I'd like to try making a pocket holster

[John Joseph]

It looks easy enough, but I wouldn't be surprised if there are important design considerations, especially regarding safety.

I plan on using rough out leather on the outside to grab the pocket lining, smooth on the inside to facilitate drawing, A square-ish shape to break up the silhouette of the M-640 and of course a covered trigger guard, but what other considerations do I need to take?.

Thanks!

 

[JTQ]

Something to hook on the inside of the pocket to keep the holster in your pocket when you draw.

Aholster http://www.lefthandholster.com/pocket-aholster.html

Alessi http://www.alessigunholsters.com/alessi-holsters-1-piece-pocket-holster-for-accu-teck-guns/

 

[Armored farmer]

I have given some thought to doing a similar project.
I would like to square the holster up by adding a 'sleeve' for my spare magazine.

 

[wally]

I would like to square the holster up by adding a 'sleeve' for my spare magazine.

Generally you want the spare magazine accessible with the non-drawing hand.

 

[markallen]

If you just wrap your leather around the gun and sew the opposite sides together, you will eventually have trouble unholstering your gun. The leather due to sweat and heat and the tightness of you pocket will cause the leather to form around your gun. Great for belt holsters and retention but bad for the pocket.
You need to keep the gun loose. Use thick leather, as you said, suede side out. The space behind the barrel/ slide/ frame, and in front of the trigger guard, I stack leather to the thickness of the gun. Glue and sew this stack into place. Between the front and back of the holster. This will keep the holster loose. Don't do any forming.
I'm in the hospital right now waiting for an appendectomy.
If this thread is still open when I get home I can post some photos.

 

[markallen]

Too add to the above. The purpose of the stack of leather is to create a pocket for the barrel. Think of a flag pole pocket on a paraders waist. ( This was my inspiration)
The other purpose is the gun will rest on the stack using the front of the trigger guard.
This will keep your gun upright , and stable without compromising the looseness of the holster.
Man this is hard to describe without pictures.

 

[Armored farmer]

Generally you want the spare magazine accessible with the non-drawing hand.

It would also be nice if the gun and mag were both kept together as one unit.

 

[jonnyc]

I made a pocket holster for my P32 using milk and OJ bottle plastic, staples, and duct tape. Took about 15 minutes and it's lasted for at least ten years. Endlessly adjustable or replaceable.

 

[Archie]

I'm getting my M1903 Colt Pocket Pistol back in the next short while. I keep thinking a pocket holster, but probably for the 'aft' pocket on my trousers.

Back in the old days, nearly all pocket holsters were for the back pocket. Somewhere in the 50's (more or less) the front pocket became popular (when men's trousers were loose - I mean 'comfortable' of course.

However, a slim semi-automatic pistol in a rectangular holster - fitting one's back trouser pocket - can be quite discrete and positive to use.

I'm not sure a small revolver would be flat enough for a back pocket. I often carry a short barrelled J or K-frame revolver in a front trouser pocket and have little difficulty; even with NO holster. Yes, I know this gives some the vapors, but I've done it for some forty years or so now with no undesirable consequences.

I started out to ask if the original poster was considering a front pocket or rear pocket, he did mention a 640; the stainless steel version of the updated Centennial revolver. I like the idea of a rough out, slick inside rig, and position the speed loader - if so equipped - behind and under the revolver, but not in the holster itself. Depending on one's trousers and 'tightness', the holster should not come with the revolver on the draw.

But do work with it at home for a bit first.

 

[John Joseph]

Thanks for all the ideas! It looks like a stack is the way to go.

 

[BobWright]

I don't like having the holster cover the trigger guard. When drawing, where is your trigger finger?

Typically extended alongside the frame is the usual position for the draw. This has the possibility of "clamping" the gun as drawn with the trigger finger pressing leather against the gun frame.

To me, drawing from a front pocket has motion going in the wrong direction for a draw.

Bob Wright

 

[John Joseph]

"I don't like having the holster cover the trigger guard. When drawing, where is your trigger finger?

Typically extended alongside the frame is the usual position for the draw. This has the possibility of "clamping" the gun as drawn with the trigger finger pressing leather against the gun frame.

To me, drawing from a front pocket has motion going in the wrong direction for a draw."

Bob Wright

An interesting development! I thought the primary reason for a pocket holster was to keep the trigger guard covered and the pistol in an upright position?

 

[BobWright]

Well, now let's define "pocket."

The front pocket of my jeans, and most of my pants, places the gun, more or less, in an upright position, i.e. muzzle down, butt uppermost and facing to the rear. Roughly same position as a hip pocket holster.

Some men wear pants with the pocket opening almost vertical, mostly dress slacks and suit trousers.

The last thing you want is to have to reach into your pocket and position the gun prior to beginning the draw. The best possible draw, in my opinion, is with a jacket having "handwarmer pockets."

One important consideration is you want your move towards your gun to be made with the least noticeable movement possible. Suddenly reaching into a pocket seems a dead giveaway motion that would likely draw immediate fire.

Bob Wright

 

[NMPOPS]

This is the pocket holster I made for my 642. I use it daily and it works great. Draw is easy, sits nice in my pocket and is still in good shape after 2 years of use. Total cost was less that $12 for the leather.

 

[S.B.]

Do yourself a favor and take a look at Galco's Pocket Holster, they've done all the work for you. I carry my Walther PPK in one when ever I carry it.
Steve

 

[stoky]

I don't like having the holster cover the trigger guard.

in a POCKET HOLSTER???

When drawing, where is your trigger finger?

It ain't on the trigger(!), till the muzzle's on target.

 

[BobWright]

in a POCKET HOLSTER???

It ain't on the trigger(!), till the muzzle's on target.

That's exactly my point ~ the trigger finger is EXTENDED ALONGSIDE THE TRIGGER GUARD! THERE IT SERVES TO "CLAMP" THE GUN IN THE HOLSTER.

Bob Wright

 

[LoneGoose]

Not to stir the pot, but I put my trigger finger on the lip of the holster and "push off" with when drawing. The gun gets outside of the holster and the finger has no opportunity to clamp on the leather. I end up with my finger along side of the gun's frame.

THR rocks!