S&W J-Frame Carry Options - Page 3

ccw9mm · December 25th, 2006, 04:35 PM

For a snubbie J-frame revolver, I'm partial to pocket carry. Had a S&W 442 in a Mitch Rosen Pocket Softy holster for years. It fit well, allowed smooth draw, and lasted forever. (Sold it this year.) I would highly recommend pocket carry, assuming your pants pockets allow the room. Pocket carry doesn't require "cover" garments, can be worn casual or dressy.

Ron · December 26th, 2006, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Brommeland

Hi Ron,

My first objection to "tuckables" revolves around the necessity to use both hands to draw from one. Gunfights can erupt with a high degree of ferocity at very close ranges in very short time frames.
You may well need your "weak" hand to fend off an attacker while you draw. You might also need that hand to push your wife/kids behind cover as you draw. Or, you may need to move your self to cover very rapidly (as you draw) and that weak hand may be needed to break your fall, and /or stabilize you quickly enough to be able to shoot back in time.
Essencially, a "tuckable" makes you choose between covering and fighting because it eliminates to option of doing both simultaneously.

My second objection is that as a rule, they are also pretty darn slow to draw from - much slower than a standard IWB or OWB. Another concern is that during extreme stress, you'll totally lose fine motor skills and having to fiddle around with your shirt can greatly aggravate an already significant "fumble factor".

All in all, I think that (if your clothing allows) you will be MUCH more likely to survive a lethal force encounter with a more conventional holster. If clothing options do not allow, the combination of a pocket holster and ankle rig is much more likely to save your butt than a tuckable.

In short, I would think it pretty likely that you'd just die lookin' like "sharp dressed man", with your gun still in it's "tuckable".

Thanks, Gary. Understood.

Ron

kentuckycarry · December 26th, 2006, 02:48 PM

I have a 642 and have yet been able to pocket carry except in a coat pocket. I've switched from jeans to cargo pants and still cant pocket carry. It must take some huge pockets. I'd love to be able to carry this way. I carry IWB and love it. But cant always do that....

Gary Brommeland · December 26th, 2006, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robere

I have a 642 and have yet been able to pocket carry except in a coat pocket. I've switched from jeans to cargo pants and still cant pocket carry. It must take some huge pockets. I'd love to be able to carry this way. I carry IWB and love it. But cant always do that....

Howdy!

It might be the grips you have on it. To successfully pocket carry a J-Frame, you've got to have small grips - and preferable not made from rubber (it's too "tacky" on the inside of the pocket). Speigle boot grips (available from Lightning Arms.com) would be my first choice.
Another possible problem area may be that your pants are too tight. With 5.11's, Dockers and BDU's, you should be able to get a small revolver in the slash pocket if the pants are cut loose enough. This might require a little experimentation, however.
I dunno if this helped or not. Good luck!

btaulbee · December 26th, 2006, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robere

I have a 642 and have yet been able to pocket carry except in a coat pocket. I've switched from jeans to cargo pants and still cant pocket carry. It must take some huge pockets. I'd love to be able to carry this way. I carry IWB and love it. But cant always do that....

I also have a 642 and I have this same problem. I dont feel comfortable carrying in my pocket with the Uncle Mikes no 3 pocket holster. It still bulges even with a pocket holster. I carry mine in a Galco deep concealment holster with a j hook. It covers it nicely and I can even wear T shirts and the gun is stil covered.

Ron · December 26th, 2006, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robere

I have a 642 and have yet been able to pocket carry except in a coat pocket. I've switched from jeans to cargo pants and still cant pocket carry. It must take some huge pockets. I'd love to be able to carry this way. I carry IWB and love it. But cant always do that....

That really surprises me. As someone else suggested, it may be your grips. I have Model 405 Crimson Trace Laser grips on my 642 in a Mika pocket holster and carry comfortably all day in a front pocket in cargo shorts. I hardly know the gun is in my pocket. I also carry without difficulty in regular docker pants. And I can easily draw the revolver from the holster.

Ron

maclean3 · December 28th, 2006, 12:23 AM

I've got a 642 with the stock Uncle Mike's rubber grips. I couldn't carry in the front pocket of my Levi's 550s but with a cheap Uncle Mike's (#3?) pocket holster I can pocket carry in cargo shorts or the Levi's "Carpenter's" jeans I switched to wearing. It really just depends on the style and fit of the pants.
Jack

fed_wif_a_sig · December 28th, 2006, 03:48 PM

I dont often carry my snubby as my primary weapon, but when I do and deep concealment is needed I switch between an ankle rig (renegade is my choice for the past 15 years with the same holster and its still working fine). I have used a pocket holster and its just not for me as my pants dont work well with it. Like Gary said a good OTB or ITP holster usually is my choice but in warmer weather when I cant wear a sweater I use the UC Comfort t-shirt holster (which I have found to be the best of the ones available) However a t-shirt is specifically for DEEP concealment when you have to have it but cant take the risk of any type of flagging. When I can dress down, ie untucked shirt, I stick with an ITP from Milt Sparks or OTB from Galco. One thing to remember is a quality speed loader carrier (I use DeSantis for my snubby) or Speed Strips but you MUST practice with them. Also on the laser, the snubby is the only weapon that I routinely carry a laser grip on, and Gary is SOOOOOOO correct that when it happens it will typically happen quick and up close for CCW folks. Just something to keep in mind.

My body may be broken (for now) but the opinions are still here, LOL.

cray · December 28th, 2006, 08:29 PM

A small revolver is one firearm which is very comfortable for me, using a Smartcarry; but .. I prefer a pocket holster for the reasons Gary mentioned. Very few modes of carry will allow you to start the fight with your hand already on your weapon. That alone is worth a great deal, IMO. Good luck.

Tony

txmntman · December 29th, 2006, 12:35 PM

Tarus111 - your basic question:
"I have a 5 shot snub j-frame. I am not a grossly fat man but I carry a few extra pounds on my body. I need opinions on carry options for my revolver. I usually wear cowboy cut wrangler jeans and a button up shirt tucked in. I would like to keep with the basic wardrobe. Gun has to be concealed at all times --so no SOB holsters. I was thinking maybe a sholder harness rig. Open a button. pull out the gun? "

I had some of the same problems, and I had solved it with a Kangaroo holster. Kind of like a belly band without the tightness, uses a shoulder strap to keep it in place. It will carry a 642 easily, and unbutton one button and you're there. Some will say it is slow, but I'm probably not going to be winning any "quick draw" contests anyway. It works well for me. It is only $25 bucks, so could be worth a try for you. I just wrote a review for it in the holster section. Good luck to you.

December 25th, 2006, 04:35 PM	#21
ccw9mm VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Oregon USA Posts: 8,411	For a snubbie J-frame revolver, I'm partial to pocket carry. Had a S&W 442 in a Mitch Rosen Pocket Softy holster for years. It fit well, allowed smooth draw, and lasted forever. (Sold it this year.) I would highly recommend pocket carry, assuming your pants pockets allow the room. Pocket carry doesn't require "cover" garments, can be worn casual or dressy. __________________ Your best weapon is your brain. Don't leave home without it. Thoughts: Justifiable self defense. Explain: How does disarming victims reduce the number of victims? Deal with evil through strength. Affirm the good in Man through trust. NRA. GOA. OFF.

December 28th, 2006, 12:23 AM	#27
maclean3 VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 3,062	I've got a 642 with the stock Uncle Mike's rubber grips. I couldn't carry in the front pocket of my Levi's 550s but with a cheap Uncle Mike's (#3?) pocket holster I can pocket carry in cargo shorts or the Levi's "Carpenter's" jeans I switched to wearing. It really just depends on the style and fit of the pants. Jack __________________ "The sheep are everywhere. We are raising up a nation of cannon fodder types and we are screwed." HotGuns

December 28th, 2006, 03:48 PM	#28
fed_wif_a_sig Distinguished Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Denton, TX Posts: 1,369	I dont often carry my snubby as my primary weapon, but when I do and deep concealment is needed I switch between an ankle rig (renegade is my choice for the past 15 years with the same holster and its still working fine). I have used a pocket holster and its just not for me as my pants dont work well with it. Like Gary said a good OTB or ITP holster usually is my choice but in warmer weather when I cant wear a sweater I use the UC Comfort t-shirt holster (which I have found to be the best of the ones available) However a t-shirt is specifically for DEEP concealment when you have to have it but cant take the risk of any type of flagging. When I can dress down, ie untucked shirt, I stick with an ITP from Milt Sparks or OTB from Galco. One thing to remember is a quality speed loader carrier (I use DeSantis for my snubby) or Speed Strips but you MUST practice with them. Also on the laser, the snubby is the only weapon that I routinely carry a laser grip on, and Gary is SOOOOOOO correct that when it happens it will typically happen quick and up close for CCW folks. Just something to keep in mind. My body may be broken (for now) but the opinions are still here, LOL. __________________ Steve "Respect all ... Fear none!!!

December 29th, 2006, 12:35 PM	#30
txmntman New Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 12	Tarus111 - your basic question: "I have a 5 shot snub j-frame. I am not a grossly fat man but I carry a few extra pounds on my body. I need opinions on carry options for my revolver. I usually wear cowboy cut wrangler jeans and a button up shirt tucked in. I would like to keep with the basic wardrobe. Gun has to be concealed at all times --so no SOB holsters. I was thinking maybe a sholder harness rig. Open a button. pull out the gun? " I had some of the same problems, and I had solved it with a Kangaroo holster. Kind of like a belly band without the tightness, uses a shoulder strap to keep it in place. It will carry a 642 easily, and unbutton one button and you're there. Some will say it is slow, but I'm probably not going to be winning any "quick draw" contests anyway. It works well for me. It is only $25 bucks, so could be worth a try for you. I just wrote a review for it in the holster section. Good luck to you. __________________ "Gun Bans don't disarm criminals, gun bans ATTRACT them." -Walter Mondale

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December 26th, 2006, 02:48 PM	#23
kentuckycarry VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: kentucky Posts: 2,193	I have a 642 and have yet been able to pocket carry except in a coat pocket. I've switched from jeans to cargo pants and still cant pocket carry. It must take some huge pockets. I'd love to be able to carry this way. I carry IWB and love it. But cant always do that....

December 28th, 2006, 08:29 PM	#29
cray Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 117	A small revolver is one firearm which is very comfortable for me, using a Smartcarry; but .. I prefer a pocket holster for the reasons Gary mentioned. Very few modes of carry will allow you to start the fight with your hand already on your weapon. That alone is worth a great deal, IMO. Good luck. Tony