J-Frame vs K-Frame Snubby (Pocket Carry)

[Corpral_Agarn]

Hello THR,

I am considering picking up a small (snub-like) revolver for front pocket carry.

I know that the J-frame is probably the most common for this kind of application, but was wondering if anyone Pocket carries a K Frame?

The reason I ask is:

1. holsters and speed loaders would cross over.

2. K frames are my favorite sized revolvers (get the full six in a smaller package)

Thanks!

 

[rcmodel]

IMO: K's are too big & too heavy for pocket carry.

A steel J-Frame is my upper limit.

rc

 

[jimbo555]

A model 12 airweight with a bobbed hammer might work in some large pockets. You might look at a colt cobra or agent models if you want a 6 shot snubby that can be pocket carried.

 

[oldbear]

but was wondering if anyone Pocket carries a K Frame?

I've done it several times, with little to no success. The only position that was even ok Was in the back pocket of a pair of Levi's, and that was short term only.

If you wish to pocket carry go with a J frame, airweight.

 

[1KPerDay]

J frames are about the biggest you can comfortably do in a pocket, I've found. And after carrying the LCP the J frame feels enormous.

 

[Old Fuff]

The J-frame is more practical for pocket carry, but my preferred solution for having a 6-shot capacity is a Colt D-frame with the shorter Agent model stocks.

 

[weblance]

IF you truly are considering a revolver for front pocket carry, something small and light is your best option. You will quickly give up on the idea of a K Frame. A Charter Arms Police Undercover 38 is the only 6 shot small frame revolver being made today. You can get a spurless hammer from Charter Arms, and the 2 finger boot grip, and you will have a small, relatively light 6 shot 38, that draws snag free from the pocket. Its a well made revolver, and gives you 6 shots, as opposed to the J Frame 5 shot capacity.

 

[Tallball]

Hammerless J frame with a lightweight frame.

K frame is too big for pants pocket, in my experience, though it can work with some coat pockets.

 

[Sunray]

A pocket is a bad place to carry in the first place, but the only difference between a 4" 'K' frame and a 2", barrel aside is the grip on the 2" is the same as a J frame. The rest is, like rcmodel says, too big.

 

[gotboostvr]

Tried a K frame for Pocket carry.
Not an option unless it's in a cargo pocket then MAYBE.
works well on a belt though.
J frame is very do able even in my levi's that fit pretty snug.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

Thanks for the replies, Everyone.
Looks like I will be going for a J-frame. I like the shrouded hammer models better than the straight hammerless, but we will see.

A pocket is a bad place to carry in the first place...

We agree 100% but the work attire dictates that if I am going to carry, its probably going to be in a pocket.

Its more of a pocket or ankle (even less ideal, imo) vs nothing at all.

Thanks again All!

 

[Rio Laxas]

We agree 100% but the work attire dictates that if I am going to carry, its probably going to be in a pocket.

Have you considered a tuckable holster?

I've pocket carried a J frame in the past, and it is great for that. I just don't enjoy shooting them very much and therefore don't. As such, I only view it as a backup and not a primary.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

Have you considered a tuckable holster?

I've pocket carried a J frame in the past, and it is great for that. I just don't enjoy shooting them very much and therefore don't. As such, I only view it as a backup and not a primary.

I thought about a tuckable, but figured access would be hindered pretty bad, no?

Also, I am a skinny dude. I can do iwb untucked polo no problem, but tucked would be a stretch, I think (?).

 

[Rio Laxas]

I think I'd rather carry something I can shoot well that is still compact, like a Glock 26, in a tuckable holster than only a J frame in a pocket. With practice, I don't think a tuckable holster will interfere with your draw too badly.

That being said, you may shoot a J frame and do well with it and not have any comfort issues. Personally, I've never gotten terribly comfortable with my 442, even after several hundred rounds of .38 special.

I do often pocket carry as a backup. Sometimes its the 442 and sometimes it's the Glock 26. The 442 is a lot better, but they both still seem to get in my way a lot more often than I'd like.

If you have the luxury of doing so, I would try both and see which you prefer.

 

[moxie]

I like carry in the front pocket, provided the gun is in a pocket holster like the Uncle Mike's #3 or the Nemesis. Works great. K frame is too big.

Best choice IMO is the LCR, followed by the 442/642. They don't print & I've never been "made." The Rugers have a better trigger and sights than the Smiths, IMO.

Load with Speer Gold Dot 135 +P short barrel, or Rem. 125 +P GS. You're GTG.

Keep a reload in a speed strip. Flat and unobtrusive.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

I think I'd rather carry something I can shoot well that is still compact, like a Glock 26, in a tuckable holster than only a J frame in a pocket. With practice, I don't think a tuckable holster will interfere with your draw too badly.

[Flame Suit On]: I don't do the Glock thing... they are great guns (i even recommend them) but I don't shoot them well and prefer the more vertical grip angle. I have been a Sig and Smith Revolver guy for a few years and the CC Gun is usually a Sig 239. Its a training thing, sure, but I am happy with my Sigs.

That being said, you may shoot a J frame and do well with it and not have any comfort issues. Personally, I've never gotten terribly comfortable with my 442, even after several hundred rounds of .38 special.

This is a valid point and one I have been thinking about. My brother's J frame is a bear to hang on to with the stock grips. With a set of Hogues, it seems to tame it down a bit. I don't expect to be 'comfortable' with it, per say, but I figure it would be more comfortable than nothing at all.

If you have the luxury of doing so, I would try both and see which you prefer.

Sound advice.

I like carry in the front pocket, provided the gun is in a pocket holster like the Uncle Mike's #3 or the Nemesis. Works great. K frame is too big.

Best choice IMO is the LCR, followed by the 442/642. They don't print & I've never been "made." The Rugers have a better trigger and sights than the Smiths, IMO.

Load with Speer Gold Dot 135 +P short barrel, or Rem. 125 +P GS. You're GTG.

Keep a reload in a speed strip. Flat and unobtrusive.

Looking into the LCR and the Short Barrel gold dots. Will certainly be carrying in a pocket holster.

 

[Rio Laxas]

[Flame Suit On]: I don't do the Glock thing... they are great guns (i even recommend them) but I don't shoot them well and prefer the more vertical grip angle. I have been a Sig and Smith Revolver guy for a few years and the CC Gun is usually a Sig 239. Its a training thing, sure, but I am happy with my Sigs.

I don't blame you. I don't really care for my Glocks either, but I shoot them well so I keep them around. I much prefer my S&W revolvers (mostly N frames).

I think a P239 would be excellent in a tuckable holster. I carried a HK USPc in .45 ACP in a tuckable Tucker Gun Leather Texas Heritage holster a while. I liked it, but I sold it with the pistol. http://www.tuckergunleather.com/texas-heritage-iwb/for

 

[palmetto99]

I carried a J-frame (model 60 w/bobbed hammer) for years. I own a great shooting model 10-5 with a 2" barrel and "boot" grips. I don't see carrying the 10-5 in the front of any of my pants without it being very obvious. The model 60 is stainless, but I've never had an issue with the weight.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

1. holsters and speed loaders would cross over.

How do you figure that?

 

[Jim Watson]

I've GOT a Model 12 M&P Airweight with bobbed hammer spur. It isn't very heavy but it is too bulky for anything but a coat pocket. Pretty nearly vanishes in a holster, though.

 

[Panzerschwein]

The K's are a bit large for pocket carry. They excel as hip guns though.

J's really are a pocket's best friend.

 

[msmp5]

J frame with shrouded hammer, I think K frames are just a bit too big for pocket carry. Though not my primary EDC gun these days, I've pocket-carried the a S&W M38 off and on for almost 35 years. Forget speed loaders if you wear tight fitting clothing, speed strips are more secure and flatter, easier to carry unobtrusively.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

How do you figure that?

I already have K frames. I do not have any J frames (yet).

So the K Frame in the pocket is out... Ah well, it was worth looking into.

I think maybe I will look into the Tuckable Holster Idea. I would rather have the 239 on me over a J frame anyway (more on board ammo, I shoot it well already, I already have it, etc).

 

[Zendude]

As some have noted, the recoil from a J frame can be quite bothersome, myself included. If this is an issue, you can try a heavier snubby such as the Rossi or the Rock Island. I noticed a big difference between the Rossi and my 642.

 

[Devonai]

I have a 2" Model 12-3, as others have mentioned it is fine for a cargo or coat pocket but a pants pocket would be pushing it.