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Pocket Carry
"No draw" is the fastest draw possible. A shrouded or internal-hammered revolver offers unfettered shoot-through capability.
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Once I graduated from the Seecamp, my preferred carry was a Smith & Wesson Model 340 lightweight J-frame revolver. After carrying that for a few months, I changed to the Kahr P40 for the increased capacity. I ended up going back to the revolver for two reasons.
First of all, revolvers are less sensitive to dirt than semiautomatics, and I discovered that pocket carry, even with a holster, does involve a lot of pocket dust and lint. Second, I find the shape of revolvers makes drawing easier. Small autos have a square-edged slide that I find gets caught as I am trying to draw. The shape of revolvers is angled and makes drawing easier.
I prefer a revolver with a spurless or internal hammer to make drawing easy. If your revolver has a spur hammer, you can still use it for pocket carry, but you have to remember to cover the spur with your thumb to keep it from getting caught. If you want to be able to shoot through your pocket, a hammerless or shrouded hammer will allow you to fire the entire cylinder without jamming. With an exposed hammer, it is possible to get fabric caught between the hammer and firing pin, which can keep the gun from firing.
Like everything else, pocket carry does have its disadvantages. The biggest drawback of pocket carry is that the draw is slow if you're sitting down, especially so when seat-belted in your car. The only way to get around it is to practice leaning forward and drawing when seated and also practice releasing your seatbelt before drawing. Last, your 14-round, custom-built, ported superauto just won't fit in your pocket. You are limited to what will reasonably fit in your pocket.
While physical size may be restricted, you don't have to be limited in power. Pocket carry is not just for micro guns. With the right pants and pocket holster, you can easily carry a J-frame-size gun. I started my pocket carry with a little Seecamp, then I moved up to a lightweight J-frame.
After my switch back to revolvers from a semiauto, I wanted an even more powerful round than .38 Special. Interested in carrying my all-steel Ruger .357 Magnum SP101, I was afraid that it was just too heavy. I experimented with it and found that as long as my belt was tight enough to support the pants, the extra weight was not a problem. As a test, I carried the SP101 in one pocket and the lightweight J-frame in the other and found almost no difference in comfort despite the differences in weight.
Whether for a primary gun, backup gun or winter gun solution, take a look at pocket carry. With a little experimentation and practice I think you will find that it's quite a handy carry method.
David Kenik is the author of Armed Response: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Firearms for Self-Defense, president of the Police Officers Safety Association Inc. and an armed citizen.
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