DeSantis Pocket Shot Holster - Range Report

[kwesi]

The Pocket Shot arrived yesterday and as I mentioned in the prior thread the R9S fits with no apparent issues.  I'll try to take some photo's later.

Test firing:

Federal 115gr FMJ
3 yards
Indoor range

The muzzle of the R9S does jump up slightly out of the holster with the first shot.  I suppose that is no surprise given this holster targets the .32 and .380.  I don't believe this would be significant being used in a close quarters situation.

What did surprise me was the accuracy, or the lack thereof, of the rounds POI significantly higher.  I was aiming center mass and the rounds were hitting in the range of the throat to head.  I never had this issue in the past at even longer distances when holding the pup in my hands.  My buddy gave it a try and he had the same issues until he really intentionally squeezed hard on the holster (wallet).

Our conclusions are that the POI jumping was due to not having the grip in our hands.  Holding the end of the wallet, even with the middle finger support hole, does not provide the same stable platform.  However all rounds were still hitting the target significantly.

I'm going to have to practice drawing it from my jeans before I decide if I will carry the pup in this holster.  I also think the Stealth model would have the added advantage of the slide color blending in to the black wallet color.

If one was to carry in the Pocket Shot I suspect the softening of the leather may provide more of a grip on the R9S.

I would love to hear any feedback from others that have used this setup!

[backupr9]

The "wallet holsters" have been around awhile.  My problem with this type of holster is that its use is pretty much limited to an event where you are forced to reach for your wallet during a robbery.  Most of the time in this situation, I would prefer to sacrifice the wallet, watch etc. than take a chance on completely disabling with one or two shots an armed assailant who is standing practically beside me (reserving my presentation of a weapon for the situation where I feel my life is at risk rather than my money).

Any other situation at a somewhat greater distance (a function of situational awareness) would make the inaccuracy and clumbsiness of the pocket shot a danger to you.  Might work if used as a backup for that situation only, but with another holstered weapon on your person.

Just sayin'         John

[kwesi]

backupr9: the jury is still out whether I'll carry in it.  I agree about it being a good backup holster & your accuracy comment.

Aren't you also making a big assumption that the bad guy ONLY wants your wallet & watch?

[yankee2500]

The one I had (and sold) was made for the R9 and there was no play or movement of the gun when shooting, it was actually a bit of work to install and remove the gun from the holster.
  Best of luck on your decision.

[backupr9]

backupr9: the jury is still out whether I'll carry in it.  I agree about it being a good backup holster & your accuracy comment.

Aren't you also making a big assumption that the bad guy ONLY wants your wallet & watch?

That is part of the situational awareness comment.  If he clearly means harm, I would rather pull my primary weapon from a quickly available position well before the perp got close enough to do me harm if a weapon is displayed.  Once he is close, your best option in response to an armed (gun or knife) person who basically has the drop on you is to submit unless it is clear that is no option.  It is very difficult to shoot a human, even with multiple hits and actually put him on the ground before a response with his weapon occurs, even with the advantage of surprise.  I've seen this.  The simple fact of pulling your R9 and shooting him may not, in fact, end the fight and may actually precipitate a response fatal to you with a larger, better aimed and more readily available weapon.  If he wants your wallet and you pull this, you are committed.  If you have your weapon IWB/concealed, you maintain the advantage of options while presenting a real wallet.  If you present your real wallet and then try to pull an unhandy, inaccurate and slow "2nd wallet" you have lost your advantage.  Just my opinion.
John
ps:  the best option is to stay alert and avoid situations that hold risk.