Was in the shop yesterday and picked up a stainless Ruger .22lr for some fun target shooting and got to looking around at other stuff. Decided in 30 days (time frame in NJ for purchasing handguns...even BB guns) to get a carry pistol but I'm sort of stuck on weather to get a Ruger LCR revolver or a Kimber semi-auto. The gun store assistant was pushing the Kimber. He said revolvers tend to get stuck in your pocket and this would not happen with the thin Kimber. Autos make me a bit nervous bouncing around in my pocket, especially since the Kimber must be cocked with only the safety preventing it from firing. Any feedback on the two guns?
Carry Pistol (Kimber Auto or LCR Revolver) ?
- Thread starter boxjeff
- Start date
Kreyzhorse
New member
I don't even know where to start on this one.
First and foremost, pocket carry of any gun the size of a j-frame can be difficult for some. Personally, and I'm not a big guy, but regardless of pants I'm wearing, I can't pocket carry a revolver. The gun is uncomfortable and it looks like I've got a j-frame in my pocket due to the thickness of the cylinder. The Kimber is likely bigger than the Ruger you are looking at so that might create a whole additional problem.
As far as the revolver getting caught in your pocket, yes, it is possible due to the hammer spur but I'd guess you could get any gun caught if you work hard enough.
Finally, the Kimber bouncing around in your pocket, or any gun for that matter, should be in a pocket holster if you plan on carrying in that method. Not everyone does, but I certainly think its the safest method to carry a pocket gun.
Before buying a gun for carry, I'd try to rent some of the models I was looking at and test them out. I'd also try to figure out what mode of carry I was going to use. Pocket carry doesn't work for everyone so maybe you might be more a of a IWB or OWB guy. If that's the case, that might open up some other guns to you. If you are intent on pocket carry, maybe some smaller guns might work better for you.
As far as feedback on those specific guns, the LCR gets pretty good reviews. Kimbers can be hit or miss but what specific model were you looking at?
First and foremost, pocket carry of any gun the size of a j-frame can be difficult for some. Personally, and I'm not a big guy, but regardless of pants I'm wearing, I can't pocket carry a revolver. The gun is uncomfortable and it looks like I've got a j-frame in my pocket due to the thickness of the cylinder. The Kimber is likely bigger than the Ruger you are looking at so that might create a whole additional problem.
As far as the revolver getting caught in your pocket, yes, it is possible due to the hammer spur but I'd guess you could get any gun caught if you work hard enough.
Finally, the Kimber bouncing around in your pocket, or any gun for that matter, should be in a pocket holster if you plan on carrying in that method. Not everyone does, but I certainly think its the safest method to carry a pocket gun.
Before buying a gun for carry, I'd try to rent some of the models I was looking at and test them out. I'd also try to figure out what mode of carry I was going to use. Pocket carry doesn't work for everyone so maybe you might be more a of a IWB or OWB guy. If that's the case, that might open up some other guns to you. If you are intent on pocket carry, maybe some smaller guns might work better for you.
As far as feedback on those specific guns, the LCR gets pretty good reviews. Kimbers can be hit or miss but what specific model were you looking at?
azredhawk44
Moderator
I'm unaware of a single Kimber firearm that is suitable for pocket carry. They're simply too big.
The LCR is not going to snag on draw if carried in a pocket holster. It has no hammer spur to snag, and the pocket holster will orient it in your pocket for easy access so that the grip or barrel cannot snag.
Frankly, the Kimber is more expensive than the LCR and that's a big reason why the gun store clerk was pushing it.
All that aside... I typically carry a Colt LW Commander in an inner waistband holster, very similar to many of Kimber's firearms designed for daily carry. I do have a pocket carry revolver for times that the Colt is too big, but mine is a Smith 642 (no-lock) rather than the LCR. The LCR is also a fine carry revolver.
The LCR is not going to snag on draw if carried in a pocket holster. It has no hammer spur to snag, and the pocket holster will orient it in your pocket for easy access so that the grip or barrel cannot snag.
Frankly, the Kimber is more expensive than the LCR and that's a big reason why the gun store clerk was pushing it.
All that aside... I typically carry a Colt LW Commander in an inner waistband holster, very similar to many of Kimber's firearms designed for daily carry. I do have a pocket carry revolver for times that the Colt is too big, but mine is a Smith 642 (no-lock) rather than the LCR. The LCR is also a fine carry revolver.
Kreyzhorse
New member
Neither of those are suitable for pocket carry. Either one would have to be carried IWB or OWB.
dakota1911
New member
Something else you might do is see if you can find a range that rents guns and maybe you can try shooting both before buying. That might help you decide also.
shooter1911
New member
Based on your opening statement about autos and your concerns, I would get a revolver of your choice and practice, practice, and more practice.
I am a 1911 guy all the way, but when I'm not carrying my Defender, I carry an 11.6 oz. 340PD, with a disabled IL, in my pocket in a Mika or Uncle Mike's holster..
I am a 1911 guy all the way, but when I'm not carrying my Defender, I carry an 11.6 oz. 340PD, with a disabled IL, in my pocket in a Mika or Uncle Mike's holster..