Hey there, shooters! Josh here with another installment of Tech Tip Tuesday, and this one’s a continuation of our previous discussion on winter concealed carry. This week, we’re diving into the topic of pocket carry—an often debated method of concealed carry that, while convenient, comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks.
Winter is almost here, jackets allow for the concealment of much larger firearms than what you’d usually carry in the summer. However, for those looking for an even more discreet option, pocket carry offers a versatile alternative.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of pocket concealed carry and talk about some holster options that we recommend, including a favorite here at TFirearms—the Sticky brand holster.
The Pros of Pocket Concealed Carry
1. Convenience and Accessibility
One of the primary advantages of pocket carry is convenience. Pocketing a firearm can be as simple as slipping it into your pants, coat, or even hoodie pocket. If you’re in a hurry or need to leave your house quickly, pocket carry allows you to arm yourself without spending extra time holstering up.
With pocket carry, the firearm remains easily accessible—especially for those who wear pants with deep pockets or winter coats with large, well-placed pockets. This level of accessibility makes it a great option when you’re moving in and out of vehicles or running errands where you don’t want to fuss with waistband adjustments.
2. Discreetness
Pocket carry is about as discreet as it gets, especially when paired with the right pocket holster. Winter clothing, with its extra bulk and layers, makes pocket carry even more effective, as the outline of the firearm is less likely to print. If you’re in an environment where you want to avoid drawing attention, pocket carry offers a low-profile solution.
3. Comfort
For many, pocket carry offers superior comfort over waistband or shoulder holsters, particularly in winter months when layers can add to the discomfort of more traditional carry methods. By keeping the firearm in your pocket with the right holster, you avoid issues like digging into your side or rubbing against your clothing.
The Cons of Pocket Concealed Carry
1. Limited to Smaller Firearms
While jackets and layers open up more carry options for larger firearms, pocket carry can limit you to smaller pistols. Although a winter jacket might offer deeper pockets for a compact or subcompact pistol, pants pockets are usually more restrictive. Trying to fit a larger firearm into a pants pocket can be uncomfortable, awkward, and downright impractical. The weight and bulk of a larger pistol in your pocket could slow you down and dig into your legs making the method uncomfortable if your clothing and holster don’t match up well.
2. Slower Draw Speed
Drawing a firearm from a pocket takes more time and effort than drawing from a waistband or shoulder holster, especially with the wrong holster or pocket. Winter clothing can exacerbate this issue, particularly if you’re wearing gloves or dealing with multiple layers. The slower draw time makes pocket carry less ideal in high-stress situations where every second counts. Good holster and clothing selection is critical to avoid these problems. Additionally, consider how you’ll draw while sitting, as this is a common challenge with pocket carry.
3. Potential for Pocket Clutter
It’s important to remember that when carrying in a pocket, that pocket should be designated solely for your firearm. Mixing your gun with other items—such as keys, wallets, or phones—can make drawing more difficult and increases the chance of accidental discharge. Pocket clutter can create dangerous situations, which is why you should always ensure your carry pocket is clear of any other objects and alway use a holster that completely covers the trigger of the firearm.
Pocket Holsters:
Leather Pocket Holsters
Leather pocket holsters are an excellent choice for pocket carry, especially when it comes to covering the trigger guard for added safety. A quality leather pocket holster should have a hook or design element that snags on the pocket during the draw, allowing the firearm to be pulled out while leaving the holster behind. This feature is crucial for a smooth, quick draw in high-stress situations.
The pictured holster, a Don Hume 001NO. 36-42, is one that Josh personally uses when he wants to minimize printing in light clothing. It’s well-constructed and designed to resemble a wallet, making it a discreet and effective choice for concealed carry. Its durable leather ensures longevity, while its design ensures it stays in place during the draw, offering both functionality and concealment.
The Sticky Brand Holster
One of our favorite holster options for pocket carry or even light inside the waste band carry is the Sticky brand holster. These holsters are great for pocket carry because they provide excellent retention while remaining compact and lightweight. Sticky holsters work by clinging to the fabric of your pocket, keeping the firearm securely in place without the need for clips or loops. They’re easy to draw from and add a layer of protection between the trigger and anything else in your pocket.
Sticky holsters are versatile, and Heather and I often recommend them to our customers because they can easily accommodate light bearing weapons which are harder to find holsters for. They are one of our go-to options for pocket carry due to their simple design, reliability, and how well they work for a variety of firearms. Keep in mind, we don’t manufacture Sticky holsters ourselves, but we do carry them in-store, and you can pick one up anytime you stop by.
Modifying a Kydex Holster for Pocket Carry
A standard Kydex holster can be adapted for pocket carry with a few modifications. We recommend reducing bulk by removing any built-in clips or wedges and adding a tie-down with a clip that attaches to the inside of the pocket. This ensures that when you draw your firearm, the holster stays in the pocket and doesn’t come out with the gun, allowing for a smooth and quick draw.
At TFirearms, we manufacture custom Kydex holsters. If you’re struggling to find a holster for your specific gun, especially with a light attached, we can make one. We can also add a tie-down loop by request to ensure the holster remains secure during the draw, preventing it from shifting and ensuring the firearm is easy to remove from the holster.
Another good option similar to Kydex, but only available for a handful of pistols and unavailable for guns with lights, is the Vanguard 2 by Raven Concealment. It comes with various carry options and features. It’s one of Josh’s preferred summer carry methods using their appendix inside-the-waistband setup, but it’s also a great pocket carry option as it covers the trigger guard fully while still allowing access to the gun.
Conclusions on Pocket Carry
While pocket carry offers convenience, it’s crucial to practice your draw regularly with the same setup you plan to carry. Pocket carry can result in slower draw times, especially when factoring in winter clothing or drawing while seated. Practicing your draw stroke is key to being prepared when needed.
An important aspect of winter pocket carry is practicing drawing with your jacket both open and closed depending on your pocket carry method. Some jackets can make drawing difficult, particularly when fully zipped. Practicing will help you understand your clothing’s limitations and ensure quick access in a defensive situation.
It’s also essential to practice drawing while seated, such as in a vehicle or at a table, where pocket carry may become more challenging due to restricted space.
Looking Ahead: Off-Body Carry or Bag Carry
That wraps up our discussion on pocket carry, but we’re not done exploring carry options. Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll dive into off-body carry and bag carry options. We’ll cover everything from concealed carry bags and backpacks to off-body setups that work no matter the weather, giving you even more flexibility in how you carry.
As always, if you have any questions or need help setting up your winter carry, don’t hesitate to stop by TFirearms. We’re here to help you find the perfect holster, firearm, or accessory to fit your needs.
Stay safe, shoot straight, and see you next week for Tech Tip Tuesday!
