in the waistband, but there's times when even my wife's 642 is too obvious for the situation. That's when the LCP goes in my pocket or on my ankle. I previously owned a BG380, and although on paper it seemed comparable in size to the LCP, in real life it feels and carries and looks noticeably bigger. Plus, I just didn't trust the reliability.
RubenZ
Member
For the first time, I decided to try Pocket Carrying my P938. It is now my new way to carry!! I LOVE IT. Even though texas is Open Carry I prefer to stay more concealed. I do admit, you have to use it with good jeans and nice sized pockets and in a pocket holster. To the outside world, it seems like I just have my WALLET in my front pocket.
I am 5'6" 145lbs and pocket carry my Shield 9 in front right pocket of long cargos, cargo shorts, work pants and dress trousers.
The size of the pocket determines which of my two holsters I use.
For small pockets such as those found in Dickies and dress trousers I use a Mika round bottom pocket holster. For large pockets I use a DeSantis Nemesis square bottom.
My Shield does not print using either holster.
The size of the pocket determines which of my two holsters I use.
For small pockets such as those found in Dickies and dress trousers I use a Mika round bottom pocket holster. For large pockets I use a DeSantis Nemesis square bottom.
My Shield does not print using either holster.
Targets Guy
US Veteran
This is my set up. I will switch out the 638 for a Detective Special occasionally.
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how to screenshot on windowsCBStuard
Member
I pocket carry a Keltec PF9 that is very similar to a Shield dimensionaly. Also in Wrangler cargo shorts/pants in the top right pocket. The cut of the pocket opening is different from regular jeans and really helps your draw. The advantage of holsters like the BlueForce and the one TargetsGuy shows is that extension below the trigger keeps the gun upright in your pocket. It is also a hook so it grabs your pocket on the way up and stays in your pocket as the gun comes out. If you are comfortable w/ this size gun, I think pocket carry is a no brainer w/ a spare mag in my left top pocket in it's own little holster. It's way more comfortable than my M&P9c in OWB and a spare mag but it's a little under half the total round capacity so I only do it when forced to by clothing requirements.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
I pocket carry (left front pantses)three guns (not at the same time!) a freedom arms 22 mini revolver, a 337 and an M&P380. The 337 actually prints less than the 380. The shield is WAYYY too big to pocket carry although it would work in a jacket pocket of a hoodie . Do NOT carry in a suit jacket pocket. Do not use belt holster unless in the field carrying a ful sized handgun
jyork08854
Member
I am so used to carrying my 9mm Shield with Uncle Mikes pocket holster in my cargo shorts that I often forget it is there. And I have only been carrying less than 6 months.
Frankly45
Member
I would pocket carry my 642 when I could wear something with big enough pockets, but still found it uncomfortable and restricted. Since I purchased a Ruger LCP 380, it's my "always" pocket carry. It also serves as a "reload" for my 642, and backup for my Shield or M&Pc. Lately I'm finding I prefer to carry my 642 tucked in my belt crossdraw in a Desantis Superfly sans the flap. It stays put, and readily accessible standing and seated and comfortable for me. You can't go wrong with a j-frame, just experiment until you find out what works for you.
InsideWaist
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indigo22
Member
If I keep it in my pocket and I have my pants on, my gun is with me... if not, at least it is within reach.
Simple enough.
Simple enough.
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