Sewing in special handgun pockets.

[mountaindrew]

Over the last few years my right front pocket has simply become my "gun pocket" and since it usually holds a KT p3at, it fits in any pair of pants. Now I am going to upgrade my carry piece, and the pockets in my jeans are not ideal for carrying a larger gun, like Kahr PM9 or a 2inch snubbie. I was thinking, I am pretty handy with a sewing machine, so why not sew in new pockets in my jeans that are ideal for pocket carry? Maybe even shaped to hold a gun in place and with an outer layer to mask the outline, thus doing away with the need for a pocket holster? That pocket never holds anything else anyway.

Anyone tried this or does anyone have any thought?

 

[mr.72]

they make holsters that are intended to be sewn into pockets. maybe that would be a good consideration. i may try and dig up a link.

 

[the naked prophet]

The problem with that is that cloth is relatively weak, and will wear quickly, leading to a gun falling out of the pocket (maybe only falling into another pocket, but still no good). Go ahead and try it, but be sure to use heavyweight denim, and do double/triple stitching, and be sure to leave plenty of room around the gun so you aren't stretching the fabric and stressing the seams.

 

[jackstinson]

Ohio concealed carry law mandates using a holster.
I suppose one could sew in larger pockets for larger holsters. But at that point IWB or OWB carry seems more viable.
Jack

 

[CWL]

If it's still going to fit into your pocket, a pocket holster is still going to make more sense as it is stiff, removeable and will break-up the outline of your pistola. Because it is removeable, it is safe to remove & store the gun out of pocket.

If you sew a special "L" shaped pocket into your jeans, all you will do is make it print more and more with each wearing. Have you seen wallet or snuff can shapes permanently printed into jeans from wear?

 

[Beagle-zebub]

You could use Kevlar fabric, right? Do they sell that as material?

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

A lot of pants, especially cheap ones, have pretty flimsy pocket material. Heavier jeans and cargo pants have better pockets, but slacks still do not. You could make a pocket out of a thicker cloth like a light canvas, or line it with leather.

 

[Harvster]

I think you would still want a holster. The rigidness helps with a clean draw. Even thicker material like denim is easier to snag stuff on than most holsters. You also don't want too thick of a material because then it will remain wet out of the wash and may mildew etc. I would make a heavier weight pocket than the typical fabric and make it roomy enough for your holster.

 

[StrawHat]

Ohio concealed carry law mandates using a holster.

I did not know that.

Of course the law is new since I carried a revolver way back then. But it actually says you have to have a holster?

Sounds like they are discriminating against the poor.

Wes Hardin supposedly had special pockets sewn into his vest for his revolvers.

Dallas Stoudenmire had special pockets in his trousers for his 44 Colt.

Didn't help either one.

 

[markallen]

The only thing in Ohio's regs on holsters is when your are carrying in a vehicle.

 

[biggiesmalls]

if this would be your new carry method, wouldn't you have to sew a special pocket in every pair of pants you wear?

 

[M2 Carbine]

Anyone tried this or does anyone have any thought?

My pockets also are not quite deep enough for a 2 inch J Frame.
I haven't come up with a good easy way to deepen the pocket yet though.

 

[moooose102]

If You Do This, You May Want To Consider Sewing In A Weight At The Very Bottom Of The Pocket, To Keep The Pocket Material From Moving Upward When Drawing In A Hurry, Such As Personal Defense.

 

[Vonderek]

Anyone tried this or does anyone have any thought?

Check out the Blackie Collins Toters jeans

 

[DBR]

Duluth Trading has very good quality, reasonably priced jeans and khakis with deep, well made pockets.

Check them out.
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/department/mens/mens2/mens_pants/pants.aspx?navlocation=dept_left

 

[Ready2Defend]

I have a local seemstress lengthen my front bluejeans pockets so I can use a pocket holster. I currently carry a 1911 springfield microcompact 45acp in a galco pocket holster. The pocket holster breaks up the printing outline and pads the gun so it dosen't rub too much against my thigh. 2+ on the cheep pants having crappy pockets.

http://www.galcogunleather.com/HolsterPG3.asp?ProductID=3117&GunID=224

The upper band around this holster has a metal insert that you should shape to the gun. Under NO circumstances should you try to trim off the upper band if it is digging into your leg. Carefully bend the insert with pliers. You will be much more pleased with the result. Don't ask me how I learned this.

 

[theotherwaldo]

I have added a stiffener panel on the outside of the pocket of some of my pants and a snap (not velcro) to the tip of the pocket holster and the bottom of the pocket. It reduces printing, maintains the position of the pocket holster, and makes it easier to put my hand in my pocket.

I tried to use a stiffener panel on the inside of the pants leg over the pocket, but that caused noticeable bunching and increased wear on the pants.

 

[Avery Goodschott]

I've got some of those "specialty" jeans for law enforcement that not only have an appendix IWB pocket, but mag pouches, handcuff pockets,etc

Overkill...but everything fits.

.

 

[owlhoot]

A great many of the old west gunmen favored pocket carry and they were carrying big guns such as the Colt SAA and the S&W model 3.

They had pockets made of various weights of leather and had the pockets cut to their specifications and used them in trousers as well as coats.

John Wesley Hardin had leather holsters sewn on the sides of his vest so he could carry a pair of .44 Army models.

John Newman carried his Colt SA, 4.75" barrel, in a leather pocket that replaced back pocket in his trousers.

Dallas Stoutemyer, El Paso marshal and gunfighter, carried a pair of S&W model 3's in .45 Schofield in his leather frock coat pockets. He also used front pocket carry for his Smiths from time to time.

Wyatt Earp was pocket carrying when engaged in the gunfight at the Ok corral. He also used leather lined pockets.

If you replace your pockets, chamois skin leather, which is washable, is an excellent choice being both durable and relatively inexpensive. In fabrics consider canvas or heavy sailcloath.

 

[Deleted member 66305]

This site might serve your needs.

 

[Deleted member 66305]

I've got some of those "specialty" jeans for law enforcement that not only have an appendix IWB pocket, but mag pouches, handcuff pockets,etc

Would you happen to have a link to an online source of such clothing?