Pocket carry is so odd to me that I just don't understand it. I'm not little-6'1", hovering around 200, but each time I've tried, it's not worked. I bought a pocket holster for my SW442 and one for my P290. In normal pants they both felt too big for the pocket and to me it looked like I was carrying small brick. In shorts, the pockets felt roomier, but the slant of the pocket made it feel like the whole thing could slide out at any moment if I moved wrong.

So I'm just curious-those of you who carry this way regularly, did it take a long time to get used to it? Tips and tricks, etc? I know this works for a lot of people, so I'm genuinely curious even though I've sold the holsters and moved on.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: redwood25, August 23, 2024 03:28 PM

Need to find pants that work for pocket carry. Lots of pants are cut way too tight and have skimpy pockets. Generally, relaxed fit blue jeans work best for me.

I once pocket-carried a 4.25” 1911. With the right size pockets, it’s possible.
To the point; in warmer weather I pocket carry my LCR in .327 Fed. Mag. almost every day.
Again…the right sized and shaped pockets (they form a point at the bottom, inside) make all the difference.

I carry a Taurus TCP in my front right pocket every day. I use an simple ~$12 neoprene IWB holster, with the belt clip removed. Drawing is not fast. But, the convenience means I am very seldom without a pistol. I like to say that, if I am outside the walls of my home, I have my pistol. I don't know that I'd be able to say that, if it wasn't so convenient and comfortable.

I've never really been a fan of pocket carry, but since taking up golf again, I pocket carry my S&W Model 38 Airweight in a Mika pocket holster to and from the driving range or golf course. Wear 5.11 tac light shorts or pants.

A 239 for me wouldn't work at all, I can swing my 340m&p but that's only on occasion. I typically carry AIWB which isn't for everybody, but with some pretty noticeable lower spine issues that's my option so I normally carry there. For pocket carry I use a Mika pocket holster and has worked well (on and off pocket carry for 15 or so years).

sum baggy overhalls...

No way could I pocket a P239. Too big and too heavy. I pocket carry a J-Frame (these days it's a 642UC, not the 640 Pro in the photo) every day in a minimalist leather Galco pocket holster. It works in uniform pants, jeans, cargo shorts, and even gym shorts in a pinch.

Not often, but I will occasionally pocket carry a LCP Max in an Alabama holster or a 442 in an I forgot what kind of holster. Maybe Galco? I am not a big guy at 5' 7"and 160 but they both conceal well and do not feel like a brick in pretty much any pair of pants, jeans shorts. I guess I should add I don't own any pants or shorts that are tight, but not deliberately large and loose either. I cannot pocket carry a 365 (I tried) let alone a 239 (never even tried).

You should have had no problems with the 442. Maybe you are right, it's just an unfamiliar thing you have to get used to.

Edited to add - Desantis Nemisis for the 442, not a Galco.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: kho, August 25, 2024 01:19 PM

quote:

Originally posted by 94hokie:
A 239 for me wouldn't work at all, I can swing my 340m&p but that's only on occasion. I typically carry AIWB which isn't for everybody, but with some pretty noticeable lower spine issues that's my option so I normally carry there. For pocket carry I use a Mika pocket holster and has worked well (on and off pocket carry for 15 or so years).

Oh, wow, I messed that up! I meant my P290. I'll go back and change it in my OP....

I've carried a j frame for years in a pocket holster. An LCP doesn't print as much, but after I quit worrying so much about printing, I sold the LCP and carry the j frame always.

For me, pocket carry means jacket pocket carry.

I would suspect you are around more people every day that pocket carry and you just don’t know it.
In the summer I often pocket carry a Kimber Micro 9 in an old Mika holster.
I generally wear cargo shorts, so those pockets are roomy.
When I was in patrol in the winter, I always had a J frame in my jacket pocket. Whenever you were talking to someone, you already had a hand on your gun and I could always get a new coat….

My best pocket carry was a Diamondback db9. Since trading that gun off I have settled for a CR920 or my Hellcat. Alot of it is thickness more than length and height. As I'm not on patrol anymore I do not pocket carry outside of a doctor visit or something like that and so for me its either of the previously mentioned or my NAA Black widow 22 revolver for serious NPE.

Well, dang. All of this talk has me wanting to give it another try! Guess I'll have to try to rustle up another pocket holster for my 442!

Anything bigger than an LCP doesn't work in my pockets.

I alternate between a G26 and a S&W J frame depending on what I'm wearing and where I'm going. I haven't used anything but pocket carry for about four years, and couldn't be happier.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SgtGold, August 31, 2024 06:54 AM

quote:

Originally posted by mark60:
Anything bigger than an LCP doesn't work in my pockets.

I've done that, but even with things that size, it's a reach two fingers in and pull it out with my finger tips deal. I can't get my hand in and out of my pockets to get change, I'd never be able to actually draw a gun.

I have a S&W 640-1 357 Mag J frame, no pocket carry for me. Now my P365 is doable.

I pocket carry a p938 almost daily when the weathers warmer. It has it's drawbacks but what doesn't.
I carry mine in a leather pocket holster I made myself.
https://i.postimg.cc/bZWkX2RZ/20240828-082639.jpg"

This message has been edited. Last edited by: amc, August 28, 2024 10:12 AM