Minimizing Printing with Pocket Carry | Advice?

[blueboy69420]

I've got a question about pocket carry that I'm hoping to get some advice on. I'm a bigger guy, and while I don't wear skinny jeans (obviously, lol), I'm having a tough time with printing when carrying my LCP Max in my pocket.

I've tried using the pocket holster that came with it, and while it helps a little, the outline of the gun is still pretty obvious. I've talked to a few people to get their opinion of how it looks, and they all say it looks like I've got a gun in my pocket—which, of course, isn't ideal for concealed carry.

I really like the simplicity of pocket carry compared to waistband carry, but the printing issue is making it difficult. I did a brief search of the forums and didn't see anything recent or too relevant to what I'm looking into, but if I missed something, I apologize for asking again.

Has anyone else had this problem? Any recommendations on better pocket holsters that might help minimize printing? I'd appreciate any tips or suggestions that have worked for you. Thanks!

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[Ben B.]

The kind of pocket holster with a flap over the gun works well, but slows the draw a bit if starting with hand outside the pocket.

Crossbreed makes one.

155 Pocket Protector Express Holster | Aker Leather

Our black leather pocket holster features a wallet flap that connects to the holster with heavy-duty Velcro for all day pocket carry. Ambidextrous and made in the USA!

akerleather.com

Mine is from a place that is out of business, but I'd be looking at Aker Leather if I needed another.

Dark colored pants work better than khaki or light colors.

Larger pockets.

Revolvers are usually harder to make out than semiauto pistols.

Last option is stick a bandanna between the gun and pocket. Last resort only.

 

[blueboy69420]

The kind of pocket holster with a flap over the gun works well, but slows the draw a bit if starting with hand outside the pocket.

Crossbreed makes one.
View attachment 1941054

155 Pocket Protector Express Holster | Aker Leather

Our black leather pocket holster features a wallet flap that connects to the holster with heavy-duty Velcro for all day pocket carry. Ambidextrous and made in the USA!

akerleather.com

Mine is from a place that is out of business, but I'd be looking at Aker Leather if I needed another.

Dark colored pants work better than khaki or light colors.

Larger pockets.

Revolvers are usually harder to make out than semiauto pistols.

Last option is stick a bandanna between the gun and pocket. Last resort only.

Oh wow, I really like that hybrid kydex-leather looking holster. I'll have to see if someone makes something similar for the LCP Max. Thank you!

Also, I never would have thought revolvers are harder to make out than a semiauto is. Maybe because the cylinder breaks up the look of the firearm? I was looking at one of those NA 22mag revolvers for pocket carry, but I have no experience with them and they look... different to say the least. lol

 

[Ben B.]

Whatever floats your boat, but I'd carry a 5-shot .38 over an NAA single action mini revolver. The mini revolvers are cute, and really easy to hide, but too easy to fumble the little rascals. For last ditch ultra sneaky, I guess an NAA fits the bill.

In most cases, it won't matter. You'll probably never need it, and if you do, having the gun will solve most problems without firing it. But ya never know….

 

[Ben B.]

Oh wow, I really like that hybrid kydex-leather looking holster. I'll have to see if someone makes something similar for the LCP Max. Thank you!

Well, the muzzle is really exposed on that Crossbreed. All sorts of pocket goobers will get in the bore. Having pocket carried for about 18 years now, I'd steer clear of the Crossbreed and look at the Akers or other similar. I want leather extending past the muzzle.

 

[thorborg]

When I carry pocket, I go with cargo pants and use the second pocket down. I buy pants which have pockets with a pleat in the center of them, ostensibly for expanding or enlarging the pocket, but in my case, it obscures the pocket contents very well.
Heavier weight cloth helps also but are getting harder to find that fit me.

 

[blueboy69420]

In most cases, it won't matter. You'll probably never need it, and if you do, having the gun will solve most problems without firing it. But ya never know….

Exactly my thought. If I ever had the unfortunate situation where something like that is needed, any firearm is a good deterrent. But agree with the small NAA looking hard to fumble with. I'll have to find one in stock somewhere to actually get my hands on and try.

When I carry pocket, I go with cargo pants and use the second pocket down. I buy pants which have pockets with a pleat in the center of them, ostensibly for expanding or enlarging the pocket, but in my case, it obscures the pocket contents very well.
Heavier weight cloth helps also but are getting harder to find that fit me.

I've thought about cargo pants, but work requires business casual. They allow jeans which is what I wear most often though, and agree the heavier weight fabric for sure helps.

 

[Nosferatu]

Wear your underwear on the outside of your pants. Nobody will notice your pockets.

Or try one of these: https://www.recluseholster.com/

 

[Koda]

I've tried using the pocket holster that came with it, and while it helps a little, the outline of the gun is still pretty obvious.

Better than nothing but soft pocket holsters are not a good choice. Try a hard kydex pocket holster, good pocket holster designs are hard to find. They need to keep the gun upright in the pocket, fully cover the trigger area, and not let the muzzle poke out (like above example).
The the only one Ive found that works is by the Alabama Pocket Holster company, well worth the price.

In the mean time, to break up the [upside-down] "L" shape sew or glue some foam to the "leg" of the soft pocket holster to bulge its print profile outward which helps to break up that L shape by adding to it... looks more like a small wallet that way.
Pants with horizontal pockets work better than pants with vetical pocket entry, the latter can sometimes let the gun fall out when seated or very active movements...

 

[Catfishmoon]

I have a situation similar to what you describe. When I carry my LCP Max, it is in a kydex, Vedder Pocket Locker in the front pocket of denim jeans. It prints the same as my bill-fold which is in the other front pocket.

 

[DB is Here]

If you're new to carrying just keep doing it and you'll soon realize, very and I mean very few are paying attention to you.

Don't overthink it or wear your batman panties outside your pants...it's just weird.

 

[ilikegunspdx]

I've got a question about pocket carry that I'm hoping to get some advice on. I'm a bigger guy, and while I don't wear skinny jeans (obviously, lol), I'm having a tough time with printing when carrying my LCP Max in my pocket.

I've tried using the pocket holster that came with it, and while it helps a little, the outline of the gun is still pretty obvious. I've talked to a few people to get their opinion of how it looks, and they all say it looks like I've got a gun in my pocket—which, of course, isn't ideal for concealed carry.

I really like the simplicity of pocket carry compared to waistband carry, but the printing issue is making it difficult. I did a brief search of the forums and didn't see anything recent or too relevant to what I'm looking into, but if I missed something, I apologize for asking again.

Has anyone else had this problem? Any recommendations on better pocket holsters that might help minimize printing? I'd appreciate any tips or suggestions that have worked for you. Thanks!

I would get Alabama holster with the flap. You won't see anything even in jeans and if it shows it won't look like a gun.
Inward side

Outward side

 

[Joe13]

I would Alabama holster with the flap. You won't see anything even in jeans and if it shows it won't look like a gun.
Inward side
View attachment 1941102
Outward side
View attachment 1941103

I've seen this type in leather and kydex and that's probably what I would get if I needed it.

 

[blueboy69420]

I have a situation similar to what you describe. When I carry my LCP Max, it is in a kydex, Vedder Pocket Locker in the front pocket of denim jeans. It prints the same as my bill-fold which is in the other front pocket.

I saw the Vedder and was looking at getting those. I just have no experience with anything such as this so I was hesitant, but other reviews seem to like these too. Thanks!

If you're new to carrying just keep doing it and you'll soon realize, very and I mean very few are paying attention to you.

Don't overthink it or wear your batman panties outside your pants...it's just weird.

lol Thank you! that's what I'm starting to realize. Just gotta chill out and not worry about. Originally I had gotten the Glock 23 as my intended carry gun, but never ended up doing so as I just kept thinking, "How the bubblegum do I carry I this—and how do others carry full size without anyone knowing or feeling weird". Which is why I went to the LCP Max, so much smaller, but still I felt odd carrying it. I'm getting used to it though.

I would Alabama holster with the flap. You won't see anything even in jeans and if it shows it won't look like a gun.
Inward side
View attachment 1941102
Outward side
View attachment 1941103

Oh those are great images! I wonder if I could print something similar to this using something like PLA+ or ABS... something to think about and defiantly try out in the future.

 

[ilikegunspdx]

Oh those are great images! I wonder if I could print something similar to this using something like PLA+ or ABS... something to think about and defiantly try out in the future.

I wouldn't bother trying to make your own personally. Don't mess around with something that has to be 100% perfect function when you need it to save your life.

These are not very expensive and have worked for many people for a long time. Can't remember how long I've been using them. They have a thumb tab so you can have your hand in your pocket and gun is already released into you hand ready to go but no one else knows it. Here is an example of the draw stroke:

FullSizeRender.MOV

• ilikegunspdx
• Aug 23, 2022

Here is p938 in my pocket in Alabama holster.

A1960FAD-ACE1-4013-B073-131ACD223D11.jpeg

• ilikegunspdx
• Aug 23, 2022

 

[salmon creek gary]

I don't think anyone has yet mentioned the "Superfly Pocket Holster" made by DeSantis. I've carried my LCP2 in one for several years. Sticky material won't pull out of the pocket with the gun, and a wallet shaped backer hides the firearm shape.

 

[thorborg]

I've thought about cargo pants, but work requires business casual. They allow jeans which is what I wear most often though, and agree the heavier weight fabric for sure helps.

I'm retired now, but most of my later working life I was pressed to similar standards so carried ankle. It contained a Ruger Sp101 357 for well over 15 years then tried the baby clock (26) 9mm for a few, finally a Sig 365. I always bought the light weight, low cost and have the additional calf strap to keep it up, never had an issue. (comfort or accident)
I've owned four, so on average they last about 8 years each. (maybe with a little fixing here and there)
I don't use them much in my old age any more unless at a funeral where everyone likes to hug because getting to the gun is a real uncomfortable project.
If you wearing jeans, then the boot jean legs ones are perfect for ankle carry. (if their called that any more)

 

[former173rd]

Easy inexpensive fix....a couple of 3x5 cards (preferably plastic) between the item and outside of pocket interior....works for me. just an idea

 

[dangerranger60]

I have worn cargo pants as a uniform for 25 years. I dropped the gun in the front slash cut pocket and kept a notebook in the cargo pocket over that pocket the notebook smoothed out the lines of the gun and made an easy draw from the slash pockets.
in jeans, I have used the iron on knee patches to wrap around the pocket and make it a thick canvas pocket that wears like iron and smooths out the lines of the gun. DR

 

[Koda]

in jeans, I have used the iron on knee patches to wrap around the pocket and make it a thick canvas pocket that wears like iron and smooths out the lines of the gun. DR

Thats actually a really good idea....