Front Pocket Holsters - Front Versus Rear Models

If you have spent any time on this site, you probably realize that I'm a big fan of pocket holsters. I like them for a number of reasons that I'll get into in another article.

The focus of this article is to address the differences and pros and cons of a front pocket model and a rear pocket model. First, let's take a second to cover the basics of these two designs:

Front	Rear

Front Pocket - Front pocket holsters today are generally made of leather, kydex, or ballistic nylon. They are design to fit in front pocket of most trousers or pants. Most offer some type of design that helps break up the outline of the weapon in the pocket. A number of models feature some kind of release device that the wearer activates when the weapon is drawn. There are a number of release mechanisms on the market today including a hook, thumb push, or friction that removes the weapon from the holster as it's drawn.

Pros

• Are now being made to fit a fair number of small pocket pistols
• Allows for quick access when standing, and is a little slower when seated
• Provides a concealment option in situations when more typical CCW is not possibly

Cons

• Requires some form of release during draw to separate the holster from the weapon
• Takes up an entire pocket so nothing else can be carried in that space

Rear or Back Pocket - These holsters are generally made of leather and are specifically designed to be worn in the rear or back pocket. From a material standpoint, kydex is a little too rigid, while nylon really isn't rigid enough for a rear pocket application. Nearly all this style of holsters feature a wallet shaped background that is designed to look like a wallet in the back pocket. Note that some manufacturers use to produce wallet holsters that had an integrated trigger finger hole so the weapon would be accessed and fired without ever drawing it from the holster. These styles have been outlawed by the BATF so I wouldn't recommend considering one of those. 

Pros

• Depending on the weapon choice, it can allow for very deep concealment (think Kel-Tec P3AT or Ruger LCP) 
• Relatively easy to draw while standing

Cons

• Pocket size as compared to a front pocket eliminates a number of possible handgun options due to size
• Impossible to draw when seated
• Uncomfortable when seated
• Depending on the design, you could sweep your body with the muzzle during a draw

Recommendation - Between the two options, I am a huge fan of front pocket carry. No matter what the need, situation, or dress code; I can almost always count on front pocket carry as a possible option. The pocket sized weapons produced today are now more than capable of providing an excellent self defense package. Front pocket allows for a much quicker draw and presentation compared to back pocket.

Give me a decent pocket pistol and a nice front pocket holster and I'm set.