Holsters and Gear Recommendations
Pocket Holsters The Ultimate Guide to Deep Concealment
At Cloudster Pillow, we understand the importance of deep concealment for CCW holders. Pocket holsters offer a discreet and versatile option for carrying your firearm.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about choosing, using, and mastering pocket holsters for effective concealed carry. We’ll explore materials, placement, draw techniques, and the pros and cons of this popular carry method.
What Makes the Perfect Pocket Holster?
Material Matters
Kydex stands out as the top choice for pocket holsters. Its slim profile, durability, and shape retention make it ideal. Leather can work but adds bulk and may collapse during draws. Hybrid options exist but often compromise the strengths of both materials.
Fit and Retention
A pocket holster must fit your specific firearm model perfectly. Universal designs don’t cut it. Look for holsters with adjustable retention. The Alabama Holsters Deep Cover Pocket Holster excels here, offering a custom fit for larger handguns.
Safety First
Complete trigger guard coverage is essential. Manual safeties aren’t necessary as long as the entire trigger guard is covered so that the trigger can’t be accidentally pulled. The Vedder Holsters Pocket Locker achieves this with its modern Kydex design, ensuring durability and sweat resistance.
The Hook
An often-overlooked feature is the hook or wing. This keeps the holster in your pocket during the draw. The Desantis Nemesis (known for its affordability and comfort) incorporates this vital element.
Concealment is Key
Select holsters with a wide front to break up the gun’s outline. The Desantis Superfly takes this further with an attachable flap for ultimate printing prevention.
Practice is essential, regardless of which holster you choose. Dry fire drills with your unloaded firearm and holster will build muscle memory and ensure quick, safe access to your weapon when needed.
The best pocket holster is one you’ll actually use. It should provide all-day comfort while offering quick access and solid retention. Quality matters – your life may depend on it.
Now that we’ve covered the key features of an effective pocket holster, let’s move on to proper placement and draw techniques to maximize your concealment and readiness.
Proper Pocket Holster Placement and Draw Technique
Optimal Pocket Locations
Front pockets offer the best option for most CCW practitioners. They provide quick access and excellent concealment for various body types and clothing styles. Your dominant-side front pocket usually works best, allowing for a natural draw motion and easy firearm access.
However, your specific body type and daily activities might influence this choice. If you sit for extended periods, the front pocket can become uncomfortable. In such cases, consider your back pocket as an alternative. The Desantis Trickster (designed specifically for back pocket carry) is simple, smart, and very effective for concealing your small automatic in the back pocket of those slick fitting slacks.
Perfecting Your Pocket Draw
Drawing from a pocket requires a different technique than traditional IWB or OWB holsters. Follow these steps to master the pocket draw:
- Establish a firm grip on your firearm while it’s still in the pocket.
- Use your thumb to push against the holster as you draw, separating it from the gun.
- Clear the pocket opening (ensure your muzzle points in a safe direction).
- Bring the firearm to your line of sight and acquire your target.
This sequence takes practice to perfect. Start with dry fire drills using an unloaded firearm. Focus on smooth, consistent motions rather than speed initially.
Effective Practice Drills
Incorporate these drills into your routine to improve your pocket draw:
- “Pat and Present” Drill: First, remove the ammo and put it in another room. Next, learn to draw the handguns from the holster and present it. Do this slowly and deliberately to build muscle memory for locating and accessing your weapon quickly.
- “Seated Draw” Drill: Practice drawing while seated in a chair, car seat, or at a desk. This scenario often proves challenging for pocket carriers and requires specific techniques to master.
- “Non-Dominant Hand” Drill: While your strong-side pocket is ideal, situations may arise where you need to draw with your support hand. Practice this less-natural motion to prepare for all contingencies.
Consistency is key. Even 5-10 minutes of dry fire practice daily can build confidence, improve efficiency, and enhance your overall concealed carry skills.
Safety Considerations
Always prioritize safety during practice sessions. Use a designated training area, ensure your firearm is unloaded, and remove all live ammunition from the vicinity. Consider using a training barrel or snap caps for added safety.
Regular practice with your pocket holster will enhance your draw speed, accuracy, and overall readiness. As you become more proficient with pocket carry techniques, you’ll discover both its strengths and potential limitations. In the next section, we’ll explore these advantages and drawbacks to help you determine if pocket carry aligns with your personal defense strategy.
Why Pocket Carry Might Be Your Best Option
Unmatched Discretion
Pocket carry offers unique advantages for concealed carry practitioners. This method excels in situations where deep concealment is paramount. Unlike traditional IWB or OWB methods, pocket carry eliminates the telltale bulge at your waistline. This makes it ideal for environments where printing could raise unwanted attention or violate workplace policies.
Wardrobe Freedom
One of the most significant benefits of pocket carry is its compatibility with a wide range of clothing options. You don’t need oversized shirts or special pants with reinforced belts. This flexibility proves especially valuable during warmer months when lighter clothing is a must. Gun owners have many storage options to choose from to prevent unwanted access, including lock boxes, safes for homes and vehicles, and digital devices.
Quick and Discreet Access
In certain situations, the ability to grip your firearm without drawing attention can provide a tactical advantage. Pocket carry allows you to casually place your hand in your pocket, ready to draw if needed. This subtle preparedness can give you an edge without escalating a situation unnecessarily.
Potential Drawbacks
While pocket carry offers numerous benefits, it’s important to understand its limitations:
- Limited firearm size: Pocket carry typically restricts you to smaller firearms (which may impact capacity and effective range).
- Slower draw times: While strong-side IWB offers a good balance of concealment and accessibility, it can be slower to draw from than AIWB.
- Pocket clutter: Carrying items in the same pocket as your firearm can interfere with your draw and potentially cause malfunctions.
- Sitting discomfort: Depending on your body type and choice of firearm, sitting for extended periods with a gun in your front pocket can become uncomfortable.
- Limited holster options: While quality pocket holsters exist, the variety is not as extensive as traditional IWB or OWB options.
Mitigating Drawbacks
To overcome these challenges, dedicate a specific pocket solely to your firearm and holster. Practice your draw stroke regularly to improve speed. Select a firearm that balances size, capacity, and comfort to enhance your pocket carry experience.
Final Thoughts
Pocket holsters provide a unique solution for deep concealment, offering CCW practitioners unparalleled discretion and flexibility. The effectiveness of your pocket carry setup depends on selecting the right materials, ensuring proper fit, and prioritizing safety features. Consistent practice and a thorough understanding of both the advantages and limitations of this method will lead to success.
Regular training proves essential to master the pocket draw technique. You’ll develop muscle memory and confidence for quick, smooth access to your firearm through dedicated drills. No single method works perfectly for every scenario, so consider integrating pocket holsters into your broader CCW strategy as part of a versatile approach to personal defense.
We at Cloudster Pillow offer a solution to enhance your comfort and concealment for those who prefer traditional IWB or appendix carry methods. Our adjustable cooling gel memory foam pillow reduces pressure points and minimizes printing (making it an ideal companion for everyday carry). This pillow complements various carry methods, including pocket holsters, to provide reliable access to your firearm while maintaining discretion.
