I'm just getting my feet wet on this one and looking for some insight. The only trouble I seem to be having is moving around the normal items in my pockets that have had their place for many years. Additionally I simply can not stand having anything in my back pockets.
This afternoon, while trying to sort this out, I discovered that if I carried in my left pocket (weak side) I could resolve this with one small change. Sacrifice versus Reward: I would only consider this after MUCH training for a left handed draw, transferring the weapon to my right hand.
Is this insane? Would I be breaking some cardinal rule by even considering this?
I wouldn't call it insane. A second-best possibility, yes. But better to have it in an awkward position than not have it at all.
There are a variety of man-packs around, small and medium. Would you consider one? Either for the gun, or for everything else, leaving your pocket(s) empty for the gun?
I carry my primary on my strong hand side, right side and my BUG, an LCP, in my left front pocket. While I am practicing with my primary I will pretend that my primary has gone down or run dry. Since my primary is still in my right hand I pull my BUG and fire with the left hand. No need to transfer to the right hand just learn to shoot with your left. With a pocket sized pistol you are more than likely gonna be up close and personal when you need it anyway. If you aren't, you have plenty of time to transfer to your right hand. At 5-7 yards I simply point and pull and they all stay on target. Even when not carrying my primary, the LCP stays in the left front pocket.
This afternoon, while trying to sort this out, I discovered that if I carried in my left pocket (weak side) I could resolve this with one small change. Sacrifice versus Reward: I would only consider this after MUCH training for a left handed draw, transferring the weapon to my right hand.
Is this insane? Would I be breaking some cardinal rule by even considering this?
- It may be insane, but that's exactly what I do. I pocket carry a Kahr P380 with Crimson Trace on my left pocket (weak side) simply because it feels so uncomfortable to carry in my right pocket where I normally carry my keys. Not to mention that I always have a knife clipped to my right pocket. I simply don't like to change this since I always carry the same items in my right pocket when I carry my normal size guns IWB at 4:30.
I simply practice point shooting exclusively with my left hand with the P380. Not to mention it's great practice in the event I ever have to actually shoot with my weak hand.
Just wondering about "I always carry keys in this pocket..." Yep, me too. BUT - when the snub goes in the right front pocket, the keys, knife, chapstick, etc. go elsewhere, period. The snub is far more likely to be needed RIGHT NOW than my car or house keys.
We are all creatures of habit, to be sure, but it's a measure of your human adaptability to make changes and adapt to behaviors and practices which will keep you alive. 3rik, you're not "insane," but while I question your priorities, I recognize you are looking for feedback. I'm not a trainer, just a regular guy who carries, so my recommendation is to relocate the "stuff" away from the pocket where you carry your weapon. But - if you are committed to carrying your (primary?) weapon on the weak side, then by all means follow zacii's advice and practice, practice, practice with that mode of carry so it is your knee jerk reaction.
I used to carry:
Right Front - Keys, pocket knife
Left Front - Phone, handkerchief
Left Rear - nothing
Right Rear - Wallet.
I then decided that I wanted to pocket carry. I also decided that it would have to be right front and that nothing else would *ever* be carried in the right front. Same stuff in the same place all the time (I once 'lost' my keys because they were in the wrong pocket :redface: ).
Given that I am an extreme creature of habit (or very consistent, depending on the spin you like), changing what got carried where was very difficult for me. But since pocket carry was a priority for me I made changes.
So, now its:
Right front - Kahr P380 if I am in my home state (nothing if I am in Mass.)
Left front - Keys, flashlight
Left rear - Phone, handkerchief
Right rear - wallet
Waistband - Knife
The knife in the waistband was uncomfortable for a long time.
I went to the wrong pocket for keys, phone for a long time.
I went to a pocket instead of waistband for the knife for a long time.
The knife now feels like it is not there in the waistband and I have trained myself to go to the right pockets for the right stuff. It seriously annoyed me and took about 6 months to make the transition. But carrying became important (a priority) to me so I worked it out.
Again, you have to decide if it is important to you. If it is important enough you will change your carry layout.
I carry left front pocket (weak side) a lot. I practice drawing and point firing left handed, aimed fire mostly right handed. If I carry a main gun strong side, this is a good backup if my right arm becomes injured or cannot be used easily for some reason.
Thanks for all the input. So far it seems the thought of changing habits is worse than actually changing them.
Used to be:
RF - wallet, phone
RR - kife, keys
LF - Skoal
LR - nothing
Today I swapped the wallet & phone to LF and carried RF. (Need to find a new place for the Skoal *or just quit*.) Felt strangely intuitive. I like that my cell is now left hand operable if my right is "occupied".
I see many of you carry a flashlight.. I just can't see throwing ANOTHER object into the mix... Maybe on the belt..
3rik, carry your holstered pocket gun in your RF pocket, knife (clipped on the outer edge), keys and phone in LF pocket, wallet in RR pocket and wear button down shirts with a pocket to keep your Skoal. I think that your # 1 priority should be to have your gun in the best and most comfortable position in case you need to draw in an emergency and then comes everything else. Another option is to carry a lumbar pack (check out Mountain Smith) to carry your wallet, keys and Skoal, buy a belt holster for your phone, clip the knife to your LF pocket and carry the pocket gun in the RF pocket. Also, why not try out a wallet holster?
If you don't feel comfortable with pocket carry, then don't. A pocket gun is so small that you can carry it in a belly band, IWB, ankle holster or OWB comfortably so just do what feels best for you. Not everyone is happy with pocket carry. By the way, what gun are you intending to pocket carry (LCP, LCR, Kel Tec, Glock 26, etc.)?
Nice looking holster. I can't see how you can draw the LCP from that holster in a proper grip with your trigger finger 'in register' along the frame/slide. Or is there room to get your finger in there before you pull it out.
Please let me know because I would like to order something like that but I have concerns about compromised grip on draw.
I still dont have it quite figured out and ive been carrying for a year and a half now! If im wearing jeans my LCP is in my left front along with my keys which i put in front of the holster to disguise any printing(i know, i know...not the smartest way) then my iphone is in my RF along with the Surefire e2d and my wallet is RR. i dont have a good pocket knife right now(i lost it..dont ask) but with my proffesion i usually have a utility knife in the side pocket on carpenter jeans.
I love wearing cargo shorts though because then i have a seperate place for everything and ive found that i like abercrombie best for this because they are extremely comfy and a little thicker also. P.s. I hate abercrombie but this is the only item i will ever walk into that store for.
Also, if carrying the glock 19 also it goes on my left hip at 3:00. I keep the LCP in my LF no matter what because that is where my instict will tell me to go.
Just to throw in;
LF I carry only my cell phone, as it's got a large touchscreen I don't want to get scratched.
RF I carry my clip knife and change, plus car keys if I went somewhere.
LR wallet
RR hanky and business card case
So... If I am going to pocket carry the knife gets moved RR and the change gets left behind, freeing up my RF pocket. Any change I might receive while out goes RR until I get home. Keys are also RR if I'm not wearing a jacket. Ideally I'd like to fins a nice holster for appendix carry. I need my pockets, lol.
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