Need advice on pocket gun (J frame comfort)

[Lucky Strike]

So i know I want a pocket gun for when I just wanna wear a tshirt (my XD in a Crossbreed Supertuck requires an overshirt) but am having a hard time deciding which to get.

Initially i was set on a S&W 642, handled one at a store and shot one at a range. While i could barely hit anything at 10 yards i figure that's something that will improve with practice.

One thing i didn't get to do though was try and stick it in my pocket. Would have been against range rules when I rented one to shoot and I didn't really feel comfortable asking the guy at the gunshop if I could stick it in my pocket when I initially handled one.

I'm concerned that the cylinder bulge is gonna make the thing uncomfortable or easy to print unless i have really baggy pants, especially when sitting down.

This concern is making me also look at the small .380's which probably have similar recoil. Although the round is less preferable, having a gun that I will actually carry all the time due to comfort would trump that issue for me.

Just looking for comments from J frame owners on how the thing carries in the pocket. Do you guys have trouble sitting? You guys wear baggy pants? I don't wear super slim pants or anything but would rather not have to buy a whole new wardrobe of baggy deep pocket pants to feel comfortable (and not concerned that i'm printing). I suppose a pocket holster would break up the profile though.

 

[yakkingallover]

I have a S&W M&P340 and I usually carry IWB but anytime I have pocket carried it has never been unpleasant or printed terribly. I am a skinny guy and wear pants that are relaxed but not baggy and with a descent holster I considered switching to pocket carry but never did for whatever reason. Try it out you should be fine and just ask yourself how often you look at someones pockets and that is how often they will look at yours.

 

[weisse52]

I really like the pocket carry, in a properly designed holster.

Over the years I have carried several different J frames. I have just recently purchased a 642 and find that it is very comfortable in a pocket carry.

Your results may vary.

 

[VegasOPM]

The secret is to wear pants that have ample room through the thighs and deep pockets. The nice thing about a revolver for pocket carry instead of an auto is that the revolver's bulge actually breaks up the outline and makes it print less.

I pocket carry a 642 pretty regularly and have no problems. You will need an Uncle Mike's or similar pocket holster, and don't carry anything else in that pocket. That might mean some retraining on your part. I too like IWB, except for the spare tire that gets rubbed raw.

 

[Lucky Strike]

Well my jeans are levis 569 which are loose in the thigh but i'm not sure how the pocket depth is gonna be. i'll probably just have to ask the guy at the shop to let me try and put it in my pocket. I guess if he thinks it'll help him sell a gun, he'll let me.

 

[gcrookston]

I like to use a pocket holster

 

[mtngunr]

Think "big wallet" print signature....comfort/concealment-wise, the pencil-barrel variants sit deeper in the pocket than the ones with slab-sided barrel/shrouds and underlugs....

 

[Glockman17366]

I pocket carry most of the time (very convenient). I carry a little Taurus .38 lightweight in a Mikas pocket holster.
In Docker style trousers, the gun is well concealled. In jeans, the butt of the gun may protrude from the pocket a bit.

I suggest you try a few guns out at a gun shop. As long as the sales associate is there, they should have no problem letting you stick the gun in your pocket to get a "feel" for it's fit. I know I've never had a problem with doing this.

 

[rdrancher]

As a contractor I pocket carry a 642 in jeans or shorts most everyday in either a Mika or Uncle Mike's.

I found Levi's pockets to be a bit too tight. I've switched to Wranglers (not the cowboy style), Carhartt and Faded Glory - mostly carpenter style for the extra pockets.

rd

 

[md7]

lucky strike,

i usually wear levis 517 and other than some pocket bulge the 642 carries okay. in kakhi shorts, it hides completely. carhart pants work well too.

get a good pocket holster. Desantis Nemesis is a good one. it will make a ton of difference.

last note. the j frame is a firearm that requires some practice to become proficient with. when i first started i could barely hit the broad side of a barn, but after alot of practice i can hit consistantly with it at 10 to 15 yards.

 

[AZAndy]

I carry a 642 in a Mika, in standard-cut jeans. Sometimes front pocket, sometimes back pocket. An overhanging shirt is a must for either, as the grip is visible from above. A decent belt is a good idea-- even though the gun only weighs a pound loaded, that's still enough to try to pull your pants down a bit (especially if, like me, you're an old guy with no butt).

 

[jad0110]

As others have said, a J Frame in a Robert Mika pocket holster looks like a medium to large sized wallet. I tried carrying around the house withuout a pocket holster once. I was surprised at how much it flopped around, and after only a few minutes it actually flipped over, grip pointing down and the barrel skyward. A pocket holster keeps it under control.

The first time I took my 642 to the range I had trouble hitting the target for the first 20 rounds. But I picked up on it fairly quick, and I do well with it to this day. I'm a better shot with the 642 than I am with any other gun that would fit into my pocket. If you can try out small 380s before you make a decision, that's always a wise idea.

One thing I do like about pocket carry with an enclosed/shrowded hammer J Frame is that they are probably the easiest pocket blasters to get a hold of and draw quickly with no snagging.

 

[JR1]

I do it every day and it isn't a problem at all. 642 in a Nemesis holster just disappears into jeans, dress pants, and khakis. I guess the tightest is with jeans, but there is only the imprint of "something" in my pocket. In a world of MP3s, cellphones, and various other goodies, no one is going to think GUN when they see a bulge in a front pocket. Most people will never even see the bulge.

 

[Lucky Strike]

For the guys using a Mika are you using the round or square type? Not sure which i should go with.

 

[Camjr]

S&W 642 in the pocket every day, either in a Desantis Nemesis or a Mika Round Cut. The holster depends on the shape of bottom of the pocket. I find the Nemesis prints a little more (still hardly noticable), but I really like it in the cargo pocket of my shorts. The Mika rides everywhere else. I think you'll find that despite the cylinder, the little snubby conceals very well. In fact, I usually find it conceals in the pocket better than any semiauto of similar dimensions (not comparing it to a Seecamp or Guardian, which are smaller). I also like the 38 +p capability over a 32 or 380 round. Of course, the Kahr PM's can be had in the larger bottomfeeder calibers now and remain small.

Lucky Strike asked about choosing between the Mika Round Cut or Square Cut. It's simply a matter of the shape of the pockets in your pants. They're certainly inexpensive enough to get one of each, and they're a fantastic product.

Regards

 

[george29]

having a gun that I will actually carry all the time due to comfort would trump that issue for me.

Exactly!! I have the 642 but a p3-at or lcp do conceal better and the weaker ammo does not have to be a factor, the .380 has been around for a very long time.

 

[Bw2k2000]

I also own a S&W 642 but with the hammerless style it takes a bit of getting used to. I have had it for about a year now and am able to now make consistant groups at 15 yards. It just takes practice.

 

[Glockman17366]

For the guys using a Mika are you using the round or square type? Not sure which i should go with.

I got the round as that fits better in jeans (does OK in trousers too). The square cut holster wouldn't fit jeans too well, but would probably hold position better in trousers.

Mikas holsters aren't too expensive...get one of each!