Pocket carry a 3"?

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Hey guys, does anyone here pocket carry a 3"? Mainly looking at the Smith Model 60 and Ruger SP101, and I really want 3", but I would also like to know if pocket carry is a practical way to tote these around. So yeah, if you do it, how's it work? If you don't, why?

Thanks!
 
I had an SP101 3". It was my favorite wheelgun, but no. It's not a pocket gun by any stretch of the imagination. It is one heck of a GREAT belt carry .357 mag though.
 
Didn't think so (only have used a 2" for PC). I'm still stuck on going 2" strictly for CCW, 4" for rec/outdoor/OC, or 3" to TRY and mix them... decisions, decisions.
 
I have carried a 3 inch rossi .38 pocket carry at times and it worked with a mika holster. You need deep pockets i found.
 
The 3" M60 is a belt gun for sure, and very concealable worn as such.;)

-Jake
 
my only 3" is a model 13, so no, I don't pocket carry it. It will fit in the pocket of some coats, but that is about it.
 
Thanks for the responses, guys! It sounds like I need to choose pocket or hip (I hate IWB with revolvers).

I'm just thinking out loud here, but for OWB, I could easily do a 4/5/6" N or L-frame, and shoot the heck out of it, but probably carry it less (since I have things more suited for CCW).

For pocket, I might as well just do a 2" 649, and not really use it as a plinker, like I was hoping to get out of the 3".

I'll just end up with both at some point, I don't know why I bothered with the thread... lol
 
A 3 incher would work if you extend the depth of your pockets. However, there is no getting around the weight. I don't mind weight on my hip where a stiff gun belt distributes it. But in the pocket, anything much more than a pound gets very annoying when it starts flopping and banging around (assuming you aren't into painted on, nut crusher jeans :D).

Weight wise, I find that a 17.1 oz (loaded) x42 is close to the upper limit.
 
It sounds like I need to choose pocket or hip (I hate IWB with revolvers).
Click to expand...

A compromise that has worked well for me is ITB carry (inside-the-belt.) The gun is carried in an IWB holster, which is worn between the belt and pants. Smoother profile than OWB/hip carry, and more comfortable than true IWB carry, though it still requires the same cover garment length as OWB/hip carry.
 
You could get a 3" in cargo pockets, but even with a holster shaped to the pocket to keep a gun from moving, you will have that mass flopping around as you move; carrying any kind of weight in cargo pockets is an actual pain.
 
S&W 638 for pocket work, 15 oz 1 7/8 inch barrel with a shrouded hammer and CT laser.

S&W 60 for belt work, around 24oz 3 in barrel.

Both guns serve their intended purpose very well. You can carry the 638 on your belt but not the 60 in your pocket.
 
I prefer a 2", but if your pockets are deep enough, why not? I have a nice little Rossi 3" 68, but I don't carry that gun for CCW, but could in some of my pants. It's all steel, though, and I prefer my alloy gun for pocket carry due to weight. I have a 3" Taurus 66 .357 magnum, too big for a pocket as it's a K frame sized gun, but it has its advantages over a 4" K frame on the belt and shoots about as well.
 
The SP-101 is a chunky little gun. Well made, but not a lightweight. You'd have to have some pretty stout pants to really carry one. I've stuck them in the back pocket for short walks outside at night, going a couple hundred yards down the path away from the car, etc. but it's not the most suitable gun for that.
Still, I love the 3" SP-101 as a belt gun. I've found it one of the most useful handguns I've owned and prefer it to the GP-100 for general woods carry to such an extent that the GP-100 will likely get sold at some point.
 
Try a S&W M&P 340. 13.3 ounces and .357 capable, nominal if you so desire. Nominal two inch. Put a set of Crimson Trace laser grips on it and combined with the XS Dot night sights you have the best pocket carrier revolver going. Add Mika Roundcut Pocket holster.
You may want to consider the Ruger LCR though.
 
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I could pocket carry my S&W model 37 in Army ACU's (cammies)....but a 3" model 60 was too heavy.
 
I could carry my Rossi 68 3", only about 24 ounces, but that's kinda heavy for a pocket gun. My normal pocket carry is a 2" Taurus M85SSUL which weighs 17 ounces and is quite comfy. I've shot a Smith M340 with full power .357. If I had one of those, it'd be a .38 in MY pockets. Just too light for .357 loads. Best hit with the first round, cause you might not have a second. By the time you recover, you'll have 6 .25s in ya, or a knife, or whatever the BG's carrying. :D
 
You guys who pocket carry your guns have a lot more faith in the cheeseball stitching and cloth used to make and attach pockets onto most of the jeans I have ever seen. I could never trust something like that to secure a gun. I would much rather have a good leather holster attached to a heavy leather belt. But hey, whatever gets you through the night.
 
Drill, that's an excellent point. In fact, I have had pockets wear out on me--I quit wearing those pants as soon as I noticed. I've also ironed on denim patches to reinforce pockets and to smoothe the gun's outline.
This is also why a good pocket holster is vital: not only does it protect the trigger, keep crud out of the action and keeps the gun properly positioned, but it will spread the weight, to minimize pocket wear.
 
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