Pocket carrying heavy snubbies

[Candiru]

I've pretty much narrowed my choice of gun for pocket carry down to a snub-nosed revolver of some kind. The question for me now is what kind. Ideally, I would like to get a Model 60 in .357 Magnum, since this will provide a lot of flexibility when it comes to power. However, I worry that 22.5 oz. of steel will be unusable for pocket carry. I like the weight for its effect on the gun's handling characteristics; .38 Special out of a Model 60 is entirely pleasant even with bantam grips, and .357 Magnum isn't too bad. The way lighter snubbies handle and transmit recoil is unpleasant to me; after hearing all the rave reviews on the 642, I tried one out at the range but couldn't bring myself to like it.

So my question for those who read this thread is this: Do you, or have you ever carried a "heavy" snubby like the Model 60 or 36 in the pocket? If so, how was the weight? What kind of pocket holster or other concealment techniques did you use? Would you recommend carrying this heavy a revolver in the pocket?

 

[mnrivrat]

Just a related comment as I have no experience carrying a heavy pocket gun. I personaly don't think it can be done comfortably.

I do however have experience with pocket carry and will tell you that in my opinion you should look at a lighter weight gun to do it comfortably. Presently I carry a 13 oz. Revolver (unloaded) . If recoil is a problem ,than one can stick with standard .38 Spl , or .32 Mag. rather than .357 mag. loadings.

I'm curious myself if anybody pocket carries a 20 oz plus gun and how they manage it .

 

[SwampWolf]

I carried a Smith 640 in my pocket for a while. It can be done but I eventually found it a mite heavy and to cause sag issues on pants having light material. Finally got a 642 and, though it is an unpleasant gun to shoot with +Ps in terms of recoil, for me the advantages of a far more comfortable and less revealing carry was worth the trade-off. Toting the revolver in a belt holster is an entirely different matter and I would choose something heavier than the 642 in that situation.

 

[farscott]

I carry an old .38 Special S&W M640 in a Kramer pocket holster every day, and it is not an issue with good pants and shorts. It works just fine with dress slacks with deep pockets, most jeans, and most casual pants. The depth of the pocket is key as is the construction of the pants. The holster is also important.

The weight of the pistol is not an issue once one gets used to it, and I rather carry a steel pistol I can shoot well than an alloy one I cannot. I started with the M640, tried the M342PD (which my wife now carries), went to the M642, and came back to the M640. I also am much less concerned about frame breakage with the steel pistols.

 

[Marshall]

Slacks? Forget it. Jeans? Yea, but still heavy. Go with a small IWB holster and try appendix carry. I carry my model 60 that way 90% of the time. I can still stick it in my pocket if needed.

I use one of these Hunter IWB suede holsters. I picked it up at Sports Authority for 14-15 bucks. I got it one size deeper, for a 3" instead of 2" and the gun is much more comportable. It rides low and hides nicely.

Hunter

 

[Iggy]

I carry either a 640-1 (stainless .357) or a steel Mdl 36 in a Robert Mika pocket holster.
I had one of the Chief's Special Airweights back in 1970 and did not like the recoil and sold it.

I carried the 36 when appropriate for neary 30 years until my wife absconded with it.

I got the 640-1 to have the magnum capability.

I use either light .357's or 38+P's and can shoot them quite comfortably.

I am willing to carry the extra weight in order to be able to control the gun.

The Mika holster appears and feels very bulky for about a week until it conforms to the gun and to your leg. It stays open for reholstering and becomes quite un-noticable to you or "spectators" in a matter of days.

BTW Robert Mika is a great guy to deal with.. He won't take payment until you receive the holster and like it. For around $18.00 delivered, it's worth a try.

 

[perpster]

+1 on the Mika Pocket Holster

I pocket carried a 36 for 20 years. You'll learn how to put your thumb on the hammer to allow quick draw without snagging. I used to poo-poo the Centennial style because no single action aimed shot capability (never was aware of the Bodybuard style, but now that I am I don't like the idea of lint getting inside the groove).

Not too long ago I bought a used 640 (.38 only) and that has become my main pocket carry--I LOVE the enclosed hammer. Let's face it--how often if ever are you really going to take a single action shot in the statistically average gunfight? Yes, there might be that one time when you need to put 1 in the head of a hostage taker without hitting the hostage inches away, but is it likely to happen?

All that being said, there are times when the 640 (or 36) are just too heavy for pocket carry. So, having caught the snubby bug, I am awaiting delivery of a 340. If I can handle the recoil I'll keep .357s in it. If I can't I'll put .38 +Ps in it (and if I totally whimp out I'll put plain old .38 spcl in it, but if that's the case I'll be too ashamed to come back to THR ). Actually, depending on how I can handle it I might keep one type loaded and a different type in the speedloader(s), for just in case.

No matter which I carry though, I've found that that the Mika Pocket Holster is the best to carry in. I used to carry the gun naked, thinking a pocket holster was redundant. However, for any length of time carry there is a clear difference in comfort. And, the Mika makes the package look like a wallet--least recongizable printing of any holster I've tried.

More importantly, the Mika somehow allows the gun to sit deepest in the pocket of any holster I've tried. This is great for keeping grips--even large rubber ones like Pachmeyers--from sticking out of the pocket. And, it stays open for easy re-holstering.

Lastly, as said in a previous post, Rob Mika is a pleasure to deal with and makes them himself. If you have questions HE answers them, quickly and thoroughly. And in this day and age, how many businesses send you a product to evaluate for keep/return and trust you to send payment later?

I bought one and love it. I'm not being compensated to say this stuff.
http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/pocket.htm

Perpster

PS: both the 36 and 640 fit in the same Mika holster. I expect the 340 will too.

 

[TonyB]

Just wondering what people's thoughts are on carring in the pocket w/out a holster..I just got a 642 and carried in a vest pocket w/out a holster.I seems that with the heavy trigger,it's not much of an issue of it"going off".But what do you all think?I'm considering pants pocket carring in the summer,should I get a pocket holster or go "bare back"

 

[Marshall]

Let's face it--how often if ever are you really going to take a single action shot in the statistically average gunfight?

My first shot would almost assuredly be single action. If the guns coming out the hammers going back. I figure the better the first shot the less important the remaining shot accuracy becomes.

 

[Universal]

I carry a S&W model 640 no dash .38 special in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster without any problems. I carry it with jeans, slacks, shorts and even with my suit.

 

[Iggy]

I'm considering pants pocket carring in the summer,should I get a pocket holster or go "bare back"

Get a holster.. Without it, the gun will poke you, wear holes in your pocket, pick up lint, not remain in the same postition, and look just like a gun in your pocket.

 

[Old Fuff]

I have pocket carried all kinds of steel snubbies, including .44 Specials...

The first thing is pants. You don't want any that are too snug, lightweight (especially the pockets) or have shallow or narrow pockets (although pockets can be modified). You also want a good belt that will help support the weight. Be sure the pocket is deep enough so that the gun's butt is below the pocket's slit.

2nd, you want a pocket holster that not only fits the gun (the fit should be slightly loose, not tight) and the pocket as well. The holster will keep the gun correctly positioned, and break up the gun's shape so it doesn't print like what it is.

3rd, beware of conventional hammer spurs that can catch the pocket material during the draw, and if you choose to use such a gun be sure the pocket holster covers the spur. Otherwise it will wear a hole in the pocket over time.

4th, don't carry anything else in the pocket with the gun - it will only add bulk where you have enough already.

5th. avoid soft rubber stocks as cloth tends to cling to them, and may "print" the shape. Smooth wood or hard plastic stocks work well in combination with a grip adapter.

 

[fiVe]

Lastly, as said in a previous post, Rob Mika is a pleasure to deal with and makes them himself. If you have questions HE answers them, quickly and thoroughly. And in this day and age, how many businesses send you a product to evaluate for keep/return and trust you to send payment later?

I couldn't agree more. Robert is great, and I'm REALLY liking my Mika holster. It is a perfect fit for my 642.

 

[KeltiKevin]

I pocket carry a stainless steel Rossi M88 every day, using a cheap Uncle Mike's pocket holster. The weight is no issue for me at all, but at 6' and 250 (conservatively) pounds, I'm a fairly big guy.

I do think I will pick up a Mika pocket holster soon. I keep hearing too many good things about it.

 

[SAWBONES]

As noted, the all steel Model 60 with either the 2" or 3" barrel is a bit heavy for a pants pocket. It works well in either barrel length, though, with the appendix position in "Mexican" carry mode or with a string holster, IME.

J-frames in Airweight and Titanium/Scandium versions are the best choices for pocket guns, IMNSHO.

 

[BigG]

Unfortunately, that's the whole point behind alloy snubbies. There is no way I've found to carry a steel one in the pocket of a normal pair of pants or sports jacket. I carried a model 640 257 mag for a while but it is just too heavy. Same with my 940 9mm stainless steel.

There are tradeoffs in life; you want feasible pocket carry, imho, you need an alloy pistol. JMTC

 

[ACP230]

I carry a Smith M649 in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster.
I mostly wear jeans, and the 649 works OK with them.

My M38 carries a bit more easily and I do use it more often with slacks. The 649 shoots more accurately, so I most often carry it.

 

[JNewell]

Have done so with a 940, a 60 and even an SP101. Even with all the right steps taken, in my opinion it's the wrong marriage of tool and technique. Pocket is better with alloy; steel goes on the belt. YMMV...

 

[The Goose]

I carry a 649 Bodyguard .357 in a Kramer pocket holster every day. I wear Dockers most of the time. I used to carry a 342 because it was half the weight, but it sucks to shoot with .38 +p's or even with regular .38's. I find the 649 comfortable to shoot and accurate even with full house magnums.

In fact I went to the range this morning. I fired 100 rds. of S&B 158 gr FMC, 50 rds of Blazer 158 gr JHP, 50 rds of Remington 125 gr. Golden Sabers and 50 rds of DoubleTap 125 gr. Gold Dots. No pain and it was fun.

Last weekend I put 50 rds of Federal Hydra Shoks .38 +p's through my 342 and I was practically wincing at every shot and my finger was bleeding by the end. I like the 342 for BUG ankle carry and thats about it.

Quite simply I can shoot the 649 a LOT better and it is a LOT more powerful. I just do not find the weight an issue. In my opinion the S&W 60/640/649 is one of the best snubbies out there. I put a pair of Eagle, Rosewood secret service style grips on mine and it rocks.

 

[JERRY]

i used to carry a sp101 in the pocket of jeans....it was a good gun and gave me comfortable magnum capabilities....

but the spur hammer sucked for pocket carry and i couldnt find a g.s. in my area to properly bob it and still have the right spring weight for the lighter hammer....dont want to risk "just doing it" myself.

also, those factory grips sucked! great for shooting magnums, but poor for pocket carry or most any other kind of concealment.