In this post I discussed a buddy of mine who was planning on carrying a snub nosed revolver around in his pocket. He wanted a revolver instead of an autoloader because he wanted the option of firing the gun from inside his pants, without bothering to draw it if he didn't have enough time.
dj left a comment.....
"One of the points of a holster is to protect the trigger from being pulled while the gun is in it. Pocket holsters mostly cover the trigger. Having the darn thing in your hand all the time is just asking for an "accidental" discharge."
True enough, and that was one of the many reasons why I'm against the idea. But there are a few pocket holsters that are designed so you can fore the gun without removing it from the leather.
Below is one that is sold by Packwell Supply, a manufacturer of holsters and accessories.
(Please click on all pictures to see if a larger image is available.)
Of course, that holster is for an autoloader and is obviously designed so both the gun and holster should be drawn at the same time. If the gun is fired while still in the pocket, the first round would work alright. After that, the slide would fetch up against something and the gun would jam. At least it would work once before you have to draw the weapon anyway to clear the jam.
About ten years ago I saw a plastic device that was supposed to fit over the front of the revolver. It was supposed to break up the outline of the snubbie while it rode in your pocket, while still allowing someone to fire the gun without any problem.
I thought it was sort of interesting at the time, but since I'm not interested in carrying a revolver for defense myself I promptly forgot about it. Anyone out there know what I'm talking about?
UPDATE
Les Jones was kind enough to refresh my memory so far as the plastic device I once saw. It is a Pachmayr pocket holster, and Les says that they are no longer manufactured.
Comments (5)
Actually, Kel-Tec is selling that auto setup as a package deal on some of their guns. A good friend of mine bought one of these setups It's a pretty low price for an auto with a holster that does a good job of breaking upthe outline in your pocket.
I've actually shot one of the .380's in that configuration. It works pretty well. The little wallet actually helps cushion the recoil from the pistol, which as light as the Kel-Tec is, can actually be somewhat severe.
However, the point about an auto not cycling in the pocket has made me think hard about one of the new S&W M&P revolvers they are offering. I'm utilizing pocket carry these days, and a little revolver would fit the bill quite nicely. I'll be checking back to see if anybody does know of the setup you're describing.
Posted by kyle | August 7, 2007 11:41 AM
Posted on August 7, 2007 11:41
One minor problem with the 'wallet holster' - it's legally a 'destructive device'. Or is it an 'Any Other Weapon'? In any case it takes extra paperwork and $$.
Plus you still have the hazard of an exposed trigger. If anything else gets in that pocket you risk the trigger getting hit.
Posted by KCSteve | August 7, 2007 1:32 PM
Posted on August 7, 2007 13:32
Yes, those types of holsters are considered AOWs by the ATF.
If a holster is designed to allow the weapon to be fired without being drawn, the holster is considered to be an AOW; and is subject to a tax stamp and a background check.
Posted by Chris Byrne | August 8, 2007 12:39 AM
Posted on August 8, 2007 00:39
James, you might be thinking of the Pachmyr pocket holster for S&W J frames, which replaces the right grip panel.
Posted by Les Jones | August 8, 2007 11:51 AM
Posted on August 8, 2007 11:51
Looks like y'all were right. Kel-Tec has quit selling this package, and one can assume they did so because it was problematic.
Thanks for the info.
Posted by kyle | August 10, 2007 12:24 PM
Posted on August 10, 2007 12:24