After 40 years of carrying either a S&W 66 or a 1911 at 4 - 5 o’clock, some pesky lower spine metastases have made the carry of a 2-3 lb. handgun on my hip extremely uncomfortable or outright painful. After countless hours of searching the wisdom of the forum, I’ve settled on strong side front pocket carry of the Sig P365. Pain is gone and I feel sufficiently armed. After running a few hundred “check function” rounds through the pistol (flawless by the way), now came the nitty gritty of:

• Learning how to shoot it. Since the gun is so different than what I’m used to, I had to learn where my hands and trigger finger need to be to keep the muzzle from moving when the trigger is pulled. Dug in the parts boxes and found an old clamp on laser so I could dry fire and watch for movement. Actually, took less time than I expected to get it right.

• Finding a holster that would stay in the pocket as the gun is drawn. I wear Wrangler painters or cargo pants pretty much year-round and the search for something that would stay there began. The pockets on these are sufficiently deep enough, however, they are somewhat loose fitting so I knew some holsters just plain won’t work. Back to seeking the forum wisdom with the searching of countless threads produced a few hopefuls:

DeSantis Nemesis both suede and fabric – both simply hold the gun too tightly to allow a clean draw and come out with the weapon way more than acceptable. Hooking the tab to keep them in the pocket requires a great deal of training which may or may not collapse when needed. The suede version will never work; the fabric version may work eventually. It is grippy enough but will need extended use to loosen its hold on the pistol significantly.

Vedders Pocket Locker – this holster has promise, however, the friction hold on the weapon, even after thumb release of trigger guard, and lack of friction on the outside of the holster is such that the holster came out with the weapon more than 50% of the time. Again, significant training required to hook the tab on the draw. I’ll have to play with it to see if I can get it to loosen up. Just adjusting the screw didn’t work.

Sticky Holster SM5 – I didn’t have much hope for this when received simply due to the design. No pocket tab, a simple clamshell. I was, however, pleasantly surprised. The overall thickness of the extremely viscous material on the outside combined with the slickness of the material inside made for an effortless, rapid draw from the pocket. Took the holster, the gun, and 4 boxes of ammo to the range. I proceeded to draw and fire 200 individual times. Both weapon and holster were flawless. Weapon went bang every time I pulled the trigger and holster stayed in my pocket on every draw.

I do have a feeling that both DeSantis and Vedder holsters would perform well in pants with somewhat tighter pockets and a slightly more angled cut but that’s not what I wear.

A couple more hundred rounds of carry ammo and I am now comfortable enough for full time carry. Thanks to the SigForum Braintrust for steering me in the right direction again!

I carry the exact same set up. It’s comfortable and I don’t feel
Under gunned at all. Congrats!

I transitioned from a G19 over to P365s 5 or more years ago now. Over time I found that the XMacro and 365 Legion are only marginally bigger than the original 365 and offer 17 round mag capacity.

One thing I would recommend to you is to try the Wilson Combat grip modules for the 365s. They are a little easier to get a good full grip on without really changing the carry ergos.

If you are going to pocket carry, I have found designs with a “hook” that let the holster “anchor” itself to the rim or side of the pocket probably work best. That said IMO I would practice drawing WITH the holster still on the gun and removing it with your off hand as it’s always possible the gun and holster are coming out together.

Now I am not some SME or gunfighter or anywhere high up on the list that you should take advice from. I am just a guy who has done a fair bit of pocket carry in the past who is just speaking to my own specific findings.

quote:

Originally posted by cslinger:
I have found designs with a “hook” that let the holster “anchor” itself to the rim or side of the pocket probably work best.

Somewhat in agreement here but for the type of pants I wear. The Vedder and DeSantis holsters both have a type of hook, but it won't naturally catch on my pockets. They are just too loose and straight cut so on the draw, the hook just comes straight out. It has to be manipulated on an angle to catch. That's a learned motion and not a natural draw. Could be done but would probably breakdown under stress.

I think the biggest problem with most makers is they feel there must be some level of retention of the weapon in the holster when in the pocket, therefore, the holster moves with the weapon. I think there should be just enough retention to keep it from falling out when sitting but should freely release when pulled. That's where the Sticky shines. Just enough retention at the muzzle to keep it settled but easily lets go when actively drawn. Even a cheapo Uncle Mike's with the clip removed works well due to lack of retention. I'm not going to be doing cartwheels or hanging upside down that excessive retention is needed. Heck, I carried a M&P 340 as a BUG without a holster in my pocket for years without an issue (disregarding pocket lint). Maybe I'll get comfortable enough at some point to do the same with the 365 but I'll need to get over this striker fired thing first.

Another thing that came to mind. While like you I tended to prefer simpler / sticky type holsters vs Kydex, but I also stuck to J-Frames for carry. That said there are some pocket holsters out there in Kydex that let you “fire off the holster” so to speak with a thumb press against it. So either in pocket or you shoot the holster off out of pocket. I’ve no experience with these but remember seeing them.

I was also totally comfortable with a “J” in my pocket sans holster but would never do so with an auto/striker with a short light trigger.

quote:

Originally posted by pace40:
After running a few hundred “check function” rounds through the pistol (flawless by the way), now came the nitty gritty of:

• Learning how to shoot it. Since the gun is so different than what I’m used to, I had to learn where my hands and trigger finger need to be to keep the muzzle from moving when the trigger is pulled.

I would think those 2 steps could be done at the same time.

As to pocket carry, I feel like the 365 is too big & heavy for pants pocket carry in any of the pants I wear.
Would be fine in a winter coat pocket.

quote:

Originally posted by gjgalligan:

I would think those 2 steps could be done at the same time.

My idea of "check function" is unaimed trigger pulls into the berm at various speeds and hold pressure just to see if the gun goes bang every time. I worry about aiming it later. No sense in fine tuning hold and trigger finger position if it's going to fail and go back to the shop.

After a number of pocket holsters, I find the best technique is to press the gun/holster against my leg and draw fast, kind of the principle of the "pull the tablecloth out from under the table setting" magic trick.

Similarly, I got to where a belt for a belt holster was uncomfortably tight, and they don't make the only shoulder holster I liked any more.

My main gun is a Glock 43 in a Sticky.
There is a local GSSF league that gives me excuse and opportunity to stay current with a Glock.

I have a P32 for skimpy pants and a M38 for when I have a revolver spell.

I am getting going in Thinning the Herd and my other small guns will go for cash or something easier and more fun to shoot.

Alabama Holster makes a very nice kydex pocket holster, complete with thumb push-off and a hook. I have one for the 365. Works really well.
https://alabamaholster.com/pro...ory/pocket-holsters/

quote:

Originally posted by VictimNoMore:
Alabama Holster makes a very nice kydex pocket holster, complete with thumb push-off and a hook. I have one for the 365. Works really well.

Thanks! I'll give them a try. Very disappointed with Vedders on their pocket model. Sloppy molding. Unusual for them, and I have a few. Does not release after it clears the trigger guard.

I have Sticky Holsters for my 365, 365 XL, and Colt Officers Model. On presentation, all will remain in the pocket of my shorts/trousers. With pockets that have thin linings it can be difficult to get the holster out it grabs so well.

I find pocket carry best fits the way I normally dress. I would not carry a mouse gun, but feel my 9mm or .45 Federal HST rounds are sufficient for the task. I like the fact that if I am unsure of the situation I can casually place my hand in my pocket and prep for an encounter without escalation.

quote:

Originally posted by Ranger41:
On presentation, all will remain in the pocket of my shorts/trousers. With pockets that have thin linings it can be difficult to get the holster out it grabs so well.

Strongly agree...to the point that I've already ordered a second one to make sure I have a spare if needed. Sticky has outperformed all others I have tried by a significant margin.

I have an Aholster that I like very much for my 365 and I usually wear Carpenter jeans. You might give them a look , they are larger in the pocket than some but hook securely when I draw.

Take a look at a Mika holster. Not very expensive, the gun sits comfortably in it, and the gun comes out while the holster stays put.

quote:

Originally posted by gunsmoke92:
Take a look at a Mika holster. Not very expensive, the gun sits comfortably in it, and the gun comes out while the holster stays put.

Thanks. First place I looked. I have one thats probably 20 years old for a J-frame. The "minimum 16-week" lead time was longer than I was willing to wait.

Another vote for Aholster. Works well with my s&w bodyguard.