Snubby Concealment Woes.....

2

22lovr

New member
Am I just overly fussy or does anyone else find the average "snubby" hard to conceal/carry in a pocket? I've owned at least six of them and haven't found one yet that I'm really satisfied with for pocket carry 24/7.

Almost all of my pants for everyday are docker-style pleated and that includes my short pants for summer wear. My Smith mod 638 "bodyguard" comes closest to what I'll accept but even then, the handle of the gun protrudes just above the opening of my pocket.

Things go pretty well until I sit down or kneel. Then the snubby seems to grow and advertise "gun" to the world. All of my snubs are approx 1 1/2" thick at the cylinder and 1" in the handle. Also, when I consider for pocket carry, I'll take a diagonal measurement from the front top of the barrel to the rear base of the grip. The snubs all are over 7" in that dimension, fairly long for pocket carry.

Weight? My lightest one, the mod 638 is 15 oz empty and anything heavier tends to start pulling on my belt and flop about unnaturally in my pocket. I utilize the smallest, lightest, thinnest pocket holster I can buy (Uncle Mike's size 1)

NOW, contrast the snubby with a Kahr MK9. I wouldn't consider it for full-time pocket carry because of it's prohibitive weight (over 24 oz) but size/concealibility? Wow, just about ideal!

All this to say I am SERIOUSLY looking at the newly-released Kahr PM9 for my 24/7 full-time pocket carry piece. Again, anyone else find the classic snubby problematic for pocket carry? Your comments are welcome!
 
I have the same problem as you. I cannot carry a revolver in a pocket without feeling uncomfortable. The closest I have come is a S&W M60 in a pistol pocket holster which helps, but I still need a loose pair of pants with deep pockets.

For pocket carry I prefer my Colt PonyLite in a pistol pocket holster. Lays flat and does not protrude.

A thread a few weeks ago discussed the new Dockers which have deep pockets meant of stuff like mobile phones and palm pilots. This may be an option to look at. Even though Levi contributes to an anti-gun organization (PAX, I think) using one of their products for CCW purposes is poetic justice.
 
A......Pocket holster.

B......Pocket holster.

Nelphs etc can, and sometimes do, render a gun inoperable.

Sam
 
Ive played with Uncle Mikes pocket holsters....it really lets people know the shape, caliber and gun you have in your pocket....
Try a Don Hume pocket holster....amazing what a difference it makes...I also had a couple made by my local leather smith.
They are just as nice for carry.......and make the gun appear much flatter and concealed than the Uncle Mikes....try them out.
Shoot well........
BTW, Im 5'9" and 165 lbs....yes, a stick that carries a gun and the pocket holsters hide a J frame on me quite well. If you doubt my words....you can ask my daughter...Boo. She'll set all of you straight on what "true concealment" should be! :D
 
I second the Don Hume recommendation--it really helps hide a snub.

The only thing I have to do with pocket carry is readjust the gun when I sit down or stand up. To the casual observer, it just looks like you're checking your car keys.

Also, even if your gun makes your pocket bulge, so what? Most people aren't paying any attention to you or anyone else, for that matter.

Even the police don't really notice--at least the ones here in Athens, GA.
 
I carry a 342PD in an Uncle Mike's and I think that it works GREAT in jeans. I circulate in a crowd that would definitely exclaim something too if they noticed it. So far, no one has noticed it in my "Docker's" either. I did however order an ankle holster as I am still uncomfortable that you can spotentially see the handle from chinos etc. particularly when I am seated and I would like to be more comfortable at work etc. I will switch it to pocket carry when I walk to the car, down the street etc.
 
I have a 342 so weight is not a problem. Size really isn't either, but getting pants with large enough pockets is the trick. They can't be so large that the cylinder rides low enough to hit the thick part of your thigh, but they have to be deep enough to keep the butt of the gun in the pocket. I got some cargo shorts at Sears that are perfect. Baggie too so the pant leg drapes over the pocket to conceal the outline.
 
No, you're not overly fussy. I have been carrying concealed for many years now and it seems to be a never ending issue as to what and how to carry. I have a model 37 (airweight 15 oz.) and there are very few pants that conceal it to where I am truly comfortable and confidant. I live in the southwest desert so during the warmer months I live in bermudas when not at work. I initially gave up on pocket carry and opted for a man's "purse", a small leather carrying case designed for glasses, credit cards etc., when I needed to have a tucked in shirt. I use an Uncle Mike's IWB holster for my evening walks when I'm not tucking in. I have since come up with a compromise solution. An NAA guardian in .32 is now my pocket pistol, yes I know it is not the equivalent in power to a .38 but it sure beats a .22 or .25. In addition to that method I bought a nylon under the pants rig at a local gun show a year ago and found that it works quite well with a lightweigt snub. This is the "Thunderwear" style but mine isn't that brand. I believe it is called "Smart Carry". You can find them at www.smartcarry.com. Granted, your gun is not as readily available to you as pocket carry but it is available. Actually I'm glad to hear someone else say they have problems with concealed carry as I am always amazed at folks who say they carry 4" N frames concealed without a problem. I'd love to see how they dress. By the way, you might have a point with the new Kahr PM9. Good luck and stay safe, Mike
 
Provisional Dittos to MikeJ

22lover,

To a degree, I agree with MikeJ. I love J-frames and am fortunate to have several to go between. Although I have lots of really unique ones, the Model 37 works the best for pocket carry. I have an older model 37, which was picked up cheaply ($200). The hammer was de-spurred such that it would not impede a quick draw from the pocket. I live in the deep South, where heat and humidity are symbiotic twins. After having carried for years, I have drawn a few conclusions. Pocket carry is the best. It is a natural posture to stick your hands in your pocket and you can get a ready grip without alarming those around you. The loaded weight of a Model 37 (spurless) is actually slightly less than 15 ounce, approximating the weight of the loaded NAA Guardian. Chino pants made by Docker, JCrew and others will vary from lot to lot, so deeper pockets are always preferable. Buy pleated, relaxed fit pants, which net more roominess and concealability. Failing your ability to get deep pockets, an oriental tailor is an easy solution and a worthwhile investment. In the winter, when you are bundled to the neck with a heaby coat, pocket carry still rules. You will not have time to go through the necessary machinations to access your gun. If you are a sweater man, appendix carry in another alternative. But, in all cases, put your concerns to thorough practice. Hundreds of draws from various postures will ultimately prove pocket carry remains the best. Good luck
Docbones
 
Docbones: thanx for advice....

That venerable model 37 is what my uncle carried throughout his career as a bank robbery investigator for the LAPD. As a matter of fact, isn't that the original "Chief's Special" model??
My best pocket carry is the Smith modl 638 "Bodyguard" It is all stainless/aluminum and weighs about 15 oz loaded. It's not bad and yes, my wardrobe is full of triple-pleated docker-style pants. I guess I'm just spoiled on the paper-thin Kel-Tec P32. I've done plenty of drawing/acquiring/firing from the pocket. Both the Smith and KelTec are very easy to grab and present. I still feel better about the no-brainer simplicity of the little wheelgun though.
 
22lovr

"My best pocket carry is the Smith modl 638 "Bodyguard" It is all stainless/aluminum and weighs about 15 oz loaded."

Are you talking about the new one? My dealer just got one in and it is a pretty neat little revolver. I would love to find an older model of this revolver for carry. But I might break down and get one of these if the price comes down a little.

In pocket revolvers I generally prefer a magnum model loaded with +P's, but I am beginning to see an alternative.
 
I also think that a pocket holster is the answer to your problems. Try a Kramer front pocket holster. It makes the J-Frame just disappear in your pocket.
 
For me, it's not that the snubby is hard to conceal - if anything, it's very easy to conceal. My problem with carrying the snubby is that after carrying the G30 for so long, I feel a little under powered.
 
I really like the "Clip Draw" on my j-frame. If its not in my waist with the clip draw then its too hot which means its in my fanny pack with my wallet becuase Im dressed in shorts.
 
I carry a Smith 042 in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster.

It disappears when I drop it in the pocket of my shorts. It prints just a little when I'm wearing jeans, but certainly nothing to worry about.
 
FWIW, I believe the 638 (Bodyguard) mentioned above starts out at 15 ounces unloaded. Recently sold mine. I could definitely fell the difference between it and those mentioned below.

I have a 340PD (S&W web site says 12 ounces) and last time that I put it on a digital scale, it indicated 14.9 loaded (with five 125 grainers). Anyhoo, I think ammo adds typically adds right at 3 ounces to j-frames.

All-time favorite for me is 11-ounce 342 (titanium alloy). The skinny boy here (6'/165) has never been able to comprendeo how some of you guys handle pocket carry, but hey, that's your choice. Much prefer 4 o'clock IWB :) or ankle rig.
 
"Im 5'9" and 165 lbs....yes, a stick that carries a gun..."

Eric Larsen, that doesn't sound stick-like to me, it sounds like a good height/weight ratio. Don't let the excessive amount of fat-a**es we have in this country today set your standard for comparison. They're the anomalies, not you.

BTW, I carry my S&W 642 almost everywhere in a belly band. One of these days I'll have to try a pocket holster.
DAL
 
Thanks much for all the advice

Thanks for the great response on my thread.

Fprice: My 638 is an older tapered barrel with an unshrouded ejector rod.

Barrysdca: If you think you're feeling undergunned with a .38 spcl, try a P32. That's why I'd rather tote a .38 spcl or 9mm in the pocket.

Mike: My ignorance is showing but I'm not familiar with the Smith 042 model (?)

Greybeard: I keep hearing excellent feed back on the Smith model 342 and 342PD model and I've not ruled out getting one of those. I like the fact that you can custom install Ashley tritium big-dot sights on this snubby.

Also, I've always opted for buying the best guns and ammo; however, I'll confess to being somewhat of a cheapskate when it comes to holsters. 'Scuse me now, I need to do some more research in that area. Thanks again.
 
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