If1HitU
Member
If you ankle carry,what do you carry revolver or semi auto ? What would be the best ankle holsters for either to carry your choice? What size of revolver or semi auto would be the right size or to big to ankle carry?
Three questions about ankle carrying ?
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Thanks for the questions. The biggest (and heaviest!) semi-auto that I've personally ever carried in an ankle holster was a Star Firestar M40 in 9mm. At first, I carried it in a Uncle Mike's small simple semi-auto ankle holster. It even had a secondary band that went up your leg and then fastened around your let just blow the knee. Even with that, it just didn't feel secure enough, especially when jogging or running, so I tried several others. The one that felt most secure at the time was, if I remember correctly,, a leather ankle holster by DeSantis or Galco. But this was many years ago, and there are many more choices out there today. I also carried a J-Frame size revolver, Smith and Taurus, in an ankle holster. But once again, that was many years ago, so the folks that have carried more recently will be of more help.
There are two points that you don't mention, but which are very important. First, the kinds of pants you wear become a consideration. In order to extract that pistol from that ankle holster with any kind of fluidity or ease of motion, you have to wear pants with fairly loose legs. Straight leg jeans, for example, are just about out of the question. With a little trial and error, you'll find that almost any pants with cuffs will allow easier access than pants without cuffs. The second consideration is leather vs. synthetic material. With that ankle holster down there so near the ground, most folks may not spot it, but don't be surprised when the neighbor's pooch starts sniffing around your leather holster. Once again, it was a long time ago and maybe they have changed the smell of leather ankle holsters, but I had a couple of dogs who decided my leather ankle holster was a real attractive chew-toy and one of them even peed on it! Not good. Let us know what you decide.
There are two points that you don't mention, but which are very important. First, the kinds of pants you wear become a consideration. In order to extract that pistol from that ankle holster with any kind of fluidity or ease of motion, you have to wear pants with fairly loose legs. Straight leg jeans, for example, are just about out of the question. With a little trial and error, you'll find that almost any pants with cuffs will allow easier access than pants without cuffs. The second consideration is leather vs. synthetic material. With that ankle holster down there so near the ground, most folks may not spot it, but don't be surprised when the neighbor's pooch starts sniffing around your leather holster. Once again, it was a long time ago and maybe they have changed the smell of leather ankle holsters, but I had a couple of dogs who decided my leather ankle holster was a real attractive chew-toy and one of them even peed on it! Not good. Let us know what you decide.
Starter52
Member
Assuming two guns of equal weight, I much prefer a revolver for ankle carry. The revolver's front -heavy balance puts the weight in the holster. A loaded semi auto is rear- heavy and has too much weight in the grip area making for a less comfortable carry.
FL-NC
Member
I think its a bad idea. Too difficult to access the weapon under many if not most circumstances.
The revolver in the link below looks interesting for ankle carry, expensive, light, maybe too large? Regarding ankle carry, it's the individuals choice (of course), but seems like it's best left for a back-up. unless certain circumstances dictate this form of carry.
https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-360-pd
https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-360-pd
Like many other things in the gun world, I have tried ankle holsters. Perhaps there is a place for them, but I am not sure I see it. They are a bit less obvious than a belt holster, but usually are pretty noticeable if anyone really looks. More to the point, the gun is a "moving target" when you really have to know exactly where the gun is and how to reach it. There is a sort of myth that a search won't detect the gun; believe me, that idea is the myth.
I'll leave the ankle holster to the movies, along with the bra holster for well-endowed ladies and the small of the back holster (great idea until you drop your wallet and bend over to pick it up).
Jim
I'll leave the ankle holster to the movies, along with the bra holster for well-endowed ladies and the small of the back holster (great idea until you drop your wallet and bend over to pick it up).
Jim
SteadyD
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As a back up or while driving it works well.
And you have to wear long breeches.
CapnMac
Member
This is definitely a "to each there own" situation.
Everyone has a different comfort level for carrying.
And, even if slow on the draw, better than no draw at all.
I thin we can agree that it's not an ideal, 100% carry method--but what is?
Everyone has a different comfort level for carrying.
And, even if slow on the draw, better than no draw at all.
I thin we can agree that it's not an ideal, 100% carry method--but what is?
Decoy80
Member
I can't give you advice on what tool is best for ankle carry but I may be able to help the what not to carry side.
I carry from the time I put pants on until I take them off, and sleep with at least one friend.
Much like a Southern Baptist Preacher totes his bible,yes I'm in the Bible Belt
I got a cheaper ankle holster and carried with it just to have one more friend along. Don't carry a 38 special derringer mine made my ankle sweat and soon it was sore. Years ago I had a Colt Mustang 380 and though I never ankle carried it it was probably about the size and weight one would be more comfortable carrying on a daily basis. Just the simple fact that if what you carry is constantly uncomfortable you won't keep the faith, if I may put it bluntly.
Ease of access is very important and not to be ignored in any configuration or combination. Good luck in your quest and just like me you won't ankle carry long being uncomfortable I think. Just my hop
I carry from the time I put pants on until I take them off, and sleep with at least one friend.
Much like a Southern Baptist Preacher totes his bible,yes I'm in the Bible Belt
I got a cheaper ankle holster and carried with it just to have one more friend along. Don't carry a 38 special derringer mine made my ankle sweat and soon it was sore. Years ago I had a Colt Mustang 380 and though I never ankle carried it it was probably about the size and weight one would be more comfortable carrying on a daily basis. Just the simple fact that if what you carry is constantly uncomfortable you won't keep the faith, if I may put it bluntly.
Ease of access is very important and not to be ignored in any configuration or combination. Good luck in your quest and just like me you won't ankle carry long being uncomfortable I think. Just my hop
BobWright
Member
Entirely out of the question!
Bob
Bob
buck460XVR
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I carry a S&W 637
I have used a Bianchi Triad for about 8 years and it has worked very well for me under many different conditions, and has excellent retention.
I think one needs to keep the firearm down to a Pocket carry size, regardless of which platform one chooses. My little J-Frame works very well.
Comes down to having the firearm on you when you need it and being able to reach that firearm. Ankle carry works well for me when driving my car, riding my motorcycle and most any other time when I cannot or do not want to carry IWB. Others are free to disagree. I don't wear skinny jeans, but other than that, I don't have a problem with it staying concealed, nor do I have a problem drawing it. Basically, one needs to practice, just like with any other holster. Like Bob above, I'd rather OC my firearm with a hip or shoulder style(I do that regularly too), but there are many times when concealed is the better option.
MedWheeler
Member
Like Bob above, ankle carry is out for me as well, since I also wear boots and jeans virtually all waking hours.
However, back in the day when I was "on the job", I did indeed carry a second gun on my ankle while in uniform. The gun was a Charter Arms Undercover 38, and it rode in what I seem to remember was some Bianchi model ankle rig. The first rig I tried wanted to swivel around the leg. The second had the previously-mentioned upper-calf strap as well, with a connecting strap to the actual holster. Ran down many a bad guy with that setup, and it never budged. It was easy to work as if it wasn't there. Later, I did switch to a PPK/S when I moved to an agency that did not have the Undercover on its approved list, but I no longer own that piece.
If I was going to do it again these days, with a gun that I currently own (I do still own that Charter, along with two others), I'd actually choose... believe it or not.. my Grendel P10. Why? It holds twice as many rounds, fires with the same simplicity as the revolver, has no external levers or buttons to be accidentally actuated, and is both lighter and flatter. Ankle guns are typically carried without a reload in mind, and my Grendel will run two magazines or more without malfunctioning (though it fouls quickly after that.)
But, I don't plan to give up the boots and jeans. However, a recent thread did enlighten me as to how easy it is to carry even a Ruger Servce Six, with a four-inch barrel, in a boot (thanks, Bikerdoc!)
However, back in the day when I was "on the job", I did indeed carry a second gun on my ankle while in uniform. The gun was a Charter Arms Undercover 38, and it rode in what I seem to remember was some Bianchi model ankle rig. The first rig I tried wanted to swivel around the leg. The second had the previously-mentioned upper-calf strap as well, with a connecting strap to the actual holster. Ran down many a bad guy with that setup, and it never budged. It was easy to work as if it wasn't there. Later, I did switch to a PPK/S when I moved to an agency that did not have the Undercover on its approved list, but I no longer own that piece.
If I was going to do it again these days, with a gun that I currently own (I do still own that Charter, along with two others), I'd actually choose... believe it or not.. my Grendel P10. Why? It holds twice as many rounds, fires with the same simplicity as the revolver, has no external levers or buttons to be accidentally actuated, and is both lighter and flatter. Ankle guns are typically carried without a reload in mind, and my Grendel will run two magazines or more without malfunctioning (though it fouls quickly after that.)
But, I don't plan to give up the boots and jeans. However, a recent thread did enlighten me as to how easy it is to carry even a Ruger Servce Six, with a four-inch barrel, in a boot (thanks, Bikerdoc!)
I'd like to get a BUGBite holster for my Bersa .380, but I have fat calves. https://www.bugbiteholsters.com/products/bugbite-mid-calf-holster?variant=16882640134
scaatylobo
Member
S&W 340 or S&W 360 in ankle glove as a BUG only
OP
OP
If1HitU
Member
Thanks guys,I do have a better idea now what I can carry in ankle holsters and revolvers and semi auto's..
TRX
Member
I've carried a Ruger LCP on an ankle for the last four years. It took quite a while to get used to; now I don't even notice it.
Bulk is more an issue than weight, at least if you have a calf strap to hold the holster up so it doesn't try to push your shoe off every time you take a step.
You'll find holsters are sold in left and right hand. They assume a cross draw. I've found it to be much more convenient to have the gun on the shooting hand side, with the butt pointing forward.
Bulk is more an issue than weight, at least if you have a calf strap to hold the holster up so it doesn't try to push your shoe off every time you take a step.
You'll find holsters are sold in left and right hand. They assume a cross draw. I've found it to be much more convenient to have the gun on the shooting hand side, with the butt pointing forward.
Steve in PA
Member
Galco Ankle Glove! Been using one for years. Excellent, excellent holster.
When I do ankle carry, it’s with a S&W 642. When I get around to it, I plan on getting the Galco for my Glock 26.
When I do ankle carry, it’s with a S&W 642. When I get around to it, I plan on getting the Galco for my Glock 26.
Steve in PA
Member
This method was actually taught to me years ago during a LE firearms instructor seminar. This particular segment was ground fighting, taught by a extremely well respected fighter.
The idea about strong side carry came from getting involved in a wrestling match while taking a suspect into custody or from being attacked. In both instances, we would usually end up either on our backs with the bad guy between them and it would be impossible to reach the ankle guy if it was crossdraw, but on strong side, we could easily reach down and grab the blue gun (training gun) from the ankle holster.
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