Help with a decision - pocket carry

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ejfalvo

New member
I know it's all over the forum if I run a series of searches - which I have, but I am not looking for a debate on 380 vs. 9, vs 38.... I'd like some advice on what to carry (IWB or pocket) from actual users. I usually carry an XD40SC IWB small of back but am now running into situations where the size of that rig is not convenient (primarily driven by clothing). I had an LCP which I sold - lost my job and needed money. It ran flawlessly but IMHO I felt it was a little underpowered.

I'm looking for a little more horsepower and am thinking of a J-frame, a KT P-11 or PF9, or one of the Kahrs in 40SW. The thought of the new Sig 290 is also interesting.

I would appreciate any thoughts from those who actually carry and shoot the above handguns.
 
I carry a S&W m-638 for pocket work. I like the sa/da for target shooting and they ain't anything better than the hump back for this. Nothing to snag on when used for pocket carry.

I try to stay away from real small auto's but that's just me. So far the j-frame has gone bang every time I pulled the trigger.
 
I have a J-frame 38, with a Mika pocket holster, that works very well for me, buried safely in the strong side front pocket of my Lee jeans. Completely concealed, and a comfort knowing it's there if needed.
 
On my end, I've carried a S&W M36 .38 special in the pocket. After I sold it (dumb move) I now carry a .380 Ruger LCP. I'm not sold on the under power debate. I haven't heard of anyone who claims it's a tiny mouse gun round because they've volunteered to stand in front of one. So, having said that, I personally find the little LCP to be slimmer and lighter in a front pocket, compared to a small revolver. But both would do well, when one considers a pocket carry gun to be an up close and personal self defense weapon.
 
Carried and shot J Frames for almost 40 years. Prefer a revolver because of the dependability [ Never failed to fire, even the cheap ones]. The balance is better, the auto has the wt. in the grip, but the revolver wants to turn over, but a good pocket holster will solve both problems.

The best for me is the model 642, because there is nothing to snag on, 100% dependable, accurate, and I believe powerful enough in 38 special + P 158LSWC/HP from Buffalo Bore at 1,000 fps out of a short barrel. If that isn't enough the 640 or similiar in .357 will blow their socks off, and your's too.

Most autos jam { despite what the magazines tell you }. Larger calibers tend to round, bulky, uncomfortable, and hard to conceal.

In a fight at close range there are many tactical advantages such as shooting from the pocket, having your hand on the gun with no one knowing but you, and the slide or hammer does not get wrapped up in clothing when shooting by hip. It's gives you the leverage if an enemy gets his hand on it in a take away.
 
Another S&W J frame fan here. My 442 is very light. +P is a great load. Shrouded hammer keeps lint and dirt out and make for an easy draw.
 
I carried a 640 in a pocket for a time and sold it because of the weight. Bought a 340PD and carried it in a Mika pocket holster for 7 years. I sold it early this year and went to the semi autos.

I currently carry a Kahr MK40 or P380 depending on how I feel that morning. If you wear a coat or can wear your shirt tail out the Bandera Gun Leather "Beltster" is the best thing since sliced bread. Here is a photo from his website. I ordered mine to fit the 40 and it works with the 380 fine as well. :)
 

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It's all in the size of your pocket, really. I carry an M&P .40 in my front pocket in the same Galco holster that I use when I carry it IWB. It sticks out a bit, but doesn't look like a gun. Cargo pants usually have big enough pockets to get a subcompact auto into pretty easily.
 
I myself enjoy my PF11 Keltec. It carry's well in a front pocket with 11 rounds of 9mm. I carry the critical defense loads in it. And for the price of $236 it suites my budget well. It's something I'll throw in my pocket for a quick run to the store or the gas station. 80% of the time I carry my officers model 1911 in 45 cal. And also the little Kel-Tec is a very accurate piece, very surprising! Works for me...
 
I've carried a S&W 642 in a Mika pocket holster for years. With that set-up a person has no reason not to be armed. While I do carry other combinations, this is an "always gun".
 
J Frame

I like the way a J Frame doesn't print in the pocket. Kind of lumpy. Particularly comfortable in a Mika Pocket Holster.

I started with a 642 and found that I wanted something a bit lighter. Almost did the 340PD and then the M&P 340 came out. It seemed to be a good compromise of features and weight. Comes with night sights and I like the XS Big Dot better than the blade or light pipe (fiber optic).

I also like the opportunity to run 38 spl, plus p or .357.

I have Crimson Trace 405 grips on both.

If I were shopping today's market I would probably at least look at the Ruger offerings.
 
I may be the only one, and I may be wrong...

... but I actually thought the OP had his own ideas about guns, and was looking for advice on how and whether to IWB or pocket carry.

So I'll leave gun recommendations aside, and look at pocket vs IWB.

Pocket:
1) Works with extremely casual attire;
2) Works with hot weather, outdoor attire (cargo or board shorts, tank or t);
3) Allows the owner to palm the gun, while keeping it out of sight, for those uncertain situations;

but

Pocket:
1) Is very difficult to access while seated;
2) Makes a pretty slow draw time;
3) Takes up space we often have other uses for (keys, wallets, phones);
4) Requires roomy pockets (my Levi's don't work for pocket).

End result is that I've used pocket carry for an LCR, a PM9, and a 442. I used a DeSantis Nemesis for the PM9, and SimplyRugged Pocket Protectors for the revolvers. However, I no longer have the PCR, I'm selling the PM9, and the 442 just found itself in a Don Hume IWB holster, which I'm currently wearing crossdraw, opposite a 13-3 in a Galco SpeedMaster high-ride.

I'll keep the Pocket Protector, but only for those days when the heat makes it impossible to wear a cover garment.

I just don't find Pocket to be all that comfortable (although some find it more comfortable than IWB, I find it a wash); I don't like the inability to draw while seated; I don't like the slower draw when I can access it; and I tend to have too much stuff in my pockets.

Note: I do not carry anything in the pocket that holds the gun, other than the gun in its holster. This really tends to crowd up my remaining pockets, though.
 
Use what works and what you will actually carry. If you don't have it with you it does not matter what you shoot well, like, what caliber, etc. What will you carry. For me it's got to be small and light or I leave it. I know some folks can manage a 44 mag Desert Eagle in an inside the pants holster, but I can't seem to pull that off comfortably.
 
I have and carry both a j-frame air weight and a LCP. My first choice is the Smith. It will conceal easily in cargo shorts. Living in Florida a t-shirt and jeans is my main attire. I like to pocket carry with a pocket holster. I just like the ability to put my hand in my pocket when I'm walking if I need to to access my snub.

It's a personal opinion but I just think a j-frame has a slight edge in reliability and overall power with the right +p loads, and there are several excellent loads available.

There are times when a j-frame won't fit in my shorts if I'm wearing a pair with short pockets. That's when I carry my LCP, which by the way has proven to be very reliable and quite accurate for what it is.
 
I thought for month's on investing in a pocket gun, I couldn't get both at the same time, I finally got a S&W M638 Snub. I did later get a pocket semi. But I still carry the revolver instead.

I guess if I lived in the ghetto, I'd more than likely carry the semi, but would consider the revolver as a back up.
 
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