On Pocket Autos

Jason again has another great Empty Mags Podcast talking about pocket carry.

If you pocket carry, or are thinking about it, go give that podcast a listen, and while you’re at it go read my post about it.

He points out that it is a slow, and difficult draw compared to the strong-side belt-carry that is the most popular. Still I don’t pocket carry because I like it, or because I like the small PITA guns that fit in my pocket, but because that’s the best way to carry for that day. Of course recently I’ve been pushing the 1911 into service a bit more than I usually do, with great results, but even my S&W1911Sc with slim grips isn’t my ideal gun. Its single-stack, shorter barrel, and a bit lighter than an all-steel gun that is a dream to shoot, and I have grips that are slimmer than I prefer, but make carry much easier and comfortable.

Jason makes two HUGE points for all to remember: #1 get a good pocket holster that conceals your trigger, and #2. Practice your draw so you can competently draw in any position you find yourself.

FYI the only time I’ve ever drawn a gun from my pocket with concern wasn’t a serious episode, but I was driving down the street and found what appeared to be a mentally ill young man in the middle of an episode, walking in the middle of a busy road yelling angry words at the passing cars. I pulled into a side street and called 911 so the cops could know that somebody might get hurt. While I was on the phone the guy started walking down the street I had selected. I drew the gun and set it on my center console. He walked by my parked truck and asked If I had a problem, I told him “no” and I doubt he saw my snubbie, and moved on. Police didn’t seem one bit concerned, and even told me the kid’s name…apparently he was a frequent flier.

That was seated with a seat belt. You need to practice.

Also I thought I’d share this post with you. If you carry a semi-auto, just because you carry a small gun, doesn’t mean you have to carry a small reload.

Carry your damn gun, and be safe out there.

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0 Responses to On Pocket Autos

  1. bluesun says:

    Something that helps you draw easier from a pocket (at least with revolvers) is to keep your thumb along the top of the gun. It helps prevent the “Monkey with it’s hand in a jar” problem.

    • Weerd Beard says:

      Not really a problem I’ve had, I found the WORST thing for a smooth draw with me is NOT having a solid firing grip on the gun when I start the pull, and that’s even drawing from the front pocket of my jeans.

      • Jack says:

        I find the thumb on the back and solid grip are vital too.

        And again I’ll stress it, get a good holster.

        Also make sure you have pants pockets that can fit the arm and holster and keep it presented well.

  2. Jay G. says:

    Couple things to add on that regard, Weerd.

    1. TEST THE MAGS. Aftermarket mags, especially Pro-Mag, can be finicky. You don’t want or need a finicky magazine in a self-defense gun. The only guns I have Promags for are the S&W SW99 .40 S&W and the Browning Hi-Power…

    2. For many compact and subcompact guns, if there is a larger version available, often that magazine will work in the smaller guns. A Glock 17 magazine will work in a Glock 26, frex. I have a Glock 30, and my reload for it is a (pre-ban) G21 13 rounder with a +2 Pierce extension. 15 rounds of back-up .45 ACP goodness to the 10 rounds on tap…

    • Weerd Beard says:

      Yeah that goes with any off-brand mag. Plus no manufacturer is PERFECT, so even a brand-new Wilson mag should have at least a full load run through it before it goes into defensive duty.

      Yeah the Glock line is ideal, I know the Kel-Tec P11 runs off of the double-stack S&W 9mm mags for those “gen series” guns. The Kahr guns will eat the magazine from the bigger guns. I’m sure the list goes on.

  3. 45er says:

    I have really been enjoying the versatility of having a pocket carry. Practice, practice, practice the draw. Shoot, shoot, shoot the gun. And, yes, CARRY the darn thing.

    • Weerd Beard says:

      Also makes an ideal place to stash a backup gun. When I carry a backup I have a full size gun (generally a 1911 of some sort) on my hip, or in my shoulder rig, and a small gun in my pocket.

  4. Yankeefried says:

    I’m impressed. I don’t think YEARS of practice would enable me to draw a pocket gun while seated in a car . . .

    I’ll stick with OWB for now.

  5. Pingback: Thoughts on Methods of Carry | Fill Yer Hands

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