Pocket carry = pocket holster?

Racer88

Racer88

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Colion Noir stipulated on X that a pocket holster is mandatory for pocket carry.

I agree. But there are some arguing it's not necessary. What say you?

S&W-642-holster.jpg


Colt-Pony-holster.jpg
 
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Racer88 said:
Colion Noir stipulated on X that a pocket holster is mandatory for pocket carry.

I agree. But there are some arguing it's not necessary. What say you?
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I'd say yes unless it is a small snubby revolver...
 
Unwittingly putting something else in the pocket... even a coin... can catch the trigger. A thread hanging off your pants can do it. Bumping into the edge of a piece of furniture, getting into a vehicle. Best to have a holster. APT! (Always Protect the Trigger).

I prefer rigid 'j' type holsters for pocket carry. The soft type like De Santis, Tagua, Sticky, etc. are OK but I prefer kydex.
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Similar to 1791, Blackhawk has a new semi-rigid pocket holster that you heat up and form fit to your gun. Looks interesting. Buy TecGrip FormLok IWB Moldable Holster And More | Blackhawk. They claim you can wear it IWB and it will stay put. I don't know about that but it's certainly better for the guys that stick a gun in their waistband like in the movies. People actually do this.
 
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Say hello to Pico. Thinnest gun ever. 380.

This leather J holster is a J&J.

Screenshot 2025-03-22 at 3.51.27 AM.png
 
Bobster said:
I'd say yes unless it is a small snubby revolver...
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I would still put a snubby in a holster. If it's got no exposed hammer, it's not likely to discharge. Still, all the fuzz and other funk in your pockets will get inside the gun.

BTW: That blue holster is a Vedder and the gun is the Bodyguard 2.0.
 
Bongo Lewi said:
I would still put a snubby in a holster. If it's got no exposed hammer, it's not likely to discharge. Still, all the fuzz and other funk in your pockets will get inside the gun.
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There are two compelling reasons to use a pocket holster even with a snubby like my 642 Airweight:

1. Cover / protect the trigger. A thin layer of gaberdine isn't enough.

2. Keep the gun oriented with the grip up. Without a proper pocket holster, small guns (like my S&W 642) will tend to spin around. It will NOT stay oriented with the grip up. If you need to draw, you might grab a handful of barrel or top strap. No bueno!
 
Racer88 said:
There are two compelling reasons to use a pocket holster even with a snubby like my 642 Airweight:

1. Cover / protect the trigger. A thin layer of gaberdine isn't enough.

2. Keep the gun oriented with the grip up. Without a proper pocket holster, small guns (like my S&W 642) will tend to spin around. It will NOT stay oriented with the grip up. If you need to draw, you might grab a handful of barrel or top strap. No bueno!
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I bet @Bobster wears tight pants. Like me.


View: https://youtu.be/x48Lsz3qmXA?feature=shared
 
Racer88 said:
There are two compelling reasons to use a pocket holster even with a snubby like my 642 Airweight:

1. Cover / protect the trigger. A thin layer of gaberdine isn't enough.

2. Keep the gun oriented with the grip up. Without a proper pocket holster, small guns (like my S&W 642) will tend to spin around. It will NOT stay oriented with the grip up. If you need to draw, you might grab a handful of barrel or top strap. No bueno!
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Maybe a 3rd reason is that you'll help protect the action and other components from collecting as much dirt, grit or lint which could cause a malfunction.
 
brian said:
Maybe a 3rd reason is that you'll help protect the action and other components from collecting as much dirt, grit or lint which could cause a malfunction.
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Ummm... and even WITH a pocket holster, it happens! LOL! Ask me how I know! ;)

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The thing of a pocket holster is to is to cover the trigger area and keep crap out of the barrel... But you have to do your maintenance on your gear. I carry my S&W442 and 640 in one of Mika's holsters. EVERY time I get one out to carry I pull it from the holster and do a visual on it, correcting as necessary which includes a bore check .

What started this was I did some dusty/gritty work with the 442 in my pocket and about a month later when I checked it the muzzle was bright metal? I had somehow introduced about a half CC of sand into the holster that fell to the nose of the revolver and polished it. NOT good. So now I check it. Might not be for everyone but it makes me happy.
 
The fourth reason is the legal reason. Many states require the gun to be in a holster and it's too easy to argue that your pocket is not a holster.
Yes, the proper orientation and preventing accidental/negligent discharge are extremely important to the carrier if the thing ever needs to be put in use, but the pocket carry is bordering on just stuffing it into your waist line like a common thug
 
Curmudgeon said:
The fourth reason is the legal reason. Many states require the gun to be in a holster and it's too easy to argue that your pocket is not a holster.
Yes, the proper orientation and preventing accidental/negligent discharge are extremely important to the carrier if the thing ever needs to be put in use, but the pocket carry is bordering on just stuffing it into your waist line like a common thug
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I've never heard of a state law pertaining to or requiring a holster. Which states?
 
Holster required is a new one for me too. I once carried a Pico in a Speedo. There was no other alternative.
 

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