Pocket Carry

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Barry the Bear

Barry the Bear

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For those of you that pocket carry , do you feel the need to spend money on a leather pocket holster? I pocket carry a Taurus model 85 or LCP once in a while and they share the same size 3 Blackhawk nylon holster , Is this bad ?
 
Nope that's not bad. But carrying without something covering the trigger is a bit nerve racking for me. Not to say I haven't done it a few times, but without a holster isn't a habit.
 
There's a whole lot of good in having a nice pocket holster, for safety's sake and also for keeping the gun "presented" the right way to your hand when you reach for it.

A good holster (very usually that means leather, among other things) is far better than an average cheapie.

But only you can decide if it's worth it to you.
 
I have used the inexspensive Uncle Mikes / Blackhauk since 2004. They have served me well. They fit all the pockets I use them in. I think a couple of them are that old because they are so worn and soft. I like the #4 holster. Being bigger it stays in my pocket better and the gun comes out easier for me. I never used the leather holster in pocket. I thought they were too thick and I didn't want the bulk. I know a few people that use them and like them.
 
I use an Uncle Mike's #3 for a J-frame S&W Chief's Special. I like the exposed hammer, but the hammer spur sometimes caught on the upper inside stitched seam of the holster when I would practice drawing it. So I cut a quarter-sized piece of scrap leather and super-glued it to cover the seam next to the hammer spur. Snubbie draws out easily now, no snagging. Pretty good for about $17.00 investment.
 
Pocket carry is usually my favorite way to go when a small snubby is "enough gun." Over the years I have used both nylon and leather holsters and have found the former to work fine. I have yet to wear one out, but if that happens I'll simply replace it.

On a double-action revolver they're is no reason to cover the trigger guard, and doing so simply adds to unwanted bulk in the holster/gun combination.

Unlike other modes and methods of carry, the pocket holster's prime purpose is to keep the gun positioned for a draw. Without one you will often find that the gun has rearranged itself to a muzzle up/butt down location, which isn't good.
 
Can't praise enough the DeSantis Nemesis or SuperFly nylon holsters. Sticky on the outside (so they stay in the pocket), and slick on the inside, so the revolver comes out easily.
 
I don't understand spending substantial money on a good handgun that my life may depend on and buying a cheapie holster that could foul up the one chance for the draw that means life or death...Strikes me the way seeing someone open carry a thousand dollar plus gun in a flimsy holster-like pouch while wearing flip flops...I don't like pocket carry for a number of reasons but if I was going to that, I would want a holster that will not badly print, will stay in position so when rapidly grasped the gun will be oriented properly and it won't come out with the gun.

I don't think that means it has to be leather but something better than a $10 soft pouch or a homemade one made out of cardboard and duct tape. My life is worth the best I can afford. There are no do-overs if one's poor choice fails. I would also want something durable enough to practice many presentations in all positions I might be in when that moment comes. That would include during a physical struggle standing or on the ground.
 
I use the DeSantis one also. If I am walking the dog or hiking or something, back pocket carry is my favorite. I carry an alloy 38 snub without a hammer spur. It whips out of that back pocket smoothly and easily.
 
Once upon a time that the Old Fuff remembers well, good guns were made of high carbon steel that was heat treated for maximum strength. Now we have synthetic materials that cost less and do as well or better. I admit my personal preferences are for the former, but admit that the latter can get the job done and stand up better to harsh environments.

Pocket holsters can be inexpensive without being cheap. Others used for different situations are a different story. Choosing one should always take into consideration the context of how they will be used, and for what purpose.

In the past I often made my own leather holsters, often because I didn't like available designs or had a handgun that was uncommon. Cardboard and duct tape was reserved for making patterns. Over time my hand-made and hand-stitched rigs stood up as well as the most expensive ones from top brand makers. In appearance some of mine looked better. In fact occasionally friends and associates ask me to make something "special" that they did indeed stake their lives on. One such individual was a U.S. Marine who shot his way out of an unexpected ambush in Viet Nam. Had his 1911A1 .45 pistol been in an issue full flap holster he wouldn't (as he put it) lived to tell the story.

Carry on....
 
Depends on the pocket (different pants, coats, etc.), and the holster (my Uncle Mike's works for my S&W 638, KelTec P.32, and others), and the gun.
I also have used homemade and improvised holsters.

Whatever works for you. Just be sure it works. Your life may depend on it.
 
I somehow acquired a leather pocket holster for my Airweight. Really like it, and it works great.

I've tried synthetics, but they don't work quite as well for me as the leather.

Bottom line: Use what works for you.
 
Yes. I've had two Mika's, a round bottom and a square bottom, that I've used with j-frames constantly for about ten years. They just get better with age. Mika has a great design that I think is superior to leather.
 
I think any material is fine, as long as the design is sound. I think a little hook on the bottom to catch the corner pocket is a good idea, even if the holster is made of material that's tacky on the outside, because you can't always count on the stickiness.
 
I like the DeSantis Super Fly and the Nemesis for pocket carry with my S&W Model 638.
 
I find a kydex holster, stiff with a hook on each side, does well for pocket carry. Easy to replace the LCP in it, positions it nicely, prevents it from printing, and keeps it free from pocket lint.
 
I have used the Uncle Mike's / Blackhawk #3 holsters for pocket carry with my 642 and 442 for quite a while.

Yes, they are cheap, but they do exactly what I need and expect from them.
 
Ive been pocket carrying for six years of my 50 years of carry, 35 years as a civilian...I have every type of holster from ankle to arm pit.( cost from 20 dollars to 260 dollars ) I would never go back to any other type of carry holster... pocket carry offers just too many advantages for me.. I use an Uncle Mikes #3 side kick.( 20 dollars ) I've altered it because pocket holsters have a tendency to come out of the pocket when you are drawing the weapon. I've modified my Pocket holster by adding Velcro ( just the loop and hook side ) super glued to the outside of the Mikes. It doesn't come out unless IM taking it out.. I've also lined the holster with a lining of waxed paper.. I have lots of pictures which I have shared way too many times on this forum.. but for me Pocket carry works...and works very well.
Bill aka ET
 
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