By Chip Lohman

Mika's holster designs include round or square contours for proper fit in any pocket, and a material that avoids having to push-off during the draw. Photo by Peter Fountain, NRA. Wire Editor made extensive use of a Mika Pocket Holster as a sheriff's deputy -- shown here with Ruger SP101 wearing Crimson Trace Lasergrip. A pocket holster for handcuffs and Mika's Pocket Mirror were also constant carry for Grassi while on the job.

Robert Mika practiced survival skills every day during 20 years with the LAPD. Says Mika: The story behind this holster was my discontent with the availability of a pocket holster that fit my needs. I carried my backup gun--a .38 J-frame, in my left, front pocket and constantly thought about tactics, 24 hours a day. I practiced all the time, taking the gun out of my pocket under different scenarios. Half of the time the damn holster came out with the gun! With lessons learned during takedowns, chases through "the projects" or insights from a senior partner, Mika began experimenting with holsters that worked better than the ones they were buying in town. Now retired from the force, Mika shared a critical piece of advice he received early in his career from an officer who had survived being shot in the line of duty. "Mika" he said, "people don't realize that a gunshot hurts like hell. You can forget trying to think your way through a complex draw. At that point, your life depends on your training and your equipment." Mika took the advice to heart as he sought a holster design that wouldn't stick to the gun, avoided having to "push of", and continued to perform after break-in. I tried god knows how many different pocket holsters, but a lot of them failed when I practiced under simulated stress. Mind you, I'm not knocking all those other guys like myself who make holsters. It was just that I could not find anything that would meet my requirements. So, after a period of trial and error, I came up with the design and material combination that are now featured in my products. Once Mika sorted things out, be began sharing his solutions with other policemen. As the popularity of his design grew, he was encouraged to give samples to retail stores "just to try it out." Thirty years later, Mika's field-proven equipment is in high demand among those in search of a "no-gimmick solution." Mika's parting advice: A pocket holster is instinctive and doesn't give off an alert. Simplicity is key, but operational function is an absolute must. I don't want someone who is about to have their ticket punched to have to think; Step one, put hand in pocket; Step two, grab gun; Step three, push the holster off with your thumb and, Step four; pray like hell the holster stays in the pocket. It should just be: Reach into the pocket; pull the gun out; and save your life. To see more options, including accessory holsters for handcuffs and phones, go to: Mika's Pocket Holsters A retired Marine, former Sniper School Instructor in Okinawa and now writer, Lohman is the Managing Editor of Shooting Sports USA magazine-one of six NRA publications. While most of his articles are oriented towards NRA competitive sport shooting, this review came about as a result of having Robert Mika's son in one of Lohman's monthly NRA Basic Pistol safety courses. To subscribe to Shooting Sports USA for free, go to: Shooting Sports USA.