I'm a big fan of pocket carry. One of its most endearing benefits is that it allows me to carry in locations where I would not be able to go with a gun in a belt or shoulder holster. Because the gun is hidden in a pocket, I don't need a jacket or vest for concealment, which is great for locations where such clothing would not be appropriate.

This Mitch Rosen holster uses a felt panel to disguise the gun's shape and a plastic tab designed to hook on the pocket during the draw. On the draw, the hook grabs the edge of the pocket to release its hold on the gun. Just pull the gun toward the center of the pants and lift straight up.

Wearing a suit at work where others are dressed casual would certainly look odd. I especially enjoy not wearing a concealment garment in hot weather, and I like the ability to wear a T-shirt and shorts and still have my gun--all without anyone being the wiser.

If you're licensed to carry a concealed handgun, you might want to give consideration to this method. You might find it difficult to believe that pocket carry offers a very fast draw if you haven't tried it yourself. The secret lies in the ability to have your hand in your pocket with a complete grip on the gun without anyone knowing it. Cutting out half of the steps required makes the draw lightning-fast.

A hand in the pocket is a very normal and nonconfrontational position and won't alarm anyone. I often walk down the street or hang out with my hands in my pocket, and no one blinks an eye. Even if you don't start with your hand in your pocket, draw time can be just as fast as a regular holster with practice.

Another benefit of pocket carry, and one that is not often thought of, is that it is unlikely that someone could detect a gun in a pocket by casual contact, such as bumping into you or by giving you a hug. Even if he feels it, no one will guess that the bulge is a gun because most people are not accustomed to thinking about guns in pockets.

The outline of the gun is easy to see on the back side of the Kramer holster, but the Kydex panel on the front handily eliminates the recognizable shape.

For most people, the only way to carry a gun is on a belt or stuffed inside the waistband, like they see in the movies. An encounter with an old friend or visit from a relative with a gun on your belt could get you raised eyebrows after a friendly embrace. While an acquaintance or relative may not mind, it is probably not a good idea for others to discover that you carry.

In the winter, with your heavy coat zipped up and gloves on, getting to your gun fast can be a problem. While leaving your coat open and hands exposed may work on short outdoor excursions, colder weather may find you bundled up tight. That's where a revolver in your winter-coat pocket can be a real life-saver. Not only can it be easily accessed--your hand can be right on the gun in your pocket--you can shoot right through your coat for an instant defense.

Not needing a concealment garment means that you don't have to worry about exposing your gun when you reach up or bend over. It's so easy and fast to just slip a gun in your pocket that it's more likely that you will actually carry. Those quick trips to the Stop 'n' Rob seem like a drag when you think about donning your leather, but slipping a gun into your pocket is as natural as grabbing your keys.