Pocket Carry

[drcotlar]

I was like opinions regarding true pocket carry. I have a Bodyguard 2 which I purchased for the sole purpose to be able to pocket carry. I also have a Glock 19 and Glock 43, both fine guns though not suitable for pocket carrying, at least for me.

I have tried a couple of holsters with my Bodyguard though they print as much as gun prints by itself, without a holster. I have read many reviews for other holsters designed for pocket carry, with comments that printing is still evident.

What are thoughts regarding carrying the gun (safety on) in the pocket with no holster? And yes, I am aware they would need to be kept clean of lint.

 

[geeollie]

That type of carry is fine IF NO loaded chamber.

Some believe in empty chamber carry and practice drawing and loading the chamber as one movement.

 

[murphydog]

Probably wouldn't recommend pocket carry with no holster, but probably would suggest trying different pants with larger pockets.

 

[TJm15.38]

I carry a Kel-Tec P32 on a belt clip. It is so thin, you can carry it with light clothing, and it doesn't even show with a generous fitting T-shirt.

 

[Super Trucker]

I carried a j-frame as a BUG in my pocket since the 90's, a few weeks ago I switched to a Shield Plus in an Alabama pocket holster.
I wouldn't carry without a holster myself.
I wear cargo pants so the shield rides in the front pocket, I could probably use the lower cargo pocket as well.
Does it look like something is in the pocket, yes, just like the pocket with my wallet or the pocket with a phone, etc.

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

I edc a ltwt Colt Mustang in the thigh pocket of my 511 cargo pants with no problems. It does live in a pocket holster. My scandium j frame is a little thick though. A pocket pistol needs to be in a pocket holster as while it protects the trigger it also protects the safety from accidentally getting flipped off.

 

[crows]

Looser fitting pants is a good start. However, that is only a start. Size/shape of the pockets, width and depth, is also a big concern. There is also the opening of the pocket, not just size but shape/style of opening.
With cargo pants, how high up on the legs are the pockets, as well as how big are they. The cargo pockets can help with masking the out line of the gun in the pocket if they cover at least part of the gun.
Color is also important. Camo does exactly that, camouflage. Of course not everyone wants to walk around in cammies. Dark colors also help with keeping the printing from showing so much.
As far as not using a holster, there are concerns. Yes the gun will attract more lint than if in a holster. But also, a holster keeps the gun oriented in correct position. With walking, sitting, and standing back up, the gun can wind up oriented in all kinds of positions. Also, with a well fitted holster, it can help greatly with keeping the gun from falling out of pocket. And yes, the gun CAN fall out of pocket during normal activities.
Good luck with whatever your choices are.

 

[seldon14]

What kind of holsters have you tried? The soft uncle Mikes, sticky etc, print the worst. Kydex is best imo, followed by stiff/hard leather.

 

[ken158]

Pocket carry w/o holster is not advised especially with a striker fired gun.

 

[Lucnic]

I was like opinions regarding true pocket carry. I have a Bodyguard 2 which I purchased for the sole purpose to be able to pocket carry. I also have a Glock 19 and Glock 43, both fine guns though not suitable for pocket carrying, at least for me.

I have tried a couple of holsters with my Bodyguard though they print as much as gun prints by itself, without a holster. I have read many reviews for other holsters designed for pocket carry, with comments that printing is still evident.

What are thoughts regarding carrying the gun (safety on) in the pocket with no holster? And yes, I am aware they would need to be kept clean of lint.

Get a good holster and use it. My favorite is a Mika’s Pocket Holster. Have one for J- frames and one for small 380’s. As for printing, most people are to envolved with a cellphone to worry about someone’s pockets. 90% of people are oblivious to what is going on around them. A lot of people can’t drive without talking or texting. I pay attention because I’m a gun person. I live in a free state so I can open carry if I want.

 

[smoothshooter]

That type of carry is fine IF NO loaded chamber.

Some believe in empty chamber carry and practice drawing and loading the chamber as one movement.

Never pocket carry without a pocket holster.
I pocket carry a Glock 42 or a Ruger LCR in a pocket holster every day and they never print.
I don’t dress like a tactical bum either. When shopping for pants I only buy brands and cuts that have stronger pocket material, and larger pocket openings. There are big differences from brand to brand.

 

[ELR]

I agree with Lucnic. I carry my Bodyguard 2 in a Mika's pocket holster. I have tried several other holsters but always come back to my Mika's. Turn your paints inside out and look at your pockets, are they big enough to carry a gun, is the bottom cut straight or is one corner curved? The cut of your pockets can determine the shape of your holster. Mika's is a soft holster with either a straight or curved bottom which will help keep your gun in an upright position. Anyone looking at your pocket will think you have your wallet or cell phone in your pocket.

 

[Olly556]

All depends on the situation and dress code. Domboth as the situation dictates.

 

[Rpg]

Probably wouldn't recommend pocket carry with no holster, but probably would suggest trying different pants with larger pockets.

Shop for pants with deeper pockets. I’ve found the older Orvis Zambezie Twill pants are perfect for me.

 

[45Smashemflat]

Big fan of the Kramer pocket holsters. Leather for the gun, and a plastic “front” to break up the outline.

You are never going to carry a gun in your pocket in a way that looks like your pocket is empty. You just need to ensure it doesn’t look like a gun.

 

[pacecars]

Haven’t tried an auto but I do carry a S&W 632 Ultimate Carry .32 H&R in a Barranti pocket holster and in jeans you can’t see it. If I wear light colored cargo type shorts it looks like I have a slim wallet in my pocket at most. It does not look like a gun.

 

[Dave Lively]

On the rare occasions I pocket carry its a P365 in a Vedders pocket holster. If I packet carried on a regular basis or wore tighter fitting pants I would buy a smaller gun, a P365 is pushing the limit for pocket carry in my case.

A packet holster will not make a gun disappear but it will make it look less like a gun. Most people will assume you have a large phone. It would be nice is someone made a pocket holster specifically designed to mimic the rectangular shape of a large phone instead of trying to make the gun less visible.

While people do pocket carry without a holster even if my guns had a manual safety I would not. The holster covers the trigger, keeps the gun upright, makes it less likely to fall out, keeps lint out and makes the gun look less like a gun. Even if it had a safety pocket carrying a striker fired gun without a holster would not feel safe to me. I might consider it with a gun that had a long DA pull like a revolver or the previous version of the Bodyguard but even then I would use a holster if possible.

 

[seldon14]

Big fan of the Kramer pocket holsters. Leather for the gun, and a plastic “front” to break up the outline.

You are never going to carry a gun in your pocket in a way that looks like your pocket is empty. You just need to ensure it doesn’t look like a gun.

I know these work well for some people, for me though this style adds to much thickness. It doesn't look like a gun, but it does cause people to ask why I'm carrying the complete works of JRR Tolkien in my pocket.

 

[max503]

Don't ask. You'll get too many opinions. Just do it.

 

[UNCLE PAULY]

Sig Sauer P365 in an Alabama Holster.
They have front or rear pocket holsters.
The P365 in kydex holster fits well in
cargo pants from Deluth Trading Co.