by Rich Grassi

PCS holsters -- At bottom is the "No-See-Um." Clockwise from bottom, Pocket Speed Scabbard, Blackbird and the French Curve, all for J-frame S&W revolvers.

Many if not most holster makers have a pocket holster in their line of products. One craftsman, knowing that not all pocket holsters fit all pockets, has made a business of making the custom holster to fit gun, pocket and user. That craftsman is Mike Meredith and his company is Pocket Concealment Systems (http://pcsholsters.com/). Looking at the attached picture we see a sample of his work. The holster on the left is the Pocket Speed Scabbard. A veteran of 5 or so years in uniform (and a few more out of uniform), the PSS was an ideal holster for the front pockets on the uniforms we had. The butt-forward cant kept people behind me from reading the serial number on the butt of the revolver. Straight "drop" pocket holsters tended to sit high enough that the pocket gapped open and the floorplate of a magazine or the butt of the revolver is visible. The open muzzle puts the Pocket Speed Scabbard deeper into the pocket, helping concealment. The front and real wings fill the pocket and prevent bulges. This pocket holster allows the user to get a firing grip on the gun while it's in the holster. It worked well for me. The "No-See-Um" (seen at the bottom of the picture) is available forward cant (as shown) and in a straight drop for wear in jeans. The "leg" side of the holster is tightly molded aiding retention. The outside is a flat, unmolded section that is lightly curved to match the curve of the leg. The stitching pattern on the outside of the holster keeps a spacer in place that prevents the holster from collapsing around the gun. I see it as a Pocket Speed Plus and I've used it to good effect. The holster furthest to the right that's holding a model gun is the French Curve. Like the PSS and "No See Um," the French Curve has a forward tilt, an open muzzle and lets the user get a firing grip on the gun while it's in the holster. There's a "hook" in front of the hammer and another aft. These catch fabric and keep leather in the pocket while steel and aluminum slide out. The Blackbird (top) is designed to fit the top loading straight drop blue jeans type pockets. The open muzzle appears here to more fully envelope the gun in the pocket. The leg side is detail boned while the outside is left flat. The top tab over the hammer hooks onto the pocket. You can also use that tab as a thumb ledge to ensure you draw steel without leather. The large back panel stretches the pock open and acts as a drag on the holster. Like other PCS holsters, you can get a full firing grip on the gun while it's in the holster. Your service sidearm is important tool there to help you get home alive at the end of the day. It can't always do the job due to loss, breakage, taking a hit from gunfire or running completely out of ammo. Having a powerful concealed backup gun is the only way out. Pocket Concealment Systems specializes in a way to keep that life-saving option close to hand. If you only carry the small gun, you have an even greater need for retention with speed and concealability with accessibility. PCS holsters are great solutions. As a customer of around fifteen years, I know how good they are. The designs are obviously well thought out. The execution is outstanding. If you're not in the market for a pocket holster, Mike has a small line of well designed belt holsters and belts as well. Check them out.