[Orange Boy]

I've often wondered if a person was ever to fire a revolver through the pocket of a fleece jacket or a cotton hoodie etc, if there was the real possibility of it causing the clothing to catch fire? Or if it didn't cause a fire, then could hot confined gases cause a nice burn to the fingers? Just curious what you all think about this?

 

[AirscanPilot]

Good question, Orange Boy. Let's see what the experienced have to say on this subject.

There's obviously a lot of dynamic forces going on in such a confined space as a pocket when you pull that trigger.

Slide semi- or J-frame? I would think both types of weapons would present hangup or fouling possibilities, possibly preventing a second shot while you dealt with your pocket problem, whether fouled or on fire.

The jacket pocket obviously gives you an edge, with the ability to get a firm grasp on the weapon in a semi-ready position, while remaining totally concealed, so you don't necessarily have to present or brandish should the situation de-escalate.

Let's see what evolves in the discussion.

Ron

 

[floydpink]

I'm not an expert by any stretch, but while looking at Hornady Critical defense rounds at the range, I was told that some "exotic" rounds like those or Glasers, can expand when hitting thicker clothing like denim or leather. Never heard about any rounds causing a fire though.

Personally, I won't be shooting through any clothing if the SHTF and can't imagine it saving any time on the draw and probably affecting accuracy.

 

[Steve48]

I'm a rank beginner in all this, but that sounds reasonable to me as well, provided it's a concealed hammer revolver. If the hammer is exposed, it's likely to snag on something, preventing you from getting off even one shot. Better, I would think, to take the extra time to clear the pocket in that case.

Of course, I don't like the idea of pocket carry. A holster, IMO, prevents many of the problems that will come up in this discussion.

 

[Orange Boy]

I'm imagining the weapon would be a small J frame (maybe S&W 632 Centennial). The reason I asked this question initially is because I was interested in this type of carry gun and more than one dealer mentioned that it's what they pocket carry, as well as the value added function of "shooting through the pocket" if ever absolutely necessary...but none had ever had to do it, nor knew anyone that did.

I also wanted to mention that I spend part of the year in colder climates, so the owners of shops that told me this were all in places where they would have some sort of jacket on much of the year. I'm not talking about shooting from tight jeans or anything, but a nice loose jacket with big pockets and assuming the person would even have their hand on the butt of the pocketed revolver. Two of the guys said they do it this way when closing the shop and leaving for the day or when they walk to the bank to deposit receipts.

Just got me me thinking that with all the people on this forum that maybe someone would have some real life experience with this scenario? I'm not necessarily broaching the subject of should it be done...but more of what would happen if it were done. Thanks all,
Bob

 

[dwyermw]

A few years ago, I went to the Salvation Army and bought five wind breaker type jackets, both in cotton and polyester/nylon and shot my J frame through the pockets. No fire issues, a small sensation of gas/discharge. Gotta love those j frames. I shot federal 125 gr. nyclads

 

[greatdanes]

Anybody else out there wanting to ruin a bunch of jackets, let the rest of us know how it turns out?

 

[Orange Boy]

Anybody else out there wanting to ruin a bunch of jackets, let the rest of us know how it turns out?

Yeah...and while your at it, please try some +P and +P+ hot hollow point loads

 

[deadeyedick]

I shot federal 125 gr. nyclads

Where did you find those? They've been out of production for years (I actually called Federal to see if they still make them). They were the best non +p .38s ever made. :thumsup

As far as shooting from a pocket, that's pretty much a revolver-only tactic, preferably with a concealed/shrouded hammer, but it can be highly effective and really gives you the element of surprise. :laughing