Ankle Holster Options

[SwampWolf]

Does anybody have any experience or knowledge about the "BUGbite" or Galco "Ankle Glove" ankle holsters? Thanks.

 

[Steve in PA]

I’ve had a Galco Ankle Glove for my S&W 642 for several years. A very comfortable ankle holster. No issues or complaints. I hardly even know I’m wearing it sometimes. Mine does not have the thumb strap.

I plan on getting one for my Glock 26 when ankle carry is the best or only option for carrying a concealed handgun.

 

[SwampWolf]

Thanks, Steve. I do prefer a retention strap of some sort; preferably a "thumb-break" type.

 

[SteadyD]

I have both and prefer the galco, personally.

 

[Col. Harrumph]

I carried a J frame in an Ankle Glove for years. Very comfortable, and secure. I'd recommend the calf strap to keep the rig off your shoe.

 

[AK103K]

I have both the Galco Ankle Glove and the Desantis Leather Ankle Holster.

Both are good for day long wear, but I find the Desantis to be the most comfortable and least noticeable.

 

[Mauser lover]

I have a bugbite holster. It isn't an ankle holster, and because of this it may not work for you. I use it, and I like it, but you must resign yourself to not being able to access your firearm as quickly. There is no retention strap, but I've had no issues with retention, and do not expect any. My KelTec P32 fits quite nicely, and a P3AT or an LCP would do as well. I do not carry a reload usually, but it is nice that it is an option. (My legs are not the biggest...)

What are you intending to carry?

It conceals very well, and this is why I like it. I think the concealment is superior to an ankle holster, just in case my pant leg gets hiked up.

Oh, and it's washable!

 

[SwampWolf]

Thanks Mauser lover. I've already conceded that quick access will never be an asset for any kind of an ankle holster and from pictures (I've never handled one, let alone tried one on) it looks like the BUGbite design would be even slower. I carried a J-frame Smith fairly comfortably for a while in a Ross ankle holster but the retention device sucked. The BUGbite looks like it would be comfortable and hold the gun snugly and the price is right ($39.99 retail). I am intending to carry a Ruger LCP with whatever and whenever I tote a pistol on my ankle.
I'd like to be able to try one on before I buy but no one stocks it in this area. I'll keep looking...

 

[Mauser lover]

LCP will fit just dandy.

 

[AK103K]

If youre looking at the Bug Bite, take a look at at some of the videos on You Tube. There was a cop on there who gave one a more realistic review, and it wasnt very positive.

He pointed out that the two things that concerned me, access and retention, were a problem.

I wear pants that are full cut, with full cut legs, that allows you to be active and move easily, and even with them, an ankle holster can be problematic at times. You can get pretty quick access, if you practice, but it does take practice to get good and consistent with them.

You also want a holster that has some sort of retention on it. From what I saw in the videos, retention is shaky at best, and if you were to get the least bit active, Id be concerned it would not retain the gun.

Personally, I think you should get access to the gun, with one quick, positive yank on your pant leg. The Bug Bite puts the holster closer to the knee, and even with full-cut, baggy pants, I dont see you getting to it in any kind of quick manner.

 

[Mauser lover]

If youre looking at the Bug Bite, take a look at at some of the videos on You Tube. There was a cop on there who gave one a more realistic review, and it wasnt very positive.

I beg your pardon? Just because someone else believes different things to be a priority does not make my review unrealistic. I even took the time to specifically mention one of the points you mention!

 

[AK103K]

Chill out man. I never said your review was unrealistic. All I was saying was, check out that video the cop did, as he did an unbiased and concise review and it addresses a couple of things I thought were an issue, and he confirmed it.