P3AT - Back Pocket Carry

[Sharpie1]

I purchased a new Kel-Tec P3AT the other day, and I am very pleased with it. I fired about 100 rounds through it with no mishaps - and the accuracy is acceptable. I have owned at one time or another every pistol model Kel-Tec has produced (I think), and I am more pleased with this P3AT than any of the other Kel-Tecs.

I know these little pocket holsters exist - which are designed, I suppose, to make it appear that one is carrying a wallet - and to afford some protection to the gun from the perils of pocket carry (lint, etc.).

I would like some opinions as to whether or not it would be practical, safe, not harmful to the gun, etc. - for the P3AT to be carried in a rear jeans pocket with NO holster - or with one of those little flimsy Uncle-Mike's holsters like the one mentioned above.

Could sitting on the gun - say in a vehicle, or office chair - or where-ever damage the gun? The gun will be carried with a round chambered and a full mag.

Opinions as to the safety of this type of carry (both holsterd and unholstered in rear jeans pocket) will also be appreciated.

Thanks,

tadyson

 

[MICHAEL T]

I never found any small pistol comfortable in back pocket. Get a pocket holster and carry in front pocket .

 

[alamo]

It's always a good idea to have a holster covering the trigger when a pistol is in your pocket. I would not carry in my pocket w/out a holster.

I've carried a P-32 in a back pocket holster. I've found that I'm not sitting directly on it just as I don't sit directly on my wallet, it's sort of off to one side. Depends on your pants/pockets I suppose.

I have both front and back pocket holsters. I prefer carrying my P-3AT in a front pocket.

Here's the holsters I use for Kel-Tecs.

http://www.hedleyholsters.com/keltec.html

Due to the design, the back pocket version makes it easy to pull just the pistol out of your pocket and not have the holster come out along with it:

http://www.hedleyholsters.com/howto.html

 

[K-Man]

I also make holsters for the Kel-Tec guns. By far, the most popular holster is our 2n1 convertible holster. This holster has an anti-print panel that snaps on and off as you desire. With the panel off, it's most commonly carried in the front pocket; with the panel on, it's normally in a back pocket or coat pocket. I've used it in the front pocket with the panel on when carrying my P3AT, and I wear jeans 99% of the time. It's a very versatile holster, and it saves you the $$$ from having to buy two holsters - one for the front pocket and one for the back - which would run you approx $90-$100 for a leather version of each. Our 2n1 holster is $40 + $5/shipping.

There are lots of choices available, including those who make the holsters from kydex or cordura/nylon. Each person is different in their preference of material.

Good luck in your search.

 

[wdlsguy]

I have a P3AT in my right rear pocket right now in a holster from www.pocketholsters.com. Works great for me.

 

[kirkcdl]

I prefer front pocket,just more comfortable.You could also use the belt clip sold by KT and just clip it inside your pants.I use a "factory second" pocket holster from http://www.azraelscustomleather.com/ I have never been able to figure out why he calls it a "second",but if it's a finish issue,who cares?I have it in a pocket,not on display.The"seconds" are about $10-12 shipped.Look for his posts on this site,most of these deals are not on the website.His username is Azrael.Good luck...

 

[Bobo]

I think you'll find that a Guardian in your pants pocket without a holster may print a lot especially after you've sat on it a while, it may be quite uncomfortable, and your pants will wear out very quickly.

I really don't like the idea of bare pocket mainly for the reason you mentioned - the gun can get linty and dirty. This can be very bad for a little mousegun - they must be kept very clean to work reliably.
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An Uncle Mike's would be better - it won't print as much but it will wear out, you may have to replace it often (but they're cheap), it probably won't print, it will be more comfortable, and your pants will last longer also.
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A convertible (front or back pocket) leather holster such as the Ron Graham Maverick or the K&D Pocket Defender (both about $50), will last a long time, won't print, should be comfortable, and your pants will last a lot longer.
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So...
The better the holster the more comfortable you'll be, the safer the carry will be for you and your gun, the less it will print, the more comfortable you'll be, the longer your pants will last - and the cost of holsters and pants over time will be...
less of a pain in the butt

If I were you I'd try an Uncle Mikes for a while. Then I'd go for leather later if it was costing too much replacing the Uncle Mike's or I wasn't satisfied with the carry.

Here are links to the web sites for the convertible leather holsters I mentioned if you decide you want to try one, and also a link to a pretty good list of other holster manufacturers:
Ron Graham - Maverick
K&D Holsters - Pocket Defender
A pretty good list of holster makers...

Enjoy your P-3AT - and may it keep you safe!!!

 

[Sharpie1]

Excellent.

I really appreciate the responses.

So -- as far as carrying in the back pocket goes - I suppose I should not worry about any damage to the gun - correct?

I do carry it in my front right pocket most of the time - mainly due to the concern of possible damage to the gun being carried in a rear pocket...

TD

 

[fgr39]

I carry a 3at in my back pocket all the time. I use a hedley holster with the hook feature, it makes it a little wider to fill the back pocket and looks like I have a wallet. Never had anyone notice that I had it, if I carry in my front pocket it just feels odd. just be sure that when you go to pull out your wallet you don't pull the kel-tec. I have had to get used to my wallet on the left.

 

[alamo]

Get a Hedley or a K&D holster - front or back pocket. You can't go wrong either way.

 

[Sharpie1]

Ok.

Thanks for the info guys.

I shall use a pocket holster.

--tadyson