A question for pocket carriers

[OregonJohnny]

It sounds like most of the people who said they don't use a pocket holster, don't really pocket carry, except for a few seconds while walking to the car or taking the trash out or getting the mail.

For those who pocket carry for more than a few seconds, it makes absolute sense to use a holster. Since even the least expensive pocket holsters are designed to stick in the pocket during the draw, I can't think of a single reason not to use a holster while pocket carrying.

 

[beatledog7]

Never have pocket carried, but will be doing so this summer and just bought a suitable holster, so I voted yes. Would not pocket carry without one.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

But last weekend a friend of mine, whose opinion I value, said that I should get a pocket holster in case something gets hooked on the trigger. I

Your friend is right, but that is only a secondary reason, as you should never put anything else in your gun pocket anyway. But there are some other good reasons, the biggest being that a pocket holster will position the gun correctly in your pocket at all times as well as break up its outline.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO nothing but nothing should be in a pocket with your handgun with or without a holster.

I pocket carry daily and always use a holster for all the reasons stated in this thread already but especially to keep the handgun orientated grips up for an easy draw.

 

[Geckgo]

A jeans money pocket (or key pocket, secret pocket, or whatever you happen to call that thing) IS a holster if it covers the trigger assembly and the gun fits tightly.

I haven't found a pocket holster I like yet, always on the lookout for one, we'll see.

 

[SFsc616171]

IMHO, pockets filled with firearms flopping around, go with the mindset of those that have their gold teeth 'grill', wear prison fashion statements, point their firearms sideways--because they don't really care what their discharged firearms hit, and would possibly be the one, at that moment when you snag your firearm, on the hem of the pocket, when you need it most!

Intelligent folks use holsters in pockets.

 

[Derry 1946]

I always holster carry for all the reasons pointed out already -- orientation, lint, printing, trigger coverage, hammer snag avoidance (if not DAO), avoids risk of falling out when bending or stooping, cuts down on scratches on the finish of the gun. Saves wear and tear on the pants pockets too. Stealthier if you need to switch between pants pockets, pants to jacket, jacket to glove box, etc. Detective Special in De Santis works great. The holster adds negligible extra bulk and weight. Supica advises the same in his S&W encyclopedia. You can always stash the holster flat in the other pocket, if you need to.

 

[Rail Driver]

IMHO, pockets filled with firearms flopping around, go with the mindset of those that have their gold teeth 'grill', wear prison fashion statements, point their firearms sideways--because they don't really care what their discharged firearms hit, and would possibly be the one, at that moment when you snag your firearm, on the hem of the pocket, when you need it most!

Intelligent folks use holsters in pockets.

That's the cool thing about the Bill of Rights... The First Amendment protects your right to think that way and to say things like that.

That said, my G26 certainly doesn't "flop around" in the pocket of my Levi's when I do choose to carry it in the pocket (rarely, as I mentioned before... to the trash can or mailbox when I'm not wearing a gun for some reason), and although I don't use a pocket holster when I pocket carry, I also don't wear a "grill", I don't wear "prison fashion statements", and I only cant my pistol (or rifle) sideways when shooting from cover and my position dictates it. I also happen to be college educated and very intelligent in my (and others') opinion.

I agree that depending on the circumstances, pocket carry can be dangerous if it's not done properly. A holster is a great thing if you have pockets large enough to fit a pocket holster. If not, be certain that the pistol is carried in a fashion that prevents unintentional discharge, and without other "crap" in the same pocket. A back pocket works fine for my pocket carry needs since they don't include driving or sitting and are short term. If you intend to pocket carry with any real frequency, though, a holster is almost required.

 

[Rat Robb]

Thanks for all the replys.

I see that the main reason you guys use a holster is so that it's not "flopping around" in your pocket and that it doesn't get snagged. My question is how big are your pockets?

I really only pocket carry during the summer when wearing shorts, all of my shorts are Dickies 15" work shorts. The pocket is sturdy, has a perfect shape and lays flat on my leg. My 442 is hammerless and is DAO, so an accidental discharge isn't a concern of mine as I pay attention as to what my body comes in contact with and the only thing in that pocket is the gun, not change, keys or whatever.

I have a IWB holster that I wear with pants but for shorts, the pocket is the best for me and I have no problem paying attention to it so that none of the above problems happen.

-Robb

 

[LiquidTension]

I had a P3AT for a while that I didn't carry in a holster. One day I took it to the range, took it out of my pocket, pulled the trigger and...*click* Tap, rack, bang *poof* a cloud of pocket lint. Lint had gotten in the gun and caused it not to fire. This is very, very bad on a carry gun. Ever since that day I always carry in a holster, even though I've now switched to a 642.

 

[Derry 1946]

As for pocket size, pants with a 30" waist will easily accommodate a 642 or a DS in a slim holster. I've carried for years this way all over the place without any problems. No one seems to notice, and certainly no one has ever asked if I was carrying.

 

[thebaldguy]

I find a pocket holster keep the gun oriented correctly, protects the trigger, disguises the shape, and keeps all that pocket lint/dirt away from the firearm. Even a cheap Uncle Mikes' model works well for a snubbie.

 

[GCBurner]

I've got pocket holsters for my P3AT .380, and for my S&W 640 .38. Before I got the holster for the 640, the edge of the front sight wore a hole through the pocket of my pants.
As someone already mentioned, guns carried in pockets tend to accumulate lint and other crud, which is not good for something that needs to be reliable enough to maybe stake your life on someday. In a simple, padded sleeve style pouch holster the guns stay clean, my pants don't get stains from gun oil, and the outline of the gun doesn't print through noticeably when I'm sitting or walking around.

 

[gordy]

I have carried a S&W 642 and a kel-tec 380 in my front right pocket for years. With and without a holster.
I always wear a hole in the pocket from the barrel of both guns.
I bought a pocket holster for both and have never had the hole come back.
I may slip one of the two in without a holster if it is a short trip, But for extended carry, they are in a holster.

 

[mdauben]

IMO there are any number of reason to use a Pocket Holster (as enumerated by many people in this thread) but as far as I can see, there is no reason not to use one. So, I voted for using one.

 

[rhodco]

In the State of Georgia it is the law that your handgun must be carried in some type of holster. Just sticking it down your pants is not only foolish, it's illegal.

 

[TimeIsRunninOut]

I use a cheap Blackhawk! IWB holster to make it look like a money clip and pocket full of nothing. So far so good and at $12 can't really go wrong, I would like to try out the Desantis nemesis for my J-frame.

 

[Mike1234567]

I don't. My Kel-Tec P-11 has a side clip that hangs the pistol on my front pocket seam with the rear half of the grip sticking out. I wear a loose shirt and it doesn't show. I'll probably replace the Kel-Tec and so will my carry options.