[flip180]

Is it more out of convenience of necessity? I have a G19 that I love and would carry everywhere but, it isn't the best carry gun all the time. That's why I have my 642 for pocket carry. I have a two and a half year old daughter that goes all over the place when we go out getting into things where I'm always having to reel her in and take things from her. That involves me having to bend over alot and increases the chance of my G19 printing and or snagging on my shirt. That's why I keep having to rely on pocket carry with my 642 more than IWB with my G19 when out with my family.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v634/flip180/tacpro107.jpg?t=1172115901

Flip.

[Juna]

Easier to conceal means 24/7 CCW in times, places, & conditions that might not otherwise allow successful concealment of a larger firearm. Plus, a pocket carry gun is much more likely to be carried by my wife than if I bought her a larger weapon. I'd rather have her have a small gun than no gun at all.

[Ichiro]

* comfortable
* easy
* my pocket holster cost $20
* easy to "put on" and "take off"
* gripping the gun while in the pocket is not the least bit abnormal-looking
* don't need an expensive gun belt, or any belt

Careful with jacket pocket carry, however. Many pocket holsters offer no retention ability whatsoever, and that's by design. My 642 has slid out of my coat pockets more than once while I was sitting down in my car. A loaded gun, with the barrel pointed up at me:eek: Thank you God for letting me live and learn this lesson.

I now make sure the coat pocket is sealed with a button or velcro, or is one of those pockets that goes straight up and down.

No worries whatsoever with pants pockets.

[tackleberi]

I pocket carry 90% of the time I carry (and I ALWAYS carry, even at home), because of the reasons you reference.....no matter how much your IWB covers, if you're busy chasing around kids and such, it will show at some point, even with big or untucked shirts. This is not an option for me.

As well, my work environment will not allow even the best-designed IWB holster's clips to look anything other than out-of-place. I've even tried Comp-Tac's C and V clips, and they still can't be made 'invisible' enough for my circumstances. I don't care what anybody says, once somebody catches a hint of even the stealthiest clips on a tuckable/IWB holster, the jig is up...you're busted.

My answer to the ultra-stealth constraints my life (electively) places on me is a Seecamp LWS380 90% of the time, and my Wilson Combat 1911 the other 10%, usually in a Comp-Tac CTAC or Rafter S Gunleather OWB. Don't get me wrong, I know there are compromises to be had with the LWS380, but job security, professional concerns, and problems with clients won't be one of them.

That said, I still love my Wilson and wish I could carry it 100% of the time.

[koja48]

PT111 9mm

[perpster]

Because it's there and because I can.:)

[Delta608]

I carry a Walther PPK on the ankle...(i know, I know)..My wife switches from her SW642 and her LS9mm in her purse pouch thingy....

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

I don't pocket carry, but I have considered it. The only way I would is if I had a small enough revolver to fit very easily in a pocket. It would have to be a revolver since my pocket would interfere with the slide of an auto. As for why, I can see it being useful in a mugging type situation. If the BG demands my wallet, phone, etc, putting my hand in my pocket is natural. Going for a holster looks like going for a holster. It gives me the ability to actually fire from inside my jacket before the BG even suspects something is wrong.

[cookekdjr]

Y'all have hit some good points on pocket carry. Its very easy to do with small kids around. And its a good place to have a gun during an attempted mugging ("I'm just reaching for my wallet, Mr. Badguy"...).
I usually carry a SIG p232 in my front pocket. I often carry a S&W j-frame in a front pocket as well.
-David

[Shadan7]

I *always* pocket-carry, it's just that sometimes that is my 'back-up'. The convenience of it can't be beat, and there are reasonable calibers/guns out there (I carry a 9mm) for SD. Sure, sometimes I also have a bigger gun on my hip or in my armpit, but the 9 is always in my pocket. :cool:

7

[Bob M.]

I always put my model 37 Smith in my back pocket when around or just outside the house. It's very easy to just drop it in there as opposed to always wearing a holster.

[tek]

I noticed the other day that the NAA .32 magnum revolver project is now considered a dead stick. I was looking forward to that.

Most of the time I pocket a Kahr MK9. I'm looking forward to receiving my Rohrbaugh as well.

Pocket carry is the most convenient and worry free. It also has its tactical advantages, if you spot trouble, you can have your hand on your gun without anyone noticing. It is generally not as fast as IWB draw though if you don't spot trouble before it happens. Still alot better than ankle carry though (which I do sometimes).

[DMK]

Convenience mainly. I just drop my 642(with it's pocket holster) in my pocket and go.

[MD_Willington]

My PT111 fits in some of my pockets, especially in my Chore coat. I do not do it too often though.

[Sun195]

I do it because it's easy to do and doesn't require specific attire to conceal the gun. I carry a P3AT in a pocket holster that prints like a wallet. It goes well with slacks or jeans.

Used to carry a G19 but couldn't always wear a jacket to cover it. I'll sometimes carry a S&W 60 "mexican style" if I'm wearing a light fleece jacket or something similar.

[Nomad, 2nd]

Backup, weak hand draw, ability to have it 'in my hand' w/o it being visable.

[s&w 24]

pocket carry is for NPE and BUG uses.

[TOADMAN]

Just another option...Don't like to limit myself when it comes to self protection.. I have a S&W 642 and a S&W 637 "Chief's Special" and most of the time CC them OWB in a belt holster.. Sometimes, the 642/637 in a #3 Uncle Mikes pocket holster will suffice..

[mainmech48]

My 'always' (always on my person) gun is a Keltec P-32 and it's nearly always in a pocket in a Don Hume holster. It's extremely inconspicuous no matter what I'm wearing, instantly available, and the whole schmeer - pistol, loaded 8-rd. mag, and holster - weighs less than 14 oz.

This rig makes it possible for me to be armed with both comfort and discretion in places and situations where almost any larger firearm would be very difficult to conceal effectively enough to avoid detection and negative attention.

[scurtis_34471]

I bought my Bersa Thunder .380 CC specifically for pocket carry. With lightweight clothing and the Florida heat, pocket carry is sometimes the best option.

[Steve H]

If I can't have my 1911 on my belt then the Mustang goes in the pocket.

[Mandirigma]

For me it just depends on the weather. I can take most of this Texas heat and humidity, but on the truly awful 100+ degree 80%+ humidity days in july/august its hard not to dress in lightweight clothing. For those days I carry my subcompact glock.

[tegemu]

For most of the reasons listed, I pocket carry about 80% of the time. When I do it's a Kimber Ultra Carry II. .45 ACP in a Sam Andrews www.andrewsleather.com pocket holster. The other 20% of the time I am wearing a Brommeland www.brommelandgunleather.com Max Con V with a Smith & Wesson Bobtailed Scandium Commander in it

[jwkeene]

My work does not allow me to wear a shirttail untucked. Due to heat and humidity here in South Texas that leaves

1. Wearing a covering garment that you will sweat to death in

2. Utilizing some type off body carry such as a planner with a holster in it

3. a fanny pack which screams gun

4. pocket carry

I would rather have a Kel Tec in my pocket than the 1911 that stays in the safe.

JWK

[g5reality]

I just stareted to pocket carry with the purchase of my 642. It fits everywhere. in the leather coat inside pocket, pant pocket, I'd carry the G19 but I'll wait until next monthe when I get my G26 or my Kimber Ultra RCP II or Ultra Carry II. The RCP seems to be a little narrower 1.15 as opposed to 1.28 Inches. Otherwise same Height, radius, length. If I deceide I need the night sites It'll be a Ultra Carry II.

They're both great little guns

[Jkwas]

I've recently become a convert to pocket carry. I have a stainless snub that weighs in around 24 oz. I thought it would be too heavy, but it's more comfortable than any other method. I use the Desantis Nemisis and wear a good gunbelt to keep my pants up (this I found to be very important) and you don't even realize it's there. You carry the same weight as you do on your waist, it's just in a different spot. I still use OWB (concealed under a long shirt) or IWB when my pants don't have large enough pockets, but right now it's my preferred method.

[DAdams]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m22/dadams111/P2280047.jpg

My carries. Most of the time one only with knife. When in Miami all three and a .357 in the truck.

[flip180]

The summer heat here in Texas is also a big factor. I wear alot of Old Navy shorts in the summer along with T-shirts and with the wind here in NW Texas blowing my shirt up against my G19, it's just easier to pocket carry.

Flip.

[The_Shootist]

Believe it or not, I pocket carry my Mak when the warm weather comes and I'm in shorts / tshirt mode (not even that big of pockets). Its in a sticky Nemisis pocket holster. Two backup mags are in pouches on my belt.

Its just that I find I can draw faster from pocket carry mode than IWB mode. And the Mak hase decent stopping power (no worse than a .38spl) with more rounds in summer weather, when people aren't liley to be layered up.

[Srigs]

IT WORKS!

That sums it up... :what:

[Stevie-Ray]

P-32 is in my pocket almost all the time. Pocket holster cost me 9 bucks. P-32 stays as a BUG when carrying something bigger. I now carry about 95% of the time, and I like that.

[aguyindallas]

I wear a shirt and tie, 6 days a week. I am always too damn hot to wear a cover jacket/garment, so pocket (or ankle) carry is the only logical alternative. I could carry my Glock in my laptop bag I suppose, but I am not a fan of off body carry. So...642 rides in my pocket in one of the 2 holsters I use. I use either a Galco Pocket Horsehide or a Desantis Nemesis, depending on the pants I am wearing that day.

[mtbkski]

Like the saying goes. One in the hand is better than one at home. There are times that you just can't or really don't want to carry on your hip. A small snubbie in your front pocket inside of a Nemisis Pocket Holster goes unnoticed. Yet, rides very comforatable. This means that I always, and I do mean always, have a pistol with me. Even in a pair of shorts, with sandals, and no shirt. I can carry, and no one is the wiser.

[jeffkirchner]

...I can see it being useful in a mugging type situation. If the BG demands my wallet, phone, etc, putting my hand in my pocket is natural.

I used to carry my 642 in my right rear pants pocket for that reason.

http://i16.tinypic.com/2hwzdcg.jpg

[oceansands]

Some-one help me out!!!! I carry a G36 and G21 and a CZ P01, and sometimes an old Beretta model 70. Ok so the thing I'm wondering is this; according to smiths website the 642 is 6 3/8s overall. My 36 is 6.77 inches overall. Not that I plan on pocket carry for the 36, but are the J frames that much thinner as well as shorter? I am interested in pocket carry for the summer! Could some post a pic of their J frame in their pocket. Thanks for the help guys!

[gezzer]

I wear suspenders. Belt or in the pants or paddles sag. Pocket carry my Glock 26 has never been spotted. Shoulder holsters make my arthritic shoulders ache.

Reaching in my pockets if getting robbed is very natural, especially when I drop my money clip with my off hand.

[WmCC]

A 642 or a P3at and a pair of the best running shoes made. No extended engagements...strictly a save the bacon proposition.

[dispatch]

In jeans back pocket- S&W Lady Smith .38. Car- Ruger p90. Anything else- Kel Tec 3AT (hate the gun but it shoots, it's light and concealable, and it fits anywhere).

[3rdpig]

I pocket carry because it's easy, the concealment, when done properly, is deep and the gun is quick and easy to present. It's also secure, you'd have to do cartwheels to cause the gun to fall out. I usually wear a wifebeater T shirt, with Perry suspenders over that, then a knit or button up shirt over that, untucked. With a decent leather belt (it doesn't have to be real tight) and the suspenders, the pants just seem to float, and even something as heavy as a loaded G26 or an AMT .45 Backup seems weightless. About the only time I don't pocket carry is when riding a motorcycle, then it's back to the traditional shoulder holster.

[deputy tom]

I pocket carry a 642 more often than not.Sometimes however I'll carry a Seecamp .32,kel-tec P-32 or a Beretta .25acp depending on dress.YMMV.tom.

[308win]

Seems the most natural and comfortable method of concealed carry. My 642 is everywhere I am where carry is legal.

[lesjones]

In the South it's too hot for jackets, sweaters, and sport coats most of the year. I usually don't wear my shirts untucked, so any kind of belt holster is out.

That leaves ankle carry or pocket carry, so I pocket carry.

[3fgburner]

P3AT in vest pocket, for deep-cover or BUG. Also, an NAA Black Widow in the boot.

[boerseun]

There really is no way for me to beat a P3AT in a jean pocket.

[MCgunner]

90 percent of the time, pocket carry is the only carry I can do for concealment reasons. I work in a shop, lay under tractors, don't wanna be laying on a gun IWB. I deal with customers. My shirt tail ain't always down over my waste when I'm working, bending over and laying on the ground. I feel better with the gun in a pocket. If I'm going out on the town, I might go IWB with a .357 revolver (usually) or a .45 caliber service sized auto, but I really feel 9mm+P or .38 special +P is plenty adequate for self defense. Actually, I practice with both these pocket sized guns a lot and they are quite adequately accurate even for a service size gun, let alone a pocket gun. Some of the little .32/.380s (and the .380 I have) aren't too accurate at extended ranges, up close and personal guns, but my Kel Tec 9 and Taurus M85 are useful even at 25 yards or farther, which makes me more confident in them at 7-15 yards.

I traded a P95 away because I couldn't get 15 round mags for it at the time and it wasn't a whole lot easier to carry than my P90 nor a lot more accurate than my 11 round P11 that fits in a pocket. If I could have gotten reliable 15 round mags for it, I might have kept it for the fire power. It was an easy gun to IWB, but like I say, not much easier than my P90, fit the same Sparks Summer Special. It was only about 5 ounces lighter. NOW, I can order 12 round mags for my Kel Tec, so I'd still have to question the logic in carrying that P95 when I can shoot that Kel Tec just about as well and it hides in a pocket.

In the old days when even .380s were IWB guns, I could see the reasoning for not carrying a .25 in a pocket when I could carry a more effective gun IWB. But, now days, you've got .380s the size of some of the old .25s and 9mms that will fit in a large pant pocket with ease. My question would be why do you carry IWB when you can carry an effective weapon in a pocket? I'm sure some would answer "because my 1911 won't fit in a pocket". Well, I ain't into 1911s anyway. :neener: I'd rather be comfortable and discrete and carry a pocket 9.

[george29]

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l15/avisamuel/pocketwear.jpg
Oceansands, you requested a picture.
My personal experience is that the J-frame anything (mine is a .44 Bulldog) is the easiest and most comfortable for pocket carry and sits naturally in a jeans / dockers front pocket. I dress nicely but buy clothes with CCW in mind so you wont catch me wearing tight shirts or too tight pants. I almost bought a G-36 but when I tried shoving it in my pocket, it felt odd and printed too much. Out here, I constantly see gang bangers printing semi-auto's in their low rider baggie pants. I sometimes pocket carry my 296 which is an L frame with no problem either, but the J frame is best for me.

[glocktoberfest]

shorts , tank top & flip flops = pocket carry :D

[Glockman17366]

I carry a Taurus M85 Multi-Alloy most the time. The gun is normally carried in a Galco or Mikas pocket holster.
Been doing this for many years...
Pocket carry for a small handgun is the most convenient method I have found, so I do it...all the time, even if I'm carrying a gun OWB.

The only thing I would do differently is get a bobbed or hammerless .38. When I bought the Taurus several years ago, hammerless models weren't available in the Multi-Alloy series. I've thought about selling this one and going for a new 851 (concealed hammer, but DA/SA), but I know I'd regret selling the 85.
Guess I'll have to buy another gun!

[MCgunner]

I ain't really into guns I can't cock and fire SA like the 642. I have a Taurus M85UL and pocket it and have had no problems on the draw, just lay a thumb up over the hammer. I agree hammerless is better for pocket only, though, and the body guard style snubbies with cockable, but shrouded hammers is a good option I may persue in the future, but my little P11 Kel Tec is hammerless, a little square J frame with a unique to revolvers feeding mechanism containing the ammo in a steel magazine. :D It's a DAO gun and I think of it as a little square, flat J frame. I don't feel REAL in a hurry to buy another J frame sized gun anytime soon.

[oceansands]

Thanks george29 , you can't tell it's there. I think it's time to save some money fro a new gun! I can't stand carrying IWB, I'm going to have to pocket carry this summer! Now I just need to get a new gun.


By the way george29 I love the back ground!:neener: :evil:

[10-Ring]

I pocket carry simply because it seems to be the most concealed & in Ca, that is huge.

[aguyindallas]

Well, I wear a shirt and tie to work every day. I am always "hot" and I would die if I wore a cover garment (suit jacket) all day, every day. If I could, I would carry my G23 when at work, but that just wont work without a cover garment. So...my 642 was my best alternative and it goes with me everywhere. I ankle carried a Glock 26 for a while and even got an ankle holster for my 642, but it was just more comfortable to pocket carry.

Works for me

[Fun2Shoot]

Quick and easy way to arm myself for spur of the moment short local trips outside the home or just around the neighborhood.

[Claude Clay]

IWB sig 239 in 40 or hot season a kt p11. weak side vest or coat pocket s&w 642. to "walk the dogs"...a p32 or p3at in a wallet holester

[gcdan]

I am from ks and just recieved my CCP 1 month ago. I find that the 637 S&W
workd great for pocket carry in a uncle mike pocket holster. I also packs a pretty good punch loaded with 38+p!

[DomMega]

Those S&W airweights are really great little guns for concealed carry. They also gotta nice little kick to them. And seeing the hammer is enclosed when I first starting shooting my cop buddy's 442 on LAPD I was pretty jerky from anticipating the round. But then I just skip loaded and got over it. A DA trigger pull has the tendency to do that, hehe.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/images/firearms/162810_thumb.jpg

[murph50]

I prefer to carry 24/7. Often I find that holster carry can be tough because of hot weather,work activities and such. The little P3 at in the pocket is very convenient and very concealable.
When working or driving around I usually have my day pack with a holstered larger gun and the P3at inside. Gives me the option for either gun but if I just have to run into a store or something it's easy to throw the P3at in my pocket.If I'm in a bad area or such--I have the option of carrying the holstered larger gun.
Also--having the larger gun in the truck with me provides better protection against street thugs,car jackers etc.
I like having both options but the little kel tec in the pocket is what I end up carrying the most--it's just to easy and convenient not to.
As a matter of fact I like the KT so much I just picked up a newer used one a few weeks ago. Guy got it for his wife--she shot 50 rds and hated it--I got it for a decent price. Kind of a back up gun for my back up gun. I like having a spare.

[Reddbecca]

Why pocket carry? Not everybody can afford a quality concealment holster, and some of those things are downright uncomfortable and give you back problems.

[TonyB]

Like most have said....it's easy,which means I'm more apt to actually carry.I sweat alot in warn weather,and people would always say"why not take your vest off?"and I'd have to make some excuse..w/ pocket carry I can just wear any shirt.Tucked,untucked,anything really.I carry a 642 I almost forget it's there.

[fletcher]

If I pocket carry, it's out of necessity, usually because my attire doesn't make it easy to carry as I would normally.

In this case, I use an NAA mini in .22 magnum.

[Texas Colt]

Here's my pocket carry guns. A Walther PPK .380 and a Colt Cobra .38 Special. Believe it or not, both guns use the same Desantis pocket holster.

I pocket carry for one of two reasons - either my attire demands it, or as a backup to my primary gun (a 1911 carried strong side).

And sometimes the PPK is carried in the pocket holster and the Colt is in an ankle rig. Why? Because I can! :evil:

[Arkady]

Sometimes, you just do not have room for anything else.

[Stoney]

Texas Colt, is that a factory grip on that Cobra?

[Texas Colt]

Stoney, it's a modified set of factory grips.

I took a set of beat up checkered walnut grips and made them shorter (there is only about 3/16" of wood below the frame). I also thinned them to the point that the checkering was removed, but retained the basic original shape. Once all that was done, I refinished them with walnut stain and semi-gloss polyurethane.

[phantom_890]

I carry a NAA .22 mini revolver in my pocket pretty much at all times, although 95% of the time it's a backup to a 1911 or a Glock 26.

[Stoney]

Texas Colt, they fooled me, I thought they might have been a special run factory stock. Great job on the finish. Wish I had your wood working skills.

[fiVe]

For me, pocket carry is the best and most comfortable way to carry concealed. IMO, a S&W 642 J-Frame in a Robert Mika (http://frontiernet.net/~akim) round-cut pocket holster is the best pocket carry configuration.

[1BLINDREF]

I pocket carry because its quick and easy. No need to pick out clothes that will conceal OWB or IWB. Just slip my 642 or Colt Pony Pocketlite in my pocket and go.

[md7]

pretty much easy to do. just slip it in the front pocket and go. you don't have to really change the way you dress either. for me at least.

[incursion]

I pocket carry because it's more comfortable and concealable and because of the way I dress--somewhat metro (so I've been told).

[busy_squirrel]

My clothing style and work details favor a shoulder holster. Obviously this is only concealable with clothing over it.

If I may be somewhere that it would seem odd to wear an overgarment constantly, then pocket carry allows me to dress/undress as needed.

[eric.cartman]

Even my KelTek P3AT pulls down on my pants a bit.
I'm considering getting the S&W 642 for pocket carry.

And yea, pocket carry is the most convinient method.

[mmissile]

It's easy, and discreet if done with the right firearm. Putting your hands in your pockets is a natural thing, and nobody knows what's there. I carry my Rohrbaugh with no holster.