Ankle carry questions

[Legionnaire]

I've never tried an ankle rig, and have some questions:

1) Where do you typically wear it? I assume the inside of your off hand leg (i.e., right hander would carry inside the left leg).
2) How large a handgun can you comfortably carry? I'm sure a Kel-Tec P32 or P3AT would be easy. How about a P-11 or G26/27? Anything larger?
3) Can an ankle rig be worn with western-style boots, or would that be too much of a hassle? It would have to ride pretty high, wouldn't it?
4) Any recommendations for a good rig to look at?

Thanks!

 

[Biker]

1) Correct, at least for me.
2) I can easily carry a Glock 27 or my Taurus 450.
3) I wear engineer boots normally and they fit much like cowboy boots. They actually aid in keeping the gun stable. However, the weapon is pretty slow to draw.
4) Not really. I but a cheap one every year. *shrugs*

Biker

 

[ewb45acp]

I don't myself...

I've always felt ankle carry would be the slowest to get at when you need it. A friend carries a Walther PPK in an ankle rig. Inside left leg, right at the top of an 8" work boot. I don't know the make of holster.
As far as western boots go, if you set up so that the pistol was just inside the boot shaft with the grip right there at the top. I suppose that would work well.
Anything that would be considered a "pocket pistol" should work well in an ankle rig. J frames, Kel-Tecs, PPKs, etc. Just practice alot on getting a speedy draw.

 

[Biker]

I should mention that for me anyway, the weight of the gun is more important than the size. Also, if I can break three seconds on a draw, I'm doing very well that day. If I'm wearing chaps, add three more.
Biker

 

[scubie02]

I have an ankle holster I use for either a BUG on occasion or for times when for whatever reason I just can't get away with a normal belt holster rig (which is what I usually use). With a decent rig it is quite comfy to carry a j frame or small auto. I second the idea that its the weight more than the size (w/in reason) that is the issue generally. Yes, I am a righty and carry on my inside left ankle. As mentioned, low boots actually help steady a rig, but I would think tall boots would make it even slower to draw from--hauling a pantleg wayyy high to get at it.

I'm presently using a Renegade ankle holster, which is less expensive but fairly comfy. MUCH better than an Uncle Mike's or something of that sort as far as comfort and stability. Not as pricey as some of the higher end leather rigs and such. (keep in mine if you live like me where we get some serious snow, it could end up getting some snow on it or your pantlegs get wet etc--one reason to perhaps go with something besides leather--and clean your gun.

 

[JCM298]

Legionnaire,

In response to your questions:

1. I'm right handed and wear my Renegade holster on the inside of my left leg.

2. I tried a Glock 26 but it was not comfortable in the holster I had.

3. I do wear western boots from time to time and they do slow you down but a draw can be performed.

I've used an ankle holster since the late `60's. The most comfortable I've found is from Renegade. There is no web site but they are located in Phoenix, AZ:

602-482-6777

There are photos here:

http://www.adcofirearms.com/acc/ProductLine.cfm?brand=Renegade&page=gear

My "always" gun is the "beast", my Smith 340SC. I have carried a Charter Arms Bulldog, a Colt Magnum Carry, a Smith 649, and a couple from Taurus. The weight has never been a problem and I found that I got used to it.

John

 

[Snake Eyes]

1--I'm RH, carry inside left leg

2--My smallest Auto is a Colt Mustang Plus II, and the grip is too long for ankle carry. I stick to Revo's, usually a Detective Special, but I have carried a Python snubbie.

3/4--I prefer the neoprene, spandex & velcro types, with a garter. The garter helps with weight, and this type of holster rides higher than ankle--actually more like "calf carry"

If I'm wearing an ankle rig, it's because I have NO other place to conceal a gun. I need the gun to stay concealed when I sit down in front of a client, and my pant legs ride up a bit. The rigs I use will keep me concealed even if I cross my legs.

 

[Legionnaire]

Appreciate the feedback so far. I got thinking about this after starting the "How many have you actually carried" thread. I don't usually carry a BUG, but thought ankle carry might be a good way to start doing so. I understand the slowness of the draw issues. On the flip side, I spend a lot of time seated, either at a desk or behind the wheel, so it's an easy reach to where an ankle rig would ride ... and dress slacks slide more easily than jeans or khakis, which would also help. But my primary rig would most likely continue to be 4 o'clock IWB.

Snake Eyes, who makes the neoprene/spandex holster(s) you describe?

 

[Coronach]

I ankle carry pretty much any time I'm not in bed or exercising. I carry a S&W 640 in a Galco Ankle Glove. I wear boots, and I have my rig set up so that it rides higher than many people prefer, but this seems to work for me. It is up high enough that no one has seen it peeking out of a pant leg, and with open-topped boots you could even set it up so that the barrel part of the holster rides inside of the boot. It is worth noting that I did spend the extra $ on a knee strap (or whatever you call it). With that, it is very secure.

The Galco Ankle Glove was purchased in 1999 as a make-do holster until I could get a Milt Sparks or Alessi ankle rig. It has been worn almost every day since 1999, on duty and off, been through several streams, over innumerable fences, in several pretty good wrestling/kicking/punching matches with some uncooperative felons, and has never once come loose or coughed up the gun. It is a pretty darned good holster. It is also very comfortable.

Mike

 

[grimjaw]

1. Yep, and just under my calf muscle.
2. A KelTec P32 would fit, but I don't own one. I carry a Beretta Bobcat there on occasion. I'm trying to warm up to the NAA Guardian .32 ACP because it would be great for ankle et al carry, but it's almost *too* mousey, and the trigger, while smooth, is pretty durned heavy.
3. I don't own a pair of boots, so can't comment.
4. Anything has to be better than the Uncle Mike's rig I have. It was inexpensive, and doesn't come loose. I haven't invested in anything better because I rarely ankle carry.

jmm

 

[another okie]

Galco ankle gloves for my lightweight snubbie and my Glock 26. Both work well; the Glock takes a little bigger pants to conceal. Dark colors conceal better. Right handed? Put it on your left ankle. When you sit down, put your left hand on your left knee so the pants don't ride up. Holster first, then gun helps the holster ride higher and more securely.

 

[HighVelocity]

I use a Galco Ankle glove with a scandium snubby as a BUG most of the time but have used it as a primary in certain situations (family reunions etc, with lots of hugging going on).

Ankle carry also works great for long road trips in the car/truck. Wether you're driving or a passenger, it's comfortable and easy to get when you're seated.

 

[Model520Fan]

I consider the Renegade to be the best ankle holster. I wasn't aware that some others charge more, although considering the materials, it is not surprising. I have not carried anything heavier than a Detective Special in one, but I can do that all day.

Walking down the street, a gun in an ankle holster is close to no gun at all, but seated in a car or elsewhere, it is one of the very best positions.

I don the holster over a third sock, and put the second sock over the holster and gun.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I use a Kel Tec P-11 for ankle carry.
I have a light ankle rig and the gun and holster rides inside my Wellington boots with the grip above the boot.
It's comfortable and rides well.

 

[oldtrooper]

The Galco Ankle holster works great. I bought to use until I could afford someting better. When I got something better(?) I went back to the Galco.
Right handed so the ankle holster is on the inside of the left leg. A S&W 342 rides there and at times I forget it's there or begin to wonder if it has fallen out and casually let my right leg press against it to be sure it's still there.

The belt holster is quicker of course but the Galco is so comfortable I still wear it when wearing a belt holster. When seated in a vehicle and carrying a concealed belt gun the ankle rig is the quickest to get into action. I'm so used to the ankle rig I wear it even when I can conceal a belt holster.

When working as a uniformed trooper I carried a chief's special in an ankle rig inside the left boot, main handgun in the uniformed belt rig, and a chief's special with a bobbed hammer loaded with hollow based wadcutters seated backwards over 3.5gr Bullseye in the left uniformed trouser pocket. Talked to many an ole boy on the road side with my left hand in my left pocket on the Chief's special.

May sound excessive but when you are 20 miles from nowhere and no portable radio it was comforting. The heavy hardware and the radio was back in the vehicle but you had to make it back there.

 

[MCgunner]

My P11 is primary IWB, but it'd ride fine. I have an Uncle Mikes, actually two. One is for J frames and the other small autos. I hardly ever use 'em, though, but when I do, it'll be a Grendel P12 or a Taurus M85UL. I could see carrying my P90 Ruger or P85 as primary with the P11 on the ankle, though, but I rarely carry the cannons IWB, usually the little P11.

I have carried a M60 stainless on the ankle. It gets a little heavy. I much prefer the little Taurus for revolvers. It's a little smaller, too, as well as a lot lighter. It has a boot grip on it. Had a pachmeyer compact on that M60 that was a little too large, really.

 

[Legionnaire]

Thanks, all. I found a deal on a DeSantis Apache holster. I'm going to try that out to begin with, as it's far less expensive than Galco's Ankle Glove. If it works out even fairly well, I may invest in an Ankle Glove at a later date. Appreciate all the feedback!

 

[Scarface]

Ankle Carry

Hi Legionnaire,

I sell ankle holsters and try out my own products. The two main limitations to ankle carry are the height of the pistol (a large grip will print out quickly) and the weight of the pistol. There are a number of comfortable ankle holsters on the market that use only an ankle band for retention. These work well unless you plan to do extensive walking or running. For these cases I recommend an ankle holster with a calf retention strap, that is a strap that fastens above the calf to keep the weight of the pistol from forcing the entire rig downward from kinetic energy imparted by the downward step.
If most of your time will be spent sitting or driving, the single band type will work well to retain the pistol.
Our Ankle Pocket has the widest available fretention band on the market. It is helpful both for retntion and for comfort in that it spreads the retention load over the widest possible vertical area.

Be Wel,

Scarface

 

[ktd]

Just had this discussion the other day at a shop,

1) Where do you typically wear it? I assume the inside of your off hand leg (i.e., right hander would carry inside the left leg).

traditionally that way, some like to carry outside/strong side, though that seems to be more for just carrying a spare gun and not too concerned with concealing it (ie strapped to you combat boot type of thing)


2) How large a handgun can you comfortably carry? I'm sure a Kel-Tec P32 or P3AT would be easy. How about a P-11 or G26/27? Anything larger?

I carry either a P32 (formerly a 21A) or a steel j-frame. I have seen holsters up to a 1911, but the guy was freakin' huge. To me it depends on how good your holster is, how well it fits you, and your clothing. I prefer the steel frame and carry it fine, but if I was concerned about running with it (ie, LEO, I would probably opt for a lightweight).

3) Can an ankle rig be worn with western-style boots, or would that be too much of a hassle? It would have to ride pretty high, wouldn't it?

If you mean cowboy boots I have seen people use a clip type holster and just clip it to the top of the boot. I have never been too keen on it myself. Other wise, you would have to ride it high (and outside your jeans if you have them tucked into your boots) or have really oversize boots. If you wear your pants untucked, my buddy has a simple velcro band type ankle rig, and she straps it over her duty boots and under her pants, and it seems to work well for her.

4) Any recommendations for a good rig to look at?

I use the old Bianchi Ranger, which I am pretty sure is not made any more. It rode high, had a cinching band, a thumbsnap, was moderately padded, and had a nice ankle cut that allowed me to shove it into the top of my shoe, kind of making it an extension of my shoe. I think the ankle, more so than most others, requires some trial to see what works best. I think the Galco is a good choice, though I have not worn it much. I would go to a good shop, try several on, and buy one from them even if I have to pay retail. Nothing sucks worse than an ill fitting ankle holster. If you are the type that is not bothered by much, I would just order one of the larger manufacturers, and make sure it is padded well. An option for a calf strap might be nice. I myself prefer a thumbsnap or even a suicide strap. My friend has a pretty cool one for hammerless smith (do not know the make) that has an elastic that covers the shrouded area to retain.

 

[Mainsail]

Back in the day…

We carried S&W mod 56s which were really just snub nosed mod 15s as aircrew on C141B StarLifters. I carried mine in an ankle holster but found it made me walk funny with the extra weight off to one side, so I moved the holster so that the gun was on the front of my boot centered over my foot.

This worked great for me, although some SP commented that it would shoot a hole in my foot if the gun were to go off. I reminded him that bullets seldom spontaneously combust so it wasn’t an issue.

 

[medmo]

Inside of right leg with butt facing forward. I'm right handed and this method seems to carry and draw most comfortably. DeSantis is the brand.

 

[Legionnaire]

Scarface, sorry I didn't see your post before placing my order. Stuff on your site looks good. I'll keep the link for future reference.

 

[chopinbloc]

i've carried a ruger sp-101 and a g27 in my aker ankle holster. it is definitely only appropriate for a bug or as an alternative if you have no other way to carry. i think it works much better with boots. i wear army issued boots all the time and on the few occasions that i wear sneakers the ankle rig seems to move around too much.

 

[gunfan]

IMHO, I don't own a Kel-Tec .32 (though I am certain that it would work.) The only other weapon that I would attempt to carry in an "ankle rig" would be my Frank Beltrame imported Italian Picklock switchblade!

Scott

 

[RyanM]

How large a gun you can carry depends on your leg size, too. If you have thick, meaty calves, you can pretty much forget about anything larger than a mousegun. Learned that one the hard way. If I try ankle carrying my SP-101, I look like I have a huge lump on my leg, kind of like Val Kilmer's elbow.