With the increasing number of “pocket rockets” in the concealed carry market, it has become easier to use alternative (i.e., not waistband) carry methods, such as pocket carry. If you’re contemplating trying pocket carry yourself, this article will give you a couple of points to consider.
Overview
. Image courtesy of imfdb.orgAdvantages: With ample pocket size, pocket carry can be a convenient low aggro method of deep concealment.
Disadvantages: The ability to pocket carry is necessarily limited by pocket size, which therefore limits pistol size. Also, many female styles of bottoms are too small to accommodate even the daintiest of “mouse guns.”
Detailed View
With pistols on the concealed carry market as diminutive as petite derringers, up to slim subcompacts like the XD-S .45, there is a surprising range of handguns that might be concealed within one’s pocket. Some may be tempted to simply load one up and tuck it into the hip pocket of their favorite jeans and be on their merry way, but non-holstered pocket carry is an exceptionally dangerous practice. For one, leaving the trigger guard open presents the opportunity for other objects in the pocket (carrying other objects in one’s dedicated concealed carry pocket is inadvisable as well), or even the fabric itself as it shifts with body movement, to unintentionally discharge a round. It also leaves the firearm more vulnerable to collecting debris, like pocket lint, which could also impair its function. Other than protecting the trigger guard and rescuing a pistol from intruding pocket lint, another benefit a pocket holster affords the carrier is in keeping the firearm positioned ideally for draw. Many pocket holsters
have a tab that hooks into the pocket that helps keep the holster seated properly during draw.
Unfortunately, pocket carry is severely limited for females as one’s ability to concealed carry in one’s pocket is necessarily subject to the size of the pocket. Female fashion is not generally known for its practicality, and the tiny, or even non-existent pockets of many ladies’ bottoms simply will not accommodate any firearm. And even for those who can afford to tote a pocket pistol, the size requirements of a handgun that will fit in one’s pocket are bantam at best. The size of pistols best suited to pocket carry are short barreled (which generally translates to snappy firing), and short on capacity.
On the other hand, for those with suitable pockets who are willing to sacrifice round count, pocket carry does offer a uniquely concealable carry option. In our fast-paced world where social contact is often replaced with virtual social networking, it is not uncommon to see the average joe’s pockets stuffed with wallet, keys, and a wide touch-screen smartphone. Good pocket holsters that obscure the firearm’s shape allow a concealed carry firearm to blend in seamlessly with the normal bric-a-brac people tote around in their pants. Building on that premise, some pocket holsters are specifically designed to look like a wallet, such as my custom holster from Dragon Leatherworks, pictured on the left.
When [legally] carrying in a less-than-firearm friendly environment (like many white collar office type environs, for example), having a more subtle mode of carry may allow someone to stay armed with those around them none the wiser. Pocket carry offers a viable option for deep concealment that still provides easy access for draw, should the need arise. An individual’s fashion choice necessarily impacts how feasible pocket carry is for them. But, for those with ample space, pocket carry might be just the clever concealed carry option they need.
Holster photos in featured image above courtesy of dragonleatherworks.com.
For my “mouse gun,” I’ve got a different holster for ankle, IWB, and pocket carry, respectively. It gives me a little more versatility when presented with changing weather and attire. I’m not a huge fan of pocket carry—it tends to make my weapon slower to access and is just uncomfortable to me, but in some cases, I’ve found it necessary.
NateGranzow I haven’t been able to make pocket carry work for me up to this point (stupid girl pants and thier pretend pockets), but one of my friends *always* pops a little Walther into a holster and drops it in his pocket. Sometimes, he carries both the pocket pistol and a G19. He says he doesn’t even think about the little Walther on him; it’s just like grabbing his keys and wallet. But, he’s a pretty big guy, so pistols kind of disappear on him easily lol
Indeed the pocket CCW’s are becoming perhaps more common than “conventional” CC methods at least in my neck of the woods. As the article points out, it’s a quite viable option ‘Provided’ appropriate attire. In the Summer months here in the Mid-West I will pocket-carry exclusively absent any diminishing return in caliber as I can comfortably conceal my Kel-Tec P11 (10+1) in my cargo shorts pockets while throwing my Beretta Bobcat 21A BUG in the other. However, the thought of carrying my P11 in a regular pair of jeans (and we all know of many people that do this) scares the crap out of me as ease of access (or lack thereof with jeans) is paramount to safety…
Indeed the pocket CCW’s are becoming perhaps more common than “conventional” CC methods at least in my neck of the woods. As the article points out, it’s a quite viable option ‘Provided’ appropriate attire. In the Summer months here in the Mid-West I will pocket-carry exclusively absent any diminishing return in caliber as I can comfortably conceal my Kel-Tec P11 (10+1) in my cargo shorts pockets while throwing my Beretta Bobcat 21A BUG in the other. However, the thought of carrying my P11 in a regular pair of jeans (and we all know of many people that do this) scares the crap out of me as ease of access (or lack thereof with jeans) is paramount to safety…
Pro2AGuy I’m meeting more and more people who carry a primary and a backup… I’m wondering if I shouldn’t consider a similar setup for myself. Couldn’t hurt to try, I think.
FateofDestinee Pro2AGuy Nothing is as fast as a New York reload and it will not take you long to learn to shoot independently with both hands using your left eye for the left hand gun and right eye for the one in the right.
FateofDestinee Pro2AGuy I do. Primary in the waistband or shoulder rig then an ankle rig two reloads for each. Then a spare in my BoB in the truck along with one of my ARs and a 12 gauge. Folks think I’m strange for some reason…
Once in a while I carry my snub nose .357 revolver in a pocket holster ( front pocket).
ksdad2two Pocket carry does seem to provide a nice option for a little BUG. ;]
I love my SiG P238. I wish I could find ammo for it because right now its a pretty mini 1911 paperweight.
SavageHenry
same thing here bro. 380 ammo is scarce.
SavageHenry haha Mine, too, my friend. :/ I have a couple boxes I squirreled away when I first got the pistol of self defense ammo, but I haven’t been able to practice with it regularly, so I don’t prefer to carry it (I like knowing I’m not going to be “rusty” with the pistol I choose to carry for self defense, ya know?).
SavageHenry haha Mine, too, my friend. :/ I have a couple boxes I squirreled away when I first got the pistol of self defense ammo, but I haven’t been able to practice with it regularly, so I don’t prefer to carry it (I like knowing I’m not going to be “rusty” with the pistol I choose to carry for self defense, ya know?).
Poor ammo planning is your fault guys and gals you should have been reloading decades ago. I have thousands of rounds for the dozen plus handgun calibres that I reload. 45 bullets are out there even at Cabellas as well as 9mm. I just picked up 500 115 gr 9mm Berries Bullets from Cabellas last night.
hartcreek Lol That would mean I would have been reloading from birth! Joking aside, I think you make a good point about how a little preparedness can go a long way. After all, ammo doesn’t “spoil” ;] I’m saving up for my reloading equipment. Eventually, I’d like to write some articles on the process as I develop my experience with it.
FateofDestinee hartcreek Actually what would be good is for you to write a series of articles from the perspective of a female new reloader so that others can see how easy it is to do.
All through college I pocket carried a Davis 38 derringer in my own custom made holster in my lined flannel shirt pocket with one of those rubber Bianchi speed strips as a minimum carry.
hartcreek You make holsters, too? What a resourceful fella you are. That’s so cool!
FateofDestinee hartcreek I have to most of my sidearms are 100 years old and you simply cant get holsters that fit but leather can be found and Michaels inside the pants holsters are inexpensive and can even be had second hand just to get the metal inside the pants clips and then I hand form the leather and sew on the commercially made clips.
My CCW today was an hundred year old topbreak hammerless Iver Johnson in 38 SW that I custom made the holster for.
I just came across your articles, and wanted to say… GREAT JOB! I’ve been reading like mad since coming across the first one, and think I’m about caught up. You have a really good way of communicating your points, without all of the BS filler that most others seem to feel obligated to add.
I’ve really enjoyed them and wish you all the best as you continue. You’ve certainly gained a follower!
Best.
StreetDoc Thank you very much. I’m honored you regard my writing, and The Arms Guide’s content overall, so highly. We appreciate your readership :] Thanks for checking us out!