Keys, wallet, .38 Special, check! Uncle Mikes Pocket Holster keeps your CCW close by.
Written: Oct 19 '09 (Updated Oct 19 '09)
Product Rating:
Pros: Cheap, very cheap! Tacky on the outside keeps holster in your pocket, holds gun firmly.
Cons: Isn't a superfly, may sit funny in some slanted pockets leaving you an awkward draw-angle.
The Bottom Line: Cheap, functional holster that's available for most compact handguns. It's not perfect, but definitely acceptable for it's pricerange.
openroad's Full Review: Uncle Mike's Inside-The-Pocket Holsters - Black Ny...
After deciding to get a smaller carry gun for those days when my wardrobe didn't permit my full size XD 9mm and Supertuck IWB holster, I talked with several police officers and found out what they carried off duty and as a backup gun. This led me to my purchase of a Smith & Wesson Airweight .38 Special 2" barrel snubby. Soon I was back in the holster search and purchased a couple different styles before I found the perfect compromise with Uncle Mikes Black Nylon Pocket Holster.
--- Why buy a pocket holster you ask?
A .38 snubby revolver is the perfect size to slide into your pocket and it's much simpler to do so than deal with belt mounted holsters. Another bonus with a revolver is it has a more "organic" look to it with the rounded grip and cylinder. If you just slide it into your pocket it doesn't scream "GUN" like a blocky, squared off semi-auto does. That said, I learned if you just drop it in your pocket, who knows how it will end up oriented after you walk around, sit down, etc. Sometimes it's barrel down and grip up as it should be, other times it would be grip forward and upside down making it hard to grab and unsafe as well. A good pocket holster keeps the pistol vertical, the trigger secure and the grip ready for for a smooth draw if needed.
----- So why pick the Uncle Mike's holster?
First of all this is a cheap holster, average prices seem to be between $8-$10 at most sporting goods stores. Available in 4 different sizes to fit everything from small .22 semi-autos to compact 9mm and .40 handguns, the size 3 holster fits 5 shot 2" barrel revolvers perfectly and is the one I purchased. My pocket holster is just deep enough it swallows the revolver completely and keeps the trigger safe in the holster. However it does leave the grip completely exposed for easy access and smooth draw. Uncle Mike's pocket holsters have a slightly tacky exterior which grips the inside of your pocket and keeps the holster in place so long as your pocket isn't huge. Installation is super easy, simply slide your handgun into the holster until it touches bottom, then guide the holster into a pocket of your choosing.
A quick note on pockets, I've had to change what I wear slightly to accomodate wearing a pocket holster. I had a few Levi and Wrangler jeans that fit pretty snug in the seat area and didn't leave any stretch room for a loaded pocket. The last thing you want is to realize you are walking around with 2" of grip worming its way out of your pocket! On the other extreme I had 2 pairs of roomy cargo pants with 6 massive pockets that didn't work at ALL with this holster. The holster/revolver combo would end up way down in my pocket and sideways... not good! Now I'll usually wear relaxed fit jeans or a khaki Patagonia style pants when I'm packing in my pocket, this keeps everything secure and out of sight yet within reach.
----- So why 4 stars instead of 5?
There are a couple drawbacks to this holster which aren't a big deal, but it's also not perfect. I originally wanted a DeSantis Super Fly Pocket Holster which runs about $30 and is only available online. I settled for my Uncle Mikes because it was available locally and was only $8.00. The DeSantis is insanely sticky on the outside and will NOT come out of your pocket, this is a good thing as you don't want to draw and find your holster still on your revolver! The other problem is the Uncle Mike's holster is hard to get my .38 back into if it's already in my pocket. Usually I'll just pull the holster out of my pocket, slide my S&W in, then re-insert it down in my pocket.
----- Bottom Line
This has been a good holster for me at a great price, but I'd still like to try the DeSantis Super Fly eventually. That said, I don't have any reason to dislike my current setup enough to start shopping again so more than likely I'll just keep using what I got. Uncle Mike's products seem to be available everywhere in the midwest, Gander Mountain, Cabela's, Dicks Sporting Goods, and other outdoor stores all have a good selection most of the time. For a cheap holster than does a good job I would recommend you go talk to Uncle Mike, it's worth $8 to not have your gun bouncing around loose in your pocket!
NOTE:Carrying a weapon concealed in a pocket or otherwise is only legal if you have undergone training, taken the appropriate class, and have received a Concealed Weapons Permit for your state. Don't assume just because you legally own a handgun you can carry it everywhere.
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