Heather M. and her husband often go to the movies for a date night.
One evening, they were at a movie theater in the Central Mall in Salina, Kansas.
The theater was full for the Friday night showing, and as the film started, the moviegoers heard a loud pop.
“At first what popped into my mind was that someone popped a bag of candy or something and was goofing off or something,” said Heather.
But then a man started shouting “I just shot myself.”
It turns out a man in the theater had recently obtained his concealed carry permit and had his handgun in his pocket.
As soon as the man said he was shot, multiple people called 911 for help.
Thankfully, no one else was injured.
“I feel absolutely terrible for the gentleman who shot himself, but the first thing I thought of was thank God he didn’t shoot anybody else,” said Heather.
Police responded to the movie theater but didn’t evacuate it.
The scene was treated as an isolated medical emergency.
I write frequently that I’m a big fan of pocket carry, because it’s an easy way to conceal carry without anyone noticing.
And I like to carry my Sig Sauer P365 in my pocket.
However, if you are going to carry a pistol in your pocket you must do it safely and with a quality holster.
So, here are a few things to look for in a pocket holster.
Trigger protection:
The most important feature of a quality pocket holster is how it protects the trigger from being accidently engaged.
This is critical when it comes to pocket carry since you might have loose change, keys, or other items in the pocket as well. (Even though I would recommend not carrying anything else in your pocket with your gun.)
Avoid pocket holsters that are flimsy or don’t have a strong trigger guard.
You must ensure nothing can manipulate the trigger until the gun is removed from the holster.
Stays in the pocket:
A quality pocket holster will stay in your pocket when you draw the gun.
This is why you want to find a holster with a stickier exterior, something like a rubberized or suede outer shell.
In addition, choose a holster with edges or wings that catch in the pocket lining when you draw your gun.
Also, make sure the holster conceals the shape of the pistol.
You don’t want it to print through the pants so everyone can see you are carrying a gun.
A holster with squared-off edges does a good job of hiding the fact you’re carrying a gun.
Specific gun:
When it comes to pistol holsters there are loads of “universal” options.
But I don’t like universal holsters because they are designed for many different guns.
Which means they won’t be as tight of a fit as a holster built for your exact gun.
For that reason, you should get a pocket holster that is model-specific.
Holsters that are loose-fitting or even too tight can create unsafe situations.
Now, if you are looking for a pocket holster one option to look at is the Vedder Pocket Locker.
It’s a simple Kydex holster with a retention hook and sells for about $50.
Another option is the Safariland Model 25.
It has a rigid lining and suede exterior and sells for about $50.
A third holster is the Milt Sparks Manta Ray.
It’s a cowhide holster that keeps the pistol secure. It’s a more expensive option and sells for $115 but is worth the cost.
I like pocket carry and if you have never tried it before, it’s something to think about doing.
Just make sure safety is your number one priority and use a strong holster.
