Pocket Carry SW 642 - Pocket Size?

[orygunmike]

I'm contemplating adding a S&W 642 to my conceal carry choices with the thought of carrying it in my pocket (in an appropriate holster).

How much pocket do you need? Will most pocket "styles" handle carrying a 642?

 

[JRadice45]

YMMV, with my 640 I need deep pockets for it to be drawn with reliability. Bdu and 5.11 tactical pockets are a good size. You may find that an ankle or belly band holster will be more comfortable.

 

[Joe Gunns]

Jeans pockets are a tad shallow and tight, but work with sport or other long coat over. Will carry in sportcoat and jacket outer and inner pockets fine. Weight is a factor as to which pockets and how comfortable it is to carry long term in a jacket pocket.

 

[CWL]

I think this really depends on your size, weight and build.

It would never work for me because of my build, but that doesn't mean that it won't work perfectly for the next guy.

You really have to try by putting one in your pocket. If you know anyone with one and a pocket holster, ask to try it in yours. Or you can ask the Dealer if you can put one in your pocket to test the look & feel.

 

[Noxx]

Depends on your pants. If you wear tight jeans, or lightweight slacks I wouldn't recommend it. With jean shorts, BDU or work type pants, it's a cinch. Wear your normal attire to your gun shop and give it a whirl.

 

[jc650]

I put a 340 in my pocket and it felt NICE and the 642 doesnt weigh that much more. I was wearing loose sweatpants and I hardly could tell it was there and I usually dont like anything in my pockets with those pants on. Im 603 250lbs. I liked that 340 in my pocket so much that I just bought one.

 

[Maia007]

Mine is ok in ordinary Levi Dockers type slacks, as long as it is in a pocket holster. I don't care for pocket revolver carry in tighter pants, such as 501's.

I am also partial to wearing lightweight fleece vests or jackets in cooler weather. I like carrying in those pockets as well.

 

[bonza]

I spend most of my time wearing the $15 Wrangler jeans from WalMart. My S&W 442 slips into those with no problems & they are deep enough to conceal. No problems accessing revolver while standing, but sitting would take a bit more effort. When I'm not wearing jeans, I'm usually in Dockers or suit pants & either of those work ok, too, & offer better access while sitting. I think I'd be more inclined to use an ISP holster with the docker & suit pants, but the Wranglers work fine as-is.
I bought another brand of jeans at WalMart, but their pockets are much shallower, & also not as strong.
By the way, I'm 5'10" & 180lbs.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I wear nothing but jeans but not too tight. I'm old and not so thin any more so I wear the "Loose Fit" jeans and carry a M642 in my front pocket all the time. I forget it's there because it comfortable.

 

[Norm357]

I may or may not wrap a few rubber bands around the grips of my 442 and stick it in my pants "mexican" style when I am at work.

Of course I spend ten hours a day at a desk, so I may or may not be worried about my gun going anywhere.

 

[capttom]

I wear BDUs as part of my work uniform and regularly carry a 642 Airweight in a Desantis Nemesis in my right front pocket with reloads in a couple of HK speedloaders in the left. In black BDUs, the pistol is virtually undetectable and the gun so light I forget it's there.
Unfortunately, I work for a school district, and as soon as I get to my campus, the Smith goes in a box in the car. I just leave the holster alone.

 

[wjh2657]

My edcs are 64Xs: 642 in pocket holster (Nemesis) in warm weather and 640 (Nemesis) in cold weather.

Trousers that work:
Haggar slacks, Pleated and relaxed fit.Pleats help break up any outline showing in pocket.
Dockers: Same as above
Haggar Corduroys: Same as above. Cords really hide the outline of a gun!

Don't work real well:
Jeans, relaxed fit. Pockets are not deep enough and denim prints terribly.

Don't work at all:
Levi 501s, boot jeans and designer jeans.No place to hide!
Any kind of closely fitted trousers.

Any kind of loose fitting shorts work real well.

When I wear cords and heavy pants, I wear Perry suspenders and cover them with sweater or sweatshirt/hoody.

 

[orionengnr]

I've owned six j-frames and they are a tad big for pocket carry (Dockers, dress khakis, etc.).

My Kahr PM9 is significantly shorter in overall length and as such, fits in my pockets a whole lot better. More accurate and holds 7 vice 5, too...and reloads a whole lot quicker.

 

[riceboy72]

I tend to slip my 642 in my back pocket of my jeans (typically relaxed or loose fit), or the side cargo pocket of my shorts. I've tried to carry it in the front pocket in various pants and shorts, and it's just not comfortable for me.

I don't mind it in my back pocket; it rides in a DeSantis Nemesis although I'm strongly tempted to try a Kramer pocket holster.

 

[psyprofessor]

I have a 638 Airweight....very similar to 642 in weight and dimensions...but it is not "pocket size" for me. I can be stuffed in the front pocket...but it is very noticeable.

Hence...my disappointment for purchasing this model as a front pocket carry. Thinking of switching to a .32 or .380

 

[10-Ring]

I carry my 442 in regular jeans front pockets regularly & sometimes in jacket pockets too

 

[Loosedhorse]

Jeans pocket is just about the minimum--you have to check from time to time that the gun butt isn't peeking out at the top.

You need a pocket holster, of course, like Uncle Mike's.

Wearing mine in jeans right now.

 

[glassman]

When I pocket carry the 642, it's in the front pocket of levi jeans but without a holster (I turn the pockets out and delint first). It works fine until you sit down. When seated, it prints and is very difficult to get to. I prefer an IWB holster to pocket carry.

 

[Haywood]

I pocket carry a 642 and a Bobbed Mdl.37. Front or rear of Carpenter Pants, no problem. Regular Jeans, rear pocket. Dress Pants depend on the weight and cut of pocket usual the back pocket will work.

 

[krs]

My wife carries her 642 in a clipped on Uncle Mike holster in her front pocket with the butt out of her pocket. Tight jeans but an easy and fast draw. She wears something that falls over the butt of the pistol and you'd never know it was there if you met her. She's all of 5'3" and 110 lbs but she disapears that pistol completely.