Pocket Carry Questions and Reccomendations

MattyIce · 08-06-2012, 18:01

Alright GT, I need some assistance.

I am absolutely enthralled with the Springfield XDs. I love the idea of the .45acp in a true subcompact. I plan on picking one up sometime this month.

However, I do have some reservations. I would like to make pocket carry a viable option but have literally no experience. I normally carry my Glock 19 or 26 in a Crossbreed Supertuck. So I have a few questions.

1. Is it best to carry in the front pocket? Or the back pocket, opposite my wallet?

2. Any ideas on a pocket carry holster? Who makes a good one? Are generic sizes ok for pocket carry?

3. For those that may have an XDs, is it small enough for pocket carry? I am 6'2", about 210lbs. I think I should be big enough for it to be concealed.

I have only shot the XDs at the range. It belonged to a fellow shooter, and he was gracious enough to let me fire a few magazines through his. I did not get enough face time with the weapon to answer some of my questions. Any advice you guys could provide would be much appreciated. Thanks, folks!

barth · 08-06-2012, 18:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattyIce

Alright GT, I need some assistance.

I am absolutely enthralled with the Springfield XDs. I love the idea of the .45acp in a true subcompact. I plan on picking one up sometime this month.

However, I do have some reservations. I would like to make pocket carry a viable option but have literally no experience. I normally carry my Glock 19 or 26 in a Crossbreed Supertuck. So I have a few questions.

1. Is it best to carry in the front pocket? Or the back pocket, opposite my wallet?

2. Any ideas on a pocket carry holster? Who makes a good one? Are generic sizes ok for pocket carry?

3. For those that may have an XDs, is it small enough for pocket carry? I am 6'2", about 210lbs. I think I should be big enough for it to be concealed.

1. Is it best to carry in the front pocket? Or the back pocket, opposite my wallet?

I like front pocket strong side.

2. Any ideas on a pocket carry holster? Who makes a good one? Are generic sizes ok for pocket carry?

I like DeSantis Super Fly and Nemesis in the right size for that gun.

3. For those that may have an XDs, is it small enough for pocket carry? I am 6'2", about 210lbs. I think I should be big enough for it to be concealed.

I don't have one, but held one Yesterday at the local gun show.
I think with the right pants I'ts definitely doable.

ChicagoZman · 08-06-2012, 19:15

Front pocket carry frequently, generally a S&W 642 in a Galco Pocket Protector when wearing work pants and an LWS 32 in a Don Hume 001 when wearing a suit or casual clothes.

I'm 6'2" and about 200lbs and could probably pocket carry an XDS if wearing tactical or cargo pants but doubt it with anything else.

Good luck.

Dawolf · 08-06-2012, 22:24

The Nemesis works well with my Nano.

jb0009 · 08-07-2012, 18:34

I frequently pocket carry my LCP in my front strong side pocket using a DeSantis Nemesis. I also have a Nemesis for my G26 and have been known to pocket carry this when wearing the right shorts/jeans. Obviously, the LCP carries a little easier in the pocket. For what it's worth, though, I've also pocket carried my G19 in the winter while wearing jeans and a coat that comes down to mid-thigh.

Lampshade · 08-07-2012, 18:49

I prefer front pocket, strong side, with a Desantis Nemesis.

Not all pants will work with pocket carry, smaller pockets can be snug even with a diminutive LCP.

mr.scott · 08-07-2012, 23:37

I can't see how you could pocket carry something like an XD.

I pocket carry a db380 and feel it prints pretty bad.

larson1122 · 08-07-2012, 23:45

Desantis makes some good pocket holsters. I have a Nemesis for my LCP and it works good for me in the front pocket-strong side. I also have a Super Fly for my G26 but it's a little for me to pocket carry without huge pockets. Works good in a jacket pocket though.

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Wurger · 08-08-2012, 00:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr.scott

I can't see how you could pocket carry something like an XD.

I pocket carry a db380 and feel it prints pretty bad.

It really depends on what you wear. I have cargo shorts that have the pocket made of the same canvas as the rest of the short and the pocket I carry in has a cargo pocket directly infront/over it. So there are three layers of canvas material with the outer one pleated over my CCW. I often cary my Glock G27 this way. I handled one of the XDs pistols the other day. Very similar in size to my S&W shield. I'm sure I could pocket carry it in my cargo shorts. Although I'll stick to my G27 and soon to have CM40 because they are shorter in height.

cowboy1964 · 08-08-2012, 00:37

I pocket carry a PM9 in an Alabama Holsters pocket holster. Works very well, even fits in all my jeans pockets but the draw is slow. The XDs is going to be a little bigger of course.

I have a Nemesis for the J-frame and the G26 also fits it but it's rather bulky. I don't use it. I would use it for winter coat pocket carry of the two guns.

***faawrenchbndr*** · 08-08-2012, 03:10

Rohrbaugh R9, in a strong side front pocket holster.
Plan on ordering a Recluse rear pocket carrier this week.

theglockside · 08-08-2012, 07:57

I like the Front pocket myself , I usually make my own pocket holsters. But ,the uncle mikes plane jane one works pretty well and its darn cheap.

WarEagle32 · 08-08-2012, 08:00

I think the XDs is too big for regular pocket carry. JMO

Creatism · 08-08-2012, 08:04

I pocket carry my pf9 usually strong side front pocket, cargo pocket is a close second.
I use a uncle mikes pocket holster and a Ramora to.

Typed from my iPhone with my thumbs!!

***whenmonkeysfly*** · 08-22-2012, 22:57

I just ordered an XDs and the Desantis Super Fly pocket holster. I too am 6'2" and about 210 pounds. I typically wear tactical shorts or tactical long pants with big pockets (511's) and think I can pocket carry this weapon easily. Really not much bigger than a "J Frame", but a little more on the heft side. I think my size and pants will help me conceal the new big bore buddy in my front pocket just fine.

dnuggett · 08-22-2012, 23:33

I haven an XDS. I have never had the itch to pocket carry it, I wouldn't want to personally. I carry it IWB. Then again I have better options for pocket carry.

Ocean_glocker · 08-23-2012, 08:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattyIce

Alright GT, I need some assistance.

I am absolutely enthralled with the Springfield XDs. I love the idea of the .45acp in a true subcompact. I plan on picking one up sometime this month.

However, I do have some reservations. I would like to make pocket carry a viable option but have literally no experience. I normally carry my Glock 19 or 26 in a Crossbreed Supertuck. So I have a few questions.

1. Is it best to carry in the front pocket? Or the back pocket, opposite my wallet?

Front Strong side

2. Any ideas on a pocket carry holster? Who makes a good one? Are generic sizes ok for pocket carry?

Alabama Holsters pocket holster.. use is everyday!

3. For those that may have an XDs, is it small enough for pocket carry? I am 6'2", about 210lbs. I think I should be big enough for it to be concealed.

I have to disarm a lot throughout the day so pocket carry works good for me. I used to pocket carry my 26, until I got this XD-s which was a dream.

on the weekends I do carry the XD-s in a supertuck as well... Just reshaped my 26 one.

dnuggett · 08-23-2012, 08:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ocean_glocker

I have to disarm a lot throughout the day so pocket carry works good for me. I used to pocket carry my 26, until I got this XD-s which was a dream.

on the weekends I do carry the XD-s in a supertuck as well... Just reshaped my 26 one.

I could see how going from pocketcarrying the 26 to the XDS would be a big improvement.

JRS · 08-24-2012, 01:14

Handled an xds the other day and felt identical in dimensions to the 709 that I carry daily. Usually at 4 o'clock iwb, but I toss it in front strong side pocket routinely as well without issues.

I don't use a holster for pocket carry as I trust the 1911 style safety on the 709. But i would trust the grip safety on an xds even more, as it can't get bumped to a permanently "off" position. Part of the appeal of it for me actually.

If the pants have room, pocket carry of an xds shouldn't be an issue, and the safety systems on it make it ideal for such a task (without the need for a holster) in my opinion, but don't sue me if you get hurt.

ps: the main benefit of a pocket holster in most cases is to cover the trigger guard. Secondary is to change the outline from gun to other. With the xds grip safety, I'd *personally* call the secondary function the main one, as it's a very pocket friendly type of system to start with.

Ocean_glocker · 08-24-2012, 07:31

double post

Ocean_glocker · 08-24-2012, 07:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRS

I don't use a holster for pocket carry as I trust the 1911 style safety on the 709. But i would trust the grip safety on an xds even more, as it can't get bumped to a permanently "off" position. Part of the appeal of it for me actually.

ps: the main benefit of a pocket holster in most cases is to cover the trigger guard. Secondary is to change the outline from gun to other. With the xds grip safety, I'd *personally* call the secondary function the main one, as it's a very pocket friendly type of system to start with.

The other benefits (for me) of the holster besides hiding the outline are keeping the pistol in place so that its not shifting around throughout the day. This keeps your draw the same.
It also helps keep it in your pants! I dropped a pistol in a pair of basketball shorts when taking out the trash and when I got back in the house and sat on the couch my pistol fell out my pocket and in the cushions..lol

Alabama Holsters FTW
http://www.alabamaholster.com/

jhmayhem · 08-24-2012, 20:00

1. I prefer strong side front pocket

2. The brands I use are DeSantis Nemesis and Galco pocket protector and Horsehide.

3. I don't have experience with the new XD sub-compact line, but if you never considered pocket carrying your Glock 26 it's hard for me to imagine their sub-compact .45 is that much smaller. Like I said I could be wrong though, and pocket carrying a heftier sub-compact like a G26 is doable, I do it once in a while myself.

dkf · 08-24-2012, 20:20

I have been pocket carrying my LCP in a Desantis Nemasis for a while now and honestly I hate it. Not comfortable for me and every time I sit down I want to pull the gun out of my pocket because it is annoying. The gun gets the back weak hand pocket because that is the only one without stuff in it and the draw from the pocket is slow as hell. For me pocket carry is not optimal at all and I really do not care for it. A holster is far better.

simotek · 08-24-2012, 20:54

I have a Kahr CM9 that I carry in my front strong-side pocket from time to time. I prefer front strong-side for ease of draw.

If at all possible I try to avoid pocket carry, though. I find the draw is a little cumbersome, takes a bit too long, and requires me to locate my wallet in another pocket, which is annoying. Plus I kind of feel like if I was ever in a situation where a BG got the jump on me and demanded my wallet I'd have no choice but to draw. So I find myself carrying IWB 9 times out of 10 when I take the CM9 out.

However, pocket carry is real nice around the house. I don't need to worry about my wallet or my draw much. Its comfortable and I always have a pistol on me just in case I'm caught somewhere away from my "real" guns.

rednoved · 08-24-2012, 21:09

I have a DeSantis Nemesis for my LCP. Front pocket strong side. Very comfortable, easy draw for me. I can fit my G19 in some of my pant pockets. Not an easy draw though.