maclean3

I'm in need of some new jeans anyway and since Levi's quality has suffered since they moved "South of the border," I'm thinking about trying out the 5.11s.

What's the general consensus on these as far as:
1). Weight of the denim (compared to Levi's)
2). Quality of construction
3). Ease of front pocket carry (j-frame or a PPK)
4). Usefulness of those appendix pockets for actual carry (again, w/ j-frame or PPK)
5). Anything else that stands out?

If they get a favorable nod from the group here I may order a pair on payday. Thanks guys!
Jack

__________________
"The sheep are everywhere. We are raising up a nation of cannon fodder types and we are screwed."
HotGuns

RobbW

No 5.11 experience, but I can tell you Carhartts are tough as nails. I pocket carry my S&W 340 in my strong-side front pocket. I wear the carpenter style jean, but there are several styles.

Pete

If you're looking for jeans for carrying a weapon, and I assume it is part of the equation if you're looking at 5.11 and asking here, then take a look at the Blackie Collins Toters.

I don't know if Levis are even made in Mexico anymore, I saw 'Made in China' last time I looked.

larrupin

Great info here on the 5.11 jeans from member PaulBk
http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbulle...004#post343004

maclean3

Thanks for the replies guys.
I'm sure Carhartts are good quality but I'm actually interested in the extra appendix pockets found on the 5.11s so I can go back to using my front pockets for keys and such like I do when wearing an IWB.

Checked out the Blackie Collins model, interesting but at $75 it's more than I can spend on jeans ($60 for the 5.11s is stretching my budget badly).

I looked at the THR thread, I know he was only concealing a P11 but it's still pretty amazing that there was no printing what so ever. Exactly the type info I was looking for, thanks for the link. I've got some extra bills going out this month with car tags, DL renewal and the ever present medical bills but if there's anything left I'll be ordering a pair to try out.

FWIW, I've got Levi's that were made in Mexico and a couple that came from Guatemala. One pair that I've had for less then one year has belt loops that are already unravelling to the point I've had to trim the threads with scissors (looks like cut-off shorts). These are NOT the Levi's I grew up with.
Jack

__________________
"The sheep are everywhere. We are raising up a nation of cannon fodder types and we are screwed."
HotGuns

Rolex Dr.

I have a pair of the 5.11 jeans

they are nice but the hidden pockets in the back (by you kidneys) I know are for cuffs, are uncomfotrable as heck to me at least, and i had a harder time drawing the gun for them it sat below the belt

the front pocket i hated to put my j frame in was impossibe for me to sit down

Im 31 yrs old 5-11 150ish 30/31 waist but i bought in 32 because i IWB carry

plus they are the most god awful blue color if they made them look better they would sell, my wife asks me why i bought a pair of jeans from the 80s

on a side not they are also a very straight leg almost taper they look stupid on me

but if someone wants them i can order and get you great prices

deadhawg

I bought one pair to try them out, and after wearing them a few times bought 2 more. They are well made and the denim seems to be slightly heavier than Levi's. I have carried my PM9 in the appendix pocket frequently when concealment is critical. It will fit completely inside the pocket when standing and offers excellent concealment, however accessing the gun that way is a little slow. I have taken to keeping the PM9 a little higher, with my belt across the grips. This allows quicker access, and also is much more comfortable sitting down. My G30 works well in this pocket too, with the grip just at belt line. Unfortunately, while the "spare magazine" pockets on the left hold Kahr 9mm magazines ok, the Glock double stack magazines will not fit at all. Of course, this boils down to a slightly more secure method of "mexican carry"than just sticking your gun in your belt. I'll have to try the wife's J-frame to see how it fits in the appendix pocket, but I expect it would work just fine.

Ron

maclean3

PM sent.
Jack

__________________
"The sheep are everywhere. We are raising up a nation of cannon fodder types and we are screwed."
HotGuns

maclean3

Okay, after a few PMs back and forth I ordered a pair through Rolex Dr. He's been great to deal with and very helpful with all my questions - good prices too!

I'll post pics when they get here. Thanks for all the input guys.
Jack

__________________
"The sheep are everywhere. We are raising up a nation of cannon fodder types and we are screwed."
HotGuns

Protect

Please do, I'm interested to see where these pockets actually are.

__________________
"When a man attempts to deal with me by force, I answer him—by force.
"... No, I do not share his evil or sink to his concept of morality: I merely grant him his choice, destruction, the only destruction he had the right to choose: his own." -John Galt, Atlas Shrugged