Which side do you carry?

[luvmyyorkie]

I've decided to make the plunge on an R9s and have talked with Tom a few weeks ago.  

I'm clueless as to which side to carry the R9 in/on, when using a pocket holster?  I've not done that before (carry using a pocket holster -- I have been clueless lots!).

I mostly carry a 1911 (one of 3 iterations-CCO, Comm., Gov't) using a In the Waist Band holster and occasionally an Out of the Waist Band holster.

So, for those of you who use the R9 as a back up pistol, assuming you have your other pistol on some sort of belted holster (or shoulder holster), and that you use a strong side carry for your primary weapon--do you put the R9 in your pocket on your weak side or keep 'em both on the strong side?

Thanks,
mike

[yankee2500]

Mike,
   I rarely carry two but on the occasion I do, both on the strong side. The pocket carried gun can be quicker to bring to ready in a situation were you are aware of the threat and don't want to give away the fact you are armed. I frequently walk with my hand on the pup in my pocket when in unfamiliar surroundings.

[jarcher]

Well my BUG is strong side belt holster ;-) I detest pocket carry.

If your primary is in a belt holster maybe you want an ankle rig.

[Douglas]

Depends on what circumstance you see yourself primarily "backing up" against. That will influence where you position your back up.

[Richard S]

First of all, if I have not previously welcomed you to the Forum I do so now.

I carry my R9 in the right (strong side) front pocket. When carrying a second handgun as primary, it will usually be IWB at "4:00 o'clock" or, when riding in a vehicle, in cross-draw position.

[Reinz]

Welcome to the forum from me as well.

A fellow forum member convinced me; sorry I do not remember who it was, Brendon, or Chamleon maybe ?, when carrying two to have access with either hand.    Thus, I carry one on each side.  It just makes sense.  You never know which hand(s) will be occupied during the initial start up of the conflict.

[kjtrains]

I've decided to make the plunge on an R9s and have talked with Tom a few weeks ago.  

I'm clueless as to which side to carry the R9 in/on, when using a pocket holster?  I've not done that before (carry using a pocket holster -- I have been clueless lots!).

I mostly carry a 1911 (one of 3 iterations-CCO, Comm., Gov't) using a In the Waist Band holster and occasionally an Out of the Waist Band holster.

So, for those of you who use the R9 as a back up pistol, assuming you have your other pistol on some sort of belted holster (or shoulder holster), and that you use a strong side carry for your primary weapon--do you put the R9 in your pocket on your weak side or keep 'em both on the strong side?

Thanks,
mike

Mike.  Mine is carried in the right front pocket and I never carry two; however, should I do so, it would be one in each front pocket; I, then, would have to find a place for the car keys and the Kershaw knife which could be a coat pocket, if in the fall or winter; can shoot with either hand, so the left front pocket wouldn't be a problem.

I do have a cross-draw holster for vehicle carry, however, seldom use it; something I should consider doing more.

[Aglifter]

On the rare occasions I only carry one gun (mostly in my hometown of BFE, TX), I carry the pup strongside.  

If I'm carrying my normal 3, then on the weak side.  

[luvmyyorkie]

Thanks to one and all for the insights from your experiences and for the warm welcome!

And I appreciate any additional thoughts that you may have.  

As for my purpose and use, I can only foresee the unusual event when force is needed and either my belt carry pistol either fails to function or I am not able to access it for some reason.  I am not a LEO, simply a private citizen who, together with my wife, has Concealed Carry permits (Texas resident & Utah non-resident).  

After reading some posts on this forum, and talking with the 1911 "smith" I prefer (& btw-he happens to be a big R9 fan! :-) and am blessed to have encountered, I expect that an R9 will work its way rather quickly into rotation for both my wife and me as we purchase and gain proficiency with them -- and quite possibly for us, becoming the primary and only "carry" pistols.  It seems to be an almost, "too good to be true," concealed carry pistol, but happily--only, "almost." ;-)

kindly
mike

p.s. I am also intrigued by the occasional practice in a potential threat scenario of placing one's hand into a pocket and gripping the pistol (obviously steering clear of the trigger guard and trigger!).  What a sense of comfort that must provide from time to time (and a blessing not having to face fumbling with a coat, over shirt, shirt tail, or vest to gain the weapon and clear the holster!  Especially for some like me who may be less flexible and quite a bit slower than in earlier years).  

[backupr9]

Mike, I'm sure you know to use a pocket holster to protect the trigger and trigger guard, AND TO PLACE NOTHING ELSE IN THAT POCKET!

KH:  If you aren't using the cross draw holster in your vehicle, use my trick:  I simply put the R9 in its pocket carry holster in the door side pocket of my SUV, replacing it in my pocket if I leave the car.  Disadvantage...it's not on my person in a wreck or emergency bail-out, but access is fast and if you are "jacked" and ordered to leave your car, it falls naturally to the right hand as you turn to open the door.

[kjtrains]

Mike, I'm sure you know to use a pocket holster to protect the trigger and trigger guard, AND TO PLACE NOTHING ELSE IN THAT POCKET!

KH:  If you aren't using the cross draw holster in your vehicle, use my trick:  I simply put the R9 in its pocket carry holster in the door side pocket of my SUV, replacing it in my pocket if I leave the car.  Disadvantage...it's not on my person in a wreck or emergency bail-out, but access is fast and if you are "jacked" and ordered to leave your car, it falls naturally to the right hand as you turn to open the door.

backup.  Who is KH?      Good suggestion on the door pocket.    

[backupr9]

Sorry...meant KJ (typing skills have deteriorated with age!).

[luvmyyorkie]

Thanks for more super help.  Actually, I hadn't given any thought to keeping stuff out of my pocket--if I were to carry a pocket holster and pistol.  I suppose had I not read this tip, I would just see what else would fit in my pocket.  And that's not a good idea at all--I can see how pulling out the pistol and bringing a cell phone to bear along with it just won't do!

gratefully,
mike

[backupr9]

Mike, you're right...cell phones have no immediate protective value  
Another consideration is that the pen knife or whatever can get caught in the trigger guard, allowing the gun to fire as you try to remove it from the pocket.  A good pocket holster adds protection, but the inviolate rule is still to have nothing else in the pocket.

[bamboobob]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for great phone call and recommendation today.

I thought I would bump this up and share a small part of call here:
 
....        I agree, I think strong side is best when another gun on hip is under heavy closed coat .

Also, try different ways, you will know what is best for you in each situation:   place, clothes, weather, pup only (or as we here call it "Karl Jr.").

Bob