Pocket Carried XDm for a couple days, here's my thoughts:

[Skribs]

Well, I figured I'd pocket carry my XDm compact, because it'll fit in my pockets, so why not? I've been talking for a while about how I can if I got the right holster, and I finally got around to ordering a Remora, which came in this weekend. Specifically the Series 10-ART, designed for large-frame semi-autos with a 3.5-4.125" barrel and designed to allow a better grip on the gun.

The good:
The gun stays relatively in place, while still being able to move around for comfort. With one IWB, either it stays in place and blocks your movements a bit, or it slides around and then when you reach for it to draw you're grasping at an empty belt. I always know where my pocket is, but this can slide forward or back a bit without causing problems.

Also, one of my problems with IWB is the butt of the gun poking me in the side if I lean that way. In the pocket, 0 such issues.

The bad:
My gun tried to depants me. That's a lot of weight, and I still needed a good gun belt to hold my pants at a comfortable height. In comparison, when I pocket carried a Ruger LCP, it was like putting a neatly folded receipt in my pocket, except without the danger of getting a papercut. In addition, it was a lot of weight on that leg when I walked. After a while I didn't really notice it, but it was there.

While nobody sees the outline of the gun, there is a good 7" block in my pants, which looks much too big to be a wallet. Compared with my LCP again, which pretty much looked like a wallet if it printed at all. Of course, I don't really expect people to notice, so it's not really a big issue.

The drawstroke is a little weird. I have to grip the gun by the grip (I can't get a high thumb grip), and I have to do a sort of S-shaped stroke. Draw up to get the grip over the pocket lining, twist to pull the grip and butt through the opening, and then draw up. Something smaller (again, comparing to my LCP) it was just a straight stroke.

Conclusions

Overall, even though I CAN pocket carry my XDm, I don't think I'm going to. I'll go back to my IWB holster, but keep the Remora just in case I decide to use it. I am also glad I tried this out, even if it's not something I'm going to do. However, because the next handgun I'm planning on getting is slightly smaller and a lot lighter (M&P compact), I think I'll give it a go again when the time comes.

 

[2wheels]

I tried stuffing my XD40 subcompact into the oversized pockets of my BDU pants one day. While it did fit, I arrived at the conclusion that pocket guns are pocket guns, and belt guns are belt guns.

 

[1/7GRUNT]

Another thing to think about concerning your draw is your position. You may be crouching behind cover or seated at a table that you can't easily push away from. It's one thing that worries me about pocket carry, although I frequently pocket a Jframe.

 

[Skribs]

1/7 very good point. I'd pretty much be an inclined plane wrapped helically around an axis if I had to draw while sitting. Considering how much time I spend sitting, that's a big concern.

I'll try it again when I get a slightly smaller gun, but I still am happy I go the remora. I'm also starting to consider maybe staying with a single-stack sub-compact option for pocket carry, although I do want to trade up the LCP for something in 9mm.

 

[threefortyduster]

I came to the same conclusions. I don't pocket my Taurus 605 or any type of double stack semi, just too heavy to me. I much prefer the IWB for most anything short of the LCP sized pistols.

 

[KTXdm9]

Very interesting, thanks for posting. I love my XDm, but it is like lugging around a brick as a CCW.

 

[Skribs]

I'm not sure about metal (or even if the Taurus you mentioned is metal) handguns, but for a polymer pistol, the XDm is particularly heavy. Compare a G19 to a XDm compact (although the XDm is somewhere between the G19 and G26 in size) and you have 21 oz vs. 28 oz. That adds up when you don't want your pants to fall off.

 

[Kiln]

Yeah the XDM isn't exactly a light pistol when compared to other polymer guns of similar size.

This is why the Kel Tec, Ruger, and Taurus guns designed specifically as CCW's are so popular. They were designed as pocket carry guns while the XDM, while an awesome pistol, wasn't.

 

[khegglie]

For me only the Shield or a PF9 will work consinstantly as a pocket gun the baby Glock s push the envelope

 

[sleepyone]

I remember the first time I used a public urinal while carrying my XD 9 subcompact with 13 rounds IWB in back. I almost lost my pants and grabbed them just in time to prevent causing a major scene. I also discovered when you sit down at a public toilet carrying IWB your weapon is exposed to anyone walking by unless the stalls go down to the ground, which most don't. I went to carrying a 642 in front pocket of jeans and front or side pocket on my cargo shorts. Just have to switch out holsters depending on the pocket style.