[VolGrad]

I have tried most of the popular pocket holster makers. While most designs have some good attributes there is usually something I really don't like about each. The dislike is generally greater than the like.

My biggest gripe with existing commercial designs is the overall thickness and the fact most pocket holsters utilize a large flange to "provide stability" and to "keep the holster in your pocket when you draw". I am of the opinion a pants pocket simply isn't large enough to require extra material to hold it in place. In fact, the excess material usually makes for an awkward fit or prevents it from fitting in dress pockets (with narrow or angled pockets) altogether. With respect to the flange as a "keep it in your pocket" feature; I also feel that is unnecessary.

When I am alerted to a potential threat (while carrying only a pocket pistol) I generally place my hand in my pocket and acquire a firm firing grip on my pistol. As the alert level rises I will actually push off/release the pistol from the holster WHILE STILL INSIDE my pocket. I do not trust that I can simply jerk the pistol out cleanly if I determine the need to draw my weapon. I want it clean and clear of the holster while still in my pocket. I am not talking about pulling it completely out of the holster and allowing it to free float in my pocket. I simply make sure it is unseated from the holster and will draw easily when needed. If the thread subsides I can simply push the pistol back down into the holster.

I love kydex holsters and recently found one I am quite happy with. The pocket holster is from aHolster. It is a very compact design and utilizes thin kydex. While it does have a bit of a flange like I described above it isn't overly done and I don't find it to cause a poor fit in any pants I've tried thus far. I could do without the "horn" at top and might eventually remove it and smooth out any rough edges that remain. For now I use it as a place to push off with my thumb to release the pistol. I can do the same with the inside edge of the holster.

Here are a couple of pics. I went with grey instead of black just to be different. It's not like anyone will see it in my pocket anyway.

I still didn't want to give up on a leather pocket holster option. After searching extensively online I had pretty much given up. That's when I decided to design my own.

The first step was to spec out what I wanted. Here's what I came up with;

> snug enough it can be held upside down and shaken gently without the pistol falling out
> will require a "push off" of my thumb to release the pistol (will need thick spot here)
> ultra thin holster (thin overall profile, using thinner leather than IWB and OWB holsters)
> no flange or extra material to stabilize the holster in my pocket (wanted a very minimal design)
> the mag release button is exposed by design (adding leather to cover it would potentially prohibit a good firing grip)
> overall outline would look like an iPhone or similar PDA device in my pocket
> I didn't want to compromise the ultra light, thin design of the LCP by putting it in a thick, bulky holster

Once I had it spec'd out in my mind I decided to sketch out what it should look like. I traced out the LCP on paper, then drew the outline of the holster (inside & out). I made notes in the margin. I used a highlighter to show what exactly would be material vs what is exposed.

Once I had both the specs & a sketch in hand I approached Tim Thurner of TT Gunleather to see if he would be willing to take on a full custom project. He obliged and made what I think might be THE perfect pocket holster for my LCP.

I can't say enough good things about the finished product. It does everything I wanted it to do perfectly. The quality is outstanding. It fits perfectly in every pocket I've tried ... from dressy suit pants to cargo shorts. The pistol fits snug enough to require me to push it off but is not so tight it can't be pushed off easily with one finger. The overall package is lightweight, thin, and compact. When it does print all you see is a rectangular shape that could easily be mistaken for a wallet, iPhone, or PDA.

Here are a couple of pics.

So, what do you think?

 

[TedG954]

I've got an A-Holster for my XDSC and it works great for that brick. The design is really good and the holster always remains in the pocket with every draw.

 

[__jb]

Nice post, Volgrad...

Looks like you have found a very sophisticated holster craftsman... Good work...

 

[jbird]

i have the blackhawk size1 for my lcp, i've been looking at this one http://www.pocketholsters.com/Ruger_LCP_380_Pocket_Wallet_Ho/ruger_lcp_380_pocket_wallet_ho.html

 

[Bulldawg]

Vol, it almost appears that the leather pocket holster is for left hand pocket carry???

 

[VolGrad]

Vol, it almost appears that the leather pocket holster is for left hand pocket carry???

Nope. I can see why you would think that though. The outside part is what you want to be blocky and un-boned/shaped. That breaks up the print of the gun in your pocket. It looks like a wallet or PDA when I carry it. The inside (the part that sits against my leg) is boned around the shape of the gun to provide retention.

 

[Two Guns]

I like the looks of that leather holster.I have used a Nemisis pocket holster for the last 5 years as my pocket holster for my P3AT.

 

[Bulldawg]

Nope. I can see why you would think that though. The outside part is what you want to be blocky and un-boned/shaped. That breaks up the print of the gun in your pocket. It looks like a wallet or PDA when I carry it. The inside (the part that sits against my leg) is boned around the shape of the gun to provide retention.

Doesn't that make it a bit difficult to grip and/or remove with your right hand? I would think your four fingers would have to slide between the holster and the grip first.

 

[VolGrad]

Doesn't that make it a bit difficult to grip and/or remove with your right hand? I would think your four fingers would have to slide between the holster and the grip first.

No. It works fine. When I put my hand in my pocket I can wrap my 4 fingers around the grip in a normal firing grip (by design) with my trigger finger running down the outside of the holster in pretty much the way I normally index it. The thumb sits on that little half moon shaped double thick piece. When/if I decide to actually draw the pistol I simply push off at the half moon using my thumb and the pistol releases freely. You'll have to see it to fully understand what I'm talking about. Maybe if you'd ever head over this way when invited or attend some of the classes with us when we link you to them ......

 

[Bulldawg]

I hear ya and have been a no show too many times. Lots going on in my life these days.

 

[VolGrad]

Here's what it looks like ...

 

[Marc]

I have the nemisis by De Santis. it works as intended and frees easily in my pocket but much like VolGrad, it is still just a little bigger than I would like. but I think I will keep it because it is comfortable and doesn't print in my cargo shorts.