Smith 642 holster

[ccm143]

Hi,

I just received my Smith & Wesson 642 snub nose 38 and am in the market for a good (but reasonable) pocket holster. The FFL holder that received the gun for me had an Uncle Mikes pocket holster that I tried but you could see the butt of the handle in my pocket. It just did not set deep enough for good concealment. Is this a problem with most pocket holsters?

I seem to read a lot of good comments about the Mika and DeSantis Nemesis. Will either of these holsters let the gun ride deeper in the pocket than the Uncle Mikes?

Also, I have read comments where people say the DeSantis will let the gun drop out of the holster when sitting. Is this true?

Thanks to everyone who replies.

 

[Robinett_11B]

Doesn't get much deeper than just letting the Centennial ride 'naked' in the pocket...much more liberating too

Seriously though, I went through a lot of pocket holsters before I just settled on carrying in shorts, pants, and jackets sans holster. All the pocket holsters I tried, even Kydex ones, were just too bulky or awkward or loose or tight, etc.

FWIW, my favorite was the Galco Pocket Protector. Good luck in the search.

 

[stmry]

Robinett Said it best...just put it in your pocket. simplicity,simplicity.....Henry David would concur as well..that's if he carried.

 

[one eye joe]

you could see the butt of the handle in my pocket. It just did not set deep enough for good concealment. Is this a problem with most pocket holsters?

I seem to read a lot of good comments about the Mika and DeSantis Nemesis. Will either of these holsters let the gun ride deeper in the pocket than the Uncle Mikes?

The problem is with your pants, NOT the holsters. Any experienced pistolero will tell you that you need to dress around the weapon. Try a different brand of pants. Take the weapon into the dressing room with you and try it out in the mirror. If you're stuck on wearing your current pants, just go to your tailor and have him extend your carrying pocket a coupla inches. That's easily done for a coupla bucks..........

 

[bennettfam]

My Nemisis gives the same problem, and I can't/don't want to buy a new wardrobe to fit my revolver. Soooo, do as I am, keep looking or consider going commando so to speak.

People warn of pocket lint if you go holsterless but in a 642 that you clean up periodically there shouldn't be any problem with function from lint, unlike an exposed hammer gun. My concern is printing or wearing a hole in the pocket from the front sight.

 

[photoman]

Joe has it right. Sounds like your pants pocket is not deep enough (unless I am misunderstanding your question).

I prefer the Mika but there are many good pocket holsters out there. A good pocket holster will keep the gun lint free, position the gun in the same place consistently and prevent the gun from printing through the pocket. All good reasons to use a pocket holster of some sort.

 

[I-Toon]

How about taking your pants to a tailor and having them make the pocket larger? I haven't purchased my 642 or 442 yet, but that's my plan.

 

[wrangler5]

Ever thought about a SmartCarry? It's like an extra pocket (actually 2 pockets) you strap on. Looks and sounds weird, but I can tell you from experience carrying a Glock 26 (a half pound heavier than a 642) that it's really quite comfortable - all day, sitting, standing and driving. I'd say give it a look.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I don't usually pocket carry my 642, but when I do it's in a DeSantis Nemesis. I wear jeans 99.99% of the time now. They're relaxed enough, in terms of fit, that it doesn't print too bad. It just looks like I'm one of those guys that carries a bunch of stuff in his pockets (which I am). The opening at the top of the pocket is more or less horizontal, so I don't worry about it falling out while sitting. The pocket opening is large enough for me to get my hand on the gun and draw it fairly quickly, unless I'm sitting (why I typically don't pocket carry).

The khakis I have use the large, slash-type diagonal pockets. I wouldn't pocket carry in those as then I would be worried about the gun falling out (the Nemesis has zero retention on the gun), not to mention the butt of the gun being more visible to anyone behind and off to the side of me. Having the pockets made deeper sounds like a viable solution.

From what I've read, as long as the pocket opening is at least 6" you shouldn't have any problems grabbing and drawing your gun. Unless you make a mason jar look like a shot glass when you hold it.

 

[goldenbb]

I just got a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster from Midway for mine. Don't waste your money. It was supposed to break up the outline of the gun, but honestly, the thing looks less obvious when it's not in the holster! I prefer to cover the trigger with something, but I seem to be unable to find any holster that really conceals even the 642 for me.

 

[jimmyjoe]

I like the Galco pocket holsters.

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[TheTinMan]

I'm surprised by suggestions to carry a pistol in your pocket without a proper holster. A good pocket holster serves two functions: 1) Keeps the pistol in the same position for consistent draws, and 2) forces you to put your trigger finger along the side of the gun while drawing instead of prematurely sticking your finger inside the trigger guard and just waiting for an accident.

#1 is very important.

#2 is vital IMHO.

I use a leather pocket holster made specifically for my 642. It's similar to this one (which I know nothing about):

BTW a handkerchief put between the holster and the outside of your pants pocket can do wonders to break up the silloutte of the gun.

 

[wrangler5]

I just got a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster from Midway for mine. Don't waste your money.

I have a Nemesis for a KelTec P3AT, for which it does a fine job, but a 642 is much fatter and adding the thickness of a Nemesis would just make it worse. At least in MY pockets.

I frankly don't expect to carry my (442) in a pants pocket unless/until I lose a LOT of weight, and will probably use a small clip-on IWB most of the time. But for the occasion when I'm just going to get ice cream or something and don't want to clip on a holster, I expect I'll just put the gun in a jacket pocket naked. I'm not real concerned about getting on the trigger too soon. And in fact one of the benefits of a revolver over a small auto is that you can fire it through a jacket pocket if need be - but that's tough to do if it's in a holster.

 

[Robinett_11B]

I'm surprised by suggestions to carry a pistol in your pocket without a proper holster. A good pocket holster serves two functions: 1) Keeps the pistol in the same position for consistent draws, and 2) forces you to put your trigger finger along the side of the gun while drawing instead of prematurely sticking your finger inside the trigger guard and just waiting for an accident.

1) I've never had an issue with my Centennials flopping upside down and backwards from riding in any of my pockets sans holster. I have, however, had problems drawing the revolver from every pocket holster I owned in at least one pocket or another...whereas I've never had an issue sans holster.

2) Waiting for an accident?? If you don't have have the control to not "accidentally" touch off a 12 pound DAO trigger, then you probably shouldn't be carrying a firearm. That's one of the great things about these guns, they wont go off until you make a seriously conscious effort to pull that trigger.


After carrying in many different positions and pockets sans holster, I feel much more comfortable just slipping the little J into my pocket vs. fumbling with a box of holsters. I accept a little extra finish wear and I already maintain my guns weekly...so I'm not too worried about the common "drawbacks" associated w/ pocket carrying without a holster.


Just my $0.02....YMMV

 

[chp]

2) Waiting for an accident?? If you don't have have the control to not "accidentally" touch off a 12 pound DAO trigger, then you probably shouldn't be carrying a firearm. That's one of the great things about these guns, they wont go off until you make a seriously conscious effort to pull that trigger.

I completely agree with this statement. I do use a pocket holster though - but I use a Nemesis that's made for an auto (my 3AT) that does not cover the trigger guard. It holds the J without making it hard to draw.

 

[meh92]

The problem is with your pants, NOT the holsters. Any experienced pistolero will tell you that you need to dress around the weapon. Try a different brand of pants. Take the weapon into the dressing room with you and try it out in the mirror. If you're stuck on wearing your current pants, just go to your tailor and have him extend your carrying pocket a coupla inches. That's easily done for a coupla bucks..........

I tend to believe that the pants are your problem. I also would never recommend carrying a handgun in a pocket without a pocket holster.