J frame pocket holster help!!

jager · December 3, 2008, 02:56 PM

I have tried a number of pocket holsters with my S&W J frame revolver . I am sure this has been hashed over many times here, but I'm new here. I have tried a number of different makers . The fabric holsters fall apart or distort in short order. The leather holsters seem too large and bulky and look and feel as if I have a large book in my front pocket, . I am of average build and weigh 180lbs. I wear jeans most of the time. Am I doomed to using a fanny pack which I hate ??

john in jax · December 3, 2008, 03:05 PM

Jeans are not easy on fabric holsters, can you switch to a Dockers style of pants? Have you thought about part time IWB and part time pocket carry?

mavracer · December 3, 2008, 03:06 PM

try a desantis nemasis or lots of people here rave about mika holsters.

Wiskey_33 · December 3, 2008, 03:16 PM

DeSantis.......I've got one and dislike it. Doesn't seem to fit in my pocket very well, and keeps the butt up on the edge of my pocket.

jeans.

MartyG · December 3, 2008, 03:17 PM

I've been using an Ace (www.acecase.com) IWB leather holster for about 6 months now. It's wearing a little, but at $10/each, I can replace it every year or two. They are slim, hold the pistol firmly, and mine is "tuckable."

Luis · December 3, 2008, 04:00 PM

If these can help.
(my personal choice :Bianchi)
Luis

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[IMG]http:URL=http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2187131820103886237zcQpVy]

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RamSlammer · December 3, 2008, 04:29 PM

The best I have found so far is a Mika's round cut. It's made of a naugahide type substance with an internal plastic stiffener to keep open for reholstering and a "grip strip" to keep in place. Handmade by an ex-policeman for a very reasonable price.

Here's a link . . . http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/
and photo . . .

Don P · December 3, 2008, 04:35 PM

Most of the pocket holsters will not work well in jeans. As stated Dockers, Cargo styles and 5.11 pants will do well with pocket carry. Jeans usualy fit snug on the thighs and thus harder to conceal. My dockers can conceal my Glock 36 in a pocket holster or my Cargo's. The Glock 36 is only 1.9oz heavier than my J-Frame 649. Style of pants will determine what you can pocket carry

RamSlammer · December 3, 2008, 04:38 PM

Cabela's own brand relaxed fit jeans seem to work well for pocket carry. They have huge front pockets with wider openings than typical.

smee78 · December 3, 2008, 04:50 PM

+1 desantis nemasis

madcratebuilder · December 3, 2008, 10:29 PM

A forum member here, randyc74, makes some nice pocket holdters. He has a web site, www.bulldogleathercompany.com
I'm very happy with mine, fits my jeans just fine.

trayzor · December 3, 2008, 10:43 PM

Another vote for the Mika.

Casimer · December 3, 2008, 10:52 PM

+1 Mika

He'll customize the contour and dimensions if you need, though this is a little extra.

Kreyzhorse · December 4, 2008, 07:48 AM

Or, just face the music that pocket carry of a j-frame just won't work for you. I carry a S&W Airweight and regardless of pants type, it always looks like I've got a gun in my pocket. I've given up on pocket carry for my j-frame and carry 99.9% of the time OWB. IWB is also a great option and my j-frame works very well in my Bianchi Professional 100 IWB holster.

indiandave · December 4, 2008, 10:03 AM

Another vote for Mika. It works and it's cheap. Don't leave home with out it.

biggfoot44 · December 4, 2008, 10:24 AM

For "most" people, and "most" normal jeans don't work well for pocket carry. If you want try some jeans with particularly deep pockets, such as from Duluth trading, but for the most part try slightly different pants. The Cargo jeans from Wrangler work well for me ( not in cargo pocket, the egular pockets are looser and larger) , still look like jeans. Also available in black, kakhi, etc.
I use Neminess w/ sm fr Taraus just fine. Any soft holster will wear, So what, the're cheap enough to replace.
The other inherent reality for pocket carry is that oversize grips are ruled out. I use the factory ( Uncle Mike) Boot grip, and this is as large as practicle for pants pockets.

David Armstrong · December 4, 2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

I wear jeans most of the time.

That is your biggest problem. If you are wedded to your jeans (as I used to be) find someone that does alterations and have them deepen the pocket by about 1.5". I used to specify mine be done in washable suede. Makes all the difference, IMO.

**Mike Irwin** · December 4, 2008, 10:44 AM

I've been using the Uncle Mike's neoprene pocket holsters for my PT-22 and my J frame airweight 042 for years.

They hold up well and aren't too bulky.

mulletguter59 · December 4, 2008, 11:10 AM

I got one of Andrews pocket holsters for my 442 a couple months ago and reall like it.

He was at a show where I got the 442 so ,no wait. I have a cowboy rig that he made for me 7 or 8 years ago and it has really worked out well.

Andrews http://www.andrewsleather.com/

tomgun · December 4, 2008, 11:18 AM

on my jframe s&w 340 i use a blackhawk size 8 IWB for pocket carry in jeans
as well as IWB. 18/7 2 years no wear. http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Ini...rap,155,34.htm
local gun shops may carry them as well...$10-$20.00

lee n. field · December 4, 2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

rave about mika holsters.

I ordered one. Got a call back from him -- he's 8 to 10 weeks out on orders. Just so you know.

adk · December 4, 2008, 06:46 PM

A pocket holster that clamps onto the gun somewhat, and retains it, such that the holster and gun are like one unit. Like the Kramer Pocket Holster. The gun stays in the holster, even in loose pockets, and the holster stays in the pocket when you draw. The Kramer holster has a flat panel that looks like a wallet. It costs about $85. I've got one for the 11-ounce 340PD and one for the stainless 640-3. When you put the gun away it's held by the holster, as one unit.

I used to have a pocket holster that did NOT retain the gun, and one day getting into a car with loose fitting slacks, it dumped out onto the seat. Not the holster. Just the bare gun. You could lose a gun that way.

----------

DAdams · December 4, 2008, 08:42 PM

Roundcut +1.

The lead time is long right now. Hence get a DeSantis Nemesis to tide you over until the Mika arrives. I have both and use the Mika almost exclusively.

docgunner · December 4, 2008, 08:48 PM

Galco all the way, stow'n go and IWB is what I use for my 360
Go to their website and search for J frame holsters and you'll find several to choose from.

rdrancher · December 5, 2008, 03:31 PM

6'0" 215(ish)lbs here. I wear jeans about 99.9% of the time, and pocket carry most of the time too. I have jeans from Carhartt, Levis, Wranglers, Faded Glory and C.E.Schmidt, to name a few. Every one of them has pockets of different shapes and sizes. I use an Uncle Mike's #3 and Mika Round-cut most of the time. The Mika square cut keeps the 642 oriented better in some pockets, and the D.M Bullard works for warm-up pants and Dockers. I could get away with one pocket holster...but why?

rd

December 3, 2008, 02:56 PM	#1
jager Member Join Date: November 18, 2008 Location: CT Posts: 30	J frame pocket holster help!! I have tried a number of pocket holsters with my S&W J frame revolver . I am sure this has been hashed over many times here, but I'm new here. I have tried a number of different makers . The fabric holsters fall apart or distort in short order. The leather holsters seem too large and bulky and look and feel as if I have a large book in my front pocket, . I am of average build and weigh 180lbs. I wear jeans most of the time. Am I doomed to using a fanny pack which I hate ??

December 3, 2008, 03:05 PM	#2
john in jax Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2005 Posts: 1,177	Jeans are not easy on fabric holsters, can you switch to a Dockers style of pants? Have you thought about part time IWB and part time pocket carry? __________________ America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards. Claire Wolfe

December 3, 2008, 03:16 PM	#4
Wiskey_33 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2007 Location: The South Posts: 1,084	DeSantis.......I've got one and dislike it. Doesn't seem to fit in my pocket very well, and keeps the butt up on the edge of my pocket. jeans. __________________ "I don't like repeat offenders, I like dead offenders"-Uncle Ted

December 3, 2008, 04:00 PM	#6
Luis Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2007 Location: Dollard des Ormeaux ,Qc,Canada Posts: 128	J frame holsters If these can help. (my personal choice :Bianchi) Luis [IMG]http:[/IMG] [IMG]http:URL=http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2187131820103886237zcQpVy][/URL][/IMG]

December 3, 2008, 04:35 PM	#8
Don P Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2005 Location: Swamp dweller Posts: 6,187	pocket holsters Most of the pocket holsters will not work well in jeans. As stated Dockers, Cargo styles and 5.11 pants will do well with pocket carry. Jeans usualy fit snug on the thighs and thus harder to conceal. My dockers can conceal my Glock 36 in a pocket holster or my Cargo's. The Glock 36 is only 1.9oz heavier than my J-Frame 649. Style of pants will determine what you can pocket carry __________________ *NRA Life Member, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor,, USPSA & Steel Challange NROI Range Officer, ICORE Range Officer, ,MAG 40 Graduate* *As you are, I once was, As I am, You will be.*

December 3, 2008, 03:17 PM	#5
MartyG Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2008 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 130	I've been using an Ace (www.acecase.com) IWB leather holster for about 6 months now. It's wearing a little, but at $10/each, I can replace it every year or two. They are slim, hold the pistol firmly, and mine is "tuckable."

December 3, 2008, 04:29 PM	#7
RamSlammer Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2008 Location: Arkansas Posts: 722	The best I have found so far is a Mika's round cut. It's made of a naugahide type substance with an internal plastic stiffener to keep open for reholstering and a "grip strip" to keep in place. Handmade by an ex-policeman for a very reasonable price. Here's a link . . . http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/ and photo . . .

December 3, 2008, 04:38 PM	#9
RamSlammer Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2008 Location: Arkansas Posts: 722	Cabela's own brand relaxed fit jeans seem to work well for pocket carry. They have huge front pockets with wider openings than typical.

December 3, 2008, 04:50 PM	#10
smee78 Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,918	+1 desantis nemasis __________________ We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located, among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't got a clue where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are

December 3, 2008, 10:29 PM	#11
madcratebuilder Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2007 Location: Northern Orygun Posts: 4,923	A forum member here, randyc74, makes some nice pocket holdters. He has a web site, www.bulldogleathercompany.com I'm very happy with mine, fits my jeans just fine.

December 3, 2008, 10:43 PM	#12
trayzor Member Join Date: November 9, 2008 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 34	Another vote for the Mika. __________________ ...T. Ray

December 3, 2008, 10:52 PM	#13
Casimer Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2007 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 1,918	+1 Mika He'll customize the contour and dimensions if you need, though this is a little extra.

December 4, 2008, 07:48 AM	#14
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	Or, just face the music that pocket carry of a j-frame just won't work for you. I carry a S&W Airweight and regardless of pants type, it always looks like I've got a gun in my pocket. I've given up on pocket carry for my j-frame and carry 99.9% of the time OWB. IWB is also a great option and my j-frame works very well in my Bianchi Professional 100 IWB holster. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

December 4, 2008, 10:03 AM	#15
indiandave Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 214	Another vote for Mika. It works and it's cheap. Don't leave home with out it.

December 4, 2008, 10:24 AM	#16
biggfoot44 Member Join Date: December 2, 2008 Posts: 32	For "most" people, and "most" normal jeans don't work well for pocket carry. If you want try some jeans with particularly deep pockets, such as from Duluth trading, but for the most part try slightly different pants. The Cargo jeans from Wrangler work well for me ( not in cargo pocket, the egular pockets are looser and larger) , still look like jeans. Also available in black, kakhi, etc. I use Neminess w/ sm fr Taraus just fine. Any soft holster will wear, So what, the're cheap enough to replace. The other inherent reality for pocket carry is that oversize grips are ruled out. I use the factory ( Uncle Mike) Boot grip, and this is as large as practicle for pants pockets.

December 4, 2008, 10:44 AM	#18
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	I've been using the Uncle Mike's neoprene pocket holsters for my PT-22 and my J frame airweight 042 for years. They hold up well and aren't too bulky. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

December 4, 2008, 11:10 AM	#19
mulletguter59 Member Join Date: March 3, 2008 Location: SE FL Posts: 43	I got one of Andrews pocket holsters for my 442 a couple months ago and reall like it. He was at a show where I got the 442 so ,no wait. I have a cowboy rig that he made for me 7 or 8 years ago and it has really worked out well. Andrews http://www.andrewsleather.com/

December 4, 2008, 11:18 AM	#20
tomgun Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Location: penna,no wait state Posts: 187	black hawk on my jframe s&w 340 i use a blackhawk size 8 IWB for pocket carry in jeans as well as IWB. 18/7 2 years no wear. http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Ini...rap,155,34.htm local gun shops may carry them as well...$10-$20.00

December 4, 2008, 06:46 PM	#22
adk Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2002 Location: Kern County mountains, Cal Posts: 391	A pocket holster that clamps onto the gun somewhat, and retains it, such that the holster and gun are like one unit. Like the Kramer Pocket Holster. The gun stays in the holster, even in loose pockets, and the holster stays in the pocket when you draw. The Kramer holster has a flat panel that looks like a wallet. It costs about $85. I've got one for the 11-ounce 340PD and one for the stainless 640-3. When you put the gun away it's held by the holster, as one unit. I used to have a pocket holster that did NOT retain the gun, and one day getting into a car with loose fitting slacks, it dumped out onto the seat. Not the holster. Just the bare gun. You could lose a gun that way. ---------- Last edited by adk; December 5, 2008 at 09:21 AM. Reason: Clarity

December 4, 2008, 08:42 PM	#23
DAdams Senior Member Join Date: May 14, 2007 Location: East TN Posts: 521	Mika Roundcut +1. The lead time is long right now. Hence get a DeSantis Nemesis to tide you over until the Mika arrives. I have both and use the Mika almost exclusively.

December 4, 2008, 08:48 PM	#24
docgunner Member Join Date: November 27, 2008 Location: Northeast Indiana Posts: 17	Galco all the way, stow'n go and IWB is what I use for my 360 Go to their website and search for J frame holsters and you'll find several to choose from.

December 5, 2008, 03:31 PM	#25
rdrancher Member Join Date: November 28, 2007 Location: North Texas Posts: 97	6'0" 215(ish)lbs here. I wear jeans about 99.9% of the time, and pocket carry most of the time too. I have jeans from Carhartt, Levis, Wranglers, Faded Glory and C.E.Schmidt, to name a few. Every one of them has pockets of different shapes and sizes. I use an Uncle Mike's #3 and Mika Round-cut most of the time. The Mika square cut keeps the 642 oriented better in some pockets, and the D.M Bullard works for warm-up pants and Dockers. I could get away with one pocket holster...but why? rd