Can you really front pocket carry .357

1

10isnotenough

Inactive
I've been evaluating modes of carry. My main choice is a H&K USP 45c in fanny pack but there are times I would prefer to carry something in my front pocket. I also have a hard time feeling totally comfortable with anything less than 9mm. I like the idea of a revolver and would like to lean towards .357 instead of .38 spl.

But it seems there are two choices - 25oz guns and 12 oz guns. Can you carry a SP101 in your front pocket without looking like you stuffed a huge object in your pocket? I don't think anyone really shoots .357 out of the 12oz guns so I think those are out of the question and are just as large dimensionally.

I have a .380 bersa which dimensionally isn't that different than a small snub and weighs 20oz. It seems a little big for pocket carry but I want to hear from the masses.

And for those of you that will want to talk about just hitting what you aim at so caliber doesn't matter, I still don't like less than 9mm. Yes, a .380 is probably better than a ice pick, but I wouldn't want to be armed with an ice pick if the other guy has a 9mm.

Thanks for your input.
 
Yes...we really do. :D In my normal work clothes..jeans, the gun hides fairly well. Im 5'10" and 160 lbs and dont hide guns that well.
Today I had my PCR at 4.00 IWB and my SP in my left front pocket all day and never felt it was cumbersome.
A good holster will prevent printing and distribute weight in your pocket. I had my leather dude make me a pocket holster that has a flap I can fold over either side. That way, its always in the front..double thick leather...hides printing better and goes in either pocket.
The SP isnt the best for pocket carry. I tried it with a J frame which was better and a CIA Taurus which was actually worse than my SP. It was just as heavy, exactly the same size and printed worse. Grips make all the difference in pocket carry...get the smallest you can find and learn to shoot with it.
Shoot well
 
S&W 640 in front pocket of Docker's type shorts, or cargo shorts. It's not that difficult to get used to with the right pocket holster.
 
I'm uncomfortable carrying my SP in a pants pocket ...

My 642-1, with Bantam grips, fits in a front pocket without a problem ... unless I want to ride my motorcycle. Docker-type pants are easier for me to conceal the j-frame than tight jeans.

Kramer makes an excellent inside-thr-pocket holster, and at the other end of the cost spectrum is the Uncle Mike's ... which is inexpensive enough to keep a couple of them around, in case you're away from home and want to switch from belt holster, or remove your jacket and switch from jacket pocket to pants pocket carry.

One of the guys just bought a Scandium .357, and replaced his Ti .38 with it, which he carries in a Kramer, which disappears in his Docker slacks front pocket. I've fired it with full strength Remington 125gr SJHP ... you'll know you were in a fight:eek:
 
SP-101, Uncle Mike's boot grips (there are two sizes, get the short ones), pocket holster - I use a Galco, but the Uncle Mike's looks good too. I buy loose fit jeans or use a Docker's type pleted pant. It is the most comfortable carry style for me. I have IWB holsters, but prefer the pocket method. I am not bothered at all with the weight of a 101. It shoots like a dream too. I practice with it frequently and I think that is very important in a defensive weapon. Give it a try, you might be surprised.
Bob
 
10: If you're really serious about what you're asking it would be an excellent idea to shoot a steel 38 j frame a good bit to get used to the idea that they are not going to kill you.

Once you have conditioned yourself to that, switch to a 12 oz 357 j frame will be no problem. So call the steel 38 an education expense.

Believe me, there is no comparison between any other gun you named and the scandium 357. If you're really serious you will be satisfied with nothing else. HTH :)
 
"WHY COI-TEN-LY!"...........

My Smith mod 638 Bodyguard drops into the front pocket of my docker-style pleated pants and is virtually undetectable, unless I sit down or squat in a certain way. With the shrouded hammer, it is really slick to get into action. Yes, I know the 638 is NOT a .357 but Taurus, Smith, and Ruger make .357's that are virtually the same size and just a few ounces heavier.

For instance, I have a Taurus Model 605 with the shortened mod 85 grip on it. It also drops in and is hard to detect but weighing 23 oz, it needs a GOOD holster, something I don't have yet.

At any rate, go for it!
 
I'm 5'9", 205. I did not care to carry the SP in the front pocket of my baggy jeans. OTOH, a j-frame works wonderfully.

It's something you've got to try for a while to see how it works. It didn't take me long to realize I was uncomfortable with the SP - it was heavy and the grip was bulky enough that the lump seemed obvious to me.
 
Like Eric and Victor said...
Holster is the key.

Hides , protects , secures ...
And keeps gun in consistant position.

Sam
 
Yeah, but I had difficulty even with the nice pocket holster I used. I really think it comes down to individual comfort - we're all built different and we dress different and we tolerate different things.
 
the "MAGIC" HOLSTER

.......some very good comments, guys. I have had a bunch of inquires asking, "...will the holster print in my pocket?". Try to answer THAT!!
 
The SP101 is too heavy for me to carry it in a pocket. Alloy J frames are no problem. I personally did not like the Kramer pocket holster. It was too thick and heavy. Maybe I'm nuts, but I prefer the el cheapo Uncle Mikes pocket holster for a revolver. Watch-Six
 
There's always going to be a certain amount of printing if someone knows what to look for, but a good holster will break up the outline so it doesn't shout "GUN!" quite so much. I think a stiffer leather holster that fills the pocket is more important with a heavier gun. As Watch-Six remarked, a soft Uncle Mike's pocket holster or a DeSantis Nemesis works fine with an alloy revo or flatter semiauto. I find a stiffer holster makes it possible to better conceal a heavier (by keeping the body of the holster from sloshing around in the pocket) or bulkier (by breaking up the gun's outline) pistol.
 
Erich has many great points. Everyone is built differently and pocket carry isnt for everyone. A thicker/more solid holster will support a heavy gun better...I made a soft holster from thicker materials...plus the switchable flap helps reduce printing ALOT!
I personally think its a great carry method and the Mikes pocket holster is a great one...the only thing I dont like is it doesnt keep you gun properly aligned at times. A MAJOR pain if you sit down to fast and your gun has settled "wrong".
Shoot well
 
Eric, can you post a picture of your pocket holster. I would really like to see it. I'm learning how to make holsters and always interested in new ideas.
Bob
 
Bob,
Heres a pic of the holster and of me with the holster in my front pocket..It shows but not excessively. In the holster pic it is hard to see the flap...its a piece of leather that is sewn between both sides of the holster on the long flat side and is cut exactly the same shape and size as the rest of it....Its been in my left front for so long its taken the same shape as the rest of it....double thick is perfect for less printing. Ill take a better pic of it later on.
Shoot well
 

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I didn't realize the uncle mike's boot grips came in two sizes? Can you guys post a pic of the smaller of the two? Thanks millions.
 
Let me see if I can figure out how to post this picture of the Hogue Bantam grip, which snaps on instead of using a screw ...
 

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