Ankle Carry w/ SW 342 or 642 - Need some input.

[StressPuppy]

I need to find something that is easy to carry. I have a Glock 19, but for the summer time, it is not so easy to conceal.

I tend to wear slacks or jeans the majority of the time, and almost always have my shirts tucked in. This makes it hard for waist carry. I have looked at things for pocket carry, such as the Kel-Tec P3AT, but I don't like having a wallet in my pocket much less a gun, so that may be tough.

So I am thinking that ankle carry may be the way to go. I tried on a Galco holster today and had a S&W 642 in it. Seemed pretty good as I walked around the store, but it wasn't for that long. It wasn't that hard to get to, although not as easy as on the belt.

I would like any and all input about ankle holsters. Why do you use one? If you used to and switched away, why did you? What are the down sides? Are they hard to get used to? Any and all input would be great.

And while we are talking about such things, I need some input on the 342PD and the 642PD. I know the 342 is lighter by about 5 oz. But that is about all I know. Any input here would be appreciated too.

TIA!!!

 

[Bob79]

I had a fobus

I used to have a Fobus ankle holster when I had 642 and 340. I got the Fobus because it held the gun well, and the revolvers were hammerless. It had good padding, and it make take several adjustments on the strap until you get the right amount of tension. I usually needed to adjust it once or twice though out the day, and initially it takes some getting used to. If you wear it for about a week you'll get used to it.

If you go to the Smith-Wesson website you can use the search method of punching in the model # and it will give you all the specs. Basically the PD models are black with an orange front site. The 642 "airweight" is pretty much the same as the Airlite for size. The "airlites" are 12 ozs vs. 15 oz of the airweights. You can also shoot .357 out of the Airlites, but I doubt you would want to, it hurts. Also, the barrel is shrouded on the Airlites, it looks a little better.

 

[grey9551]

the best

I don't know how much money you want to spend but, Lou Alessi makes hands down the finest ankle holster on the market. It is worth a look.

Gary

 

[Nick96]

You really need to be careful when selecting an ankle holster for one of the enclosed hammer revolvers - least it fall out if you had to run or leap over something. The S&W 637 is basically the same as the 642 - but with an exposed hammer over which a securing strap can be used (probably a larger choice of holsters for these).

Ankle holsters are an "aquired taste". If used for an extended time you may need to use double socks (holster over one and another over the holster to reduce chafing & exposure to perspitation). Some legs are better suited for such holsters than others (you don't want it sliding around or down - or so tight as to be uncomfortable). Some come with a garder type strap that is secured above the calf (which I found to be pretty uncomfortable).

In short, I've used them - but was never real comfortable with them. The best use I ever put them to was something that could be strapped on quickly for short term ultra concealed carry. Then removed when back in the car - back home - or where ever other quick access off body storage places were available. I just couldn't get used to wearing one for more than a couple of hours or so.

 

[ted murphy]

If you wear reasonably loose jeans you can always carry a j frame in y our pocket in a pocket holster. I have one there most every day, even when I have a bigger gun on.

Ted

 

[Ex-MA Hole]

but I don't like having a wallet in my pocket much less a gun,

I agree...I have a thin Front pocket wallet that holds a few cards and lic. My money lives folded in half in the same pocket. I have a Gerber blade that is plastic (the case, not the blade). My house keys stay in my car, and only my car key goes in my pocket. This may sound familiar to you. I HATE stuff banging arond in my pocket. I hate the bulky feeling of a wallet (Yes, I'm wierd). That being said...

...try the 642 for pocket carry. I thought I'd hate it. I purchased it recently for shorts/ t-shirt/ going to the store for a second/ throw it in you pocket, etc. wear. I have a Uncle Mike's pocket holster (K&D holster on the way!!! This is the cat's meow!!!). I have found that I have this in my pocket more times than not. I don't carry to work (co. policy). But every night, every weekend, it is in my pocket. I come home, first thing I do (after kissing Wife and Dogs), is to take everything out of pocket. I usually just leave it in. I have actually fallen asleep/ taken a nap with it in my pocket!

Works in Jeans, shorts, Kahkis, etc.

I don't know if I'd want to shoot a .357 out of something like the 642 (if it could). The reg .38's aren't bad. I can't say that I wouldn't, because I haven't tried it, but the +P's are on the "Boy, this isn't fun" border.

Just my thoughts...

 

[StressPuppy]

Thanks for the input!!!

I bought the 642. The 342 seems too light if you actually have to fire more than one shot!! I shot a 342 with +P and it was "not fun".

I bought an Uncle Mikes pocket carry and went out last night about bought some jeans that were more of a "loose" cut. I had the gun an holster in my front pocket last night, and all morning and it is not as bad as I expected. I know it is there, but I can tell that in a day or two, I won't! My work attire is Khaki's, and I wear pleated, so that will make that easy too (no co. policy thankfully!). So I think I have found my easy carry gun.

I also bought a Galco Deep Cover holster that is IWB, sits at about 1:30 to 2 o'clock and you can tuck your shirt over it. Not bad, but not as easy to get to as the pocket.

I may give ankle a try, but this pocket carry isn't as bad as I thought!!


BTW - what is the K&D and can you point me to it?

 

[Shadowman]

Someone wiser than mentioned attaching either a piece of velcro to the pocket and "pocket holster" or sewing a button in the pocket to anchor the holster in a specific orientation so it doesn't flip-flop around.

 

[Ex-MA Hole]

BTW - what is the K&D and can you point me to it?

www.kdholsters.com

I've dealt with Kevin Manley (owner, craftsman, generally nice guy). I ordered a Pocket holster for my PPK/S. I know, his site doesn't show them. I called, he said "No problem". He bought a dummy and custom made me one. 2 weeks.

He called and said that he didn't like the dye job and took 10% off the order. He said that if this was not good enough, let him know and he'd do better. I have NO IDEA what he is talking about! It looks perfect. He is currently making me a pocket holster, and hip holster for my 642. I sent him one of my HKS speed loaders, he is custom making a holder for that for me too! He also takes 10% off repeat customers! When you call, he actually answers the phone! If you get voice mail, he returns calls! Email him if you want. The longest that I have waited for a response was 3 hours! The stuff is top notch in my opinion!

No, I am not related, nor do I work for him, nor do I get a kick back. I am just a VERY satified customer.

 

[StressPuppy]

Ex-Ma Hole - Glad you aren't a rep! Your opinion has more weight. No better advertising than a satisfied customer.

Looked at the stuff there and I think I will be placing and order. WOW is the only thing that comes to mind. And the funny part is, I bought a Kel-Tec P3AT at the same time I bought my 642, so maybe I'll get something for both of them.

Thanks for point me this direction. My wife and the checkbook may not be so happy, but I am!

 

[Ex-MA Hole]

My wife and the checkbook may not be so happy, but I am!

Funny you should mention that...

I bought a Bianchi tonight. Wife said that with child on the way, one holster was enough, "no more gun stuff for a while".
I said "sure, after the stuff that I ordered arrives"
"How many holsters do you neeed?"
"How many shoes do YOU need".

Oops!

 

[AngryBassets]

I have a very nice pocket holster from K&D for my P3AT.



Quality items.

 

[jpIII]

I own both the 642 and the 342pd.

I bought the 342pd first, with the intention being that I would have no excuse not to put it in my pocket for short trips etc. (sort of an anytime gun)

It is a great pocket gun! I frequently forget that I have it on me. (which can be a hazard for me when I must travel in "unarmed victim zones")

I sometimes carry it in a bellyband very low with just the grip above the belt line. This is supprisingly comfortable for me.

About 6 months later, I purchased a 642 for use in traveling the airways...I just didn't want to lose a $600 gun.... awhhh who'm I foolin'.... I just wanted another gun!
The airline travel is just the story I told SWMBO...

Both are great. The 342pd is DEFINITELY the way to go for the pocket if you can swing the cash!
The 642 is ok in the pocket and the weight will not be noticed for the waist band or ankle.

Just a note, either WILL rust if you sweat on them profusely every day.
I'm going to start a new thread one day to show pics of my surface rust.

good luck in your choice.
JP

 

[Model520Fan]

Best ankle holster is a Renegade. 642 and 342 are both plenty light enough. Just be sure to have your finger behind the trigger when holstering the gun.

The Renegade is very comfortable (made almost entirely of very strong and durable elasticized cloth, and padded with sheepskin). I do wear an old sock under and my display sock over.

Ankle holster is a very poor position for a primary weapon, but it is good for a backup and GREAT for driving or being seated at a table.

 

[Series 70]

I carry my 442 in a Galco Ankle Glove. Very comfy.

 

[AZ Heat]

Both 360 and 642

I carry both the 360 and 642 (not at same time) in the Galco Ankle Glove. It is most comfortable when wearing higher shoes, kinda like Nike hiking boots. You can keep it a little more loose as it just sits at the top of your shoes.
I wear it with dress pants as well. I can't put it in my front pocket because my legs are big and it prints way too much. When I don't have one of those on my ankle, I usually have a Seecamp in my pocket.

 

[another okie]

I have Galco ankle gloves for both my Taurus 85 (5 shot titanium revolver) and my Glock 26. Both are very comfortable. I also have a Kramer pocket holster for the Taurus that works really well, at least in pants with loose jeans. An untucked shirt helps conceal a pocket holster. I mainly use the pocket holster when I'm wearing shorts and can't ankle carry and don't want to carry on the belt for some reason.

 

[StressPuppy]

G26 on the ankle? You must wear bell-bottoms or something. I have G19 and thought about the G26, but it is so much heavier and bigger that it seemed too much.

I have been carrying my 642 in my front pocket with pleated slacks and it works well. Doesn't look like much, maybe a wallet. But when I sit down, it becomes more apparent something is there, you just can't tell what. (Again, a wallet or something).

I am still thinking that I want to try ankle carry. Galco seems to have a good holster. Just wondering about the strap that can be used to help hold it up. Is it necessary? Seems uncomfortable.