Ankle Holsters

[Styx]

I've started carrying a BUG - a j-frame sized revolver - in my pocket over the last several months, but I've been wanting to try ankle carry for the first time. I have a brand new leather ankle holster en route that I purchased for a member of another forum that should be here tomorrow.

My question is, does anyone else ankle carry? If so, what has your experience been?

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I have tried it several times over the years and never got into it. I sort of felt like a cat with tape on its paw with a holster on my ankle, just was never right.

I think it depends a lot on the quality of the holster, your body type (I have large/defined calves so I think that may have force it lower than it should be), pants selection (70's would have been a good time with those bell bottoms ) weapon selection, and your tolerance for something on your ankle.

Not hating on it, but my experiments with it didn't go well for me. If you don't like it with that holster and a j-frame, then maybe something lighter that can be held closer to your leg could be an option. However, that gets to pretty small options, I know.

Let us know how it goes for you as well as the make of the ankle holster as that may help others make selections.

 

[RUT]

>>I have tried it several times over the years and never got into it. I sort of felt like a cat with tape on its paw with a holster on my ankle, just was never right.<<

Same here... I hate 'em!

 

[trackskippy]

You have to try and find the right holster if you want this to work. Some are comfortable, some are torture devices. You will probably go through a number of them before you find the right one, if you get that far.

You also have to give it some time, and not just give up. Its going to take a while for your body to get used to it and for things to settle in. It will feel strange and off for a bit too until you begin to get used to it.

Walking is going to feel strange at first and like you have a ball and chain on one leg. That will pass.

The best holsters Ive found are the Desantis "Leather Ankle Holster", and the Galco Ankle Glove. Both are comfortable enough to wear while walking around all day.

If you buy one of those Unkle Mikes nylon holsters, just take it home and throw it right in the thrash.

If you wear dress, or low cut shoes, you may want to get the garter strap. I normally wear mid high hikers, and they help you out a couple of ways.

One, they can take the weight load off of your ankle so you don't have to crank the holsters strap down so thight, as the holster rests on top of the shoe and you don't need the garter.

And two, they keep the gun up a little higher, and its less likely to poke out when you sit and cross or extend your legs. Ive heard some say they wear a second sock that they pull up over the holster. Ive never done that or felt the need.

Pants make a big difference, both in comfort and access. I wear full cut pants all the time anyway, so I didn't have any trouble. If you wear skinny jeans, or more pants that are more fitted, especially through the legs, you're going to want to find something else.

Shorts? Uh...No.

Your going to want to figure out your best options at drawing the gun and practice that a lot. There are a couple of basic methods, and your ability to move freely and easily is really going to come into play here. '

My old 642 in the Desantis.

 

[Styx]

Well, I only paid $20 shipped for it, so at least I will not be out of much if it doesn't work out. @Ohen Cepel, it's an S&W branded holster from back when S&W made holsters. I haven't been able to find any other information or details about this model.

 

[Styx]

You have to try and find the right holster if you want this to work. Some are comfortable, some are torture devices. You will probably go through a number of them before you find the right one, if you get that far.

You also have to give it some time, and not just give up. Its going to take a while for your body to get used to it and for things to settle in. It will feel strange and off for a bit too until you begin to get used to it.

Walking is going to feel strange at first and like you have a ball and chain on one leg. That will pass.

The best holsters Ive found are the Desantis "Leather Ankle Holster", and the Galco Ankle Glove. Both are comfortable enough to wear while walking around all day.

If you buy one of those Unkle Mikes nylon holsters, just take it home and throw it right in the thrash.

If you wear dress, or low cut shoes, you may want to get the garter strap. I normally wear mid high hikers, and they help you out a couple of ways.

One, they can take the weight load off of your ankle so you don't have to crank the holsters strap down so thight, as the holster rests on top of the shoe and you don't need the garter.

And two, they keep the gun up a little higher, and its less likely to poke out when you sit and cross or extend your legs. Ive heard some say they wear a second sock that they pull up over the holster. Ive never done that or felt the need.

Pants make a big difference, both in comfort and access. I wear full cut pants all the time anyway, so I didn't have any trouble. If you wear skinny jeans, or more pants that are more fitted, especially through the legs, you're going to want to find something else.

Shorts? Uh...No.

Your going to want to figure out your best options at drawing the gun and practice that a lot. There are a couple of basic methods, and your ability to move freely and easily is really going to come into play here. '

My old 642 in the Desantis.

Very informative, thank you. You brought up a couple of points I didn't think about.

 

[TarDevil]

They're great in church. Otherwise, meh.

 

[Styx]

You have to try and find the right holster if you want this to work. Some are comfortable, some are torture devices. You will probably go through a number of them before you find the right one, if you get that far.

You also have to give it some time, and not just give up. Its going to take a while for your body to get used to it and for things to settle in. It will feel strange and off for a bit too until you begin to get used to it.

Walking is going to feel strange at first and like you have a ball and chain on one leg. That will pass.

The best holsters Ive found are the Desantis "Leather Ankle Holster", and the Galco Ankle Glove. Both are comfortable enough to wear while walking around all day.

If you buy one of those Unkle Mikes nylon holsters, just take it home and throw it right in the thrash.

If you wear dress, or low cut shoes, you may want to get the garter strap. I normally wear mid high hikers, and they help you out a couple of ways.

One, they can take the weight load off of your ankle so you don't have to crank the holsters strap down so thight, as the holster rests on top of the shoe and you don't need the garter.

And two, they keep the gun up a little higher, and its less likely to poke out when you sit and cross or extend your legs. Ive heard some say they wear a second sock that they pull up over the holster. Ive never done that or felt the need.

Pants make a big difference, both in comfort and access. I wear full cut pants all the time anyway, so I didn't have any trouble. If you wear skinny jeans, or more pants that are more fitted, especially through the legs, you're going to want to find something else.

Shorts? Uh...No.

Your going to want to figure out your best options at drawing the gun and practice that a lot. There are a couple of basic methods, and your ability to move freely and easily is really going to come into play here. '

My old 642 in the Desantis.

I've been wearing it for the past few days. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. It's been comfortable, and it feels a little weird, but not to the point that it bothers me. I basically have the holster resting on top of my shoe. I can vaguely tell that something is there as it prints a little, but I doubt anyone else will notice or think it's a gun if they do. If anything, they'll think it's one of those ankle monitoring brackets. That's how I would imagine wearing one would feel like.

While I like it, I'm not entirely sure it makes much sense or is very practical. I'm not sure how I can get to it when I really need it. I see it as a plus against robbery attacks when someone has the drop on me already. From all the Active Self Protection and other local news footage, the criminals typically manually go through pockets and take everything off of you, but I've never seen them pat down the ankle area.

 

[Anchorite]

While in college one of my friends worked at the local car wash joint, late shift. He had to make the nite drop at the bank drop box of the days haul.
He believed strongly in ankle carry.
One night he was held up at gunpoint, and gave up his cash bag.

Had he not been ankle carrying he may have had options, he says. IDK, but that story has stuck with me for years.

My EDC is a Colt Agent, strong side pocket carry. I can nonchalantly put my dominant right hand into my pocket and not raise any suspicion.

 

[Styx]

While in college one of my friends worked at the local car wash joint, late shift. He had to make the nite drop at the bank drop box of the days haul.
He believed strongly in ankle carry.
One night he was held up at gunpoint, and gave up his cash bag.

Had he not been ankle carrying he may have had options, he says. IDK, but that story has stuck with me for years.

My EDC is a Colt Agent, strong side pocket carry. I can nonchalantly put my dominant right hand into my pocket and not raise any suspicion.

Had he not ankle carried, he'd be relieved of his firearm. Sounds like they had the drop on him.

 

[Y-T71]

I really shouldn't comment on this topic since I've never ankle carried but, I have considered it.

In my humble opinion, ankle carry definitely has its place; if your lifestyle involves a lot of sitting (desk jobs) or driving, and maybe others.

But, under many/most other circumstances, you'll have to crouch to access your firearm thereby putting yourself in a most vulnerable position.

IOW, you're doing a criminals job for them: crouched down, probably on one knee and off balance.

 

[trackskippy]

I've been wearing it for the past few days. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. It's been comfortable, and it feels a little weird, but not to the point that it bothers me. I basically have the holster resting on top of my shoe. I can vaguely tell that something is there as it prints a little, but I doubt anyone else will notice or think it's a gun if they do. If anything, they'll think it's one of those ankle monitoring brackets. That's how I would imagine wearing one would feel like.

While I like it, I'm not entirely sure it makes much sense or is very practical. I'm not sure how I can get to it when I really need it. I see it as a plus against robbery attacks when someone has the drop on me already. From all the Active Self Protection and other local news footage, the criminals typically manually go through pockets and take everything off of you, but I've never seen them pat down the ankle area.

View attachment 1201011

If youre not getting hot spots, youre doing good and already way ahead. Youll know when you get one too.

The fuller cut your pant legs, the easier it is to draw the gun and less noticeable the bulge is.

I remember seeing Mas Ayoob having a couple of clips on ankle carry and some methods of draw, pros and cons, etc. The draw is something, in most cases, that takes a bit more planning and not something you're probably going to pull off with someone up close and in front of you.

The most stable draw is to put the holster leg forward and drop back on your weak knee, a quick, hard yank on your pant leg, clearing the gun and have at it.

If you have decent speed and balance, you can do the draw while standing and bring the gun leg up, clear the pant leg and draw the gun and be back on two feet very quickly. Just don't screw up.

Like anything else, all of it takes regular practice to figure out what works best for you, get comfortable with it, and be able to do it without thinking about doing it.

 

[Anchorite]

Had he not ankle carried, he'd be relieved of his firearm. Sounds like they had the drop on him.

I don’t disagree with you. What that fact-pattern did was make me think of the how/where/when one could possibly rationalize ankle carry.
And rethink my own paradigm.

 

[driz]

For that sort of scenario I’d definitely pocket carry as I do most of the time. Anyone coming at you in that situation would com from very close in. If it was me doing deposits ankle carry I’d pull it out and put it in my pocket a couple blocks prior or before leaving the car. Better to be ready in those close quarters.

 

[Anchorite]

For that sort of scenario I’d definitely pocket carry as I do most of the time. Anyone coming at you in that situation would com from very close in. If it was me doing deposits ankle carry I’d pull it out and put it in my pocket a couple blocks prior or before leaving the car. Better to be ready in those close quarters.

Frankly I don’t know when you’d do ankle carry. The judges in my county/circuit ankle carry, as do a couple of the DA office investigators. Mostly desk jockeys in other words. Maybe a few sheriff deputies who say and ankle rig is a last ditch hideout piece for when you’re on the ground about to end it.

Makes sense if you’re sitting most of the time.

 

[trackskippy]

I think you need to get it in your head that its meant for a back up gun, and not a primary.

You also have to be realistic about how and when its going to be accessed and how you're going to do that.

You also have to understand what the gun is going to be subject to in that position and the downfalls there. In an office or car, its really no big deal. In the field, having to deal with dirt, dust, water, etc, it could be something very different.

This sort of carry can be and is a viable option, but its not the only option. While its one of three holster types I use most, its also usually the last choice and least used. AIWB and a Smart Carry get the most use.

 

[DT Guy]

Ankle carry is in the same category as super-micro-guns (.25's and the LCPII .22, for instance); guns to have when you can't have a gun.

That being the case, the best ankle carry I've found is the Bug Bite; size it right and it's VERY low profile and comfortable. It is a very slow draw, however. More a way to 'bring a gun with you' than to carry it, if you know what I mean.

Larry

 

[JERRY]

I don't have pictures specifically for showing off an ankle holster... However I do wear one every day. The Desantis model 26 for a J frame or G26...

 

[Steve in PA]

Galco Ankle Glove. Have one for my S&W 642 and one for my Glock 26. Wearing the Ankle Glove with the 642…..I almost forget I’m wearing it.

I do pocket carry the 642, but sometimes ankle carry is a better option.

 

[usaral63]

Of all the dumb ways to carry, ankle rigs gotta rank at the top!! Oh yeah, you can hid that gun fairly well, mostly, just don't try running or getting to it easily other than from a sitting position......and even then you meet with difficulty. I have personally seen one activated trigger on a rapid draw result in a hp round thru the foot.....another notable was a drop kicked piece across a parking lot in a foot pursuit.....and another that had me in stiches watching a detective doing the 'one legged chicken' while trying to draw on a wanted felon that'd surprised him....

Flame on you advocates, but in way over 30 years of street time I never did see a practical and safe application for the things.

 

[trackskippy]

I see ankle holsters having a place for a "back up" gun. I wouldn't use one for a primary unless for some reason there was no other way.

If you arent wearing it all the time and practicing with it realistically all the time, its no different than anything else in how well it works out for you.

Like a lot of other things, a lot of people seem to have it in their heads that all they need do is just get something, put it on and they are good to go.