Pocket holster questions?

[MrTuffPaws]

I am thinking about getting a gun that would be perfect for pocket carry, but something about pocket holsters just does not make sense to me.

What I am getting at is that I have lots of different pants, all with different pockets sizes and shapes. While they could all hold the gun that I want, I doubt that just one pocket holster would work for me.

So, are pocket holsters supposed to fit all pocket types? Are they really just to cover the trigger for safety, or are they supposed to function as a holster in your pocket? Am I expected to do any disengagement with my thumb or fingers to make sure the holster stays in my pocket? Do any of you do any mods to your pocket holsters so they are easier to draw from?

 

[geegee]

I'll give you my take on them, based on my personal experience. I regularly carry a 1911 IWB, but a few years ago bought a Kel Tec 9mm for the rare occasions where a full size 1911 wouldn't be feasible. I like the slide clip on the Kel Tec, but still decided to get a pocket holster. I chose one made by Lou Alessi.

http://www.rfholsters.com/rfholsters/product.asp?dept%5Fid=10&pf%5Fid=AH%2DPH

The major benefits of pocket holster use are the handgun won't print, and it will always be held in the same position, making a draw much easier and consistent. Just as important is the fact that the gun's barrell and action are kept free from lint, and not damaged by contact with keys or anything else thrown into the pocket. If you do decide on pocket carry, nothing else should be in that pocket anyway.

The printing issue is easily addressed, but once the pocket size and shape changes, there can be some problems with drawing the weapon. I found this out the first time I placed my pistol and holster inside a pair of pants with a much larger pocket than I was used to. Hours later, I reached into that pocket and found that the holster had in fact, turned completely upside down.

I never did have another holster made for that particular pistol because A. 99% of the time I was carrying my 1911, and B. I became much more cognizant of the fact that it could in fact roll around in the pocket depending on which pants I wore, and so did frequent "position checks." Had I decided to change to that mode of carry for my preferred carry option, I'm sure I probably would have acquired other holster.

One more holster maker I would recommend is Robert Mika, a full time LEO, and retired LAPD officer. You can do a search here at THR for plenty of feedback on him and his products reputation.

http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/

Again, just my .02, but I hope it's helpful.

 

[Sir Aardvark]

I regularly carry my S&W 340PD in a pocket holster.

My favorite pocket holster is a Safariland inside-the-pocket holster.
It is suede on the outside and a slick plastic coating on the inside.
The suede is "sticky" and makes the holster stay in my pocket when I draw.
This holster is kinda "deep" compared to others and does an excellent job of keeping my J-frame from printing; you can tell that something is in my pocket, but you just can't tell what it is.

I also have a Milt Sparks PCH-R (Pocket Concealment Holster - Revolver) which I am still trying to come to terms with.
It is a very well made holster in leather with sharkskin trim, but, still being pretty new, is very tight; I can stretch it out a bit without much of a problem, so no big deal.
The one thing I don't like, compared with my Safariland, is that the outside of this one is slick leather and it will come out of my pocket when I draw my firearm. I also find it does not do as good of a job from disguising the outline of my J-frame as my other holster does. Please keep in mind I'm not complaining, just explaining.

 

[JCM298]

I have a few pocket holsters.

The Uncle Mike's nylon works best for the "beast", my 340 SC. I did have to alter it so that it would keep its shape. I glued a piece of thin plastic to the entire outside of the holster. It fits my 649 and Magnum Carry, too.

The DeSanti Nemisis works very well with my Para C6.45. My Kahr Mk9 also works in it but it's a little loose.

A Mika's works with both guns but it's a little too thick for dress pants.

I also have a no-name leather holster for a snub but it tends to come out with the gun. It is just used when I have to put a gun in a briefcase and is used to protect the gun,

John

 

[bulbboy]

Kevin at K & D Holsters made me a custom one for my Walther PPK/S. He does outstanding work!!

www.kdholsters.com

 

[P95Carry]

+1 for Kevin's work. RJ Headley also does good pocket stuff.

Much has been covered but for sure - an anti-printing aspect is good plus - lint protection and then too - if holster is well bedded in to pocket it will stay put nicely on draw.

It is not good if the piece can ''migrate'' when in pocket and from being grips upppermost change to barrel uppermost - which can happen in a large pocket!!!

I am going to pop this over to accessories which is where IMO it best belongs.

 

[ruger357]

I have a RJ Hedley pocket holster for my Seecamp and like it alot. Great craftmanship.

 

[PCRCCW]

Mika, Hedley and the rest all do great work. Pocket carry is my everyday way of hauling my gun around. All aspects have been covered by past replies as to what and why a Pocket holster should be used.

To answer one more......one holster will usually do many pairs of pants. They are not fit" to a certain pocket but should work equally well in many pockets.

Shoot well.

 

[ALHunter]

FWIW, I carry my S&W 642 in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster. It does just fine. I have carried it in several different brands/styles of pants and shorts with no problems. Holster has never failed to stay inside the pocket on draw.

 

[CHEHALIS]

Thanks ALHunter, you answered my question about S&W 642 pocket holster suggestions before I even asked it.