I recently purchased a S&W Model 38 J frame. I have no problems with this replacing my P32 as my pocket carry pistol. I have in the past carried P32 at work and a Glock 26 on my time. I think the problem I have is concealing the 38. I have an Uncle Mikes and a Mika pocket holster. My company requires Cintas uniform pants. I have noticed when I have the revolver in my pocket the but is exposed. The grips are the original wood grips. Luckily the pants are black but the insides of the pockets are white. Does anyone have suggestions on ways to make this gun more pocketable. Firearms are highly frowned upon at work so I dont need someone seeing the butt of the gun. G I have always heard a Jframe is the perfect pocket pistol please help me make this true.
Help me pocket carry a j frame.
- Thread starter camsdaddy
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Carne Frio
Member
Cut the bottom of the pockets and sew on an extension of a stronger material.
There is an idea. I havent thought of that. The pants are leased but I only need to drop it down an inch or so. The grips do not extend out of the pocket. They can be seen standing next to me.. I realize I am worrying too much and that the world doesnt notice I go through this every few years when I change mode of carry. I figure the more tips I get the more help it may be to others as well.
Bula
Member
Make sure the profile of the holster matches the contour of your pocket. If not, maybe try some others.
Yeah, you see that is what is wrong right there. Perhaps they gained that reputation as coat pocket guns, because I have never found them to work well in most slacks. Due to the cylinder length and grip design revolvers are usually rather long when measured muzzle to backstrap. They are also rather tall. NAA guardians, Seecamps or your P32 are what I would consider "true" pocket pistols. Why not stick to the P32? http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.jpg
Any how,
seems like the best advice if you must carry the Jframe.
Kahr .380 vs .38 jframe
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wild cat mccane
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+1. J-frame looks like an orange in the pocket. IF other people know it as a gun or not is not the point. It still looks like an orange.
jc650
Member
I carry a SW MP340 in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster. I had it in my pocket all day wearing Adidas track pants with no problem. The only time i have trouble is with a couple pairs of my jeans in which case it goes IWB. There are better choices for dedicated pocket carry but I am much more confident in my shooting abilities with the 340 over my LCP. Like previously stated a good idea might be to try as many different holsters as possible.
I modified my S&W M36 in 1989 for the front pants pocket of regular Levi 501s or other modern style, typically not-deep pocket Trousers.
This included shortening and re-shaping the 'grip', where, otherwise, had I not done so, the Grip would tend to be visible sticking out of the pocket.
Never used a Pockey Holster...just carried in the front pocket.
This included shortening and re-shaping the 'grip', where, otherwise, had I not done so, the Grip would tend to be visible sticking out of the pocket.
Never used a Pockey Holster...just carried in the front pocket.
bhk
Member
Depends on the pants. I have no trouble pocket carrying a j-frame, and the resulting bulge (irregular in shape) looks less like a gun than the ones made by either my Keltec .380 or my PM40. I know you are stuck with uniform pants, but others buying pants just need to pay attention to pocket depth. With jeans for example, Levis are too shallow (they are anti-gun anyway), Carharts work fine, and Wranglers have deeper pockets yet.
In your case, adding an extention to your pocket sounds like a good idea.
In your case, adding an extention to your pocket sounds like a good idea.
madcratebuilder
Member
try some "Banana" grips.
A round butt J-frame, sans "rubbers," usually conceals easier than any other serious caliber self defense handgun around. It isn't just the length but also the unique, tapered and rounded profile from barrel to grip that makes it disappear. Not so the Block-type bottom-feeders.
Here's an interesting photo for ya of a more concealable bottom feeder I sometimes use, next to one of my j-frames for comparison. The rounded, "melted" profile of the Kimber Ultra CDP might cause some to erroneously assume it is just as pocket concealable as the J-frames but it is not. The beavertail and the grip of the little officer's-sized 1911 .45ACP makes it much less so . . . and harder to draw too.
Naaaa . . . I'll stick with my Model 37 in an Uncle Mikes #3 pocket holster for the front pocket . . . and carry that little night-sighted custom Kimber in a more appropriate spot.
Here's an interesting photo for ya of a more concealable bottom feeder I sometimes use, next to one of my j-frames for comparison. The rounded, "melted" profile of the Kimber Ultra CDP might cause some to erroneously assume it is just as pocket concealable as the J-frames but it is not. The beavertail and the grip of the little officer's-sized 1911 .45ACP makes it much less so . . . and harder to draw too.
Naaaa . . . I'll stick with my Model 37 in an Uncle Mikes #3 pocket holster for the front pocket . . . and carry that little night-sighted custom Kimber in a more appropriate spot.
earlthegoat2
Member
Nice setup there S&Wfan. Great way of articulating just why the snubby fits and hides so nicely in the hip pocket. A combination of shapes that coincide nicely.
If there is anything objectionable about the shape of the snubby it is the cylinder width. This is an advantage as well as a disadvantage though because it breaks up the outline very well while nestled in a pocket and distorts and blurs the rest of the lines of the revolver as the fabric of the pants has to spread out from the edges of the cylinder as opposed to hugging it like a speedo. Holsters help too.
If there is anything objectionable about the shape of the snubby it is the cylinder width. This is an advantage as well as a disadvantage though because it breaks up the outline very well while nestled in a pocket and distorts and blurs the rest of the lines of the revolver as the fabric of the pants has to spread out from the edges of the cylinder as opposed to hugging it like a speedo. Holsters help too.
rainbowbob
Member
madcratebuilder: I've never those style grips before. I notice they also have a cut away for speedloaders. Where can I find them?
as an alternative with certain clothing attire I use this.
http://www.carryconcealed.net/nra-holster-shirt
http://www.carryconcealed.net/nra-holster-shirt
The Lone Haranguer
Member
A bit of dilemma you've got there. 
This is a textbook example of total concealment taking precedence over merely unobtrusive concealment. I've also worn this type of pant, with a vertical "slash" pocket, and have also found that small-frame revolver grips peek out. Unfortunately, the suggestion I might otherwise have concurred with to deepen or fabricate new pockets is not going to fly with the uniform company, who might tattle to your supervisor(s). You may have to go to a smaller gun or try a belly band or holster shirt. Hopefully you work in an air-conditioned building, as the extra layer of fabric may get hot.camsdaddy said:
Camsdaddy,
you didnt mention the kind of work u do.i pocket carry a j frm in jeans but cant in slacks,at least comfortably.i have a kramer holster shirt that carries a j perfectly.its not the most accesable,but very comfy and concealable.now you know why most of us a large box of holsters!!!
you didnt mention the kind of work u do.i pocket carry a j frm in jeans but cant in slacks,at least comfortably.i have a kramer holster shirt that carries a j perfectly.its not the most accesable,but very comfy and concealable.now you know why most of us a large box of holsters!!!
rdrancher
Member
The Desantis Nemesis has an open bottom which lets the j-frame ride just a tad lower. It's not my favorite holster, but it does work.
rd
rd
3845
Member
Might consider an ankle holster. Pull your sock up over it if you go that way. It helps to be flexible, too. I used 'em for years, but less so now days. They are very good in the car, etc., or if you are fairly young and can still move good.
jhvaughan2
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I have a pair of those too. I lucked into them on ebay. They are the best j-frame grip IMHO. The let you get 3 fingers on the grip and hold it higher than the stock grips.
Unfortunately, as I have been informed in another forum, another post, S&W stopped making these in the early '80s. However if you look quick there are some on ebay right now -- but they are not cheep
my $.02 on the pocket carry. My m37 in a Blackhawk IWB with the clip cut off, in the front pocket of my jeans or twill trousers looks more like a big wallet or a sun glasses case than a revolver.
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