Considering getting a small revolver for pocket carry

[Podmonkey]

I am thinking it would be nice to have a small, light and simple .38 snub nose to just carry in my pocket for those times when I am just going out to get the mail or take out the garbage or run to the corner store and not have to bother with getting a holster positioned just so and selecting appropriate cover garments. Also for use during my brief morning runs. While picking up some ammo at the LGS I was looking at some of the small revolvers they had on offer, mostly J frames. Despite being ugly as sin I was pretty keen on an S&W 638. I like that the hammer is shrouded but still gives an option for single action fire.
My question: Is it safe to carry a double action revolver like the 638 in a jeans pocket with no holster? Are there pocket holsters that would do a good job retaining a small revolver in the relatively slick and shallow pockets of my nylon running pants?
Also is the recoil of the aluminum framed Model 638 obnoxious with +p defensive loads?

 

[GTN]

I have a S&W 637 Airweight J Frame 38 Spl with a bobbed hammer for my front pocket. I always have it in a holster. Absolutely safe!
but
Ever since I’ve had a Glock 43 I take that in the front pocket instead

 

[4 paws]

You may also want to look at the Ruger LCR. And yes you're going to want to pair it with a decent holster for pocket carry.

 

[kev74]

Get a pocket holster with it.

There are 2 benefits - it covers the trigger and keeps the pistol properly oriented in your pocket.

 

[Deplorable Me]

Neoprene pocket holsters are very comfortable.

 

[Keyzard]

Neoprene pocket holsters are very comfortable.
View attachment 209193

Agreed. I use the same brand for my P238. Works well in jeans or cargo shorts.

 

[Far king]

I am thinking it would be nice to have a small, light and simple .38 snub nose to just carry in my pocket for those times when I am just going out to get the mail or take out the garbage or run to the corner store and not have to bother with getting a holster positioned just so and selecting appropriate cover garments. Also for use during my brief morning runs. While picking up some ammo at the LGS I was looking at some of the small revolvers they had on offer, mostly J frames. Despite being ugly as sin I was pretty keen on an S&W 638. I like that the hammer is shrouded but still gives an option for single action fire.
My question: Is it safe to carry a double action revolver like the 638 in a jeans pocket with no holster? Are there pocket holsters that would do a good job retaining a small revolver in the relatively slick and shallow pockets of my nylon running pants?
Also is the recoil of the aluminum framed Model 638 obnoxious with +p defensive loads?

The smallest handgun, I carry is a 638 loaded with buffalo bore +p 158gr gas checked swchp at 950 fps ( I’ve chronographed them myself). Yes , recoil is a bit snappy an the rounds print higher than standard but I can deal with that. This round out of 2 inch bbl out classes anything the 147gr 9mm from any pistol length barrel will give.
to me the shrouded hammer on the638 offers the best of both worlds giving the option of single action while also being snag free.
Don’t discount the ability to fire this gun from inside the pocket.
yes it’s uglier than a mud fence but beauty is in the eye of the beholder

 

[spat]

Neoprene pocket holsters are very comfortable.
View attachment 209193

My EDC is a Ruger LCPII in the factory pocket holster.

It's just enough gun (barely) IMHO.

But I can't imagine anything easier to carry that isn't "not enough gun".

 

[Xae289]

I use a S&W 642 in a Mika pocket holster in the same way. I also sometimes wear it in my jacket if there's an occasion to wear a suit and carry.

Now you probably "could" wear it without a holster, and I did it a couple of times, but it's more comfortable and conceals better in one.

Shop

mikaspocketholsters.com

 

[JaguarJaguarGolf]

I am thinking it would be nice to have a small, light and simple .38 snub nose to just carry in my pocket for those times when I am just going out to get the mail or take out the garbage or run to the corner store and not have to bother with getting a holster positioned just so and selecting appropriate cover garments. Also for use during my brief morning runs. While picking up some ammo at the LGS I was looking at some of the small revolvers they had on offer, mostly J frames. Despite being ugly as sin I was pretty keen on an S&W 638. I like that the hammer is shrouded but still gives an option for single action fire.
My question: Is it safe to carry a double action revolver like the 638 in a jeans pocket with no holster? Are there pocket holsters that would do a good job retaining a small revolver in the relatively slick and shallow pockets of my nylon running pants?
Also is the recoil of the aluminum framed Model 638 obnoxious with +p defensive loads?

No
Use a pocket holster
or
Get an S&W model 40 or 42 (.38 sp J frame) that have a grip safety like the old Lemon Squeezer. (Not easy to find, 42 is the Lt wt version.)

 

[Steal2B]

Like the DeSantis pocket Holsters but love and use tt gunleather pocket Holsters. They conceal better (thinner overall), work great, and sport top shelf construction.

 

[Podmonkey]

Any opinions as to whether a small frame revolver is more suitable for pocket carry than a automatic? I find the Shield to be a bit too large for pocket carry personally.
What about the Ruger LCR vs S&W J frames? The S&Ws actually seem cheaper.
Or would a small .380 pistol be better?

 

[Willyone]

I like my l'il Ruger LCP Max in .380. Small, light, very easy carry. Doesn't have the grunt of a .38 or 9 but it'll hurt like hell, enough to deter or stop with 10 plus 1. I know, marginal by some peoples standards. Anyways, I can understand how/why some would want to carry a revolver. Dependable & simple, and safe, pretty much fool proof.

 

[kev74]

I carry a P3AT in a pocket holster in my front pants pocket, with a full understanding that I'm making a compromise.

Once in a while I'll carry a J frame in a pocket holster, but it's much bigger, bulkier and heavier.

 

[thisIslandEarth]

Like the DeSantis pocket Holsters but love and use tt gunleather pocket Holsters. They conceal better (thinner overall), work great, and sport top shelf construction.
View attachment 209211

100% agree. I have a TT Gunleather for my Sig P239 and it's a great crafted top shelf holster.

 

[Brian Colt]

I am thinking it would be nice to have a small, light and simple .38 snub nose to just carry in my pocket for those times when I am just going out to get the mail or take out the garbage or run to the corner store and not have to bother with getting a holster positioned just so and selecting appropriate cover garments. Also for use during my brief morning runs. While picking up some ammo at the LGS I was looking at some of the small revolvers they had on offer, mostly J frames. Despite being ugly as sin I was pretty keen on an S&W 638. I like that the hammer is shrouded but still gives an option for single action fire.
My question: Is it safe to carry a double action revolver like the 638 in a jeans pocket with no holster? Are there pocket holsters that would do a good job retaining a small revolver in the relatively slick and shallow pockets of my nylon running pants?
Also is the recoil of the aluminum framed Model 638 obnoxious with +p defensive loads?

”Sticky” brand pocket holsters work great for pocket carry. I have the shield version.

 

[spat]

Any opinions as to whether a small frame revolver is more suitable for pocket carry than a automatic? I find the Shield to be a bit too large for pocket carry personally.
What about the Ruger LCR vs S&W J frames? The S&Ws actually seem cheaper.
Or would a small .380 pistol be better?

As I said, I carry and LCP II in the pocket holster that came with it.

I can't imagine an easier to carry solution that is .380 or better.

The LCP is going to be slimmer than any revolver, and that matters in pocket carry.

I would encourage you to fine one you can at least handle in a store.

 

[Grimscale]

My EDC is a Ruger LCPII in the factory pocket holster.

It's just enough gun (barely) IMHO.

But I can't imagine anything easier to carry that isn't "not enough gun".

Ruger LC9 in a soft holster in a side pocket of my cargo shorts.

FUKH.

 

[Vapor]

Nice thing about a concealed pocket revolver is the ability to fire it from inside a jacket or point it without anyone knowing what is going on. Sometimes it's nice to not have to "brandish".

 

[lrick]

Nice thing about a concealed pocket revolver is the ability to fire it from inside a jacket or point it without anyone knowing what is going on. Sometimes it's nice to not have to "brandish".

I think I'd only trust that with a internal or shrouded hammer and no pocket holster. A semi-auto should fire st least once, maybe more depending on the jacket pocket. Slide bite might be an issue though. And setting your jacket on fire lol.

I guess the hole in your pocket would be the proof that you didn't brandish it and you could at least avoid that charge.

Although in NYS I can envision that working against you. The logic would shift to, "well, if you presented the weapon the poor misguided criminal might have given up and dropped his gun"... just like on old reruns of Adam-12.

Damned if you do in this state.

 

[spat]

Nice thing about a concealed pocket revolver is the ability to fire it from inside a jacket or point it without anyone knowing what is going on. Sometimes it's nice to not have to "brandish".

You can fire one round from a semi from inside a pocket too.

Once you've fired either the jig is up and you might as well draw all the way.

It's only a fraction of a second longer to clear the induced malfunction when drawing the semi compared to drawing the revolver.

 

[Mk44]

I have a small .38 revolver.
I don't pocket carry but if I did, I think the Ruger LCP or LC9 would make a better "pocket" gun. Plus, they hold more rounds.

 

[Xae289]

From modern snubnose revolvers in .38 Spl +P, the S&W M642 is slightly smaller and the Ruger LCR is 1 oz lighter. It's 14.4 oz (M642) vs 13.5 oz (LCR).

Ruger LCR vs Smith & Wesson Model 642 size comparison | Handgun Hero

Compare the dimensions and specs of Ruger LCR and Smith & Wesson Model 642

www.handgunhero.com

Or if you can find a S&W M340 PD. It's smaller than the LCR, only a hair bigger than the M642, weighs in at an insane 11.8 oz(!) and can fire .357 Magnum if you enjoy your hand feeling like someone hit your palm with a putter at full-swing. Even .38 Spl +P is fairly unpleasant from that gun. But that weight and size make it extremely easy to carry regardless of what you load it with.

Smith & Wesson Model 642 vs Smith & Wesson Model 340 PD size comparison | Handgun Hero

Compare the dimensions and specs of Smith & Wesson Model 642 and Smith & Wesson Model 340 PD

www.handgunhero.com

 

[S&W Fan]

A friend of mine likes the S&W Bodyguard .380 for pocket carry.

I've thought about going that route along with Underwood Xtreme Defender as my SD ammo choice.

A spare mag is going to be easier to carry and work with than a speed loader.

A little slower yes, but not uncommon to carry one or more of these speed strips when carrying a revolver.

 

[Podmonkey]

I'm still leaning towards the Model 638/642. Next time in in the shop I'll check our an LCR.
Something like the LCP would likely work better for me but honestly I have been hankering for a revolver for the longest time now.
Since this will be only for occasional and/or short duration carry some of the drawbacks of a snub .38 don't really apply. I don't even really care about printing either, just that it's light enough to sit in a pocket without dragging at my pants.
@Xae289, the M340 PD would be ideal but is also more than I want to spend on such a utilitarian purpose. In fact the lesser J frame models such as the 638 seem to be the cheapest option in a revolver. Excepting the likes of a Taurus and such which I am not interested in.

 

[Far king]

I'm still leaning towards the Model 638/642. Next time in in the shop I'll check our an LCR.
Something like the LCP would likely work better for me but honestly I have been hankering for a revolver for the longest time now.
Since this will be only for occasional and/or short duration carry some of the drawbacks of a snub .38 don't really apply. I don't even really care about printing either, just that it's light enough to sit in a pocket without dragging at my pants.
@Xae289, the M340 PD would be ideal but is also more than I want to spend on such a utilitarian purpose. In fact the lesser J frame models such as the 638 seem to be the cheapest option in a revolver. Excepting the likes of a Taurus and such which I am not interested in.

get the 638 and be done with it you will not be disappointed. I carry mine in a de Santis neoprene pocket holster and it disappears except for a slight bulge which no one notices this is a set up I use for formalwear, weddings, funerals, etc. or like you said a quick trip to the corner market when you do not do you want the hassle of choosing the correct clothing to conceal a larger weapon. As I said, in my first reply, the power of the snubby with the right loads rivals or beats mini 9 mm offerings get one, and you will not be disappointed as for the LCR talk about ugly! That thing resembles, a pile of shit with a cylinder stuck in the middle of it and and this is coming from someone who loves Rugers .

 

[Willyone]

Taurus has what appears to be a couple of decent wheel guns, Ultra Lite models (UL) in .38. Little over $300 so they're affordable, and they get good reviews. I've never checked them out in person though.

 

[Podmonkey]

I wish S&W made a cheaper .38 only version of the 340.

 

[seezur]

I think the play is to get the new Kimber K6xs. It’s .38 only (in my experience, .357 in a light snubby is too brutal), holds 6 shots and is barely wider than a comparable S&W/LCR. Weighs more at just shy of a pound but I think the extra shot is worth it. $580ish street. Only needed pocket carry “mod” is to replace the extra long carry grip with a smaller boot grip.

 

[2WheelGnnr]

I sorta like pocket carry.... I have an LCP with pocket holster now I primarily carry a taurus spectrum.....fits nice in dress pants. but it works for me.