The J-frame: a carry 'mystery'.

I have always felt the J-frame was too large for pocket carry. I do pocket carry a 12-oz AirLite 351c sometimes, but I'm more likely to carry the NAA Black Widow. 9-oz of stainless steel but so much smaller and narrower than a J-frame it really disappears in a pocket, even when sitting.
 
tobimaru said:
Agreed.

Who here has a 28-30" waist? Anyone? Who is 130-140lbs fully clothed? Anyone?

Frequency of carry has a lot to do with it as well. I'd fully believe someone out there carries his revolver 24/7, 365 days a year at work and at home no matter what. However, that person is the exception. MOST people do not carry at work, and it's an afterthought even when they get home. For the couple days a week they actually carry (20-30hrs?) the revolver works. If you were bumping those numbers up to 100+ hours a week you might change carry pistols.

That said, I carry a steel frame 1911 some days and live with it. I totally understand wanting/liking/enjoying a revolver.
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36 jeans for IWB carry! That being said some 36 feel like 12 and some feel like 50. I went to buy a new pair of jeans the other week. Nothing fancy just for work. I went to buy the same exact pair I have that got too dirty and were starting to rip. I couldn't even put them on let alone button them!?! What gives?!?! Same exact pair that I was already wearing, the same ones that start to fall off without a belt! I know new jeans are a little tight but I couldn't even button these. Someone somewhere is messing with sizes!!!!

My work doesn't care so I carry most of the day. I don't at home but I have one near by

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
 
I've never been able to pocket carry .... I wear Wranglers (34 waist) 95% of the time.....OK I can get a gun in there but ..... digging it out is another matter.

I can and did just last weekend pocket carry my 337PD/ with old Uncle Mikes Pocket holster...... in suit pants to wedding ...... 1PM till 11PM......

My other choice was/is a "Colt mustang pocketlite"....... which looks like I'm carrying my wallet in my front pocket..........

To the points above; my wife has a theory that manufactures.... are 'tightening up" on their numbers..... saving a little bit on each piece of clothing will add up over thousands of units. Machine cutting vs. human may also impact sizes.......

I do know I've got several 36" belts (IWB carry) that are shorter ( one to two inches) than the 20 year old belts they are replacing.
 
Never heard of it.

I carried a gun for 30 plus years before I joined this Forum and first read about 'pocket carry.' To be perfectly honest, I thought folks were referencing carrying a gun in their back pocket. :confused: I simply could not imagine carrying one in a front pocket.

I soon learned some do carry in their FRONT pocket. Got a Mika holster and tried it. NO BUENO!!!!

First, it is very difficult to sit, well nigh impossible to draw whilst sitting, and maybe I am more active than some but found it burdensome.

I DO carry IWB and OWB with zero difficulty but pocket carry simply is not doable for me. And I wouldn't be caught dead in cargo pants/shorts. :eek: ;)

All said, I have learned much new stuff on this Forum and please do not construe my remarks here as suggesting you are wrong in your means of carry.

Be safe.
 
Since I started carrying, when I buy pants, I try how the gun fits before I buy. If I can't carry and draw my 442 from the front pockets I don't buy them. When I buy a suit I get measured with my carry guns. If shirts don't cover the gear on my belt, forget about it.
 
oldiesradio1560 said:
I daily carry my 640-3 in a Uncle Mike's 36 holster in my front jeans pocket. The Hogue grip sticks out of my pocket maybe 1/4" which is easy to conceal with any t-shirt I have. I also carry IWB at times. No problems.
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Get a few pair of LL Bean Natural fit jeans - the front pockets are larger and deeper. Plus ----- their Jeans are GREAT! :)
 
The Big D said:
I carried a gun for 30 plus years before I joined this Forum and first read about 'pocket carry.' To be perfectly honest, I thought folks were referencing carrying a gun in their back pocket. :confused: I simply could not imagine carrying one in a front pocket.

I soon learned some do carry in their FRONT pocket. Got a Mika holster and tried it. NO BUENO!!!!

First, it is very difficult to sit, well nigh impossible to draw whilst sitting, and maybe I am more active than some but found it burdensome.

I DO carry IWB and OWB with zero difficulty but pocket carry simply is not doable for me. And I wouldn't be caught dead in cargo pants/shorts. :eek: ;)

All said, I have learned much new stuff on this Forum and please do not construe my remarks here as suggesting you are wrong in your means of carry.

Be safe.
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Like anything else, it takes a few days to get comfortable with ANY carry method. Secondly, all of a sudden the girls started starring at me with a smile - :D:D I wear LL Bean Jeans (Natural fit) they have huge front pockets that are deeper too. BTW their Jeans are also top notch! :)
 
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I find that there are times that pocket carry works well and other times not so much. Some pants accommodate that form of carry better than others...and at times even if the pocket is commodious enough, the way the gun lays in the pocket may or may not "feel" just right.

When it works well, I'm fine with it. When it doesn't, or I don't want to carry in pocket, I carry AIWB with my Dark Star Gear (Boltaron) holster which is nigh on perfect for the job. "Horses for courses" and all that.
 
My J frame carries VERY well in a belt holster at 4:00 and is no problem concealing what so ever. In fact, it carries more comfortably than my Shield 9mm or Glock 23. BUT...it doesn't get carried very often because of the capacity.
 
Protected One said:
My J frame carries VERY well in a belt holster at 4:00 and is no problem concealing what so ever. In fact, it carries more comfortably than my Shield 9mm or Glock 23. BUT...it doesn't get carried very often because of the capacity.
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Agree. My 642-1 is my walking around gun. Walk the dog, go to the mailbox etc. (And only some of the time.)

Otherwise, and especially if I get in the 4Runner to leave my home, one of my Glocks gets the call.
 
I've carried a gun for a living since I've been 18, starting with an M-60 supplied by the University of Science, Music and Culture (USMC), followed by a four decade stint in policing, where I carried two guns the majority of my career.

After spending a small fortune on the latest/greatest holster/method, I finally discovered that there is no comfortable way to carry a concealed weapon, so I've always looked for the LEAST UNCOMFORTABLE way.

I've carried a "J" frame S&W continuously since 1973, starting with a bobbed hammer Model 60 with the grip wrapped in rubber bands, tucked in my waist band. While in uniform, to back-up my service weapon, I carried a "J" frame in an ankle holster, and wore many out over the years. The only problem I ever experienced with that carry method was when I lost my gun in a night time foot pursuit that covered a long distance. After more than an hour of retracing my steps, luckily my partner stepped on and found it.

Old habits die hard. To this day, I still carry a 642 in either a Renegade or Mitch Rosen ankle holster when I can't pocket carry. This method of carry is normally used when I wear dress trousers or jeans.

Even though retired, I still predominately wear cargo type 5.11 tactical trousers or 5.11 shorts in the summer, not only for comfort, but for all the pocket space they provide for extra ammo, knife, flashlight, credentials, et al. When wearing same, I always carry a 642 in a square bottom Mika pocket holster in the large, slanted right rear pocket. It is easily accessible, doesn't print and is the least uncomfortable carry method I have ever found.

A couple of years ago I acquired a "Sticky" holster, and occasionally appendix carry a Glock Model 43 in it. I've found this also to be one of the least uncomfortable carry methods which allows very quick access to the firearm. Upon observing this method, one of my shooting buddies told me that I was putting my "junk" at risk and should seriously reconsider. I promptly replied that there was zero risk, since it is impossible to kill what is already dead!

There your have it, what has worked for me in 50 years of gun toting. Just remember if you use any of the aforementioned methods/advice, which is worth exactly what you paid for it, be careful with appendix carry, especially if your junk is still 10-8.
 
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I carried IWB/appendix for years until I developed back & hip problems. My J frame went into my left front pocket (leftie) ever since using a well worn Galco pocket holster. You do lose that pocket for anything else so you have to get creative about how to carry other stuff. Colder weather helps from the standpoint of more pockets.
 
Old cop said:
I carried IWB/appendix for years until I developed back & hip problems. My J frame went into my left front pocket (leftie) ever since using a well worn Galco pocket holster. You do lose that pocket for anything else so you have to get creative about how to carry other stuff. Colder weather helps from the standpoint of more pockets.
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Lefty too!!

How were you trained to do reloads?

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
 
American1776 said:
Many people will assert that the 5 shot revolver is not the best concealment gun for pocket carry, because the cylinder makes the gun too thick. These folks typically advise a small 380 for pocket carry.

I've carried both types of guns. And if you look at the revolver and the small auto side by side, you'll *think* the auto is thinner and therefore easier to conceal in a pocket. However, I've found the opposite, and here's my take:

The revolver's contours are very different from the squared off shape of an auto pistol. The 'beaver tail' of all auto pistols always give away the silhouette of a gun shape more pronounced than the rounded silhouette of the revolver. The cylinder, while thick, actually takes the pocket material outward, thus further obscuring the 'gun shape' silhouette through the pocket.

For these reasons, I've gone back to a 649 for pocket carry purposes, loaded with 158 gr. 357 magnums.
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.357 Mag 158gr? The recoil must be severe.
 
otasan56 said:
.357 Mag 158gr? The recoil must be severe.
Click to expand...

It's not that bad. The gun is 23 ounces, and it doesn't hurt to shoot.

I had a 657 2.5 inch 41 magnum with wood boot grips. After 12 full power 210 gr. JSP, my hand was done. This little 357 mag is really not bad at all
 
It's all in the dress. I have a pair of pants that can hide twin Vaqueros in the front pockets.... completely. The roundness of the cylinders in nicer than the flatness of the slide. Slides go in waistbands and cylinders in pockets.
 
American1776 said:
Many people will assert that the 5 shot revolver is not the best concealment gun for pocket carry, because the cylinder makes the gun too thick. These folks typically advise a small 380 for pocket carry.

I've carried both types of guns. And if you look at the revolver and the small auto side by side, you'll *think* the auto is thinner and therefore easier to conceal in a pocket. However, I've found the opposite, and here's my take:

The revolver's contours are very different from the squared off shape of an auto pistol. The 'beaver tail' of all auto pistols always give away the silhouette of a gun shape more pronounced than the rounded silhouette of the revolver. The cylinder, while thick, actually takes the pocket material outward, thus further obscuring the 'gun shape' silhouette through the pocket.

For these reasons, I've gone back to a 649 for pocket carry purposes, loaded with 158 gr. 357 magnums.
Click to expand...

Sounds like your trying to justify your carrying of a revolver instead of a small pocket auto ..

Carry which ever you are comfortable with .. no need for excuses !!
 
I carry bolth in pocket. .32, .380 , 9 mm ( Lc9 it's the max I can pocket carry in auto ) & 442. The 442 blends. Well always.
 
well...

I tried the pocket carry for my 640 nd and found the presentation too slow ... for me. OWB Galco pancake all the way.
IMG_0269.jpg
 
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I carry with an untucked button up shirt with a "wife beater T" underneath.

I won't try and tell you it does not get hot, it does. When it gets really hot I unbutton the cover shirt and press on.
 
My new favorite work jeans are Wrangler "Riggs". They have very deep front pockets which my 642CT rides in BlackHawk #4 pocket holster. I never have anything else in the pocket and they are comfortable because I work 14 hours a day.
 
American1776 said:
Many people will assert that the 5 shot revolver is not the best concealment gun for pocket carry, because the cylinder makes the gun too thick. These folks typically advise a small 380 for pocket carry.

I've carried both types of guns. And if you look at the revolver and the small auto side by side, you'll *think* the auto is thinner and therefore easier to conceal in a pocket. However, I've found the opposite, and here's my take:

The revolver's contours are very different from the squared off shape of an auto pistol. The 'beaver tail' of all auto pistols always give away the silhouette of a gun shape more pronounced than the rounded silhouette of the revolver. The cylinder, while thick, actually takes the pocket material outward, thus further obscuring the 'gun shape' silhouette through the pocket.

For these reasons, I've gone back to a 649 for pocket carry purposes, loaded with 158 gr. 357 magnums.
Click to expand...

Have you test-fired those 158gr .357 loads yet? Beware of the recoil. :eek:
 
I pocket carry when I can (cargo shorts during the summer and docker style pants with front pleats at other times) I only wear jeans during cool weather and then I can carry in an OWB pancake under a sweater or btton down shirt with the tails out.
I find pocket carry very comfortable and concealable in Dockers.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
 
ISCS Yoda said:
It takes a little skill and imagination and then NOTHING shows. First, tight pants might be an issue. Not necessarily but maybe. Think that through. Thin pants create more of an issue than thicker pants, like jeans. So that matters, too.

I pocket carried a Beretta 950BS 25 ACP pistol in my front pants pocket for years and years. I routinely placed a folded handkerchief in front of it to reduce the printing and then, one day on a whim, I picked up an old, thin leather card case and VOILA!!! It always looked square = wallet in front pocket = INVISIBLE. Worked like a charm and then one day I discovered pocket holsters - in a gun store in Tallahassee, FL in the early 1990s. Not sure how I missed them before, actually, but stuff happens. So, a little Kydex pocket holster worked perfectly but as I looked at my pocket I thought to myself, "Self, that would sure be less conspicuous with that leather piece in front of it". So I stopped the handkerchief trick but kept that leather piece and lo and behold, decades pass, and nobody has ever, not one time, pinned that gun.

Wait, I skipped a spot. I forgot to mention that I switched to a S&W M642 sometime after I left employment at a place where guns were forbidden but I was doing it anyway. I guess it was about 12 years ago I switched to the J frame, leather pocket holster, and same leather square in front of it to = wallet appearance. Yes, it is a little thicker than the little .25 auto but not to the extent that anyone could ever tell.

I happen to have developed a dislike of J frames for other reasons so I try to either carry a 2" K frame .38 or a 3rd Gen 9mm IWB or OWB but there are days when I still grab the J-frame and drop it in my pocket (it is easier to deal with, I admit that). Even sitting down it is invisible.

So, I will agree with the OP - it is very easy to pocket carry and conceal a J frame.
Click to expand...

Good write-up Senior Chief.

STG2 Mitchell A. Ota USN
Enlisted 18 June 1974
Honorably discharged 17Jun80
Vietnam vet April 1975.
 
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