Pocket carry might not be the best option for carrying a concealed handgun, but sometimes it’s your only option. In those instances, you need a quality holster to protect the trigger as it rattles around inside your pocket. It’s important to keep the gun in a holster to protect the trigger from being pulled when it’s not supposed to be pulled.
With a plethora of options available on the market, it can be challenging to determine which one fits your needs the best. Here are five great pocket holsters for subcompact semi-auto pistols and their manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP).
Desantis Nemesis Pocket Holster
The Desantis Nemesis Pocket Holster is popular among concealed carriers for its quality construction and reliable performance. Made from a friction exterior material that helps keep the holster in place during draws, the Nemesis ensures a smooth and quick presentation of your firearm when needed. Its slick pack cloth lining ensures a low-friction draw while protecting the gun’s finish. The Nemesis is available in various sizes to accommodate a wide range of subcompact semi-auto pistols. MSRP: $30.99.
Sticky Holsters MD-1
The Sticky Holsters MD-1 is not exactly “sticky” in the adhesive sense, but because of the friction texture on the outside that (in theory) makes it stick to the inside of your pocket as you draw the gun. Constructed from a unique, low-profile material with a rubberized exterior, the clipless MD-1 offers a secure fit in your pocket while providing a smooth draw for your firearm. The holster’s ambidextrous design allows for use with either hand, making it suitable for left- and right-handed shooters. It’s simple yet effective design makes it a favorite among those seeking a minimalist pocket carry solution. MSRP: $30.95.
Blackhawk TecGrip Pocket Holster
The Blackhawk TecGrip Pocket Holster combines affordability with performance, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious shooters. Constructed from a proprietary material, the TecGrip holster holds your firearm in place while allowing for a smooth draw. The holster’s ambidextrous design and non-slip outer layer make it suitable for use in the front or back pocket, providing versatility and convenience for everyday carry. Additionally, the TecGrip’s lightweight, low-profile design reduces pocket printing for discreet carry. MSRP: $19.95.
Galco Stukon-U Pocket Holster
As a fan of the dad joke, this one gave me a giggle. Kudos to Galco’s marketing department. As for the holster, the proprietary Gripper Shell exterior helps the holster grab the inside of the pocket, while the closed-cell foam substrate gives the holster shape and sturdiness. The ambidextrous design allows the shooter to put the holster in either pocket and draw from either side. The holster is padded with layered closed-cell foam/420 denier packcloth for comfort. MSRP: $34.
Vedder Pocket Locker
The only Kydex holster of the bunch, the Vedder Pocket Locker provides a secure fit for your subcompact semi-auto pistol while offering a smooth and quick draw stroke. The holster’s adjustable retention screw allows you to customize the fit to your preference, ensuring a secure hold on your firearm at all times. Additionally, a thumb-break-style tab secures the gun inside the holster while allowing a quick pull with a flick of the thumb. The curved pocket hook helps reduce printing while helping keep the holster inside the pocket on the draw. MSRP: $49.99.
Parting Shot
While pocket carry may not be the best method for concealed carry (try accessing your gun quickly while sitting down), at least put the gun in a holster. Any of these is a good choice for covering the trigger and preventing a negligent discharge.
