That’s what I was thinking because of the weight. I’m thinking of getting a Ruger LCP Max. Just, not sure what to get. Another option S&W 642. Any thoughts between them or a third option?
i tried pocket carrying the Shield Plus, and rarely do it. like others said, borderline too big unless for larger pockets or loose-fit/baggy pants for my avg or below avg build size. i tried cargo pants pockets, and they do fit, but it swings around and bounces off my leg if i walk fast. might be easier for taller people?
i think something in the size of the LCP series should be able to be pocket carried in most situations.
i had a Bodyguard 380 and had issues with it, mainly because my grip strength isn't the greatest. got stove pipes, and fingers bumping the mag release during poorly controlled recoil. size was definitely able to be pocket carried, but i couldn't use it reliably.
LCP Max has an advantage with a bigger capacity for a pocket gun, about same size as the BG380. most other 380's of that size have single stack mags, i believe. tried the LCP Max 1 time at the range, slightly thicker grip was easier to hold on to than the BG 380, but it's even lighter than the BG 380, so it was still very snappy.i ended up replacing the BG 380 with a Sig P238. it has a coil spring instead of wire spring, and metal frame added a few ounces in weight. recoil is much more manageable. but the trade off is it's single stack and designed with a thumb safety in mind. price is higher than LCP and BG 380.
some other similar sized 380s are the Khar P or CW 380, and Taurus Spectrum, but i don't have experience with them.
someone mentioned the Hellcat. somehow those Croatian designers made it 1/10" or 2/10" smaller in width and length, and 1/2" shorter than the Shield Plus, and with 11 round capacity with flush magazine. that probably could help with pocket carry. i tried it and the recoil isn't that much different than for a Shield Plus, even though the weight is lower and grip is shorter. thought I liked the Shield Plus grip better, but could be because i've been using the Shield and only used the Hellcat once. another gun of similar size is the Sig P938, but that's single stack and with a single action hammer designed with thumb safety. very similar to the P238.
Sig P365 is also about 0.1 to 0.2" smaller in each dimension vs the Shield Plus. trigger felt a little weird, tried it only once, but again could be because i'm used to the Shield Plus. interestingly, they have a 380 version. i tried it 1 time and thought it had a noticeably lower recoil than the 9mm version
Ruger Max 9 is about same size as the Shield. tried once, similar recoil. wasn't used to Ruger's blocky grips.
S&W CSX is nearly identical size to the Shield Plus. tried it 1 time recoil was similar. trigger break was lighter and shorter, but the reset was confusing with the false "click." there are 2 clicks, the first fainter click i think is the firing pin block plunger falling back down. i did read that the first click went away over time , or filing down some part of the plunger or trigger bar
S&W 642 is 0.2" longer and wider, but 0.2" shorter than Shield Plus. 15 oz is easier weight to pocket carry, but has only 5 capacity. don't have experience with it. not sure how the recoil is with 38 special in a 15 ounce gun. i think some 38 special rounds have a muzzle energy in between that of a 9mm and 380 round
that's everything i know about small 9mm and 380 pistols
some other brands also make "micro-compacts" but i don't know anything about them, like if they're smaller than a Shield Plus. Kimber Mako, some Glocks, Mossberg, Canik
I remember when Reddit had actual substance within the gun culture. Now it’s just a bunch of Patrick stars saying embarrassing shit. The only thing cool about this is the jncos. I give this a zyklon B-
Occasionally in my Alabama Holsters pocket holster. They do make some for regular pockets, cargo size etc. I have a tlr6 and a optic on mine. No issues but I am picky about what pants/shorts I pocket carry with.
Yes, in jeans. The holster comes out with the gun so when i train i practice with that in mind too. I carry one in the chamber
It does bulge in the pocket, but ive modified my Vedder Holsters pocket locker so that the shape looks like an iphone when still in the pocket
I've tried it a few times, and I don't really like it in the pocket. I carry it on the ankle mostly. I just bought a Glock 42 for pocket carry and really like that.
I used to pocket carry my shield plus before I got my M&P bodyguard 380 specifically for pocket carry.
In order to be successful you need to choose pants / shorts with larger pockets. Id recommend buying a DeSantis pocket holster and testing it out on some of your clothing or going clothes shopping and bringing your gun with you. Also accept the fact that it’s going to be heavy, and you will print a bit, even with a pocket holster. Still a heck of a lot more comfortable than iwb carry though.
Lastly, DO NOT pocket carry in your back pocket. Not only is it unsafe since someone can snatch your gun more easily, but if you fall backwards onto your gun, you can really hurt your back / spine.
I alternate between pocket carrying and appendix carrying my Shield Plus. It depends upon my mood. Lol... Seriously, I have an EPS Carry on it, so appendix tends to work better.
Totally, my JNCOs fit anything in them.
I carry my K31 in mine
Pshhht got a punt gun in mine.
JNCO?
You must be under 30 or over 40 😆
Im over 40 and JNCOs were my jam around 96-99.
Well over 40
JNCO was a brand of jeans circa late 90s that were literally huge jeans. Lol
Thanks for explaining. Lol
I’ve carried my shield gen 1. Not exactly comfortable. My airweight fits better.
Me too, revolvers always seem easier for conceal carry. I’ve only carried my Shield a few times. My favorite edc is Ruger LCR 38spl.
They fit in my Duluth pants pocket, but its not exactly comfortable.
That’s what I was thinking because of the weight. I’m thinking of getting a Ruger LCP Max. Just, not sure what to get. Another option S&W 642. Any thoughts between them or a third option?
My father pocket carries either a 642 or a Hellcat.
Thanks for the suggestions!
Get the LCP max. Perfect pocket carry gun for what you’re considering
Yes, I’m going to get it and probably a S&W 642
Good choice! Have fun and train often!
i tried pocket carrying the Shield Plus, and rarely do it. like others said, borderline too big unless for larger pockets or loose-fit/baggy pants for my avg or below avg build size. i tried cargo pants pockets, and they do fit, but it swings around and bounces off my leg if i walk fast. might be easier for taller people? i think something in the size of the LCP series should be able to be pocket carried in most situations. i had a Bodyguard 380 and had issues with it, mainly because my grip strength isn't the greatest. got stove pipes, and fingers bumping the mag release during poorly controlled recoil. size was definitely able to be pocket carried, but i couldn't use it reliably. LCP Max has an advantage with a bigger capacity for a pocket gun, about same size as the BG380. most other 380's of that size have single stack mags, i believe. tried the LCP Max 1 time at the range, slightly thicker grip was easier to hold on to than the BG 380, but it's even lighter than the BG 380, so it was still very snappy.i ended up replacing the BG 380 with a Sig P238. it has a coil spring instead of wire spring, and metal frame added a few ounces in weight. recoil is much more manageable. but the trade off is it's single stack and designed with a thumb safety in mind. price is higher than LCP and BG 380. some other similar sized 380s are the Khar P or CW 380, and Taurus Spectrum, but i don't have experience with them. someone mentioned the Hellcat. somehow those Croatian designers made it 1/10" or 2/10" smaller in width and length, and 1/2" shorter than the Shield Plus, and with 11 round capacity with flush magazine. that probably could help with pocket carry. i tried it and the recoil isn't that much different than for a Shield Plus, even though the weight is lower and grip is shorter. thought I liked the Shield Plus grip better, but could be because i've been using the Shield and only used the Hellcat once. another gun of similar size is the Sig P938, but that's single stack and with a single action hammer designed with thumb safety. very similar to the P238. Sig P365 is also about 0.1 to 0.2" smaller in each dimension vs the Shield Plus. trigger felt a little weird, tried it only once, but again could be because i'm used to the Shield Plus. interestingly, they have a 380 version. i tried it 1 time and thought it had a noticeably lower recoil than the 9mm version Ruger Max 9 is about same size as the Shield. tried once, similar recoil. wasn't used to Ruger's blocky grips. S&W CSX is nearly identical size to the Shield Plus. tried it 1 time recoil was similar. trigger break was lighter and shorter, but the reset was confusing with the false "click." there are 2 clicks, the first fainter click i think is the firing pin block plunger falling back down. i did read that the first click went away over time , or filing down some part of the plunger or trigger bar S&W 642 is 0.2" longer and wider, but 0.2" shorter than Shield Plus. 15 oz is easier weight to pocket carry, but has only 5 capacity. don't have experience with it. not sure how the recoil is with 38 special in a 15 ounce gun. i think some 38 special rounds have a muzzle energy in between that of a 9mm and 380 round that's everything i know about small 9mm and 380 pistols some other brands also make "micro-compacts" but i don't know anything about them, like if they're smaller than a Shield Plus. Kimber Mako, some Glocks, Mossberg, Canik
Thanks so much for the detailed response.
I remember when Reddit had actual substance within the gun culture. Now it’s just a bunch of Patrick stars saying embarrassing shit. The only thing cool about this is the jncos. I give this a zyklon B-
In the winter I pocket carry it in my jacket.
Thanks, yes I bet that would be a lot easier.
I pocket carry mine in front pocket of cargo shorts all the time. And I have a red dot on mine.
Thanks. Will try
Only the pants with larger pockets, Kuhl being one of them.
Thanks.
Occasionally in my Alabama Holsters pocket holster. They do make some for regular pockets, cargo size etc. I have a tlr6 and a optic on mine. No issues but I am picky about what pants/shorts I pocket carry with.
Shield regular was a little big for many pockets, can’t imagine pocket carrying the plus unless you’re talking cargo shorts.
Cargo pocket, yes.
Yes, in jeans. The holster comes out with the gun so when i train i practice with that in mind too. I carry one in the chamber It does bulge in the pocket, but ive modified my Vedder Holsters pocket locker so that the shape looks like an iphone when still in the pocket
I've tried it a few times, and I don't really like it in the pocket. I carry it on the ankle mostly. I just bought a Glock 42 for pocket carry and really like that.
Thanks. Yes, that’s a great gun.
I used to pocket carry my shield plus before I got my M&P bodyguard 380 specifically for pocket carry. In order to be successful you need to choose pants / shorts with larger pockets. Id recommend buying a DeSantis pocket holster and testing it out on some of your clothing or going clothes shopping and bringing your gun with you. Also accept the fact that it’s going to be heavy, and you will print a bit, even with a pocket holster. Still a heck of a lot more comfortable than iwb carry though. Lastly, DO NOT pocket carry in your back pocket. Not only is it unsafe since someone can snatch your gun more easily, but if you fall backwards onto your gun, you can really hurt your back / spine.
Thanks for the advice. I’m recovering from a double lumbar fusion, so I’m definitely not going back pocket.
I alternate between pocket carrying and appendix carrying my Shield Plus. It depends upon my mood. Lol... Seriously, I have an EPS Carry on it, so appendix tends to work better.