In my recent bid to learn and appreciate small guns, I’ve turned to pocket carry. Why carry IWB with a teeny tiny pistol when I can carry it comfortably and easily in my pocket? I pocket-carried years ago, and at the time, the Desantis Nemesis was the go-to for the vast majority of guns. Imagine my surprise when I came back to pocket carry and when Desantis was still the top dog with pocket holsters. While the Nemesis has long ruled the roost, it seems like the Superfly is edging in for the crown.
If you like your Nemesis, you can keep it! I have one, and it’s still a solid, affordable, and capable pocket holster. However, I’ve become a convert to the church of the Superfly for various reasons. The Superfly builds on the Nemesis line and offers a few different improvements. These improvements enhance the concealment of the weapon as well as your ability to effectively draw the gun.
The Superfly Changes
The Superfly’s biggest and most obvious change is the giant flap. That flap is designed to enhance concealment. It’s removable and reversible and allows you to carry it in either your left or right pocket. This flap sits between your gun and the outside of your pocket. This provides a flat look to your gun and doesn’t have the telltale printing issues when you sit.
This was a big reason why I went with the Superfly. I carry it at my day job, which is a professional setting. I am allowed to carry both legally and by policy, but to me, it doesn’t look very professional to have the outline of my pocket pistol evident. Instead of the outline of a gun, it looks like a smartphone.
I had some concerns the flap would get in the way when I drew, but it doesn’t. It bends out of the way of your hand and allows you to grip your gun and get into the fight. That flap also really helps lock the holster down in a person’s pocket. Pockets vary in size, and I’ve had issues with looser pockets not retaining the holster on the draw.
The flap locks the holster down, as does the texture on the holster itself. It’s more sticky or viscous, as Desaantis describes it, and it really sticks to the inside of your pocket. The holster stays put when you draw and makes it easy to access the gun.
Comfort and Concealment
Comfort and concealment for pocket carry really depend on the gun. A P365 is tough to conceal in your pocket, but an LCP isn’t. Revolvers also tend to be easier to conceal than automatics, so packing a .38 Snub nose is easier than a micro compact 9mm. I typically carry either my Keltec P32 or my Beretta Tomcat if I feel like it.
With either of those guns, I completely forget that I have a gun in my pocket. They disappear, and I don’t have to worry about pokes and prods throughout the day. Just comfortable concealment throughout the day. I don’t have to worry about it when seated or driving, and it doesn’t even bounce or rub against my leg when I walk.
The Art of Pocket Carry
Pocket carry does pose its own challenges and difficulties. It’s typically comfortable, but drawing in seated positions can be difficult. With something like the Superfly, you really have to practice and find the right way to draw your pocket-carried firearm. It’s not the easiest thing to do, so make sure you find your way to get it done.
Pocket carry does make your draw fast since you can essentially grip your gun without ever having to reveal it. This makes a subsecond draw easily obtainable for most shooters with just a little practice. With the Superfly, I was able to draw and fire an accurate shot at an enemy threat in just under one second at three yards. Admittedly, that starts with my hand on the gun in my pocket.
Like anything relating to guns, the best thing you can do is get out there and practice. The Superfly certainly gives you a concealed carry option for pocket carry that emphasizes concealment. Plus, Desantis makes the Superfly.
