Is this DeSantis holster a bad idea?

[cmr13]

I was looking on the DeSantis website and I noticed the banner ad on their front page for this holster. I'd like to get some other INGOer's thoughts and opinions on it.

POCKET SHOT

The Pocket Shot(TM) is our latest way to conceal and rapidly access your small auto. The #110 disguises itself as a wallet but can be brought into action instantly without removing the gun. It's made of black leather, is ambidextrous, and will carry several different 380 and 32 autos. This holster is illegal in California.

1. Do you think this is a good idea/design? Or do you carry one yourself?

To me, a holster is supposed to cover the trigger. I can understand the thought behind it, but I personally wouldn't want to carry a pistol this way.

2. Why is the holster illegal in California? Do they have a law about how holsters can be designed/work?



BTW, I did search for a thread about this but didn't see one.

 

[Cameramonkey]

Id say as long as you are careful and use your strong side pocket EXCLUSIVELY for your gun AND it has a long/heavy trigger pull it should be OK.

 

[gungirl65]

I saw these when I was looking for a holster for my LCP. I like the idea of it but I prefer to have my trigger covered too. The LCP has a long trigger pull but I still don't want the trigger exposed. It's just a personal preference.

I ended up buying an OWB holster that has a thumb break (snap) on it to keep the gun better secured since it is so small.

 

[EOD Guy]

I have one for my LCP. Its not the ideal setup but very convenient. Just a quick drop in the pocket and you're off. Very inconspicuous, people think it's a wallet.

I was uneasy about the trigger being uncovered so I carried without a round in the chamber...practiced handling/drawing until I was comfortable and realized it is very hard to accidentally pull this trigger.

 

[Bfish]

These holsters came out to be carried like a wallet and then pulled out and used (as said in what you posted). Like when someone demands your wallet or something. Some pretend you would never need your gun in another way I guess, but its still not a bad idea for a holster I will say and marketing has certainly sold it... But I do agree the reason to me for having a holster is to first cover the trigger. And second hold it in place while in the pocket. I don't have a use for it.

Oh and...

_California (insert other anti 2A state names here) sucks terrible for this among many other reasons.

 

[BJones]

I like having a covered trigger in my holsters. I carry a Mika Pocket holster which covers the gun.
If a person had to draw under stress it could be a problem with an exposed trigger. Covered triggers just insure safety.

 

[rockhopper46038]

1. I think it works for a long DA micro compact. It will not satisfy those that believe the holster must cover the trigger. Speaking as one who has tried the pocket holsters that are supposed to strip off when pulling your gun from your pocket, this is probably a better functional solution than those are, while providing better resistance to printing than simple pocket carry does. I would try it.

2. California is messed up.

 

[TheEngineer]

OP, be careful...

IANAL, but if i remember correctly, there are ATF regulations on AOW (any other weapon) "wallet" style holsters that allow you to fire the gun without removing it from the holster...they consider it "disguising" the weapon.

I may be wrong, but you would have to buy your tax stamp to be able to own that...maybe someone wiser than I can chime in.

I will look for the actual regulation...

Edit: From what i have found, i think you better pass on that holster unless you wanna pay $200 for a NFA stamp
http://www.atf.gov/content/firearms...ntification-firearms-section-9#wallet-holster

 

[other dave]

OP, be careful...

IANAL, but if i remember correctly, there are ATF regulations on AOW (any other weapon) "wallet" style holsters that allow you to fire the gun without removing it from the holster...they consider it "disguising" the weapon.

I may be wrong, but you would have to buy your tax stamp to be able to own that...maybe someone wiser than I can chime in.

I will look for the actual regulation...

Edit: From what i have found, i think you better pass on that holster unless you wanna pay $200 for a NFA stamp
Firearms Guide - Identification of Firearms - Section 9 | ATF

Thanks for doing the legwork. You pretty much verified what I've thought all along.

 

[TheEngineer]

Thanks for doing the legwork. You pretty much verified what I've thought all along.

No problem

What else was i gonna do...work?

 

[JollyMon]

OP, be careful...

IANAL, but if i remember correctly, there are ATF regulations on AOW (any other weapon) "wallet" style holsters that allow you to fire the gun without removing it from the holster...they consider it "disguising" the weapon.

I may be wrong, but you would have to buy your tax stamp to be able to own that...maybe someone wiser than I can chime in.

I will look for the actual regulation...

Edit: From what i have found, i think you better pass on that holster unless you wanna pay $200 for a NFA stamp
Firearms Guide - Identification of Firearms - Section 9 | ATF

I thought this only applied to holsters that cover the barrel. In this case the slide is exposed. I thought I read that on some other forum.

Edit: ATF doc
http://www.gunnersecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/atf.jpg

 

[TheEngineer]

I thought this only applied to holsters that cover the barrel. In this case the slide is exposed. I thought I read that on some other forum.

Edit: ATF doc
http://www.gunnersecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/atf.jpg

That's a fine line i wouldn't want to tiptoe...

 

[JollyMon]

Either would I, but it goes along the same lines as the Sig pistol brace for ARs..... If the ATF says its okay.....

 

[cmr13]

Thanks for all the opinions and advice guys!

Just to make it clear, I wasn't thinking of buying the holster myself (I don't even have a gun it would work for), I just noticed it on the DeSantis site when I was on there.

I wasn't aware of the restrictions on "wallet holsters" from the ATF. Thank you TheEngineer and JollyMon for posting that stuff. Very good to know. I would assume that DeSantis talked to the ATF before they made that holster to make sure it would be ok.

Thanks again guys.

 

[JetGirl]

OP, be careful...

IANAL, but if i remember correctly, there are ATF regulations on AOW (any other weapon) "wallet" style holsters that allow you to fire the gun without removing it from the holster...they consider it "disguising" the weapon.

I may be wrong, but you would have to buy your tax stamp to be able to own that...maybe someone wiser than I can chime in.

I will look for the actual regulation...

Edit: From what i have found, i think you better pass on that holster unless you wanna pay $200 for a NFA stamp
Firearms Guide - Identification of Firearms - Section 9 | ATF

Nope. JollyMon was right. If that much of the gun is exposed, it's not an AOW. That's why it can be advertised and sold as it is.

Here are examples straight from the ATF.GOV site of "Wallet Holsters/AOW"

That is not this;