Less Noticable in Pocket: PF-9 or J-Frame?

[Kind of Blued]

I'd like to hear discussion on which you consider less noticeable in a front pants pocket. Both are very small obviously, but in a situation where you asolutely can't afford to be "made", which gun, due to shape, width, profile, etc gives you away to a lesser degree?

There is the point that a revolver's cylinder "breaks up" the profile of a gun in the pocket, although this is less true when in a pocket holster (which I see as a necessity). Then again, those PF-9s are REALLY thin.

I'd like to avoid having to stock another caliber of ammo by going to a .380.

[Rmart30]

with a pocket holster PF9....like you said, its thinner.

[boalex207]

although this is less true when in a pocket holster (which I see as a necessity).

+ 1. YES.....never pocket carry without a holster.

[ArchAngelCD]

I carry a J frame revolver in my front pocket all the time and no one ever thinks "gun" when they see the slight bulge. Heck, the keys and junk in my other pocket are more pronounced than the revolver. As long as you use a fairly good pocket holster a J frame will never be "made." I am currently using a round cut Mika pocket holster. (And I mostly wear jeans, not loose dress or cargo pants.)

[gpr]

different strokes for different folks...kel tec for me...gpr

[mnrivrat]

While the KT is certainly flater I don't think there is much diff in the ability to conceal the two choices in a front pocket holster. I've carried both a Kel-Tec and a small frame revolver in my pocket with pretty much equal success.

[Kind of Blued]

Thanks for the responses guys.

My only problem with pocket carry of the J-frame is that some of my pants have "straight cut" pockets as opposed to jean-style pockets where the pocket makes a sort of quarter circle.

This causes the pocket to stick out on its own accord and one could essentially look into my pocket and see my gun. One might suggest that I buy new pants, but that seems like a much less interesting venture than buying another gun, plus I'll just put the J-frame on my ankle.

My point being, I noticed that the PF-9 is 5.85" in length as opposed to the J-frames 6.28" length which would present less gun toward to top of your pocket.

[wanderinwalker]

I typically wear Carhartt pants, and find the pockets plenty adequate to hold my PF-9. It's so small and flat I think my wallet is larger! Add a pocket holster and you are good to go with it.

The other thing I can do with the PF-9, though maybe not advisable to all, is carry it wearing a pair of shorts with an elastic waistband. With its holster, the K-T just sits still on the elastic, no belt required. Even went mountain biking with it this way. The big issue was my shirt riding up over it. Next stop, cargo shorts and pants!

Either way, I don't think you'd be dissatisfied, unless you have problems holding on to the PF-9. It's a bit of a handful.

[ArchAngelCD]

My only problem with pocket carry of the J-frame is that some of my pants have "straight cut" pockets as opposed to jean-style pockets where the pocket makes a sort of quarter circle.

MDeViney,
As for the different pocket types, that can be easily solved by buying both a round cut and square cut pocket holster. Like I said above, I use a Mika Pocket Holster (http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/pocket.htm) and he makes both types and for only $18.95 each. That's a easy solution to a small problem.
My point being, I noticed that the PF-9 is 5.85" in length as opposed to the J-frames 6.28" length which would present less gun toward to top of your pocket.
Length isn't the only thing to consider when carrying a handgun in your pocket. Sometimes a small difference in length isn't as bad as the height difference. I don't know if this is true of the PF-9 but many pistols are higher than revolvers which make them seem larger even when they are slightly shorter.

[Kind of Blued]

ArchAngelCD, first of all thanks for the input.

In regard to "pocket cuts", I was actually talking about the way the pocket is cut, and can be seen, from the outside. I'm 6'3", 160 lbs, and I wear 32x34s (only because 31x34s don't exist), so it can be tough finding proper pants for this beanpole.

http://www.oldnavy.com/Asset_Archive/ONWeb/Assets/Product/598/598892/big/on598892-00vliv01.jpg

So anyway, I bought some of these pants, and as you can see, the pocket isn't shaped like a typical jean pocket, instead it is cut quite low on the side and a J-frame, even with the short boot grips, ends up resting right near the lower part of the pocket where it is still "open".

Furthermore, the width of the J-frame essentially holds the pocket open, so not only is the grip right there, but it's holding the pocket out away from you so you can basically just look down into the pocket and see a gun... no bueno.

I'm thinking with the PF-9 being shorter it won't be as close to the opening of the pocket, and it being thinner, the pocket will "stay closed" a little better, not having a thick cylinder to hold the fabric out away from the body.

[tinygnat219]

Since I have owned both. That's easy, the PF-9. No cylinder bulge. With the Desantis Nemesis holster, it's VERY easy to conceal.

[Soybomb]

My take on it is that a pocket gun is going to print sometime. When it does that autoloader is going to print with the distinctive shape of a gun that a 5 year old kid would sketch out, the j-frame is not.

[Soybomb]

My take on it is that a pocket gun is going to print sometime. When it does that autoloader is going to print with the distinctive shape of a gun that a 5 year old kid would sketch out, the j-frame is not.

[XDShooter07]

I can't remember the company, maybe someone can help you out if you place a post in the 642 club but there is a company that makes a pocket holster with a forward cant to keep it from being seen in pockets like that. That being said though I have pockets that are cut like that on my shorts and it still isn't noticeable. Get a 442 or a 340 that are black and it isn't as noticeable as the silver on the 642. You could also sew a little small piece of velcro into your pocket to keep the top of the pocket closed together; velcro breaks open pretty easy so it shouldn't impede your draw.

[Maia007]

I am about your size and I wear similar pants most of the time. I carry either a Kahr PM9 (similar enough to a PF9) or a J frame in the front pocket in the summer. I really don't care for front pocket carry but, I prefer it to other options, like thunderwear or hawaiian shirts.

With a decent pocket holster, the gun will not "print" when standing up and walking. Sitting down causes the noticeable bulge. Even then, a decent holster will keep it from being made as a firearm. You can mitigate that by grabbing your seams and pulling slack into the fabric before sitting.

You might also check into different brands of slacks. I have found that the inexpensive Levi Dockers have really pretty deep pockets that will place the grip well below the visible zone. Go to the store and try on some various brands in the dressing room and take your firearm with you.

[Kind of Blued]

I think I'm going to pick up a PF-9 tomorrow. Even if I don't dig it in the pocket, I think I'll be able to IWB it with a Comp-Tac and velcro clips. I'm also looking at the High Noon "Mr. Softy" holster for untucked shirts.

Thanks fellas.