Your Privacy Choices
When I was younger, I heard a ton of different negative arguments about carrying a handgun inside your pocket. I decided to start pocket carrying about eight years ago and I’ve definitely have learned things along the way. Pocket carrying is like anything else and should be looked at as a tool in your toolbox rather than a single solution for all problems.
The Purpose of Pocket Carrying
Carrying a concealed handgun inside your pocket can be tricky and has its limitations. Despite its drawbacks, pocket carry is a great option for low profile carrying. Typically, the vast majority of people will pocket carry something like a Glock 43, S&W Shield or the SIG Sauer P365. Most people who don’t like pocket carry call it the lazy man’s carry option. There are definitely situations where pocket carry works very well though. One of the best reasons to pocket carry is in the summertime when it’s really hot outside.
Usually, people don’t have many layers on when it’s hot, so it can be tough to conceal carry. Carrying an IWB holster under a T-Shirt isn’t tough, but sometimes it can be uncomfortable. It’s typically really uncomfortable when it’s hot and the gun is rubbing against your side. If you know you’ll be roaming around in shorts around the beach, carrying inside your pocket may be easier than an IWB holster.
Other times, pocket carrying can be useful when you just have to run out quick either to the gas station or store to run errands. Sometimes its easier to just throw a smaller gun in your pocket to carry rather than carrying a larger handgun. It is better to have a gun and not need it than not having it when you need it most. Carrying inside your pocket may not always be the most ideal method of carrying, but it’s one of the easiest. Pocket Carry is great when you want to at least carry something to protect yourself in a pinch.
Considerations of Pocket Carry
Pocket Carry can be a great tool to use if you do it correctly, but there a few things to keep in mind. The first thing is to have some sort of holster for your carry gun when it’s inside your pocket. There are a ton of different cloth or Kydex holsters for inside your pocket. These protect the trigger guard and help break up the shape of the gun. Pocket holsters are typically really low profile but help protect the gun’s trigger.
Another tip for pocket carrying would be to keep the pocket you carry in completely empty. Whenever I carry in my right pocket I will load all my key and phone either in my back pocket or inside my left pocket. I never put anything else besides my firearm into the pocket. This makes carrying simpler once you get used to it. After a while, you’ll start to not use your gun pocket even when you’re not carrying. If you don’t have much space in your pockets, it’s possible to keep a spare magazine running along the top of the gun in your left pocket. I use to carrying my spare magazine on the left side of my carry gun. It isn’t easy to grab for a reload, but if you don’t have much pocket space it’s better than nothing.
Overall Thoughts
Carrying inside your pocket may not be a perfect solution for every occasion, but offers a solution if other carry methods are tough in the summer months. I mostly carry in various IWB holsters, but pocket carry can be extremely useful if you’re in a hurry or it’s insanely hot outside. With a little practice and having the right holster, pocket carry can be a safe and easy way to carry a handgun when other options aren’t always possible. Let me know what you guys pocket carry and your thoughts. If you have a question, feel free to send a message on my Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there.
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