Daily Defense Season 2 EP 6: The Pros & Cons of Pocket Carry

[@slvrktman7824]

Never re-holster in pocket...take holster out of pocket, then re-holster gun, then insert them back in pocket!

[@michaelburke6552]

I very much agree 👍 I see so many DUMB-ASS people on KZbin that act like they know what there doing with a weapon when it's plan to see the don't know shit!! Probably bought there first gun in 2020 cause everyone else did!!!

[@jackcarpenter1719]

Don't tell me what to do.

[@chop3625]

And that’s all that’s to it👍

[@chop3625]

@@jackcarpenter1719It’s a positive suggestion

[@ShortArmStrongArm]

Don't point the Glock at your cock.

[@richardkluesek4301]

Pocket carry also gives an element of surprise, if drawn down upon you can pretend to be complying and reaching for the wallet and money all the while going for the gun, and if you suspect imminent danger casually pocket your hand while holding the gun ready for draw. Shooting through the pocket though is a horrendous ordeal, the blast burns. Its doable from a jacket garment but not from trousers without high risk of self inflicted injury.

[@shevetlevi2821]

Also remember that nothing else goes into your gun pocket, only the gun. Some holsters have a second small slot for a second magazine.

[@cogitoergovexo]

surprised he didn't mention that.

[@inyourdefense0]

Good tutorial. Of all of the points you presented, I find that size of gun and the "always use a holster" rule, were the two most important.

[@rodgersmith1573]

It never matters "how" you carry, or "what" firearm you carry, always choose a quality holster for the method you choose.

[@chipsterb4946]

Good presentation but he didn’t say WHY you always need a holster. 1. Keeps your booger picker out of the trigger guard while drawing your weapon 2. Holds the weapon in a consistent position for a consistent draw. 3. (Much less important) reduces pocket lint in the action problems.

[@oldcop18]

I’ve pocket carried a J Frame or LCP since my ‘97 LEO retirement. My normal dress is t-shirt & blue jeans w/the gun in my LF pocket (southpaw) or sometimes in a jacket pocket, depending on circumstances, as I go through my day. For me this is both comfortable & discreet.

[@petesheppard1709]

Thanks for a good overview! I've front-pocket carried for at least 15 years; most of that time with a J-frame. For me, the advantages is that, living in Alabama, I don't have to change carry method with the seasons, since heavy outerwear is rarely worn. That said, I do have a heavy leather coat with a pass-through so I can reach my pockets without opening the coat. Another advantage of front-pocket carry is that I can slip my hand into the pocket and grasp the gun without appearing threatening; I'm just standing there with my hand in my pocket. I also check pocket fit for gun when I'm shopping for trousers.

[@johnyracercat]

Let me guess your age. 65-75?

[@petesheppard1709]

@@johnyracercat😆 Yep! Barely...

[@johnyracercat]

@@petesheppard1709 "trousers" gave it away. I'm 45 and that sounds like something my grandfather used to say.

[@petesheppard1709]

HA! Busted…😄

[@dannygrace6403]

To me, there is nothing better than being able to stage my draw. I can have a split second draw and shoot and not a single person would be the wiser because I simply have my hand in my pocket. It's almost like having your firearm already out and by your side without brandishing it or giving away any cues. Pocket carry is so underrated. Every time, an even "slightly suspicious" approaches us, my IWB friends are empty handed while I already have my hand on my firearm (to everyone else just my hand in pocket) staged and ready.

[@charlesphillips5906]

You mentioned the problem of your hand becoming thicker when you make a fist to grip the gun. I was taught to slide your hand with your thumb on the inside of the gun and your extended fingers (flat) on the outside. Grip your gun with the flat fingers and the thumb pressed together. As you begin to clear the pocket, Thelma make a fist and establish your grip. Sounds wonky, but after some practice it feels good and it is easer to draw my G43

[@johnyracercat]

If I'm wearing jeans with a tight pocket opening, I just pull out the j-frame with my thumb and pointer finger. If I'm walking somewhere where I might need a fast draw, I just move the sticky pocket holster to inside the waist at 1-2 o'clock.

[@03redrubi]

I front pocket carry an LCP, in a pocket slide holster. I also carry a spare mag, in the opposite pocket. When driving my vehicle, I tuck my pistol, and mag change, inside the door panel, nearest me. This allows access, when belted in the vehicle, and while opening the car door.

[@AAA-Wolf]

I too carry the Ruger LCP II in my front pocket but I also carry a Glock 17 in my cross-body bag for that exact reason of not being able to reach into my pocket in certain situations. When I get in my car I transition my Glock from the bag to a holster attached to my driver side door and just leave my LCP in my pocket all day. I recommend most people carry a primary and secondary if possible

[@03redrubi]

@@AAA-Wolf Good advice!

[@AAA-Wolf]

@@03redrubi - No problem! Stay safe and vigilant out there!

[@03redrubi]

@@AAA-Wolf yes, stay FROSTY!

[@nimrodrdc]

I love pocket carry. Glock 26 for most of my edc carry. If the pants are tighter I use a single stack M&P shield. Desantis makes some great pocket holsters.

[@jackieeastom8758]

Love my Nemesis!

[@MR57LV]

I carry Ruger LCP 380 in Sticky holster in my front pocket. I always wear cargo pants or cargo short pants. When I go to restaurant and I’m sitting I discreetly move my gun in holster to appendix carry. I used to lug around a Glock 19 the last 16 yrs. It became tiring. Now with my 380 it’s feels like nothing more than my wallet. Very comfortable.

[@SteelPastor]

Great video! However, my best option is front pocket carry with docker-style or dress slacks (vertical slit pocket). The one benefit is that the pockets are generally larger and deeper than pockets in jeans, etc. Good kydex holster with solid retention and a thumb shelf to help separate the hilser from the gun on the draw.

[@GregoryBrown6283]

Great video. I pocket carry because it is the most comfortable way for me to carry. My EDC is either a Taurus Model 85 or a 6 shot model 856. Thank you again for the great video

[@bfg1836]

I’m almost always wearing jeans in the winter, or cargo pants in the summer. When I’m most likely to need it I’m usually standing (pumping gas, in a store, walking across a parking lot), or in my car driving. When I’m driving it is in one of the cup holders on my center console. I’m thinking about attaching a retention holster to the center console by my right thigh. When I sit down in a pair of jeans, or cargo pants I simply reach in with two fingers and turn the butt upward and now the barrel is pointing down and I’m not flagging anyone.

[@alswann2702]

Excellent advice. Living in a county where only politicians are granted CCPs ultra concealment is my only option. I carry an older Seecamp (can't comment on the quality of new ones as they've changed owners). It rides in their factory wallet size leather holster in the back pocket of my Wranglers with zero visibility. In colder weather it rides in the slanted zipperd chest CC pockets of any of my Carhartt coats/jackets, holstered, with zero imprinting. As a Teamster who's usually sitting in a truck it's always in my cup holder, holster and all when driving. Frequent cleaning eliminates lint fouling. Displaying it saved my life during the Rodney King riots.

[@derrickjones3505]

Same here. I live in Baltimore. Better off getting caught with one than without one. I pocket carry my p365 damn near everyday

[@roykiefer7713]

Good video, thank you, and PLEASE use a holster for pocket carry (as Jeff emphasized). The probability of an unintended discharge is a LOT greater without the holster. - and that’s a HUGE deal.

[@cogitoergovexo]

Taurus 617 is pocketable. 7 Rounds of .357 is formidable and the extra weight of the big cylinder makes recoil a bit more manageable.

[@nightfury6836]

Jeff Gonzalez really knows his stuff 😉

[@leonardemmons4211]

Jeans 5 pocket, I call it the watch pocket my Taurus spectrum .380 fits in it perfect and is very easy to retrieve standing or setting with very good concealment.

[@erikmorales8688]

Do you carry your gun with or without a holster? I have the same gun

[@LeonardEmmons]

​@@erikmorales8688pocket

[@LeonardEmmons]

​@@erikmorales8688with out

[@Sig_P229]

LCP2 all day. Comes with a holster, drops safe, smooth glock style safe action trigger, and either 6+1 or 7+1. I can't access too easy sitting in my car, but I can't even access my open carry full size duty holster in the car either. Pocket carry is the winner. It is light and you will forget you are carrying until you need it.

[@rodgersmith1573]

If you travel often, consider a quality shoulder holster, as the draw would be the easiest from the seated position. If you live in a hot/humid environment? Pair it with a light button-up overshirt. If you live in a cool environment? A jacket.

[@Sig_P229]

@@rodgersmith1573 I will look. Thanks. 👍

[@rodgersmith1573]

@@Sig_P229 Check out the Galco Miami Classic/Jackass rig if you do decide to look at them.

[@seanflorian4653]

I used to carry a lcp2. It's a great size, but I did upgrade to a sig p290rs because I wanted to standardize on 9mm

[@Sig_P229]

@@seanflorian4653 I have the Glock 26 but to me the light weight trumps everything else. 380 single stack is super light

[@mathewquigley9672]

The best pocket is coat or vest. You can draw while standing or sitting and tuck your shirt in and be able to work and not show.

[@spencemiller5836]

I use a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster for my Sig P365, works perfect!!!

[@jackieeastom8758]

I have a nemesis for my Bersa Thunder,it’s a great holster.

[@ForGlory1]

Newbie here. Is it common for pocket holster to stay attached to the weapon? I have a sticky holster but when I practice drawing from holster, the holster stays attached

[@artwebb6939]

@@ForGlory1 I've had the same With some practice, I've settled on using my middle finger to sort of wedge the gun and holster apart I'm also considering a switch to Vedder's pocket locker pocket holster, which for a little bit extra can be equipped with a stop to press your thumb against in order to disengage the gun

[@chogardjr.]

Crossbreed MiniTuck IWB is my only go to. Comfortable and highly concealable. They have a SuperTuck if you prefer the full size carry which I do from time to time. I have 10 different holsters from them and they are all amazing. No I don't work for them and they don't sponsor me in any way lol. They're just that good.

[@abc456f]

Pocket carry an m and p bodyguard .380 or shield 9mm depending on the shorts/pants. LAPG operator tactical shorts snd pants have big, deep pockets and easily accommodate the shield. Jeans and shorts/pants with smaller pockets get the bg. Recently switched from DeSantis nemesis holsters to Vedder pocket locker kydex holsters. I like the better retention, trigger guard protection, and the holster stays in the pocket when i draw my gun.

[@st3v3stich]

Great Video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@williebechmeister3190]

I carry a Bersa thunder 380 in my front pocket without a holster, de-cocked and safety on (with a round in the chamber). The safety and long double-action trigger pull make it safe enough IMO.

[@davidbarnes7711]

I believe that chosing the "right" grip for a pocket carry J-frame is important. I prefer a wood Altai grip with some texturing- allows a good 3 finger grip and doesn't cling/print as much as the recoil inhibiting rubber type grips- somewhat of a trade off if you're packin a .357 but works well for me with .38 +P.

[@GetthewaterX]

I am not a fan of pocket carrying. My gun slid out of my pocket while I was sitting in my car and I found myself looking directly at the barrel. Yes I had a pocket carry specific holster too

[@KeyserSoze23]

Oh shit.

[@MathWithMozart]

I just carry around a little pocket sand. Does the trick every time!

[@Cleve-East]

Pocket Glitter is even better. No one wants to be covered in glitter.

[@darylhopkins9796]

I once tried pocket carry. My opinion on this is that drawing your pistol is much slower. Having to actually reach into your jeans pockets and draw from a sleeve holster takes up too much time.

[@wglwt]

I have only carried a pistol in my pocket 1 time and never again. About 10 years ago I bout a pocket sleeve holster the next night we went out to eat. Shortly after we sat down a family of 4 was seated in front of me. The oldest girl was strait in front of me, I looked at her then at my right leg and back at her. YES I was pointing a 9mm strait at her back less than 10 feet in front me. I immediately took it to my truck and locked it up. I will also not use a shoulder holster that points the barrel strait behind me at who ever is there. Just my $.o2 worth.

[@damiangrouse4564]

Back pocket sounds attractive but think of you sciatic nerve...I had to switch my wallet (i use a fairly large wallet) carry as I got older because of nerve damage.

[@M1911jln]

I haven’t carried anything in my back pockets since I was 30 - bad for my back.

[@rodgersmith1573]

Precisely. You will, over years of carrying daily, create back problems by carrying in the back pocket, even if you sit only occasionally throughout the day. It causes your spine to never be aligned correctly, and will put more weight to one side of your body, rather than balanced equally.

[@oklahomahank2378]

That’s why I wear cargo pants. Nothing in my back pockets.

[@donaldwood7968]

I figure most likely sitting in my pickup so I carry in a cross draw position. otherwise my elbow hits the seat or console.

[@generalmaximuspatton6909]

I think the FIRST thing EVERYONE needs to get out of the way in these videos is getting away from using the term (AND the actual use of) "holster". The real idea and what should be designed and used is the term "pocket liner" or "shell" ... and everyone should understand the difference. It makes ZERO sense to have a little pocket gun and then stick it into a padded, bulky holster that adds to the discomfort and still creates an obvious bulge. The point of any "liner" is to protect against accidental discharge, keeping the gun free of lint and debris, and help to breakup the outline of the gun. It doesn't take much material as thick as a piece of paper to do those things if its stiff and well formed.

[@2023Red]

As an old guy with not being an acrobat, there is no way I would want to pocket carry front or back pocket a handgun. When I drive my car with the seatbelt on, it would take me minutes to stop the car, unhitch the seat belt, and raise up enough to remove the gun from my pocket. Walking around is the exception of course. But for my general everyday concept, the cross draw holster with an open loose fitting shirt is optimum. Seconds if needed to stop an attack. Not minutes. Now, I am considering a new gun which is Ruger LCP Max. Price is not a problem.

[@jimd8008]

Thank you. Learned alot

[@j.t.messner7557]

Great topic and video. Thank you.

[@davidherbst]

I believe pocket carry is a terrible idea, that should never be done. Except when I do it.

[@Mike-4547]

I front pocket carry LCP Max in a sticky holster made for a Glock 42, the holster is a little bigger than the firearm which gives me a clean draw. Forgot to mention I placed a small piece of rag inside it keeps the LCP at the right height for a full grip.

[@harperhellems3648]

Robert Mika holsters are the best for pocket carry. Check them out! I have 5 of them for different pistols.

[@markedman3990]

Absolutely! I bought one for my NAA Guardian 32acp.... They are fantastic pocket holsters.

[@bryanshaw4434]

Good one. Thank you.

[@DerWaidmann_]

I think the cargo pocket is the best place if you're body is going to be in multiple positions

[@revv45acp71]

Helpful.

[@vulturee7338]

Great video but I was hoping for a segment about carrying in a looser pocket. No disrespect intended but through knowledge of family and friends you, as an older man are rarely if ever wearing gym shorts or sweatpants in public. But most people around my age wear them almost every day. I’d love to learn about the safety of carying something in a looser pocket because that’s what I plan to do one I get my CCP.

[@matthewrudolph3514]

P365 pocket carry is good for me

[@daviddacosta2414]

New to CCW in Ca. and have Sig p238 in professional sales, mainly dress slacks and in car a lot. Was leaning to pocket carry and then IWB. Best suggestions please?

[@rogerj412]

Say I wanted to carry a Rhino, what kinds of holsters are there for pocket carry?

[@glorybound6983]

Thanks

[@gregc247]

I prefer to pocket carry vs IWB, did this mostly with a Kahr cw380 and most recenlty a LCP max, with the right pants i think a p365 will work too with a Desantis Nemis or superfly holster

[@deana.blackburn4720]

What do you think about the Sig 365 as a pocket carry choice?

[@elmerfudd5925]

Works fine for me with jeans and T shirt. Blackhawk #2 pocket holster.

[@dandvreveiws5765]

I always avoided back pocket carry because of my perception that it would somehow hurt the gun when I sit on it, and yet guns are made of metal, so it seems as though I was not being logical. Even the lcr being made of plastic should be tough enough to withstand my sitting on it.

[@notforsaletoday1895]

As long as you have a good holster. I’d be worrying about sitting and getting the trigger somehow. But I’m British, what would I know?

[@rodgersmith1573]

No matter what you carry, the finish of a firearm will be compromised to a certain degree. It largely depends on how the holster rubs it, or how your body presses against it, etc. Being seated, it will likely cause more abrasion against it each time you twist/turn/move than if standing. That is simply a fact of life. If you carry a firearm, it *will* wear the finish. Now, as for 'hurting' the firearm? Not a chance in hell. You would know if you were hurting it, judging by how worn your back pockets are at any given point in time. I'm willing to bet even your favorite pair of pants, which you choose exclusively over all others when they are clean, the back pockets are still fully in tact, and at best might have a small hole rubbed into them. That would be a pretty good indicator. Your body weight alone cannot harm your firearm. However, keep it oiled and maintained due to the aforementioned issues with finish.

[@notforsaletoday1895]

@@rodgersmith1573 I reckon sitting on a wooden chair with a revolver in the back pocket may hurt it; bend the cylinder pin. Otherwise, I agree.

[@rodgersmith1573]

@@notforsaletoday1895 Actually, you may have a point. I've never carried a revolver, and typically have semi-automatic striker/hammer fired weapons in mind. With a revolver, you may bend the cylinder pin as you pointed out, as well as the potential for shearing the cylinder bolt if you were to somehow apply enough pressure directly to the cylinder alone.

[@blurryface1975]

im wondering what would work well to pocket carry a smith and wesson equalizer, probably with the 10 round mag?

[@larryg.overton2951]

After experimenting with IWB, OWB, ankle and pocket, I went with pocket. I like having a gun holstered on my belt, and I have successfully concealed a revolver in such a fashion. But time of year/cover garments are key for that mode of carry, and in the summer here in South Texas, it's not the best option. I've never found an IWB rig I'm comfortable with. I haven't tried them all, of course, but I just didn't like it. The ankle thing is the worst. Not comfortable, not accessible. Just sayin'... Pocket carry didn't work well for me in jeans. But after experimentation, I found that the correct pocket carry equation is: the right pistol + the right pocket holster + the right pants = the right pocket carry rig. And for me that's my Taurus GX4 mircro9 + DeSantis Nemesis (#N38BJE1Z0) pocket holster + Coleman's canvass utility pants. You're right that drawing from a seated position is tougher...but not impossible. When seated in and buckled into my truck or my wife's car, it's even worse drawing from the pocket. So I keep a pistol on the door. God forbid I'm ever in a carjacking situation, but if it happens I'd reach first for my "car gun" backup, then when able I'd draw the GX4 for 12 rounds of 9mm. And I carry in a side utility pocket on the Coleman pants a spare 11-round mag.

[@matthewankrum2541]

I am very impressed that you just made a good tutorial. I am a little confused, is that what is the best way to carry the gun with my hand is bigger than a smaller gun. I need bigger a 9mm Glocked 19 gen 5 Austria 9x19 that is a good firm handle with my hand. I am having a hard time finding a good pocket for a smaller gun. I am using a .38 revolver with a small handle that is a little difficult to shoot with a small handle.

[@mmills264]

When you covered drawing from a seated position, I wish you would have covered drawing from a seated position inside a car with a seat belt on.

[@kracksmith4ejm1]

well what pocket holster you prefer?

[@charlesjames5477]

I pocket carry sig p365 in sticky pocket holster in the front pocket wear jeans with large pockets or overalls I can pocket carry my Glock 20 😂😂😂 most of the p365 or it's big brother xl

[@eljayess]

I carry a 911 in my pocket sometimes , but dont like the fact I cant draw sitting down .

[@Riverboat374]

Obviously advice from someone that doesn't pocket carry. I dare him to try to carry in his back pocket everywhere for a full week. I bet he realizes it's ridiculously uncomfortable and unusable the first time he gets into his car.

[@elmerfudd5925]

Me personally, couldn't imagine carrying in my back pocket for multiple reasons. But, that's me.

[@Shadow__133]

Or sit down anywhere else (restaurant, movie theater, waiting line etc).

[@generalmaximuspatton6909]

Back pocket carry fails the second you lean over or sit down at a store or restaurant.

[@kensetches2276]

I disagree when you say to NEVER carry a gun in a pocket without a holster. My Kimber Micro .380 carried in condition 2 is perfectly safe when one understand the mechanics and safety systems of the gun. "Never" is seldom a safe word to use.

[@stargazer2042]

As long as the safety switch is not moved.

[@JEJAK_777]

What about cargo pockets?

[@M1911jln]

I wear cargo pants every day. I put my wallet in my right cargo pocket. I put my pocket gun in my right front pocket. I won't put the gun in my cargo pocket because 1) too hard to get to quickly and unobtrusively, 2) it would bang around on my leg. I put my phone and spare mag in my left cargo pocket.

[@seanflorian4653]

Very bad idea. Too much chance of it falling out or being in a weird orientation when you draw it

[@shevetlevi2821]

@@M1911jln Exactly the same, pocket for pocket with me and for the same reasons.

[@stufields5125]

Details of why the rule for always using a holster in the pocket? Jeans pockets provide trigger coverage. A holster adds what to just carrying in the pocket? My Kahr P 380 fits nicely in the jeans pocket. Adding a holster will certainly increase the bulge and .

[@Keepgoing9919]

If the triggers not covered it could go off in your pocket. Either from putting something else in or negligently pressing the trigger while drawing. It also is less likely to fall out of your pocket if you get into a fight and end up on the ground. It also helps conceal it better, you don’t have the outline of a gun showing. Instead it just looks like a wallet or phone

[@mkshffr4936]

My biggest issue with trying to carry directly in the pocket was that the gun tended to turn upsidedown or backward as well as snag the hammer.

[@bailey9r]

Please invest in a mic to improve the presentation. ;

[@DG-yc2cx]

choose the correct pants.

[@ak-488]

Forget the faggy tight jeans, hammerless air weight snubby, no sights ,lasers , lights etc. Plus no holster cause who are you worried about printing to?. Cool weather and all winter its in jacket pocket, The 9 lb trigger is an asset whether you pull from a pocket holster or not, control that finger as with any gun. gonna sit adjust to where your body bends if no jacket. We get good and bad advice on CC. Check out " Hidden holster hazards".

[@billyscott2853]

Some pants make a difference.

[@maddog336]

Better to have a gun and not need it. Then to need a gun and not have it.

[@isazisempi3896]

get big pockets

[@NoGoBu]

🐂💩 I carry J-F all the time, no holster front pocket. Bang, no more pitbull,

[@insanitypepper1740]

6 o'clock Mexican carry a silver 1911 under a Hawaiian shirt. It's the only way.

[@YellowHammer26]

I pocket carry sometimes but haven't been able to find a holster that I really like. Does anyone have any recommendations. My pocket carry gun is a j frame revolver.

[@M1911jln]

Mika’s pocket holsters. They aren’t pretty, but they work well.

[@BC-vh2ik]

I pocket carry that as well. I like the neoprene pocket holsters. The holster itself tends to stick to the fabric so it stays behind when you draw.

[@YellowHammer26]

@@M1911jln Thanks

[@nickcartwright205]

Sticky holster

[@dwightmitchell1464]

Boraii pocket holster

[@Unclebubba8883]

I started to take this video seriously until the pocket section