Pocket holster suggestions for S&W 638

[85V65Sabre]

Hello all, this is my first post over here in the wheel gun section as I'm a 3rd Gen auto addict.

I just purchased a 638 airweight with shrouded hammer & pink grips for my wife. I would like to get a pocket holster to keep the trigger covered while in her purse or glovebox.

Sorry, no pics yet. I will be sure to post some ASAP after I pick it up from my FFL next week.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Sabre

 

[326MOD10]

I have used for years a Blackhawk/Uncle Mikes (old brand that made them) pocket holster for my J frame for years. You can find the Blackhawk ones at Walmart usually and not very expensive.

Recently I purchased a Mika brand from a fellow forum member and I really like it so am transitioning.

One word of caution for using the way you are thinking. There really is no retention to keep the gun in place. You might want to think of another method. I sometimes stick my handgun in my work bag when I am driving to work and when trying it with a pocket holster the gun can (and does) come out of the holster.

You might consider a cheap IWB model or maybe something in kydex that would hold the gun in place where you put it.

 

[85V65Sabre]

One word of caution for using the way you are thinking. There really is no retention to keep the gun in place. You might want to think of another method. I sometimes stick my handgun in my work bag when I am driving to work and when trying it with a pocket holster the gun can (and does) come out of the holster.



You might consider a cheap IWB model or maybe something in kydex that would hold the gun in place where you put it.

Thanks for your suggestions.
I have thought of the concerns you have mentioned, but more concerned with something getting caught inside the trigger guard and causing a AD.

IWB has been discussed and out of the question as she sees it.
I'm also going to pick up a Fobus ankle holster for her. I carry a BUG in one and like it very much.

 

[ContinentalOp]

The issue that 326MOD10 is talking about is that pocket holsters usually don't retain the gun very well. If your wife uses a pocket holster in her purse, the gun could work it's way out of the holster and then you no longer have the covered trigger you wanted.

I have a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster for my 642. It will NOT hold onto the gun, which makes it good for a pocket holster or, as I use it, a nightstand holster. Not so good where a gun can get jostled about inside a purse or bag.

This is in addition to ensuring that the gun is held consistently in the same place and is accessible. Depending on what other items your wife may carry in her purse the gun may not be as immediately accessible if it ends up buried under stuff in an unknown orientation.

That's why it might be better to get a holster that has more retention, like an IWB or kydex holster as suggested, and find a way to secure it inside her purse, such as attaching velcro to the inside of her purse and the outside of the holster. Or get a purse that's purpose-built to carry a concealed handgun.

Just my thoughts on the matter, for what they're worth.

 

[85V65Sabre]

The issue that 326MOD10 is talking about is that pocket holsters usually don't retain the gun very well. If your wife uses a pocket holster in her purse, the gun could work it's way out of the holster and then you no longer have the covered trigger you wanted.

I understand what you guys are saying. I have no experience with pocket holsters, that's what led me here to ask the question and get input from people who have experience with them.

That's why it might be better to get a holster that has more retention, like an IWB or kydex holster as suggested, and find a way to secure it inside her purse, such as attaching velcro to the inside of her purse and the outside of the holster.

A pocket holster should work if secured inside the purse.
A holster that retains the pistol may hold it better than the velcro holds the holster to the purse.

Or get a purse that's purpose-built to carry a concealed handgun.

Come on, you know as well as I do you don't get involved in what style of purse the wife carries.[emoji15]

Ultimately this is something SHE has to work out.

I thank both of you for your input.[emoji106]

 

[shouldazagged]

I use a DeSantis Nemesis most of the time to carry a 640. In pockets that don't take kindly to it I use the Uncle Mike's #3 I used for many years (replacing them every three years or so when they got threadbare).

The Nemesis is my real choice now. Holds the gun well, adheres in the pocket, and positions the gun for a smooth draw.

 

[Targets Guy]

Remora makes a nice one


Stoner makes one that fits the 638-3 perfectly

 

[85V65Sabre]

How is the retention on the Stoner?

 

[Targets Guy]

How is the retention on the Stoner?

I think it is pretty good. The revolver slips right in and the "hook" on the holster catches the pocket when you draw it out of your pocket as does the purse if you catch the side of the purse with it.

I like it in my side coat pocket. It also holds my 3" 60-15 but the barrel sticks through.

 

[Blackshirt]

I use an El Paso Saddlery horsehide Pocket Max. Nice and thin, yet good coverage. The leather molds itself to the revolver in time. Available on Amazon for a shorter delivery and a bit of a discount...

 

[Rpg]

I've never found pocket holsters worthwhile.

They add bulk without offering a benefit in my experience.

I've carried my M 38 in a pocket with nothing else other than a handkerchief for many years.

I can't imagine why your wife would want one in a purse.

 

[85V65Sabre]

I can't imagine why your wife would want one in a purse.

Im concerned with something getting caught inside the trigger guard and causing a AD.

If the only thing you have in your pocket in the gun I don't see a problem not using a holster.
Have you seen the inside of a lady's purse?[emoji15]

 

[snubbyfan]

A pocket holster keeps the gun oriented and stable in the pocket. It also protects the fabric of the pocket from damage.
A properly made pocket holster fits comfortably and stays in the pocket when the gun's drawn.

 

[pittpa]

DiSantis Nemesis N3,Froggy, and Galco. I hope she can get to it quicker than my girl gets to her cellphone.

 

[sooper44]

I use the Galco PRO158B Pocket Protector Holster for my 442-1 Pro. Works great in my Wranglers, which is what I wear about 90% of the time. I like the fact that when I draw the gun, the holster stays put, as it should.

 

[wreckville]

I like Remora, have several for Revolvers & Semi-Autos.

 

[85V65Sabre]

I like Remora, have several for Revolvers & Semi-Autos.

I have a Remora for one of my autos, but I don't care for it. I would rather put the pistol in my waistband without a holster.

 

[smithman 10]

Pocket holster link

Mika holsters are great for J frames

https://mikaspocketholsters.com/product/pocket-holster/

 

[85V65Sabre]

As promised, pics [emoji106]

 

[F75gunslinger]

I've got a Don Hume pocket holster that fits my 642 perfectly , but being in a pocket is a whole different animal than being in a purse.

I would suggest looking at different holsters and finding something that is square bottomed, then using an attachment point at each corner of the holster to secure it into the purse.You can get a punch set to put buttons in relatively easy, and it would work quite well. Then as the Mrs. changes purses she can take the holster with her. I would suggest a leather holster as well, as the soft nylon type lose their shape over time. Being in a pocket helps it stay where it should, but in a purse the rigidity of the leather would be a good idea.