When you are walking and sitting, a pocket gun will most likely bulge, but if the holster is doing its job it will look more like a wallet, not a gun. It's like I said previously: People are not accustomed to thinking about guns in pockets, so they don't look for them or suspect that pocket bulges are guns. With all the pagers, cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players out there, bulges have become common. I have pocket-carried for more than 10 years in very anti-gun environments without anyone ever noticing.

This image of a Ruger SP101 over the Kahr shows the difference in the rear end of the guns. The author finds the smooth angle of revolvers works better for pocket carry.

When selecting a holster, look for one that has a flat outer-facing panel to break up the outline of the gun. Mitch Rosen Extraordinary Gunleather's PSF has a suede pad front panel, while Kramer Handgun Leather's design uses a piece of Kydex to flatten the bulge. Galco has two Pocket Protector models, one made of steer hide and the other of premium horsehide. On the less expensive side, many holster companies such as Uncle Mike's, Desantis and Safariland, just to name a few, offer simple pocket holsters as well.

When choosing a holster, one of the first things to do is decide how you want to draw. Disengaging the gun from the holster can be done in three ways. While the holster is in your pocket, push it down with your thumb while drawing the gun upward. You can also hook the holster to your pocket opening as you draw. Additionally, the holster fits the gun loosely and stays in your pocket during the draw by friction.

While some people extol the virtues of loose-fitting holsters that stay in the pocket by friction, I have not had much luck with them. You only need to have the holster come out with the gun once at the wrong time to have a big problem. I prefer the proactive approach of removing the holster from the gun myself. If you decide to use the "hook method," make sure there is a place on the holster that is designed to be hooked. Same with the "push off" concept. Both are good solutions, but both, as with all things, take some practice to master.

No matter which method you choose, make sure the holster is not so loose that the gun can easily fall out by itself. I've heard all too many stories of someone standing up from a nice, comfy couch only to find the gun laying on the seat.

Filling your pocket with a gun reduces the number of pockets you have for other things. If you generally have personal items in all of your pockets, you need to find a new home for some. I used to carry my keys and change in the pocket that I now use for carry. Coins now reside in a rear pocket because it's a very bad idea to put anything in your pocket that may impede your draw. A few poorly placed coins can easily jam your gun into your holster.

Having run out of pockets, I now have a Kubaton on my keyring, the sole purpose of which is to carry my keys hooked in the waist of my pants. Another option would be to hook your keys to your belt loops.