[Chris Stephens]

Hi there,

Of late and during the past year, I have been pretty much taken with pocketguns.

The reason? For years after I had gotten my Concealed Weapon Permit, there were just too many places that I couldn't carry a full size handgun comfortably concealed.

With summer temperature soaring like they do here in Coastal SC, it never made sense to look out of place carry a fanny pack, wearing the photographer's vest, or wearing your shirt untucked, particularly if the standard of dress is "business casual". As a matter of fact, everytime I see someone with a fanny pack or photographer's vest, it just screams concealed carry to me!

Therefore, I undertook my little adventure into the world of the pocketgun. Alway's with me, alway's near me and alway's loaded and ready.

When I go to the range to practice, I alway's think about the irony of other shooter's going up to the line and pulling their (blank favorite handgun) from their range bag and I pull my pocketgun from my, of course, pocket to shoot.

I wonder what the world would be like to see people walking the streets with their range bags?

I have experimented with the Kel Tec line and have been very impressed thus far. I have also delved into the world of J-frame S&W airweight revolvers and have become a revolver fan again after a long hiatus from the world of revolver shooting.

Do you have a pocketgun and is it alway's your carry gun?

Chris

 

[roadster]

Got a bunch of pocket guns, both auto's and revolver's. Calibers include the .22 LR, .32 ACP, .32 Mag, .380 ACP, .38 Spl, and the 9mm Luger. I do NOT consider the .357 Mag a pocket gun cartridge even though there are several variations of the S&W J frame chambered for it.

For a long time I carried a S&W Model 60 2" .38 Spl with a bobbed hammer. Then switched to a Model 640 2". But I recently purchased a Model 642-1 Airweight and now that is my favored carry piece. But I will admit to carrying a Model 432 .32 Mag every now and then.

In this hot and muggy summer weather I carry a little KelTec P32 loaded with Fiocchi 73 gr FMJ. In a Uncle Mikes #1 pocket holster, it only weights 10.5 ounces with seven rounds of the Fiocchi and it disappears from sight in loose jeans or shorts.

I've got a minty 1967 made 1st issue Colt Cobra .38 Spl 2". This is the aluminum framed version of the Detective Special. I've been tempted to carry it as a pocket gun, but the hammer spur will surely snag if I do. This is why I prefer bobbed hammer or enclosed hammer revolvers like the Cenntennial's.

Range bags? Mine is one of Dillion's in their bright blue color. Somehow I don't think that lugging that critter with its shoulder strap would be a good idea. But I could carry two or three fullsize handguns and bunch of ammo......


Roadster

 

[pff]

Yes, several. And 99% of the time.

Heya Chris,

To amplify, a number of J (and I and D) frames as well as a pair of shorty Grocks. I don't consider the Grocks pocket guns but some people do.

And a gen-yoo-wine "Colt Automatic Calibre .380 Hammerless" AKA Pocket Pistol, which is also too big for the pockets on Wranglers. Does look purty in a minimalist belt slide though.

When I carried a PPK, it went into a holster also.

I guess the snubbies are the only thing I 'pocket' and they still stick out enough to be seen easilly.


Regards,

Pat

 

[dave]

Hey there.

When I lived in WA State, I carried a 638-2 in a front pocket holster.
Then I moved to NC, and didn't have a carry permit or CHL.
When I moved to Texas, I got the CHL there, and since have carried the 638-2 in another front pocket holster in slacks, jeans, shorts, etc. about 85% or better of the time (always when I'm home.) The aluminum frame is starting to show a bit of wear, but it still shoots fine. I think the 642 seems to handle a bit better, but I like the single-action capability--even if I practice on double action only. I frankly don't think I could get off many shots too quickly with a .357, so I've never gotten another pocket revolver, and I stick with .38 +Ps.

--dave.

PS: I'm getting a fanny back so I can carry the same revolver while bicycling since there aren't any pockets in bike shorts to pocket carry in.

 

[lelandray]

Pocket holster by Robert Mika, M638-3 pocket gun by Smith and Wesson, 158-grain LSWCHP +P by Winchester.

Even though I usually have some sort of high capacity 9mm stashed in the vehicle, the S&W is with me daily. It's the only gun I've found that I can carry comfortably in street clothes, 24/7, 12 months of the year.

 

[jonnyc]

Can't beat my KelTec P32 for size and weight. Goes anywhere and everywhere (almost).

 

[Guest]

As I have become "fuller figured" over the years even the smaller revolvers seem bulky. The KelTec P11 has proven to be the answer. Flat, no snags and 9mm into the bargain (kind of my minimum caliber). Fits into shorts pockets for the long Arkansas summer.

 

[derek]

Carry either SW 442 or Kahr MK9 in front pocket most of the time. Have NAA Guardian in back pocket all of the time. When wearing jeans with smaller pockets usually just carry the Guardian.

 

[cajunbass]

Chris, I think the only people who think a fanny pack screams "GUN" is gun people. No one else does it seems. I carry my Kel-Tec, P-11 in one, and my wife carres either her Bersa Firestorm 22, or lately a 9x18 Makarov in hers. No one ever gives us a second look. Most people simply do not think anyone is carrying a gun.

Funny story on the subject. I have a "range bag" that my wife picked up at Wally World. It's just a black over the shoulder nylon bag, that I'm sure was designed to be a womans purse, but it's a really ugly purse. Just plain black nylon.

We were coming back from the range one day and stopped at Wally World to get some dog food or some such stuff. Not wanting to leave my two Ruger 22's in the car, I slung the "range bag" over my shoulder and started into the store. I'm long past the point where I give a hoot if somonne thinks I'm carrying a purse. It's fine with me.

Anyway, we stopped to talk to a couple as we were going in, I don't remember why, we didn't know them. After we talked a few minutes the guy looks at me and asks "Do you always carry a purse? What do you have in that thing?"

I said "A couple of pistols, and a few hundred rounds of ammo." He looked sort of sheepish, and said "Ok, I get your point. It's none of my business is it?" I laughed out loud and said "No, I'm not kidding. That's what's in it." He still didn't believe me, so I showed him. His eyes about popped out. He looked at his wife and said, HE'S NOT KIDDING!

He didn't pay any attention the fanny packs we were both wearing.

Back to your point though, I don't know. Are a P-11, a Makarov, and a Bersa 22, "pocket guns?" With docker type pants maybe. They're all a big heavier than I'd like for pocket carry.

 

[jonnyc]

Another problem with a "fanny pack" is that it signals that any of your bulky, and possibly valuable, items are in one easily taken location. If you are surprised before you can react and draw, you lose your piece too. Pocket, belt, or IWB carry might help you keep your gun, even if you do lose your wallet and watch.

 

[strider72]

Can't beat my KelTec P32 for size and weight. Goes anywhere and everywhere (almost).

Can't argue with that. My P32 goes with me everywhere I can carry...

 

[derek]

Concerning fanny packs, a friend of mine's father asked my counsel on a gun purchase and I steered him to a J-frame and recommended he carry it in a pocket holster. The next time I saw him he was wearing this big fanny pack around his waist with his revolver, wallet, and keys inside. Shortly thereafter I learned he was robbed one night in a drugstore parking lot. What did the thief take?...his fanny pack!

 

[werewolf]

Well in response to an above posting, I certainly carry my Mak in my shorts pocket. I just find I could draw from a pocket if need be much faster then to go for an IWB concealed weapon.

The Maks's a bit heavier then my P-32, but with a dark t-shirt untucked and the gun itself in a Nemisis nylon pocket holster (which is REALLY versatile!) its just fine.

 

[Guest]

I alternate between a nickeled 442 and KelTec .380 - depending on how flat/light I need to be.

 

[Guest]

My CCW is a S&W 042.

One thing to consider is how deep are your pockets? Some pants pockets are a lot deeper, more carry friendly, than others.

For instance, I have a couple pair of Wranglers (not sure of the sub-brand, but they don't have a patch on the back pocket) that will conceal my Glock 19. I don't carry it that way, but I could.

Anyway my point is, a little forethought in shopping can increase your carry options.

Max

 

[pff]

Heya Maxer,

Just the opposite of mine. Wrangler 'Rustlers' don't have enough pocket to hide a J frame snubby, front or back. This is the variety KMart sold for a long time as a loss-leader.

Just tried a pair of Lee's; front works, rear doesn't.

Levi's too short front or back, tho a smidge deeper in front than the Rustlers. I can hide a 342 by turning it butt-forward with no holster, but jammed down that deep it prints real bad.

I wonder if pocket sizes vary by pants size? Most of mine are 42x30.

Not trying to hijack Chris' thread, but what sort of pockets are some of you using?


regards,

Pat

 

[Guest]

I took Mr Camp's path and bought a Glock 26. Love it. You'd be surprised how accurate it is, most are. Plus I don't break down in tears if I scratch it

 

[Guest]

I sometimes carry a SW 36 in my back pocket with an untucked shirt to cover the grip. Here is a pic of a pocketgun from 1912. It is a Colt model 1903 Pocket Hammer. It is slightly larger than a Colt Officer 45acp. Maybe pockets were bigger then.

 

[Guest]

You may laugh, but I like a H&R 732 with a 'bird's head' butt in .32 S&W Long! If you shoot Federal wadcutters, you can punch a BG's ticket in a heartbeat! You'd be surprised what this little revolver can do!

Scott

 

[Guest]

I have several guns suitable for pocket carry. As of late, I will have one of these three in my pocket:
Kahr PM9
Kel-tec P3AT
S&W Model 638