Top 7 Rules of Pocket Carry

Over the past decade, the popularity of “pocket guns” has exploded and it’s safe to say that more people are carrying guns in their pocket (instead of on their hip) than ever before. I count myself among this group of people, as you’ll frequently find me with a Ruger LCP in my front, right pocket.

Like every carry method, there are certain rules you should follow if you decide to pocket carry. Violating these rules can obviously cause injury to yourself or someone else. For instance, here’s an incident reported by a Florida newspaper… 

“According to a police affidavit, Thompson told them he was at dinner with his wife Saturday night when he reached into his pocket for money and a car valet ticket. His Glock 9mm handgun was also in his pocket, and it went off accidentally. The affidavit says the bullet hit the base of a table and burst into fragments, injuring several people nearby but none seriously.”

And, that brings us to rule #1…

1. If you are going to pocket carry, never, ever have anything else in that pocket with the gun. Your car keys, money, and everything else needs to be in another pocket. This is a gun pocket ONLY.

2. Your pocket gun should always be in a pocket holster and the holster needs to cover the trigger guard. In the incident mentioned above, if the gentleman would’ve had his gun in a holster there is no reason he would have “accidentally” pulled the trigger. (I use a simple kydex holster for my Ruger LCP.)

3. Don’t put your hand in your gun pocket unless you are in fear for your life or serious bodily injury. In other words, don’t be “that guy” who makes it so obvious he is carrying concealed because he’s always reaching in his pocket to make sure the gun is okay and wanting to touch it.

4. Practice your pocket draw. Obviously, drawing from your hip and drawing from your pocket are completely different. Spend some time doing dry fire practice to ensure you develop a smooth draw from your pocket so you’re prepared if you ever have to do it when it counts.

5. If you’re going to pocket carry, carry the “best” option you can. What I mean is, I wouldn’t stick a two-shot derringer in your pocket or a .22. I’d give yourself the best pocket option, such as a .380 or .38 Special or 9mm depending on how big of pockets you have.

6.  Make sure you are wearing the right type of pants. If your pants are so tight they produce a perfect outline of the gun in your pocket then you need to buy different pants. Never forgot the key word in concealed carry is “concealed”.

7. Have “muzzle awareness” when pocket carrying. When you go to a restaurant with your family and you sit down at the booth do you really want to point your loaded gun at them? Well, that’s what you’ll be doing if you don’t sit in the proper seat and pay attention to your muzzle when you sit down pocket carrying.

Keep these rules in mind so you never have an incident when carrying concealed with your gun in your pocket.