How did you get used to pocket carry?

[SpringerXD]

I love the idea of pocket carry as a general concept, but here's the problem. I'm 46 years old and for my entire adult life, I've been used to having certain things in my right front pocket: keys, lighter, knife, and change. Plus, of course, I'm right-handed.

On the flip side, I love the idea for convenience. What could be more comfortable than just reaching into your right front pocket or having your hand resting on the pistol's grip if needed?

I've also considered the cargo pocket option, since I wear cargo pants often, but the feel is very awkward with having a weight there.

So for those of you who are right-handed but pocket carry, how big of an adjustment was it for you?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Thumper]

I just moved my stuff to different pockets and struggled with it until I re-learned where stuff was!

[PastorPack]

Still making that adjustment now, but in all it has gone ok.

Moved wallet to weak-side rear pocket. Moved keys to weak-side front pocket. Cell phone ends up in weak-side cargo or strong-side rear.

[Geno]

Not such a big adjustment as long as you do not violate your own rules.
My one and only rule is Nothing, Absolutely Nothing goes in my right pocket but my pistol. Sometimes the temptation is great when your other pocket or hands are full. Still, I do not ever violate that rule. Period!
In two and a half years, I've never broken my one and only rule.

[Thumper]

Absolutely Nothing goes in my right pocket but my pistol.

+1! Excellent point!

[ccwguy]

Just do it. Put it and only it in your strongside front pocket; put everything else in the most logical remaining pockets. It won't take long for muscle memory to kick in, and you'll become accustomed to it.

I had the same thoughts. I always(27 years of driving) carried my car keys in my right front pocket and always used my right hand for unlocking the car door. After a couple weeks of carrying them in my left pocket and an LCP in the right, it felt natural. It also feels better having one hand on my car keys and unlocking the car/house door while having the other hand on the LCP.

[J Bowen]

you will get use to it with time.
be a good idea to keep something thin
in front of your pocket gun to help hide the imprint of
the gun while carrying. I carry a very thin leather jotter pad
in my pocket with my gun. works great and doesnt get
in the way. Even with inside the pocket holsters it can be
very easy to spot a gun imprint through someone's pocket.

what kind of gun are you pocket carrying?

[SpringerXD]

what kind of gun are you pocket carrying?

Currently I don't, but I'm considering an XD Subcompact in .40 because of the concealability.

If they ever make the Sub in .45 ACP, I'm there.

[EW3]

An XD SC is going to be waaaay too big and THICK for pocket carry, IMO.

An LCP, a P3AT/P32, Seecamp, NAA Guardian; now they are ideal pocket guns; small, flat and designed with the pocket in mind.

I have an LCP myself and have the right front pocket regulated to that. Even when I don't have it, like at work, I make myself keep that pocket clear. No change or other objects go in there. I have my wallet in the left front pocket on chiropractors orders, so having a place to put my iPhone becomes an issue. I sometimes slip that in my rear pocket, but just know one of these days I'm going to forget, and sit on it, CRUNCH.

I'm thinking about getting a belt holster for the iPhone, since the right front pocket is reserved for the LCP.

[jwhite75]

I carry a J-frame. I too carry so much stuff...I had a system for everything where it went. I simply move my keys down to the cargo pocket and the gun to the right front pocket. Its a little different but I would rather have to search for my keys than my gun.

[ev239]

The key is to make it a system. Once you do that and learn it you'll have no problem. Cargo pants can be a life saver giving you those two extra pockets to work with, but cargos aren't for everyone or every work environment. My system is the same as most here.

front right pocket - Gun ONLY!
front left pocket - keys and wallet (if no cargo)
back left pocket - knife and spare mag (in a custom carrier)
back right pocket - phone (if no cargo)

If I'm wearing cargos
left cargo - wallet
right cargo - phone

[varob]

An XD SC is going to be waaaay too big and THICK for pocket carry, IMO.

I don't know about the XD but I carry my Glock 27 in my pocket and have no problems with most of my pants.

[Jackle1886]

Pocket carry for me is really not a viable option. I switched everything around, which was weird at first, but got used to; and carried a 642 revolver in my front pocket for a few weeks. It was just too bulky and thick to be comfortable. Granted most of my pants are not super baggy, but even then I couldn't stand it. Try it out for yourself, but don't be surprised if you don't like it.

[billfromtx]

I carry my P3AT in my front pocket and love it...My Keys hook on my off side belt loops, change, clip on knife etc etc...all go in my weak side pocket. The pistol and holster are all i carry in my strong side front pocket.

[J Bowen]

Im thinking a XD is too big for pocket carry.
It may fit in a pocket but will be hard to get out
in a hurry if needed. I usually have a LCP or a KT for
front pocket carry