Holster Considerations for Pocket Carry J-Frame

[aaaaa]

I think part of the problem with pocket carry is that the pocket holsters are flat across the bottom and most pockets are curved across the bottom with the deepest part at the front where the barrel goes.

I trimmed my Elite brand holster to round off the sharp corner on the retention flap and it fits the pocket much better. Now the gun sits a little deeper and more forward in the pocket. That is good as the pocket opening can show the butt end. On that note, I realized my J-frame back strap was a huge attractant in silver, so I blackened it to be less obvious if my pocket is hanging a bit open. I also sewed the bottom opening because I was getting pocket lint in the barrel, but later found pocket lint gets there anyway so may as well unsew it and the gun will sit even deeper in the pocket. This is a very compact holster and now that I trimmed it to fit it feels a lot better as the sharp corner does not bend in and poke my leg (and also eventually wear a hole in my pocket).


The Gunner Security pocket holster with ammo carry does not sit as deep in my pocket but by tilting it forward I managed to get the butt to be farther forward and away from the pocket opening. Can't round this one off at the retention flap because of the ammo carry but by tilting it, the pocket curvature is less a problem. Really like the ammo carry (5 rounds in a speed strip) though certainly not for a fast reload. One would want an extra speed strip more accessible, but then with this setup, you at least have the extra ammo on hand.

 

[JTQ]

Here is another holster shape to consider

Aholster pocket holster https://aholster.com/pocket-aholster/


Here is a faster reload option, but you have to use another pocket

Aholster Bactrian https://aholster.com/aholster-bactrian/

 

[chicharrones]

My current pocket holster for a revolver is an Azula that I trimmed to meet my needs. That's one of the reasons I like leather holsters, easy to modify with a utility knife or shears.

View attachment 1088991

 

[Blue Jays]

https://mikaspocketholsters.com/shop/ are available in either flat or curved bottom.
Your choice depending on where they will be used and in which kind of pocket.

 

[Rule3]

https://mikaspocketholsters.com/shop/ are available in either flat or curved bottom.
Your choice depending on where they will be used and in which kind of pocket.

Yes, He makes a nice holster, Good quality and no crazy expensive, I have one but no longer carry a J frame

I just use Remora sticky holsters now for my pocket guns.

https://remoraholsters.com/product/remora-iwbinside-the-waistband-pocket-holster/

 

[unclenunzie]

Aholster or Mika are often the top recommendations. I've used Aholster for long enough to say it is excellent. Most important for me is the holster stays in the pocket on draw. I recently got Mikas for my J frames and LCRs based on long running good reputation, but have not tried them yet.

 

[AZAndy]

I'll join in the Mika lovefest-- I have three of them. They're available in both flat and round bottom, so will work with however your intended carry pocket is shaped. Best part is the price-- currently about thirty bucks, which is pretty good for a holster that stays put in the pocket and doesn't wear out.

I don't know if he still does this, but mine all have something like "made for (my name)" and his signature on the inside. A nice touch, I thought.



That crepe band is what makes it stick inside the pocket. I frequently carry this package in my back pocket when going out and about; my Hawaiian shirts this time of year conceal it quite well.

 

[unclenunzie]

I don't know if he still does this, but mine all have something like "made for (my name)" and his signature on the inside. A nice touch, I thought.

He does.

 

[Bennj]

I use a Remora holster for my 642 on the occassions I carry around the house or the yard (live in NJ). It can be used as pocket and iwb carry. Although it holds pretty well as iwb I also have a belt clip from Braid's.

 

[Archie]

Don't tell anyone, but after trying all sorts of things, I use my pocket for pocket carry. Doesn't particularly print and isn't as bulky. Probably not for everyone.

 

[aaaaa]

Don't tell anyone, but after trying all sorts of things, I use my pocket for pocket carry. Doesn't particularly print and isn't as bulky. Probably not for everyone.

I just checked it out and yeah, it does not seem to print. It sits about 3/8-inch lower in my pocket. Really, with the holster it seems to print more. However that is a very well worn pair of Dickies pants.

Very tempting, just wondering about that trigger and whether the chance of an accidental discharge might be more than the presumed zero of a holster that covers the trigger. Would hate to have a dog jump up on me and paw the trigger. Not likely to go off as the dog would have to push and even then the pants material should prevent a significant purchase on the trigger.

But I might have to go bare pocket if I start carrying my new Charter Arms 45 Colt snubby as it is a tad bigger (about 3/4-inch longer and taller).

 

[Archie]

I just checked it out and yeah, it does not seem to print. It sits about 3/8-inch lower in my pocket. Really, with the holster it seems to print more. However that is a very well worn pair of Dickies pants.

Usually, I put a small revolver (either a S&W M36 or a 3" M10 - with small grips and a 'behind the trigger guard filler') in either 'casual' trousers or dress trousers. Work pants of any kind are larger and sloppier in fit. However. Even a pocket liner seems to add bulk to the load.

Very tempting, just wondering about that trigger and whether the chance of an accidental discharge might be more than the presumed zero of a holster that covers the trigger. Would hate to have a dog jump up on me and paw the trigger. Not likely to go off as the dog would have to push and even then the pants material should prevent a significant purchase on the trigger.

Doesn't seem to be a problem. I do not have a dog, but a cat: they don't jump up in the same way. I do put my keys in the same pocket (for me the right front) and have never had a problem, although I must admit to being aware and careful. Never to be scorned.

But I might have to go bare pocket if I start carrying my new Charter Arms 45 Colt snubby as it is a tad bigger (about 3/4-inch longer and taller).

Check it out first. Try with various types, colors and materials of trousers. Find what suits your style AND works with the arm. If one always dresses casually and begins showing up wearing work clothes, someone will notice.

 

[guyfromohio]

I find the Nemesis does it’s job as is.

 

[aaaaa]

and a 'behind the trigger guard filler')

Something to bulk up the pocket to a more wallet-like print?

 

[Archie]

Something to bulk up the pocket to a more wallet-like print?

No! A decent grip. Or a Tyler T-grip. The 'service' or 'magna' grips on the older S&W revolvers shot horribly and shooting anything with recoil allowed the trigger guard to bang the knuckle of one's shooting hand.

 

[aaaaa]

No! A decent grip. Or a Tyler T-grip. The 'service' or 'magna' grips on the older S&W revolvers shot horribly and shooting anything with recoil allowed the trigger guard to bang the knuckle of one's shooting hand.

Ah. I need that on the Seacamp 32 mouse gun. That thing bites.

 

[Sovblocgunfan]

I just use a cheap uncle mike’s holster for j-frame pocket carry. The grip is a cool little boot grip and doesnt show anything unless the pocket opening is cut deep enough for the grip to poke out. In TX, no worries about an accidental “show”. Nobody seems to notice or care anyway.

 

[aaaaa]

Don't tell anyone, but after trying all sorts of things, I use my pocket for pocket carry. Doesn't particularly print and isn't as bulky. Probably not for everyone.

You got me to thinking and really if there was a small hard cover for the trigger that yanks off when you pull the gun, but that would require a string sewn into the pocket. No, i then figured, nothing on my leg side is going to yank the trigger, so really just a shield on the outside, which might also look like a wallet, and just has to cover the trigger area.

I cut some corrugated cardboard 4" wide by 4.5 inch high and slipped it into my pocket. The gun fits behind nicely and no access to the trigger. It is somewhat floppy but on the other hand, that way I can put the muzzle at the back of the pocket and lean it forward, and the grip hide way into the pocket. Much better than my holsters. But when I sit down it will tilt and put the grip out the pocket opening unless I manually adjust it when I sit down.

I am on the right track, and think I need a chunk of thick leather to cut into a shield and maybe some thicker spots (several layers glued on back) to help orient the gun. If the shield pulls out with the gun it will just fall to the ground since it is only on one side.

 

[gila_dog1]

I just checked it out and yeah, it does not seem to print. It sits about 3/8-inch lower in my pocket. Really, with the holster it seems to print more. However that is a very well worn pair of Dickies pants.

Very tempting, just wondering about that trigger and whether the chance of an accidental discharge might be more than the presumed zero of a holster that covers the trigger. Would hate to have a dog jump up on me and paw the trigger. Not likely to go off as the dog would have to push and even then the pants material should prevent a significant purchase on the trigger.

But I might have to go bare pocket if I start carrying my new Charter Arms 45 Colt snubby as it is a tad bigger (about 3/4-inch longer and taller).

The 2 problems I see with just sticking a gun in your pocket are:
- Lint and other junk in the pocket can get into the workings of the gun. A revolver is especially vulnerable to this. Same problem if a woman just drops an unholstered gun into her purse.
- My pants pockets are thin fabric. If I put something heavy in there it would eventually wear holes in the fabric where the pointy hard surfaces of the gun are.
A holster should prevent both problems.

 

[aaaaa]

Here is a unique one-sided holster I ran across. I like it but not sure I like the trigger part.

https://recluseholster.com/smith-wesson-j-frame-recluse-front-pocket-holster

Other interesting J-frame holster options from Recluse:

 

[aaaaa]

So i made a pocket holster of corrugated cardboard. It is simply folded over the gun to cover the trigger area on both sides. I closed part of the bottom so the trigger guard would stop after finding it sometimes out the bottom. Covered it with gorilla tape. Working pretty good for now while I find a more durable holster for long term.

 

[HollowDawg]

Something to bulk up the pocket to a more wallet-like print?

I attached a square 1/4 inch thick piece of silicone matting (from an old electrical isolation blanket) to my pocket holster. Prevents the holster from printing in my pockets and provides resistance(no pun intended) on the draw for holster retention. I would think thick rubber matting like the kind you can buy for standing on hard concrete floors would work just as well.

 

[Speedo66]

So i made a pocket holster of corrugated cardboard. It is simply folded over the gun to cover the trigger area on both sides. I closed part of the bottom so the trigger guard would stop after finding it sometimes out the bottom. Covered it with gorilla tape. Working pretty good for now while I find a more durable holster for long term.
View attachment 1092687
View attachment 1092688

Have you considered making it in Kydex?

 

[aaaaa]

Have you considered making it in Kydex?

I was going to try to make it of leather. I don't even know what Kydex is. Never heard of Kydex until I got into guns.

On the other hand, I am sort of a redneck type guy, so might just stick with the cardboard and gorilla tape. It would be perfect for trips to Walmart.

 

[rabid wombat]

I like Desantis and Milt Sparks:

https://www.desantisholster.com/carry-styles/pocket/
https://www.miltsparks.com/pocket-holsters/