Like the rest of DeSantis’ Pocket Shot holsters, their latest Ruger .380 compatible model is “illegal in California.” The Del boys link to a letter from the ATF as to why this rig is A-OK. And this writer reckons the government has as much business regulating holsters as Mor Biton has shopping at Kohl’s. But you can certainly see the “challenge.” A holster that doesn’t cover the trigger? Well .  . . why not? As the holster mavens’ presser points out “there’s no need to ‘draw,’ as . . . The Pocket Shotâ„¢ allows you to fire without physically removing your gun from the holster!” Good idea! Especially for those of us in colder climes who carry outside-the-waistband, necessitating a three layer extraction technique. And it’s way better than a loose pistol in a jacket pocket. Still, a word to the wise: don’t put ANYTHING else in that pocket. Ever. Forty bucks and 3-4 weeks delivery.

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36 COMMENTS

  1. You’ll get 1 shot from the pocket with a semi and then you’ll have to clear a jam. Pray that 1 shot is all you need.

    If you’re going to pocket carry with the expectation that you’ll actually fire from the pocket this is where a j frame snubbie is clearly the winner.

    • +1 Snubbys are better suited for pocket carry. Less likely to jam due to lack of cleaning out pocket lint, can shoot through outer coat pockets without jams, profile design is less likely to get caught in pants pocket during draw

    • Have you ever even pulled an LCP trigger? It’s like 10+ lbs and loooooong.

      The only way that trigger is going to go off in a pocket as it is would be somebody trying intentionally to do so. I can *barely* squeeze all the way back through jeans and it’s much more than 10lbs force through denim to make that happen.

      I’m not necessarily sold on the idea of this holster, but it’s no “negligent discharge waiting to happen” as you describe.

      • LCP has a heavy and long trigger pull. So what? If the trigger can be manipulated by outside objects it can be tripped.

        Quarter, pen, knife, or any other object could easily trip the trigger as you move around unaware.

        • I disagree. While I agree that an ND could happen (as with any gun) it being one where you don’t know you are pulling the trigger is very unlikely. A pull on an LCP is nothing if not a committed action.

          Secondly, why are you putting a knife or a pen or any other object into he pocket you specifically have this type of holster in?

          Didn’t you buy this holster for its ease of firing and obviously are a person who is aware that getting the gun out fast is imperative (I mean you did buy the one without a trigger guard for that reason right? Ease of firing in a quick action scenario?) and having nothing blocking its exit from its holster, or in this case, pocket is just plain sense?

          Or… or we can just paint everyone with the same brush.

  3. North American Arms mini-revolver and the wallet holster NAA used to sell for the gun, as an accessory. Or the wallet holster Galco used to make for the Beretta model 21 pistol. ATF seems to be thinking that the grip has disappeared, and thus is an AOW. How is this any different and how long before the ATF says “Your in possession of at AOW and go to jail for 10 years and fine you $100,000

    • It’s a wallet holster, intended to replace your wallet in a back packet – and of course, should be the only thing in your pocket. The idea is you look like you’re getting your wallet, but come up with a firearm.

      Unlike a front pocket where you can hook part of the holster on the pocket when drawing, removing a firearm from the back pocket is more of a straight up movement. I suppose a pocket holster could have a hook oriented with the top of the pistol for an up and outwards draw, but I’ve never seen one.

      This seems like an ideal backup gun carry and at-home carry method; something you can put in your pocket and carry all day, with very quick access. Obviously, your normal carry piece would be your weapon of choice. Provided you have it with you and are in a situation where it can be drawn.

      • The situation that is happening is someone has to put the holster on the gun the first time thus manufacturing a NFA weapon. The registration tax for manufacturing is $200. Once the weapon is registered with the BATF then the transfer is $5.00 as an AOW. IF the holster has never been registered with a firearm or has been removed from the firearm and updated on the NFA registry then it is exempt from the transfer tax. I know BONEHEADED.

    • You seem to be right. The manufacturer might be counting on it not quite being a “holster” (it doesn’t cover any part of the barrel or slide). It’s not a holster in any real sense of the word; it’s more of a “gun profile modification… thingy” or a “grip wrap with funky extended trigger guard.” All that said, it DOES look like a IGOTD waiting to happen and I definitely don’t need one.

      • I was wrong about it being “clear”
        It’s confusing language for sure. If its sold by itself it is exempt from the 200$ tax.

  9. The good news is that the harsh recoil is softened. The bad news is that now your accurate range is reduced to 2 feet, not including the length of your arm. I use a nice pocket holster from Meco for my LCP.

  12. A “holster” that does not cover the trigger is NOT a holster! It’s a dangerous liability!

    Hope to never meet a moron who’d buy this junk. DeSantis will never get any of my business if they continue to peddle dangerous “holster” designs.

  13. I keep a P3AT in one of these (made by another outfit, mine is cowhide).

    It is fantastic. Keep it in your right back pocket if you’re right-handed. Tell the bad guy you’re getting your wallet, then take it out and pump some .380+p into him. He’ll be so confused by what the hell just happened that he won’t react until he’s 2 or 3 rounds heavier.

    The exposed trigger is not an issue, by the way, unless you wear silk trousers, or sit on screwdrivers. I’m guessing that most people here don’t fit into that category.

    Then again, if you do… perhaps this isn’t for you?

    • pump some .380+p into him.

      If I was a BG and you shot me with three rounds of .380 and I found out about it, I’d be really pissed off. 🙂

  15. I do not care much for the design. I am amazed that those bastards at the ATF would have the nerve to restrict something so simple. It only makes me hate them more.

    If I was given a choice that said I could magically get rid of the ATF or Gangs. I would rather get rid of the ATF. The ATF is the greater of evil.

  16. Maybe just me, but this looks like a really stupid product. Shouldn’t a holster actually cover the trigger guard?

    Besides, if I’m going to risk carrying with the trigger exposed, I might as well ditch the dumb holster and gangsta carry my Springfield XDm. Just as (un)safe to carry, and it’s a bigger, better gun to boot.

    • LCP has a really long pull on it though. I mean really long. It feels like using a chalk gun long. Seriously. It is nothing like our XDm’s.

  17. I am not familiar with any pocket pistols but looking at this, can leaving the slide open like that force it out of battery?

    I mean, from some comments I read already this is intended to go in your back pocket. I dont know about anyone else but I have a hard time sitting still. I could see minor manipulation of the slide and then maybe part of your pocket getting stuck in it.

    Though I am armchair quarterbacking this one, its a bad idea.

  18. Wow, fast forward 5+ years and the previous posters look silly! This holster is great. This has been the number 1 selling holster for the LCP since 2014.

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