SSN Vet
Member
I'd like to learn the pro's and con's of CCW w/ an ankle holster...preferably from someon who has tried it.
Ankle carry
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one-shot-one
Member
$0.02
1st my expearence is with a glock 26 in a glaco ankle rig.
pros: 1.easy hide, away from those who might hug or pat you and feel you
rig.
2. can be drawn from seated position if you normal range of motion.
good place for a backup.
3.most better ankle rigs are retention type (never had my pistol come
loose)
cons: 1. no fast draw esp. from standing position and if you can't bend over
and touch your toes or lift your ankle to where you can retrive your
gun you might consider something else.
2. can become uncomfortable (in about three hours for me).
3. to achieve a better hide and comfort i have to wear two pairs of
socks, one under the rig and one over the bottom part so rig stays
covered if my pants leg rides up while sitting or bending over.
1st my expearence is with a glock 26 in a glaco ankle rig.
pros: 1.easy hide, away from those who might hug or pat you and feel you
rig.
2. can be drawn from seated position if you normal range of motion.
good place for a backup.
3.most better ankle rigs are retention type (never had my pistol come
loose)
cons: 1. no fast draw esp. from standing position and if you can't bend over
and touch your toes or lift your ankle to where you can retrive your
gun you might consider something else.
2. can become uncomfortable (in about three hours for me).
3. to achieve a better hide and comfort i have to wear two pairs of
socks, one under the rig and one over the bottom part so rig stays
covered if my pants leg rides up while sitting or bending over.
I use a renegade ankle holster and find it perfectly comfortable for a full day's carry w/ either of two j frames I have. Advantages as listed being its easy to get to when sitting as in a car, if you're going to some event where you might get alot of hugs or a first date etc its less likely to be discovered, you can still do carry that way when tradtional hip carry just doesn't work for some reason...
Cons being its not as fast to get to in general and you tend to be carrying a less potent weapon (normal carry for me is a 1911 in 45 acp). Works good as a backup or better-than-nothing situation though.
Cons being its not as fast to get to in general and you tend to be carrying a less potent weapon (normal carry for me is a 1911 in 45 acp). Works good as a backup or better-than-nothing situation though.
Ankle holsters
I have been wearing a Uncle Mike ankle holster for about a year and have not been having much luck. I cannot blame it all on the holster though. The gun that I carry, about 12 hours a day, is a Ruger SP101 .357 and it is too heavy. I like the gun but it is not for an ankle holster. It keeps sliding down and you have to constantly keep readjusting and tightening. I had a Kel-tek .380 before this but not enough stopping power and I didn't like the recoil of the gun. The pros and cons are what he other guys said, concealment is very good, tougher to get at though. I am looking for something to replace this ruger if anyone has any ideas. Has anyone fired the Kahr KP45? I was wondering about the recoil of this gun. Good Luck
I have been wearing a Uncle Mike ankle holster for about a year and have not been having much luck. I cannot blame it all on the holster though. The gun that I carry, about 12 hours a day, is a Ruger SP101 .357 and it is too heavy. I like the gun but it is not for an ankle holster. It keeps sliding down and you have to constantly keep readjusting and tightening. I had a Kel-tek .380 before this but not enough stopping power and I didn't like the recoil of the gun. The pros and cons are what he other guys said, concealment is very good, tougher to get at though. I am looking for something to replace this ruger if anyone has any ideas. Has anyone fired the Kahr KP45? I was wondering about the recoil of this gun. Good Luck
JCM298
Member
I've ankle carried for close to 40 years. At first, I had a pocket in a boot. Next I had a holster sewded to the boot. I finally found ankle holsters and used them to carry Colts, Smiths, and a Taurus or two.
I've tried a number of holsters and found that the Renegade is the most comfortable.
They are far from the best way to carry a primary gun but they are OK for a BUG. They are handy if you are seated or driving.
John
I've tried a number of holsters and found that the Renegade is the most comfortable.
They are far from the best way to carry a primary gun but they are OK for a BUG. They are handy if you are seated or driving.
John
Been carrying J frame S&W since 1975, everyday without fail, as backup and sometimes off duty in ankle rigs. Carried a blued 49 for 20 yrs and a 649 since 1995. After a couple of weeks it got so I didn't even notice it except for when it wasn't there. The only time I didn't carry in an ankle rig was in the winter when the weather was really bad, then I'd carry in a shoulder holster under a jacket to keep my backup out of the crud. An ankle rig is nice when sitting in the squad. Sometimes it can be quicker than drawing from the belt holster. With mine on I've run, climbed fences, gone thru windows, and every other task. It's never been a problem.
HighVelocity
Member
I recently purchased a Galco Ankle Glove for my Taurus 85. I really like it so far and use it when I need extra concealability or when just running to the grocery store cause it's so easy and quick to put on. Also, another benefit of ankle carry is that reaching for the ankle is not really a hostile move which can catch the bad guy by surprise.
Here's some pics of my rig:
Here's some pics of my rig:
Northslope Nimrod
Member
Thought about it, but current guns are too heavy.
BUT be careful. I have a buddy that has had his drop out of his holster twice in meetings when he put his fut on his other knee. Thus, I would get one with a good thumb break or something.
BUT be careful. I have a buddy that has had his drop out of his holster twice in meetings when he put his fut on his other knee. Thus, I would get one with a good thumb break or something.
mzmtg
member
Northslope Nimrod said:
...or remember not to cross your legs that way...
Tropical Z
Member
That's why you need a Kel-Tec P32!
![14-3500_s[1].jpg](/data/attachments/20/20725-f47c1392ca3a979215b7c8e793f0b15a.jpg)
![4750_m[1].jpg](/data/attachments/20/20726-f24cb1b8e2cb1ff844a44ad87b4a8ff1.jpg)
JMusic
member
I think they should be outlawed. They are next to worthless if you use this weapon as your primary carry. Many people disagree but I have had practical experience with this type of carry. I gave the holster away the same night and thanked God I survived the incindent.
Jim
Jim
JMusic said:
But it's better than nothing, right? When making quick grocery or gas trips I didn't carry anything until I got my .38 Snubbie. Takes 5 seconds to strap on my ankle. I only carry the Glock or CZ IWB when I'm going out for a while. Just my personal preferences.
epijunkie67
Member
When I first started to carry I did ankle and still do sometimes. I tend to wear slacks and a tucked in golf shirt in the summer and I can have problems not printing in that kind of outfit. I carry a Kahr PM9 there and I think it's just about the perfect ankle pistol. Light, thin, but still 9mm.
With a good holster it shouldn't be at all uncomfortable. If it is you need to consider either a different holster or a different firearm.
Pro/cons. Most people never look at your feet in normal day to day activity. Standing or walking it should be very difficult if not impossible to spot your weapon. You have to be careful how much your pants leg rides up when you sit down and I made it a habit to never cross my gun leg since that just makes it worse.
Yes, it's slower getting to your weapon in a hurry but it shouldn't be THAT much slower. Treat it like you would any other deep cover system of carry. If you use a tuckable holster you have to pull out the cover garment first to access your weapon, same with ankle carry. It's not perfect but it beats a pocket .32 or no gun at all.
With a good holster it shouldn't be at all uncomfortable. If it is you need to consider either a different holster or a different firearm.
Pro/cons. Most people never look at your feet in normal day to day activity. Standing or walking it should be very difficult if not impossible to spot your weapon. You have to be careful how much your pants leg rides up when you sit down and I made it a habit to never cross my gun leg since that just makes it worse.
Yes, it's slower getting to your weapon in a hurry but it shouldn't be THAT much slower. Treat it like you would any other deep cover system of carry. If you use a tuckable holster you have to pull out the cover garment first to access your weapon, same with ankle carry. It's not perfect but it beats a pocket .32 or no gun at all.
I've been carrying my S&W M49 or my SP101 in a Galco ankle glove for almost three years, five days a week and on the weekend when I go somewhere. I've learned how to sit and I'm aware of my pant leg riding up. I've had to chase a couple folks and I haven't had any problems. It's better then nothing.
shooting time
Member
I have been carrying mine for about 26 yrs that way it has become part of me i often forget it is there.had to use it 2 times and was able to get it out quick both times.
EllisWyatt
Member
This can be a good choice for a backup gun, but you should think about whether it is the *best* choice for your lifestyle. I certainly wouldn't keep my primary on my ankle, unless I had absolutely no other choice.
It is a carry method that takes some getting used to, but it can be quite comfortable if done right. You'll need a quality holster and the right gun, of course.
I keep a Taurus 85 UltraLite in a KL Null ANK. $110, six days from talking to Ken on the phone to holding it in my hand. This was a close second choice to the Alessi Ankle Rig for about the same price, but Alessi had too long of a wait -- and this was a very, very close second.
Hand molded leather, no thumb strap. Retention is great -- I can hold the holster upside down, give it a good shake, and the Taurus stays put. It starts to slip if I sling it up and down *really* hard -- but really, if someone's holding me by the feet and swinging me around like that, it's too late for me to do anything about it anyway.
Many people recommend wearing ankle holsters above 6" hiking/tactical boots to support the weight. I find this unecessary, at least for me. Of course, I wear suits at work, so boots aren't an option anyway.
I put on an over-the-calf cotton/lycra dress sock, then put the holster on top of that. The sock fabric is very clingy, so it grips both my leg and the wool felt backing on the holster. Quite stable.
I keep the holster a bit lower than you'll see in most photos, I find that it tucks into the hollow area between my calf and ankle perfectly. It's angled just right for a draw, and the butt doesn't stick out any wider than my calf muscle.
Of course, with the holster this low (the muzzle is even with and just behind the widest point of my ankle) it is visible when the pants leg rides up (eg, when I'm sitting). I wear another cotton/lycra dress sock (mid-calf length) over the holster to hide this. Dark socks without patterns work best. People have to really be looking to notice the lump.
That said, I'm also careful to strategically position my leg when I'm sitting. Crossing your legs underthese circumstances is nothing short of stupid.
The sock *just* reaches the mouth of the holster, and does not interfere with the draw. It even contributes a bit to stability -- even if things do start to slip, the fabric jams up underneath the wool backing and keeps the holster from falling any further. This gives you enough time to get to a bathroom and adjust things. Anyway, I only had this problem for the first few days, while I was still getting used to the arrangement. Every time I go to the restroom I grab the holster and try to move it around, but now it never budges. Run, kick, jump, whatever -- no movement.
Light slacks will print when walking, or in even a slight breeze. Winter-weight slacks don't have as much of a problem -- though with 30mph wind gusts today I was feeling more than a little exposed. Before summer comes I will have to get the left leg lined on all of my dress slacks, to stiffen up the fabric a bit. Cotton twill (Dockers), denim, etc., don't print at all, in my experience.
Now, all that said, most of the ankle holsters out there are absolute garbage. A good one does not need thumb straps. That thing Fobus makes is a joke, as is Unkle Mike's. The Bianchi holster doesn't look like something I'd trust, though I can't claim to have handled one.
You really don't want to skimp here. Comfort, stability, and retention are all critically important. IMO, the Galco Ankle Glove is the minimally acceptable choice in ankle holsters -- but I, personally, don't like the idea of neoprene. YMMV.
I can heartily recommend the ANK from personal experience. Ayoob, Farnam, and Gary Slider all endorse Alessi. I hear good things about Rusty Sherrick's Ultralight. These all cost $100-$120, compared to the Galco at $60, or the Bianchi/Uncle Mike's/Fobus/whatever from $7-$25.
You get what you pay for.
Photos: I'm pointing at my the point of my ankle in the photo; and obviously not wearing dress socks.
It is a carry method that takes some getting used to, but it can be quite comfortable if done right. You'll need a quality holster and the right gun, of course.
I keep a Taurus 85 UltraLite in a KL Null ANK. $110, six days from talking to Ken on the phone to holding it in my hand. This was a close second choice to the Alessi Ankle Rig for about the same price, but Alessi had too long of a wait -- and this was a very, very close second.
Hand molded leather, no thumb strap. Retention is great -- I can hold the holster upside down, give it a good shake, and the Taurus stays put. It starts to slip if I sling it up and down *really* hard -- but really, if someone's holding me by the feet and swinging me around like that, it's too late for me to do anything about it anyway.
Many people recommend wearing ankle holsters above 6" hiking/tactical boots to support the weight. I find this unecessary, at least for me. Of course, I wear suits at work, so boots aren't an option anyway.
I put on an over-the-calf cotton/lycra dress sock, then put the holster on top of that. The sock fabric is very clingy, so it grips both my leg and the wool felt backing on the holster. Quite stable.
I keep the holster a bit lower than you'll see in most photos, I find that it tucks into the hollow area between my calf and ankle perfectly. It's angled just right for a draw, and the butt doesn't stick out any wider than my calf muscle.
Of course, with the holster this low (the muzzle is even with and just behind the widest point of my ankle) it is visible when the pants leg rides up (eg, when I'm sitting). I wear another cotton/lycra dress sock (mid-calf length) over the holster to hide this. Dark socks without patterns work best. People have to really be looking to notice the lump.
That said, I'm also careful to strategically position my leg when I'm sitting. Crossing your legs underthese circumstances is nothing short of stupid.
The sock *just* reaches the mouth of the holster, and does not interfere with the draw. It even contributes a bit to stability -- even if things do start to slip, the fabric jams up underneath the wool backing and keeps the holster from falling any further. This gives you enough time to get to a bathroom and adjust things. Anyway, I only had this problem for the first few days, while I was still getting used to the arrangement. Every time I go to the restroom I grab the holster and try to move it around, but now it never budges. Run, kick, jump, whatever -- no movement.
Light slacks will print when walking, or in even a slight breeze. Winter-weight slacks don't have as much of a problem -- though with 30mph wind gusts today I was feeling more than a little exposed. Before summer comes I will have to get the left leg lined on all of my dress slacks, to stiffen up the fabric a bit. Cotton twill (Dockers), denim, etc., don't print at all, in my experience.
Now, all that said, most of the ankle holsters out there are absolute garbage. A good one does not need thumb straps. That thing Fobus makes is a joke, as is Unkle Mike's. The Bianchi holster doesn't look like something I'd trust, though I can't claim to have handled one.
You really don't want to skimp here. Comfort, stability, and retention are all critically important. IMO, the Galco Ankle Glove is the minimally acceptable choice in ankle holsters -- but I, personally, don't like the idea of neoprene. YMMV.
I can heartily recommend the ANK from personal experience. Ayoob, Farnam, and Gary Slider all endorse Alessi. I hear good things about Rusty Sherrick's Ultralight. These all cost $100-$120, compared to the Galco at $60, or the Bianchi/Uncle Mike's/Fobus/whatever from $7-$25.
You get what you pay for.
Photos: I'm pointing at my the point of my ankle in the photo; and obviously not wearing dress socks.
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EllisWyatt
Member
Also, ankle carry exposes a gun to lots of lint, dirt, and moisture. For the first few days you will kick it repeatedly with your other foot, and you may even slam it into a chair leg a few times. It must be able to take all of this abuse, yet still be ready to rock and roll.
Many automatics will gum up from the lint and other crud. Revolvers may be damaged due to impacts on the cylinder.
Think long and hard about weapon choice.
Many automatics will gum up from the lint and other crud. Revolvers may be damaged due to impacts on the cylinder.
Think long and hard about weapon choice.
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Legionnaire
Contributing Member
I've been carrying either a Kahr P9 or a Kel-Tec P11 in a DeSantis Apache ankle rig for the last couple of weeks. It's my first experiment with ankle carry, and thus far it has worked very well. I wear western style boots almost exclusively, with dress slacks. The gun disappears, and the lightweight fabric makes the draw fairly quick. The boots support the holster and there has been next to no shifting. It works for me, as I spend most of my time in an office environment or behind the wheel of a car. It does NOT allow as fast a draw as IWB (my preference), but I can carry a larger gun this way than I can in my pocket. Couple of times I've carried the Kahr on the ankle and a P32 in a pocket holster. Kind of counter intuitive to have the primary (9mm) on the ankle and the backup (.32ACP) in the pocket, but it works. The .32 is faster to access, but the 9mm is available given an extra couple of seconds. Still experimenting, but thus far, I like the Apache.
JERRY
Member
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2003
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- 3,840
the gun of any type should not gum up or become disabled due to accumulative lint and or debris.
regular gun cleaning and or inspection are part of any competent standard practice for one whos life depends on the guns performance.
sure, carry it, neglect it, and it might fail you. but its actually you who have failed.
p.s. if your gun gets knocked all to hell on your leg as some have mentioned already, id sure hate to see what your leg looks like when you swing it hard enough to damage a gun but dont have it on......
most anyone will also tell you to carry the ankle gun on the inside of the lower leg. gives it a small measure of protection from the obsticles some here face.
regular gun cleaning and or inspection are part of any competent standard practice for one whos life depends on the guns performance.
sure, carry it, neglect it, and it might fail you. but its actually you who have failed.
p.s. if your gun gets knocked all to hell on your leg as some have mentioned already, id sure hate to see what your leg looks like when you swing it hard enough to damage a gun but dont have it on......
most anyone will also tell you to carry the ankle gun on the inside of the lower leg. gives it a small measure of protection from the obsticles some here face.
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