J-frame Carry Techniques for Quick Deployment

[RPZ]

Hi all,

I carry a S&W 642 as my always gun, strong side pocket in a Desantis Nemesis. I love the J-frame for its ergonomics and concealability, as well as its quick deployment.

In the winter, I'll occasionally throw the 642 in the inside pocket of my leather jacket. However, the other day I saw a video of a defensive trainer (don't recall who it was) running drills with a J-frame fired from the front pocket of his hoodie. I've tried this with my setup, and I always see noticeable sag in the middle of the pocket unless I'm walking around with a fighting grip, which obviously I would not like to do.

I realize if I'm ever in a situation where I need to use my weapon (which is hopefully never, but most of us carry based on possibility, rather than probability), I'll have a very limited frame of time to get it into action. I'm wondering - what do you find is the most accessible carry technique for your J-frame for quick deployment?

Don't use a hoodie - use something with less "elastic" in the pockets, like a lightweight sports coat or jacket. Put a couple of speed loaders in the weak hand pocket and add if necessary to balance the weight.

 

[Alte Schule]

Model 637 S&W in a OWB belt slide forward cant Bianchi leather Black Widow thumb snap at the 4 o'clock. My SP 101 in .357 and Colt Detective Special also fit that holster but I prefer the S&W for CC.

 

[Jim NE]

I scored an old Bianchi 9R1 for 30 bucks in the used bin at my LGS a few weeks ago. A very quick and accessible system. You just have to get used to having a loaded .38 revolver pointed upward for a bullet flight path that would be within 6 or 7 inches of your face (and grazing your left shoulder.)

 

[CavalierLeif]

Jim - That's great. Big McQueen fan, I've been searching for a upward shoulder holster like he had in 'Bullitt.'

 

[Bud0505]

I use a Mika pocket holster for my 442 most of the time. I have a Simply Rugged OWB pancake for the occasional cold/wet day carry.

 

[Blacksmoke]

My old Cobra in a Mika holster is usually in my left front trouser pocket. I shoot with either hand although my left seems to be stronger now with the onset of arthritis in my right. Also, I have this notion I can misdirect a perp with my right since that is the strong hand of most shooters while drawing with my left. Clearly, this is just a theory which might not work out as planned. When driving, the piece is in the Driver's door pocket.

 

[bannockburn]

Blacksmoke

Also, I have this notion I can misdirect a perp with my right since that is the strong hand of most shooters while drawing with my left. Clearly, this is just a theory which might not work out as planned.

I remember reading about a similar technique where the writer thought it might be a good idea to wear your wristwatch on the same side as your dominant hand. The theory here being that it could misdirect the BG just long enough to give you a bit of an edge as you draw your gun.

 

[Haywood]

I carry my 442 in a off hand pocket ins a Uncle Mike's pocket Holster and another in a clip on leather AIWB from Crooked River Leather.

 

[CavalierLeif]

Haywood - Love the NY reload! What are the models in each?

 

[BobWright]

Skeeter Skelton once displayed carrying a snub revolver in the inside pocket of a sport coat. The gun was carried in the right side (for a right handed shooter) inside breast pocket, butt forward and muzzle up. To draw, the left hand reached inside the coat and drew the gun out by the muzzle. As the gun cleared, the right hand then grasped the butt of the revolver and simply folded the fingers around the gun in a shooting position.

Worked for him.


Bob Wright

 

[stoky]

I've been using a Slide Guard IWB, with a 15° forward cant for a few years.
http://sideguardholsters.com/gunmodels/J-frame-holsters.htm
It's held up very well.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

When I carry a snubbie, it's a Colt Detective Special, in a holster of my own design. This is basically a pancake holster, with two strips of Kydex attached to the toe with Chicago screws and bent into reverse J-hooks, so the holster can be worn IWB and a shirt tucked in over it for total concealment.

 

[edmo01]

I use several options for J-frames...

AIWB, strong side OWB, and pocket carry.

Below are: 640 Pro with a Bianchi I use for AIWB, the same 640 Pro with a Simply Rugged for OWB, and my 642-1 with a Galco for pocket carry.

Edmo

 

[george29]

Pocket or ankle. I think a hip/shoulder holster defeats the purpose of your 642.

 

[Haywood]

Haywood - Love the NY reload! What are the models in each?

Both 442 S&W

 

[If1HitU]

I carry my J-frames IWB or PC.

 

[CDR_Glock]

I pocket carry in an Uncle Mike’s size 4 holster. Kimber K6S.

My hands are in my pocket, on the revolver already. No draw is faster.