Ankle holster
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bannockburn
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bucktails
Just saw an ad for a new ankle holster called the BUGBite. Might want to check it out on their website.
Just saw an ad for a new ankle holster called the BUGBite. Might want to check it out on their website.
I carry my S&W Shield in a DeSantis Die Hard.
bannockburn
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Kleanbore
One technique I recall reading about had you going to a kneeling position (if you're right handed and the holster is on your left ankle), with your right knee down, your left hand pulling up your pant leg, and then completing the draw with your right hand.
Another version has you falling backwards, bending your left leg, and completing the draw in the same manner as before. This technique also gives you the ability to fend off your attacker with your other leg if they close in on you.
I have never carried any gun in an ankle holster so I have no idea how well (or how poorly), these or any other techniques work. Just passing along some info.
One technique I recall reading about had you going to a kneeling position (if you're right handed and the holster is on your left ankle), with your right knee down, your left hand pulling up your pant leg, and then completing the draw with your right hand.
Another version has you falling backwards, bending your left leg, and completing the draw in the same manner as before. This technique also gives you the ability to fend off your attacker with your other leg if they close in on you.
I have never carried any gun in an ankle holster so I have no idea how well (or how poorly), these or any other techniques work. Just passing along some info.
Those are what I would expect, in addition to reaching down while sitting.
The issue for me with either is the immediate loss of mobility. I would much rather be able to draw while moving off line or around something.
Neither sounds particularly fast to me.
Additionally, one would not go to the ground until he or she had essentially started to draw. How others might react to that movement of falling down would probably vary.
The biggest disadvantages of an ankle holster are trying to draw from one quickly (you can't) and they expose your gun to a LOT of grit and dust. Anyone who has ever had to wear spit shined dress shoes or boots will tell you that in only one day they will be covered in grit. I would strongly advise some other form of carry - even if you have to change your wardrobe selection and dress around the gun. There are plenty of other carry options. If you ever NEED that gun - you're going to need it right now.
bannockburn
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Kleanbore
That's been my take on ankle holsters over the years; your gun is at the furthest part of your body away from your hands and you have to do certain choreographed movements (in a hurry), to complete the draw, that can leave you in a very vulnerable position. Plus your gun is subject to all of the dirt, dust, and debris that is at ground level. Might be enough to cause some sort of jam or failure to work properly when you need it the most.
That's been my take on ankle holsters over the years; your gun is at the furthest part of your body away from your hands and you have to do certain choreographed movements (in a hurry), to complete the draw, that can leave you in a very vulnerable position. Plus your gun is subject to all of the dirt, dust, and debris that is at ground level. Might be enough to cause some sort of jam or failure to work properly when you need it the most.
Never let the perfect get in the way of the good.
Maybe ankle carry is not perfect, but if it comes down to either ankle carry or not having a gun...
Everyone is telling you the disadvantages about ankle carry, but none of the advantages.
Some of the techniques mentioned in post #6 sound a lot like what I've seen Ayoob teach.
I just watched an episode of First Person Defender on Gun Venture (Sportsman Channel) titled Restaurant Robbery in which they gave the participant an ankle rig and put him through some scenarios.
Unfortunately it appears airings of that episode have past, and they're moving on to Gunning For Chocolate - I also didn't have much luck finding it on Gun Talk / FPD's YouTube channel.
Maybe ankle carry is not perfect, but if it comes down to either ankle carry or not having a gun...
Everyone is telling you the disadvantages about ankle carry, but none of the advantages.
Some of the techniques mentioned in post #6 sound a lot like what I've seen Ayoob teach.
I just watched an episode of First Person Defender on Gun Venture (Sportsman Channel) titled Restaurant Robbery in which they gave the participant an ankle rig and put him through some scenarios.
Unfortunately it appears airings of that episode have past, and they're moving on to Gunning For Chocolate - I also didn't have much luck finding it on Gun Talk / FPD's YouTube channel.
I have trouble imagining why it would ever come down to that.
One disadvantage that has not been mentioned is the difficulty of reholstering.
I'm not aware if any real advantages.
Ayoob has described those approaches, because they are just about the only way to draw the gun from an ankle holster.
I do not think I would go so far as to say that Ayoob teaches those techniques.
He has said that ankle holsters are complicated and slow to draw from, requiring more movement and time than conventional carry.
He describes having fallen down while trying to draw from an ankle holster while running.
He explains that with a gun in an ankle holster, one's hands are too far from the firearm.
He used one at one time, but he than "realized that relying on an ankle gun for primary carry is a huge mistake'.
Ankle carry and small of the back carry are two approaches that I would choose last.
X-Rap
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I don't have one but if I ever see one of quality in a used holster bin I will probably buy it just to give it a go.
I can see all the down sides that have been mentioned but aside from the pocket it is probably the most popular location for a bug.
In a face to face high noon gunfight your not going to get the first shot but I can see a number of scenarios where you would have excellent access after ducking and taking cover.
I don't consider reholstering to be an issue with a deep concealment gun because the gun will remain out to continue the fight, be turned over to police or can go into my back pocket.
The only reason for reholstering on the range would be to drill on the draw IMO.
I can see all the down sides that have been mentioned but aside from the pocket it is probably the most popular location for a bug.
In a face to face high noon gunfight your not going to get the first shot but I can see a number of scenarios where you would have excellent access after ducking and taking cover.
I don't consider reholstering to be an issue with a deep concealment gun because the gun will remain out to continue the fight, be turned over to police or can go into my back pocket.
The only reason for reholstering on the range would be to drill on the draw IMO.
Really? I have never encountered any police officer who carries that way or who would recommend it.
One reholsters after the "fight" is over.One does NOT want to have gun in hand when law enforcement arrives.
If the back pocket idea works, fine, but if it does why use an ankle holster?
Let me clarify. I already cc on my right hip with a belt. The Ruger lcp II comes with a pocket holster. I have a hard enough time getting change out of my pocket while cc let alone a gun from a pocket holster. So as a bug with an ankle holster I thought it may be a good alternative.
Ah! I see!
Should you have to draw it though, you will give up your mobility, and that could have serious consequences.
A pants pocket holster isn't for me, either, though at one time, before I had had any defensive training, I carried a Centennial in a pants pocket holster for primary carry.
For a BUG, I prefer a pocket holster in the weak hand outside pocket of a vest, or in colder weather, of a jacket that I can keep on. One reason for that is that I can easily get to it while strapped into the driver's seat of a car.
X-Rap
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What would be the next most popular location for a bug?
You noticed I said deep concealment didn't you? I don't care if your using appendix, thunderwear, tuckable under a shirt and jacket reholstering will be a hazard in a post gunfight situation. Raising ones foot up on a chair is hardly a life and death maneuver if the fight is over.
I hardly equate walking to my car or a descreat location the same as having a loose gun in my back pocket all day and please when quoting note my first statement before the cherry picking started.
You noticed I said deep concealment didn't you? I don't care if your using appendix, thunderwear, tuckable under a shirt and jacket reholstering will be a hazard in a post gunfight situation. Raising ones foot up on a chair is hardly a life and death maneuver if the fight is over.
I hardly equate walking to my car or a descreat location the same as having a loose gun in my back pocket all day and please when quoting note my first statement before the cherry picking started.
Next after what?
Yes.
Really? I reholster routinely with both IWB and OWB belt holsters under a shirt-tail . I can put the gun back into a pocket, and if I exercise a little care, get it back into the pocket holster.
Just an aside, but I would imagine that if I have resorted to the BUG, the primary is on the ground.
I suppose, if there happens to be a convenient chair in the right place at the right time.
As I said, if the back pocket works, fine. There isn't room in mine for a handgun.
I do not, however think that walking to the car or to somewhere else would necessarily be prudent. One should call 911 immediately,, keep an eye on everything that may become evidence, and keep an eye out for witnesses.
If I an accept falling back or kneeling during a defensive deadly force encounter, ankle carry would probably suffice for backup. But I don't think I want to have to do that, and I think that I would want to want to maintain mobility in case a criminal accomplice appears aft I have concluded that all is clear.
Arkansas Paul
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I sit at a desk all day and ankle carry is my method of choice because of that.
From my desk chair reaching down to the inside of my left ankle is as fast as any other method. Now granted if I'm walking to my truck after work, it would not be ideal. But 8 hours a day, I am at my desk.
I use a Galco and it is very comfortable. In 15 minutes, I've forgotten its even there.
It's not cheap at about $90 but it stays secure throughout the day.
Just FYI, if I wasn't a desk jockey I'd invest in a quality IWB holster instead.
From my desk chair reaching down to the inside of my left ankle is as fast as any other method. Now granted if I'm walking to my truck after work, it would not be ideal. But 8 hours a day, I am at my desk.
I use a Galco and it is very comfortable. In 15 minutes, I've forgotten its even there.
It's not cheap at about $90 but it stays secure throughout the day.
Just FYI, if I wasn't a desk jockey I'd invest in a quality IWB holster instead.
Should you need to draw while sitting, that looks close to ideal.I sit at a desk all day and ankle carry is my method of choice because of that.
From my desk chair reaching down to the inside of my left ankle is as fast as any other method. Now granted if I'm walking to my truck after work, it would not be ideal. But 8 hours a day, I am at my desk.
I use a Galco and it is very comfortable. In 15 minutes, I've forgotten its even there.
It's not cheap at about $90 but it stays secure throughout the day.
Just FYI, if I wasn't a desk jockey I'd invest in a quality IWB holster instead.
As you say, not so much while walking to the truck, or refueling.
And what about the times you have to get up from the desk?
Would it make sense to have a concealed holster into which you can put the gun when you get up from the desk?
Arkansas Paul
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It likely would.
But I probably won't wear two holsters and switch the gun back and forth when I sit and stand. Like I said the vast majority of my day is sitting (probably 7 hours out of the 8 hour workday).
I do have security measures in front of me as a first line of protection. I am behind bulletproof glass and the walls are reinforced with steel plating behind the drywall. The doors are all equipped with maglocks or door strikes with keycard entry. It would take a lot for someone to get in. I am armed mainly if someone comes into the building who poses a threat in the lobby or something of that nature. Of course if the lobby is empty, I'm calling 911 and watching from behind my bullet proof glass. If the lobby is full of people who are placed in danger's way, then I will have to assess the situation and determine whether or not to leave the safety of my space and go out into the fray.
The likelyhood that I would need it in a hurry are slim. However, we all know that Murphy will stick his ugly head up when least expected.
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ClickClickD'oh
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The only time I ankle carrie was on days when I knew I was going to be spending a lot of time in the drivers seat. A Beretta 950 got that detail.
That was replaced several years ago by a S&W shield riding cross draw.
That was replaced several years ago by a S&W shield riding cross draw.
I have ankle carried since about 2004, not too long after getting a Kahr P9 Covert.
Initially this was a BUG while carrying a G23 IWB.
Working construction and in most instances not being permitted to carry on jobsites led me to ankle carry.
A LEO buddy suggested a Lou Alessi rig. A bit pricey for me at over $100 but not knowing where to go with it, I purchased one and started carrying above my 8" work boot.
It moved around too much and didn't cinch tightly enough for me.
Reading others experiences, I went with a DeSantis Apache over a knee brace sleeve and under a sock.
Bingo. It worked and still works for me.
Asessi rig.
DeSantis Apache.
As a plumber, some of my daily activities included: Walking most of the day, climbing ladders, scaffolds,
crawling in pipe chases, under floors, above ceilings, along the tops of ductwork, running ( after the coffee truck), unloading trucks, stooping, working on kneepads, etc etc.
Jeans and a tee shirt are pretty difficult to conceal a firearm. The ankle rig worked just right.
It is by far, the least optimal method of carry but, as noted earlier, at least I had a gun.
Anyone who carries like this should spend a great deal of time practicing presentations and no, you aren't going to get the second and a half to 2 second presentation out there.
Sitting in a car or my truck and lifting my pantleg during the trip home gave me easier access than belt carry.
I have ankle carried longer than 16 hours with little or no discomfort.
Hope I never have to find out how quickly I can present.
Initially this was a BUG while carrying a G23 IWB.
Working construction and in most instances not being permitted to carry on jobsites led me to ankle carry.
A LEO buddy suggested a Lou Alessi rig. A bit pricey for me at over $100 but not knowing where to go with it, I purchased one and started carrying above my 8" work boot.
It moved around too much and didn't cinch tightly enough for me.
Reading others experiences, I went with a DeSantis Apache over a knee brace sleeve and under a sock.
Bingo. It worked and still works for me.
Asessi rig.
DeSantis Apache.
As a plumber, some of my daily activities included: Walking most of the day, climbing ladders, scaffolds,
crawling in pipe chases, under floors, above ceilings, along the tops of ductwork, running ( after the coffee truck), unloading trucks, stooping, working on kneepads, etc etc.
Jeans and a tee shirt are pretty difficult to conceal a firearm. The ankle rig worked just right.
It is by far, the least optimal method of carry but, as noted earlier, at least I had a gun.
Anyone who carries like this should spend a great deal of time practicing presentations and no, you aren't going to get the second and a half to 2 second presentation out there.
Sitting in a car or my truck and lifting my pantleg during the trip home gave me easier access than belt carry.
I have ankle carried longer than 16 hours with little or no discomfort.
Hope I never have to find out how quickly I can present.
Mainsail
Member
When I was active duty AF I carried a S&W model 15 snub (issue) for many years in many countries on my ankle ONLY because it was more comfortable than the shoulder holster under my flightsuit.
I had a cheap nylon rig that used velcro and a calf strap (needed with the heavy gun). I wore the holster over my boot on the front of my right leg. Inside or outside of either ankle made me walk funny. Front over my foot worked best- even if I had to run.
I had a cheap nylon rig that used velcro and a calf strap (needed with the heavy gun). I wore the holster over my boot on the front of my right leg. Inside or outside of either ankle made me walk funny. Front over my foot worked best- even if I had to run.
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