Ankle Carry?

[Werewolf]

Hey - I'm I guy that believes in being prepared; which is why on occasion I think ahead a bit and try to imagine different situations that I might find myself in that would require that I present my carry gun.

All that thinking has prompted me to consider when, where and how to carry. The how is the subject of my query.

Though I can imagine that there are circumstances that could occur that would make ankle carry appropriate for a LEO I cannot imagine one that would make it appropriate for a regular citizen with a CCW permit.

Now a lot of you are probably thinking - you don't have much of an imagination - well - that's why I'm asking.

What circumstances might occur that would make ankle carry appropriate (note: ankle carry does not preclude carry in another position).

 

[Hkmp5sd]

Someone that drives a great deal might consider the ankle carry. Primarily cabbies and bus drivers, where a belt or IWB would be hard to draw and use of a shoulder rig would be prevented by having to wear a standard uniform shirt.

I've tried the ankle carry myself and didn't like it. Since I also where nothing but jeans, there is no way for me to conceal it, unless of course, bellbottoms come back into style for males.

 

[Bowlcut]

I know Runt carries on the ankle from time to time. At our big meet a while back she walked in and I think I was the only one that made the ankles. She is a rather small statured lady and to me the big bludging combat boots stood out. I was the only one tho in the room I think. She had a small revlover in a holster tucked in her boot and jeans pulled over I think. I was sitting so naturaly looking at feet as it always seems i do while lounging back.

Like was said...drivers. Even tho my portly stature precludes the ability to get to my ankles in my small car quickly....i have thought about such a situation. I drive alot for my job and spend most my days in a chair. So maybe a p3at in the ankle might be the best....

 

[another okie]

1. A church with promiscuous hugging, such as mine.
2. Sport shirt - khakis type environment. Pocket carry can work in such an environment, but usually is a little conspicuous. Tuckables? Maybe, maybe not.
3. Driving.
4. Seated at a desk for long periods.
5. Back up gun.

Everyone is different. Let a thousand flowers bloom - Mao.

 

[HogRider]

Ankle carry (NAA Guardian .380, Galco Cop Ankle Band) works great while riding the Motorcycle.

 

[Pilgrim]

I experimented with ankle carry and decided against it except for a second, or backup, gun.

Some of the limitations of the ankle carry I found were:

Unless you are already in a sitting or kneeling position, it is very difficult to hide the fact you are doing something strange while drawing your piece.

Even the lightest pistol throws off your gait while walking.

Holsters that work well with boots are not comfortable with low quarter shoes. Similarly, holsters that are comfortable with low quarter shoes do not have straps long enough to go around boots.

Bell bottom trousers go out of style from time to time.

On the other hand, not everyone expects to see ankle carry, even those trained to spot concealed weapons. During a training session for us lowly reserve peace officers, a local PD instuctor completely missed my ankle carry Model 36 Smith & Wesson while demonstrating how to search arrested suspects.

Pilgrim

 

[Darrin]

I have no luck with ankle holsters. I will, when wearing my boots, tuck my .38 special derringer in there before lacing up. Not to bad when positioned right.

You'll have to guess where my .40 is.

 

[cordex]

Even the lightest pistol throws off your gait while walking.

I don't notice this at all.

Bell bottom trousers go out of style from time to time.

Loose fit jeans or slacks work well for me.

 

[OH25shooter]

I tried it when I was in LE. I hated it! Feels ackward and is not good for running. There are a few styles on the market and each feels different. Some are sheep skin lined, others plain leather. Some attach with a second band that fits above the calf muscle for added support. For me they all spin around and needed constant adjustment. But, on the other hand some officers really liked them. For civilian carry I can't think of any circumstance where such a holster would be beneficial. Besides, think about what movements you'd have to make just to reach your gun. Just my opinion.

 

[P95Carry]

I started a thread on this some months back (no idea of URL right now) .. seems overall, Galco is the fave for rigs. To me it is probably a way to carry backup .... not primary (from choice).

I await a couple of simple nylon ankle rigs . and will see how they shape up ... i don't think I will like it a lot .. but we'll see. Probably try the Bersa Thunder and J frame ... nothing bigger.

 

[Matt G]

The most important issue about ankle carry is weight. Don Johnson running around in Miami Vice with a steel Detonics Combat Master strapped to his ankle was laughable. The song "Mother Madonna" came to mind: "Seeeeeee how they runnnnn!"

 

[Psssniper]

Did 12 hours with a Galco and a G-27 on the 'ol ankle yesterday
Felt alright to me, but then again I wasn't running around like Don Johnson.
Just normal walking, sitting and stuff.

 

[Preacherman]

I was sitting so naturaly looking at feet as it always seems i do while lounging back.

Bowlcut, does this mean you're a feet-ishist?

 

[James Bondrock]

I am in the camp of those who do not believe ankle carry is good for a primary gun. Try running for cover while drawing a gun from an ankle holster. Still, I believe it to be useful at times -- too useful to dismiss -- such as sitting at a desk, table, restauraunt booth, etc., or when driving a car. In the former situation, it would be easier to draw the gun surreptitiously if needed. In the latter, if you are carjacked, the gun will not be pinned against a seatback or seat belt as it would be in a belt holster, and a carjacker would have to have mighty long and flexible arms to grab the gun as you are drawing it from the ankle rig. That's my theory, anyway.

 

[Mike Irwin]

I used to carry on my ankle quite a bit.

Unobtrusive for what I was doing, but I agree not the most effective way of carrying the primary.

One of the first dates I had with my ex wife she accidentally kicked me under the table and kicked my gun. That turned the conversation in an interesting new direction right there.

Given how it turned out, I should have used it on myself right at that moment...

 

[LawDog]

If right-handed, take your slacks or jeans to a tailor and have the bottom six or so inches of the inside seam on your left leg replaced with dressmakers velcro.

Carry your pistol on the inside of the left ankle.

To draw, kneel on right knee, grasp outside left leg pants cuff with left hand, and rip out. This opens the velcro on the inside seam, and allows for a straight up draw with your right paw.

I only ankle carry for backup or for situations where more conventional carry won't work.

LawDog

 

[sm]

In another life, I have done exactly what LawDog suggested...actually suggested by an LEO back then.
I don't anymore, but the J frame/Jetfire / NAA mini revo , was comforting not comfortable and used on special situations.

Actually the mini revo had another place, due to concerns of kidnapping this would serve as a last ditch effort, not a primary. Being male I'd hope if ever kidnapped the ability to relieve myself would be granted...

 

[BluesBear]

I had a table at the Muncie Indian Gun Show back in 1981 when the rep from a place call A&B Industries in Ohio came by showing their new nylon/velcro ankle holster.
I was carrying a S&W 49 as a BUG then and the guy said, "Try it on and wear it for an hour, I'll be back to see how you like it."

So I tried it. I didn't take it off until I was back in Louisville about midnight.

It was the best feeling ankle holster I have ever seen. I used it for over 12 years until the nylon started wearing out.
I have tried several other ankle rigs over the years but I guess that one spoiled me as nothing else feels as comfortable.

I wish I had bought a dozen of them.

ps If anyone evercomes across one of those for a 2" revolver PLEASE let me know.

 

[j.wise]

I ankle-carry a Taurus 617t (titanium 357) when the circumstances are right. This basically means anytime I am forced to dress-up in slacks and a tucked-in shirt. I wear boots (western) a lot, and for me to wear my black dress boots (cayman crocs) with a suit is quite normal. I had a bootmaker at a local repair shop cut down the left boot and stitch in a holster of sorts custom fit for the Taurus. Dress pants may not be bell-bottoms, but they are wide enough to get up and out of the way just fine.

I have to add that I always carry a pocket 32 when I ankle-carry. Don't ask which is the "primary" and which is the "back-up", I haven't figured that one out.

 

[Jack19]

I ankle carry my Glock 19 about half the time; the other half it's on my right hip. Lou Alessi's Ankle Holster is fast and very secure and frankly, you get used to the weight. Just a matter of finding the right trousers and you're good to go.

Ankle carry for a primary gun may not be the most optimal method of carry but......it's better than no gun at all. Especially true in hot climates where jackets in hot weather look way out of place or in buildings where concealed means CONCEALED.

 

[Gus Dddysgrl]

I haven't tried it yet, but want to. I have a hardtime concealing things with most of the clothes I wear. Other than when I am going wiht the grungy T-shirt and baggy jeans or sweatshirt look. My jeans however are much looser around my ankle and might be a good place for me to carry. Especially if I am sitting a lot like in class or at work or driving. If I want to look nice I have to carry in a purse-icky. So when I have time I will go check one out and see how it feels.

 

[Gordon Fink]

Hmm … What about this?

Bootlock ankle holster.

~G. Fink

 

[Checkman]

For my backup and, as has been previously pointed out, when concealment means just that. In august when the temps are in the high 90's and 100's clothing dicatates that I go with the ankle carry. Maybe it isn't the best carry, but at least it gives me something. A 2 inch five shot in one's hand beats a tricked out 45 sitting back in your safe.

 

[Jack19]

Especially if I am sitting a lot like in class or at work or driving.

Be VERY carefull about ankle carry on school grounds or at work. Check your local/state laws and employer's policy before you carry in those places. Or, at least get a longer length trouser than you usually wear so the weapon will be covered when you sit.

 

[Scarface]

Ankle Holster

Dear BluesBear,

Over ime, things and names change. I might have what you're looking for. I bought an Ankle Pocket and liked it so much I bought the company. I've carried a 2" Taurus 85, an NAA .22 Mag, a Tomcat and even a Makarov in mine with comfort.


If you'll contact me, I'll send one with my compliments. If it's what you remember, you can buy another 11 to fill out the dozen.

Best regards,

Scarface