How to Pocket Carry Safely

If you are new to pocket carry, or just wondering whether to shift to this method of concealed carry, you just clicked the right link. In this post, we share everything you need to know on how to pocket carry safely, what works, what doesn’t, and what to do right to carry your handgun safely.

Pocket carry is the most convenient concealed carry option for ordinary citizens. While most people pocket carry primarily, some do it as a backup. Either way, there are pros and cons associated with it.

The main advantage of pocket carry is the accessibility of your gun in times of crisis. It also enables you to access the gun in a non-threatening position in case you are unsure of an impending attack, and therefore not draw attention. Additionally, it offers total concealment of the weapon—which is the elementary rule of carrying concealed firearms.

While pocket-carry guns are preferred for their portability, ease of use, convenience, and affordability, they have a few disadvantages. For instance, it is harder and more strenuous to get an accurate shot using a pistol due to the short barrel. Additionally, they are harder to control during kickbacks due to their lightness. They also tend to have a somewhat slower recovery.

The primary concern associated with pocket carry is safety, as the method has a tendency to pull the trigger accidentally if not done correctly. With that in mind, below are the main factors you should consider when pocket-carrying.

Outfit Selection

As basic as it sounds, the first aspect to consider when pocket-carrying would naturally be the pockets. It is essential to ensure that the pocket of the outfit you wear is deep and wide enough for total concealment and fast access to the gun. You may also need to wear loose-fitting, baggy clothes for ease of access. Ideally, the fit of the clothes and size of the pocket should be such as to hold the firearm in place and enable you to spread out your hands and grip it with ease.

Holster Selection

Pocket holsters are a must for pocket carry as they break up the profile of the gun and hence reduce the printing of the distinct shape of the gun onto your clothes. Currently, they exist in a variety of shapes, some with square edges to resemble a wallet, some with the shape of a phone, and some with a curved edge to replicate the shape of most pockets and hence, a spot-on fit.

The most critical attribute to look out for when choosing a holster is that it should remain in the pocket when drawing out the gun. For this, some holsters are designed with a hook to hold onto your pocket as you pull out the gun. Yet still, some holsters have grip surfaces that induce friction and therefore stick to the pocket when pulling out the gun.

Furthermore, it is advisable to have a holster that sufficiently covers the trigger to prevent accidental firing.

A lethal mistake some beginners make is trying to re-holster the gun in the pocket after drawing it out. This might accidentally pull the trigger and fire the gun. To avoid such accidents, remove the holster and carefully put back the gun, then put the whole setup back into your pocket, correctly.

Gun Selection

If you have not bought your gun yet, it is crucial to choose the right gun for pocket carry. The size of the gun is key, as well as the intended use. Pocket-carry guns must be easily concealable and conveniently light. Check out these options below to consider when opting to pocket carry:

Glock 42: This is a convenient pistol approximately 5.5 inches long, which makes it easily concealable. It acts as a great combat gun.

642 J-frame: This is a great option for those who love revolvers and is quite common among civilians. It is very reliable, with double action, and great for concealed carry.

The Ruger LC9: is slightly bigger at 6-inches in length but still easily concealable. It has 9mm ammunition and holds 7 rounds with many additional safety features.

Kimber Micro: This is a .380 ACP caliber gun explicitly designed for pocket carry and self-defense. It is tiny, easily concealed, and fits into almost any pocket.

XD-S MOD.2: This offers a high caliber of .45ACP in one of the smallest frames available. It holds 6 rounds and has a 3.3-inch barrel.

Keep the Pocket Clear

It is critical to designate a pocket exclusively for pocket carry. Throwing in your keys, phone, change, or wallet in the same pocket might get it locked in the trigger guard and consequently fire the gun.

Another viable option would be to carry it in the back pocket. Some prefer this because it is less bulky-looking and equally accessible. However, it may not be comfortable in instances where you may need to sit down.

Quality Training

Opting to concealed carry a handgun means you have already decided to use it in case the need arises. It is, therefore, extremely essential to acquire sufficient tactical responses and gun safety training to ensure you put your life or other people’s lives in danger.

Learn to master the recoil of your gun, the best shooting positions, how to shoot while moving, and how to get an accurate shot using your gun. During training, it is also imperative to construct circumstances most similar to what would occur in the crisis; for instance, the shooting distance from the target and access to the gun. This would increase your competence and confidence should a similar situation occur.

Always have a round in the chamber

Just as a bonus tip on carrying any firearm, it is significant to carry your gun with a round on the chamber. In case of an unanticipated strike, you may need to keep off your attacker with one hand and therefore, only have one free hand to load your gun. While some might consider this unsafe, in real-life situations, it is good practice.

Final Advice

Opting to pocket carry is only as safe as you make it. Negligence and unsafe pocket carry can endanger your life and the lives of those around you. Therefore, before choosing pocket carry, make sure you have mastered all the above tips. Your safety lies in always being consciously aware of the responsibilities and risks of carrying your pistol around in your pocket.