Most important dimension for pocket carry to you - or rate them

lohman446 · February-13-13 11:02

In another thread I asked what your limit for pocket carry was. There was a lot of good discussion there. My next question is what is the most imporant limting factor to you? Weight, width, length / height, etc?

To me length / height is important obviously. Width comes in a close second (to me the Beretta Tomcat is a the perfect pocket gun except for some width) and weight is a very distant third.

It should be noted that, to me at least, the Beretta has a tremendous amount of things going for it. The tip up barrel, the external hammer, useable sights, etc. I will admit to having never tried a Guardian but at this point the mini seems to be my go to pocket gun of choice

Wolfar · February-13-13 11:02

To me weight is very important.

If you have a heavy gun it will flop around with your pants when you walk.

Very noticeable that you have a gun in there or something with weight.

For a pocket carry I want light and even lighter if I can.

A 22M will still kill.

cedarview kid · February-13-13 12:02

Weight is the deciding factor for me. Even if it's tiny, if it's heavy, I can't do it. I can carry a much bigger gun if it's lighter. After weight comes width. A thick gun is harder to manage. That's the primary reason I stopped carrying a Kel-Tec P11--other than I can get a smaller 9mm now. I haven't tried the PM9 [CORRECTION EDIT: PF9], but I think I would like it. My single-stack DB9 is perfect for me. With it's low weight and thin profile, I can make it disappear.

bud · February-13-13 13:02

Length, weight, AND width are all factors for me when I pocket carry. That is why I like the DB380 so well, it fits all of these factors.

bud · February-13-13 14:02

Come to think of it, the Pug AND the B.W. seem to fit good.

CavScout · February-13-13 14:02

Quote from: naa_collector on February-13-13 12:02
<snip>
I haven't tried the PM9, but I think I would like it.
<snip>

Look up reviews based on PM9 vs. CM9... you may be able to shorten your wait if the CM9 fills your desires. I ended up getting a CW45 after researching reviews, especially Gunblast. And, I was able to stock up on several boxes of ammo with the difference in price over a P45.

Back on topic... Weight is the primary factor for me. I wear suspenders these days, so I don't have to worry about dropping my trousers in public. However, as mentioned before, the weight makes a garment move in unnatural ways.

I have a Colt Government .380 SS in a DeSantis Nemesis Pocket Holster, with matching magazine pouch, I carried in the two inside pockets of my leather motorcycle vest while on runs. Was always conscious about how the vest would move around at road stops.

RogueTS1 · February-13-13 14:02

Weight number one as it has to be supported comfortably by the clothing it is in. Second is the width or thickness of the gun. It has to be thin enough to not overfill one's pocket and be comfortable to sit there all day. Third is the pocket dimensions of the clothing item I am considering. Most of my pocket carry is in the back and sometimes front pocket of my trousers or shorts. These pockets can only take so much gun and still be effective. Now if I am considering a jacket pocket ( I do not really consider this pocket carry; more of a modified holster carry for me) then I can use a bit more gun.

heyjoe · February-13-13 15:02

i would put my priorities for pocket carry along the lines of Lohmans post. Im thinking about an airlight j frame which only weight 10 ounces but still isnt comfortable in a front pocket because of its length and width. now in dress pants with deeper pockets, an airlight or airweight j frame is very comfortable in a soft nemesis type pocket holster.

keyman · February-13-13 15:02

If I had to choose one, width. It's the only thing that keeps me from pocket carrying an alum J frame. Simply more comfortable and convenient to carry IWB.

cedarview kid · February-13-13 15:02

Quote from: CavScout on February-13-13 14:02

Look up reviews based on PM9 vs. CM9... you may be able to shorten your wait if the CM9 fills your desires.

Sorry, that was a typo. I meant PF9, not PM9, as in the single-stack Kel-Tec 9mm.

Dinadan · February-13-13 15:02

I guess bulk - cubic inches - is the biggest factor for me. I like the LCR 38, and the weight is fine. I just think it would be too bulky in my hip pocket, especially with a holster that would keep it from printing.

grayelky · February-13-13 16:02

Weight.

Bulk is a distant third.
The weight limit for me is my Seecamp 32. I have recently acquired a Guardian in .32NAA, and am trying to find a way to carry it I can live with. It will not be in my pocket.

In order of pocket carry:
Mini mag revolver(s)
KelTec/Seecamp (Seecamp more often)

Never a J-frame in a pocket, always on my ankle.

bleak_window · February-13-13 16:02

The size of the pocket is the most important measurement.

CavScout · February-13-13 17:02

Quote from: bleak_window on February-13-13 16:02
The size of the pocket is the most important measurement.

OK now... are you referring to that old question, "Is that a gun in you pocket, or...?"

Uncle_Lee · February-14-13 06:02

Size to me is the most important to me.
As in not being seen that I am carring it.

I weigh 240 pounds.
I don't notice another 2 or 3 pounds.

shotgun131313 · February-14-13 19:02

has to be the weight

Bigbird48 · February-14-13 19:02

I think in another thread here someone asked why you carry a Mini and I replied

Cause my 44 mag pulls my pants down $:-\$ so yea its definitely weight with me. Like I've said before I hate things in my pockets but if its light and I hardly know its there then I carry it.

Bigbird48 · February-14-13 19:02

Quote from: uncle_lee on February-14-13 06:02
Size to me is the most important to me.
As in not being seen that I am carring it.

I weigh 240 pounds.
I don't notice another 2 or 3 pounds.

Hey Unclelee I weight 240 and I notice a pound in my pocket LOL

grayelky · February-14-13 20:02

I wish I weighed 240.

Bigbird48 · February-14-13 20:02

No You Don't

tocsn40 · February-14-13 21:02

240would bet the hell out of 300 just saying

Kevin · February-14-13 22:02

The most important dimension is the "4th dimension" - time! The gun has to be in my pocket when I need it, otherwise it does me no good. Size and weight are dependent upon the season, as my winter coat or jacket (I live in Wisconsin) have deep pockets, but my summer work pants pockets have serious limitations for concealment.

Uncle_Lee · February-15-13 06:02

Right Kevin it depends on the weather.
In the winter, with a heavy leather coat, I wear a double shoulder holster rig with 2 Star Firestar Plus's in 9mm.

I have posted it before but here it is again.
My main carry guns, the minis now have Cvang white grips on them:

Kentucky Kevin · February-22-13 20:02

weight/size seem the same to me. The Glock 26 rides on the ankle and the mini's w ith holster grips ride the pocket rims. Love the accuracy and round count of the berretta 21's, but they are to big.

.54Cal_Kidd · February-23-13 13:02

I really don't like things in my pockets so carrying will probably be my NAA .22LR until something better comes along.
I like my Beretta 21 but its too bulky for pockets, although in a rear pocket it looks like a fat wallet. I wear my belts too tight for IWB. Come summer time I may be looking for a man purse...

I was looking at one of these yesterday.
It weighs a TON!

cedarview kid · February-23-13 14:02

I once owned an Autauga Arms Mark II in .32ACP that was about the size of the Guardian 32, but had less metal, so it was lighter. I liked it a lot, especially because of the lower weight, but sold it when I needed some cash.

Below is a picture of one (not mine).

RogueTS1 · February-23-13 15:02

Quote from: .54Cal_Kidd on February-23-13 13:02
I really don't like things in my pockets so carrying will probably be my NAA .22LR until something better comes along.
I like my Beretta 21 but its too bulky for pockets, although in a rear pocket it looks like a fat wallet. I wear my belts too tight for IWB. Come summer time I may be looking for a man purse...

I was looking at one of these yesterday.
It weighs a TON!

Speaking of "Man Purses" you should take a look at the Combat Tactical Messenger Bags on offer. They are well pocketed, do not look like a purse and are artfully thought out to be able to carry a bunch of things you may not want on your belt all day in a comfortable fashion. I believe I have one from Blackhawk. Very reasonably priced too.

Kentucky Kevin · February-26-13 08:02

Has to be size for me. I carry the 22lr's with folding grips, allows instant access as well as "normal gun" shootability.

pioneer · March-05-13 16:03

For me, it is weight and bulk. I'm armed at work with a S&W .40 full size, and carry a backup J-frame in a pocket holster. (Hornady Critical Defense +P) Pound for pound I like the .38's firepower and am willing to live with the slight extra bulk. It's an UnltraLite, and I find no difficulty with the weight.

Around home in my off duty time, I most often can be found with a Springfield XD .40 cal, alongwith my NAA .22mag mini in my blue jeans in a pocket holster. The Mini of course addresses both the weight and bulk issues. In both of those I also carry premium self defense ammo. I've tried different platforms in pocket carry, but that is what works best for me. Your mileage may vary.

poncho · March-10-13 18:03

weight..
I weight less than 130 so anything over several ounces is practically pulling my pants off.
My lcp was even a little bulky but the 22lr mini is perfect

Kentucky Kevin · March-10-13 19:03

Has to be weight and size the Glock 26 is thinner than my Rossi 357, don't have a j-frame to compare it to, but like the 10 9mm that I start with and the ability to recharge with 33 rds