View Full Version : Pocket Carry Factors
jwalker497
May 7, 2010, 11:16 PM
Regarding Pocket Carry, what is most important factors when trying to conceal a small semi-auto comfortably and discreetly via a front pocket pocket holster?? Is it Length, Width, Height? I am thinking that Height or Grip Height is the most important, followed by Width and Length tied for second. I think a taller gun would be difficult to conceal in the pocket.
This cam about as I was comparing the specs of the Kahr P380 which seems pretty tall (3.9in) for a tiny gun as compared to the Ruger LCP (3.6) The kahr is shorter @ 4.9 in length whereas the LCP is 5.16in. And the Kahr is thinner @ .75in vs the LCP @ .820in. Although the Kahr wins 2 of 3, the most important for pocket carry to me seems the grip height, isnt that where most printing would occur?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Elvishead
May 8, 2010, 12:04 AM
Pretty much all three, but I vote end to end length
Bill DeShivs
May 8, 2010, 01:02 AM
The most important criteria for a pocket gun is WEIGHT.
hoytinak
May 8, 2010, 01:27 AM
I gotta go with weight, then lenght, height and last width.
TMann
May 8, 2010, 12:40 PM
This is one of those polls in which everyone will have a different answer because it depends greatly on the size of your pockets and the style of your pants. If your pants are made of heavier weight material (ie. denim,) then then a heavier gun will work fine. If you're wearing slacks made of a really lightweight material, you're going to notice the weight of a heavier gun more.
For me the biggest factor in which guns worked well for pocket carry was height. Height, at least with my pants, affects the ease in drawing the gun from your pocket. For example, I have carried the following guns in the pocket of my jeans: a Kel-Tec P3AT, a S&W 442, a Kahr PM9/MK9, and a Kahr P9. The P3AT and the 442 work well for me. They are both small enough to fit easily into my pocket, and they have a low enough profile that I can draw them easily. The PM9/MK9 fits just fine, but because of the squarish shape of the grip, it requires me to "maneuver" it a bit to get out of my pocket. As for the P9, it fits into my pocket, but it was even more cumbersome to draw from my pocket.
Good luck in your search.
TMann
A wide variety of opinions here.
In my mind the thickness is very important along with the weight. The length and height can vary by a good bit and still remain concealed, but the thickness is what you'll notice, or be noticed.
A saggy pocket is a telltale also.
Regardless of the gun, a proper pocket holster is a must.
Bill DeShivs
May 8, 2010, 06:48 PM
If you are carrying a double action or uncocked single action in your pocket, a holster is not necessary, as long as you NEVER put anything else in that pocket. Even with a pocket holster, never put ANYTHING in the pocket with the gun.
Stiofan
May 8, 2010, 07:47 PM
My most important factor is how much it prints. So I guess thickness??? I don't know, poll really isn't worded very well, all three could contribute to printing.
CDW4ME
May 9, 2010, 07:19 AM
I've tried the PM9, J frame, and P3AT all for pocket carry.
The 38 revolver is quicker to draw from pocket than PM9.
P3AT is quickest to draw, lightest, and prints the least.
I have a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster for all three, so I am comparing apples to apples on printing and ease of draw.
Unless I have my shirt untucked, the P3AT is the only one that doesn't print horribly, so I'm more likely to carry it; also, it wins in ease of draw (important).
Kreyzhorse
May 9, 2010, 08:17 AM
It's really a factor of all three.
If pushed, from my own experience though, I'd go with width. I've got a S&W Airweight that I can't pocket carry. The damn thing screams gun no matter what pants I wear due to the thickness of the cylinder.
rdmallory
May 9, 2010, 08:30 AM
Weight first
Then thickness.
Never had an issue with a long barrel as long as the gun was not too thick or heavy.
Doug
LOUcifer
May 9, 2010, 09:04 AM
Thickness is a hair more important to me
Magyar
May 9, 2010, 09:08 AM
The most important criteria for a pocket gun is WEIGHT.
I echo that....You can cinch up your belt as tight as you want, but you'll get pocket sag and an uncomfortable feeling...My PPK is about the limit for my pocket carry. Many feel even that is too heavy....:(
wingman
May 9, 2010, 09:10 AM
Lot of issues with pocket carry biggest for me weight anything over 15oz and it goes on the belt, also depends on type of clothing, tight, loose fitting,etc.
I use a Taurus TCP in an uncle mike's pocket holster best fit I've found gun is 12oz loaded, I would have used the Ruger LCP but trigger guard is too small slam my finger against front of guard.
Weight and thickness would be my first pick.
hdawson228
May 9, 2010, 09:13 AM
All the above. My Kahr CW9 fits the bill perfectly.:cool:
zombieslayer
May 10, 2010, 08:27 AM
I'm now using an LCP for pocket and light IWB use. My favorite pocket gun was my KelTec P32. If my PPS were a bit smaller, I could pocket carry it.
spacecoast
May 10, 2010, 08:43 AM
I voted grip height, but weight is also very important. Also depends on front/back pocket (mine is mostly back pocket mimicking a wallet). I have a different holster for front pocket than the one shown below. Front pockets on loose pants/shorts are a little more tolerant of heavier/longer/wider guns.
I concur with your observations on the Kahr dimensions.
http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac115/spacecoast_guns/misc/DSC01497.jpg
ARDogman
May 10, 2010, 09:59 AM
Since weight wasn't an option, I voted thickness.
one2gofst
May 10, 2010, 10:23 AM
I vote length, followed by thickness followed by height. Weight is an issue, but as long as i is under a pound I don't see a big problem.
I have a PF-9, LCP, S&W 442 and Beretta 21a Bobcat. All I would consider pocket guns to some extent. The one that pocket carries the best is the Bobcat, buecause even though it is the thickest of the autos, it is the shortest, end to end, which makes it sit down in the pocket. The LCP is almost as easy, but requires a slightly deeper minimum pocket depth. The PF-9 and 442 can be done but you need to make sure the pockets are both deep and baggy enough or the gun will print badly, and/or the grip will be visible from behind.
Magyar
May 10, 2010, 04:17 PM
but as long as i is under a pound
If you find one that works; let me know....:D
one2gofst
May 14, 2010, 09:33 PM
Not sure I follow. I missed the "t" there, but plenty of guns are under a lb.
orionengnr
May 14, 2010, 09:47 PM
I've tried the PM9, J frame, and P3AT all for pocket carry.
Me too.
The only one I own now is the PM9. The j-frame is a good bit longer front-to-back, and wider as well. Both my P3ATs were unreliable. Well, that's not exactly true. To be honest, they were junk.
denfoote
May 15, 2010, 02:00 AM
Small and light is a good thing.
As with most engineering/ergonomic decisions, these perimeters are often mutually exclusive, especially when caliber and price are also factored in.
I've found that the J-Frame .357mag is the best compromise.
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