Pocket carry.

[sgt127]

I’ve occasionally pocket carried. Usually an old 642 in a homemade leather holster.


And. It worked pretty well.

Decided to try my P365. Ordered a couple holsters.



The first is made by J&J. The back part is a flap, hinged at the bottom, so you can slip your hand around the grip.



Beautifully made. Great quality.

In a pair of 5-11 cargo shorts, it looked like a laptop in my pocket. Just huge. I returned it.

The second problem with the J&J and the Desantis, is once I get a firing grip on the gun, it ain’t coming out. It’s the monkey making a fist in the jar problem.

For you folks that actually pocket carry anything larger than a KelTec. A Ruger .380. Seecamp, an J frame…etc. how in the hell do you actually get a firing grip on the gun AND get your hand out of the pocket?

While bitching to a buddy, he has a friend that swears by these.

https://ccwbreakaways.com/

The concept impressed me enough to order a couple pairs of shorts. My opinion of them to be posted later.

I usually Appendix carry. But, I occasionally like to tuck in my shirt. This May be an option.

If anyone has any experience, let me know. (Probably should have asked before ordering them..oh well)

 

[SterlingBullet]

Generally, anything, other than a Kel-Tec P-32 or Ruger LCP, is not coming out of a pocket in a person’s full grip unless it is a very large open pocket. NAA Minis don’t count.

 

[LeftyRed]

I use Alabama Pocket Holsters, DeSantis Superfly or Nemesis , and Mika Pocker Holsters. Have them for G42, G43, G26/27/28, P365, Hellcat, LCR, J Frame, Taurus GX4, Taurus 856, LCP, LCPII, LCP Max, EC9s, M&P BG380, and others.

 

[The Last Outlaw]

I carried a p365 in a Desantis Nemesis for a couple years. It was a little big, and printed pretty plainly, but I never had a problem drawing. Maybe I have smaller hands or something, but I have drawn it thousands of times with no issues.

 

[fastbolt]

I use UM #3 pocket holsters for my J-frames, and one of the things I shop for in jeans and BDU-type pants is the ability to hold and conceal a J-frame ... and have the pocket and pocket mouth allow me to get a grip on the butt and draw it from a pocket. If I really want some pants that won't accommodate a pocket-holstered J in that manner? Well, that was the only reason I bought my first LCP (after having not owned or carried a .380 for approx 25 years).

I've occasionally carried a UM #4 to pocket holster a G26, G27 or CS9 in some cargo shorts with very deep pockets, but I disliked having the pistols bang against my lower thigh when walking, or having to slide them around and down the side of my leg when seated. A couple of my older cargo shorts had front pockets that were deep enough to let a 5903 sit in a large pocket holster so the grip was a few inches below the pocket mouth. That made carrying the full-size gun like carrying a brick.

 

[wayneinFL]

I use Uncle Mike's holsters, because they don't take up a lot of space in a pocket.

The easiest gun for me to carry, to be able to get a full grip in a pocket, is a hammerless J frame with a wood Hogue boot grip. The wood is slick, and doesn't hang up on your hand like rubber, especially when your hand is sweaty. It's absolutely the fastest thing I can get out of a pocket.

I've carried and still do, from time to time, a Kimber Micro-9, or a Glock 43. They are a little harder the get out, but with the right pants they work okay. I've carried a Glock 27 before and could get a full grip on it with the right pair of pants. The big hunk of slide on top means you have to have a big pocket opening.

Wife gets irritated clothes shopping with me, because the first thing I check is how deep the pockets are and how easy I can get my fist in and out of the pocket.

 

[Plano11]

G43 in pj pocket holster. I agree with JodyH, you will end up with different material holsters for different pants/shorts etc. but that kydex was my favorite by far. The gun stayed put in my pants and was easy to draw. It looked like my IPhone 8 Plus in my pocket.

I rarely pocket carry anymore since going to Jmck holsters. But when I do I prefer the G43 over my j frame. It feels more comfortable to me moves less.

 

[W.E.G.]

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https://youtube.com/shorts/gbQr1XJk3fI?feature=share





https://youtube.com/shorts/gbQr1XJk3fI?feature=share

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[SDGlock23]

I have no issues pocketing G26/27 sized guns, even the occasional G30 w/flush 9rd mag.

 

[defjon]

Best of the pocket auto subcompact 9mm holsters I've tried?

Vedder.

These 10+ capacity micro 9mms really aren't pocket guns, IMO. Too much weight. Due to the shape, no good way to draw. This even extends to lcps and kel tecs, for me the blocky shapes print more and get hung up while drawing, slowing you down.

The 938 was okay, but then you're back to a very accurate light recoiling single stack, with great sites and fast reloads.

After tons of practice, draw to fire times, Shot placement speed and consideration I'm back to a j frame.

Fastest draw on target for me. I think that rates higher than capacity and reload speed for me and my needs.

I will always carry at least another 5 rounds in a speed strip, but I can tell you at least 3 aggressors would know they've been in a fight.

As a plus while hiking I can keep snake shot in or, or buffalo bore outdoorsman rounds 158 gr hardcast over 1000 fps even from the 642. Back in civilization, critical defense or federal punch (still never found any hst in the wild), or even a middle ground 158 gr jhp will expand about .40 and go about 18 inches in gel.

Yeah...my snub checks most boxes for my needs. I address capacity by rarely being anywhere alone and nearly always backed up my Czech police dogs !

 

[W.E.G.]

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https://youtube.com/shorts/v-rxWxDDH0U?feature=share

 

[chicharrones]

The first is made by J&J. The back part is a flap, hinged at the bottom, so you can slip your hand around the grip.

View attachment 1157931

Beautifully made. Great quality.

In a pair of 5-11 cargo shorts, it looked like a laptop in my pocket. Just huge. I returned it.

The second problem with the J&J and the Desantis, is once I get a firing grip on the gun, it ain’t coming out. It’s the monkey making a fist in the jar problem.

For you folks that actually pocket carry anything larger than a KelTec. A Ruger .380. Seecamp, an J frame…etc. how in the hell do you actually get a firing grip on the gun AND get your hand out of the pocket?

There's simply too much thick leather on that J&J. Pocket holsters don't need to be built as heavy as belt holsters.

Hmmm. The firing grip out of the pocket with an autoloader . . . I get the gun fully into the web of my hand, but pull the gun as if I'm pulling on a slice of bread. Which means my fingers are flat against the side of the grip, but I'm not making a fist. And my thumb adds enough squeeze grip to make the draw, but otherwise remains "flexible". Once my hand clears my pocket then I can get a full strength fist grip on the gun.

Of course, it still depends on the clothes one wears and the person's physique.

Just for reference of a thinner holster, below are pics of my Recluse TS with a curved bottom with 7 years of nearly daily pocket time. First with my RM380, then the last year with my LCP Max. The holster used to be light tan colored.

Recluse makes two versions of the TS for the Sig P365. The TS series only has one inner layer and one outer layer of thin, but stiff, leather that clamshell around the gun. It sufficiently hides and supports the gun in a pocket.

https://recluseholster.com/sig-sauer-p365-recluse-ts-front

https://recluseholster.com/sig-sauer-p365-recluse-ts-solo-1

 

[wayneinFL]

To clarify, when I say a J frame is faster for me, I mean like a 2 second draw on a timer. While some people might be faster than me, I don't think anybody is a speed demon getting a gun out of a pocket.

 

[Big_Al]

Another vote for the DeSantis nemesis, I use them for my 365 and lcp max. Never had a problem drawing with them standing up. Sitting down is a different story.

 

[sgt127]

Ok. Yeah. If you are using your thumb and fingers to pull the gun out and then gripping it, I can see it working.

I’m hoping the breakaway pants will allow a full firing grip and then draw.

I’m not crazy about pocket carry, I still prefer appendix. But, there’s a time and place. Even that silly gun flip draw I showed before.

 

[MikeInOr]

The P365 is a great compact gun but it is too big for me to pocket carry and be able to draw it smoothly. Just like you are describing. The largest gun I can pocket carry and actually be able to get it out of my pocket when I need it is a DB9. The P365 is worlds better of a pistol than the DB9 but my DB9 has been 100% reliable for me and it suits my purposes better (pocket carrying).

To carry a P365 I would have to IWB carry. For me I would rather a larger round (.45 acp in my XDs) than more rounds in a P365. But that is just my choice and everyone needs to choose what works best for them.

 

[rperyam]

I like the Recluse holster. I have them for my Kahr 380 and my Kahr PM9. Looks like a wallet from the outside, your hand releases it from the holster and it comes out really fast.

 

[paul105]

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[sgt127]

I’m half tempted to get another PM9. Sold the last one. That’s a great gun.

 

[DeepSouth]

For you folks that actually pocket carry anything larger than a KelTec. A Ruger .380. Seecamp, an J frame…etc. how in the hell do you actually get a firing grip on the gun AND get your hand out of the pocket?

I don’t see a lot of people actually answering the question, so I’ll try.
The short answer is, as you pull it up.

I’m not fully into a firing grip until (at least) my knuckles are out of the pocket. You pull up with the fingers partially wrapped, not entirely. Essentially don’t put the whole hand in the pocket, just enough to get the fingers to start around the grip, then curl the gun up and out of the holster into the palm. It sounds more complicated than it is.

Obviously, it’s not the preferred draw method, nor the preferred carry method. IMO.

 

[MikeInOr]

I’m half tempted to get another PM9. Sold the last one. That’s a great gun.

I have a Kahr CM9 and it is a great gun. It is too big for me to pocket carry and draw effectively. Yeah, I can get it into my pocket, I just can't get it out quickly.

 

[WYO]

I can easily get a full firing grip on my Glock 42 carried in an Alabama pocket holster in the front pocket of my Lee jeans. The bottom 3 fingers can be used to push off the holster for the draw and it is presented with a full firing grip. The gun does have Ameriglo Agent sights, and I rock the gun back a little on the draw just to be sure that the rear sight does not snag on the pants. The junky stock sights would present less of a possible issue in that regard. (File photo. The wallet is just to show scale.)



I have the same holster for a Sig P365-380. I can get a full firing grip, but the gun is a bit clunkier and not as smooth on the draw.

 

[WisBorn]

I have been using Sticky, UM, and Blackhawk holsters for the past 12 years.
I recently purchased two Alabama Pocket Holsters. I like the LCPII one so far. I haven't tried the j frame size yet. The only advantage/disadvantage is that the are left or right handed.

 

[chicharrones]

Regarding J-frame holsters, I really like the one Azula offers. I trimmed it a bit in places to suit my needs.

 

[Tallball]

I've always pocket carried a lot. Haven't been able to wear a belt for medical reasons for almost four years, so that's definitely where it's at for me now.

Pocket carry is great, if the garment, pocket, firearm, holster, and hand all fit each other well. If things don't fit right, it's different kinds of sucky.

If you find pants or shorts with pockets that work just right for one of your EDC's, go back and buy more.

A few years back I found some cargo shorts that were perfect for my LCR and DeSantis Nemesis. They're loose enough to be comfortable, but tight enough so the cargo pocket doesn't flop around when you draw. The cargo pocket is large enough to hold the revolver and holster, but small enough that they can't get turned sideways. The handgun is light enough that the pocket doesn't sag obviously or beat against my leg.

My hands are enormous and I'm not going to get a real shooting grip inside of a pocket. For a cargo pocket I slide my fingers between the grip and the fabric, grip it with just my last three fingers and draw, moving my thumb and trigger finger to appropriate places as everything clears the pocket. It's easier than it sounds. It's muscle memory for me by now with my preferred shorts, holster, and revolver.

For back pocket I put my thumb between the grip and the fabric, grip it with just my thumb, and draw, placing my fingers appropriately as everything clears the pocket. That one's really good for me. My hands are very big, so the S&W 642 is extremely steady once I get it locked in with my thumb. The fingers slide into place naturally as it clears the fabric.

Cargo pocket carry is great for standing or sitting, as long as everything fits just about perfectly. It's my preference. My hand dangles right near the grip when I'm standing. It draws easily when sitting, much better than waist-area carry, IMHO.

Back pocket carry is great if you know you're not going to sit down. I back pocket carry in the fall and winter when walking the dogs.

I don't prefer front pocket carry. Usually kind of slow to draw standing up, depending on the garment, and extremely difficult when seated.

Breast pocket carry is nice for an LCP if the jacket and pocket are just right. It's a go-to for me in the winter because it's 1,000 times faster than drawing out from under your coat. Lower coat pockets can be good, depending on how well everything fits.