anyone conceal carry a G26?

[TheHighRoadDude]

Wondering if anyone has tried to conceal carry a G26 with a Ankle Holster. Wondering how bulky it would feel.

Would you just be better off with a Ruger LC9 or Bodyguard 380?

Probably just need to go to the store and compare them size wise. But would see what you guys thought first. Thanks!

 

[David E]

When I carry a 26, it's IWB in a KyTac BraveHeart rig.

 

[Rail Driver]

I find the G26 too bulky for ankle or pocket carry. I'm 5'7" and about 150lbs. Not very thin, not very thick in build. I normally carry a 1911 for concealed carry, with the G26 as a weak side backup if I'm stuck going to a bad part of town. My usual backup is a J frame S&W .38sp either in an ankle holster or in my pocket.

 

[CDW4ME]

G26 is carried either appendix IWB or Smartcarry.
I don't utilize ankle carry anymore; I did in the past (17 years ago), but access is slow and it wasn't comfortable.
If I'm going to carry a LCP or P3AT it will be in pocket.

 

[Frozen North]

To heavy for ankle. I think any gun is too heavy for ankle carry though... I hate that carry method with a passion.

I stick mine IWB in an Comp-Tac MTAC. I am super happy with the combo.

 

[buckeye8]

RailDriver, that's a lot of hardware on your belt! Can't imagine how a guy your size makes that work (not an insult, just... wow).

OP: I can pocket-carry a G26 relatively easily, but I definitely know it's there. I have not tried to make ankle carry work, but I don't think I want to try it with the G26. I'd want something smaller and lighter for ankle carry.

 

[coolluke01]

I carry my G26 on my ankle. I hardly notice it anymore. I just have a cheap nylon holster and it tends to slide down unless I wear my high top work boots. I have been experimenting with this holster until I decide I like it then i'll buy a better holster. I'm going to try IWB next. I'm 6' 185 and I don't think i'll be able to hide a gun very on my side. I'm sure i'll have to wear an untucked overshirt.
I really like to G26! I shoot it really well. I think that's one of the most important things. Find a gun that you shoot well and with all the holster and carry options out there i'm sure you'll find a carry option for the gun you chose.

 

[Rail Driver]

RailDriver, that's a lot of hardware on your belt! Can't imagine how a guy your size makes that work (not an insult, just... wow).

OP: I can pocket-carry a G26 relatively easily, but I definitely know it's there. I have not tried to make ankle carry work, but I don't think I want to try it with the G26. I'd want something smaller and lighter for ankle carry.

It's really very easy. On a good belt (polymer core) I carry my all steel commander 1911 IWB, and when I carry the Glock weak side, it's on an OWB desantis holster that holds quite flat. My usual mode of dress is a pair of jeans and an untucked short sleeve button down with an undershirt. I find I can conceal quite well that way, and still have room for a couple spare mags, though I find it at least as quick to transition to another pistol rather than a reload when fine motor skills might be degraded. I try to train both methods, and I'm improving my reload speed, but still more comfortable transitioning to a BUG. I carry an extra mag for the 1911 most of the time, but I also don't leave home much (I work and attend school from home so I can raise my kids). I'm probably out around town 3 times a week, and I might carry the G26 as backup twice a month. For awhile it was primary, but I always find myself going back to the 1911... There's a certain elegance to them. I prefer all steel, but I've been considering a lightweight officer frame in 9mm since I shot my friend's EMP.

*Edit to add, I've only been "made" once carrying in this fashion... by a sheriff's deputy in a grocery store when I was reaching for something over the cart and printed... It didn't result in the end of the world, and I made a new "shooting buddy".

**Another edit to add: I carry the 1911 around 4 o'clock, and the G26 right at 9 o'clock when I carry both, 4 o'clock is my regular strongside carry position. I haven't tried a gun I can't conceal at least decently in that position, though I don't carry anything with a barrel longer than 5".

 

[Dr_2_B]

THRDude, it's not my place to try to change your mind about ankle carry if you've decided to go with that as your mode of carry. But if you do a search, you'll find most folks opt for some sort of waist carry. Even though it means they have to dress around the gun a bit. Ankle is really tough to pull off and it is relatively slow to access.

I carry the G27 IWB in a Fist holster.

Coolluke, I am the same height and weight as you and I carry the 27 on the waist at 3:30 o'clock with no problem.

 

[coolluke01]

What do you commonly wear for shirts? I usually just wear T shirts untucked. When working I wear T shirt with uniform tucked in. I'm a plumber so I move around a lot and am often laying on the floor under sinks and the like.

 

[TheHighRoadDude]

Thanks for all the input, it really is a lot of stuff to think about. I was just thinking ankle, for the sole reason that I think that it would be the most comfortable and I would not notice it. But the more I think about it, maybe something that would fit in a pocket would be the way to go...

A lot to think about, but at least a have a few months before I have to start making any serious decisions on what I want to do.

 

[DawgFvr]

I would not recommend G26 for ankle carry...too thick. I found that the best method...for me...was MTAC IWB:





I also like the Rusty Sherrick "High Ride" in good horse leather OWB:

 

[Soldiernurse]

I'm a big fan of the 5.11 Tactical Holster Shirts, for either my PPS or G26. I do use Blackhawk Ankle Holster for my LC9.

... my 2 cents

 

[Strykervet]

I have a G27 and a G29 and carry them both IWB in Milt Sparks VMII holsters on a heavy double thick gun belt. Still, the G27 has some weight to it (and is identical save calibre to the G26). IWB is the way to go with the G26. I can also draw in the blink of an eye, whereas you'd still be hunched over just grabbing your pants leg.

I don't ankle carry for this reason (and I have a bad back) but I would imagine the G26 to be too heavy for comfort. Also too big, it is like a brick and the same width as a full size. Like having one exercise weight on one leg... Due to the weight, you'll probably need one of those sheep lined holsters to be comfortable, and that will increase the size, so you may need bell bottoms to conceal it.

IF I were to ankle carry, it would be the 340PD I sometimes pocket carry. 5 shot 11-12oz .357 in scandium and titanium. Brutal recoil, but so light I've literally forgot I had it in my pocket before. I'd consider something like this or a smaller auto like that new Sig .380 if I liked .380's, but the 340PD is .357, so if this is the only thing you are going to carry, I'd go that route. Whatever I got, it would need to be considerably lighter, and preferably smaller, than the G26.

But that is me, and that isn't to say some folks out there are doing it quite comfortably.

 

[Strykervet]

Thanks for all the input, it really is a lot of stuff to think about. I was just thinking ankle, for the sole reason that I think that it would be the most comfortable and I would not notice it. But the more I think about it, maybe something that would fit in a pocket would be the way to go...

A lot to think about, but at least a have a few months before I have to start making any serious decisions on what I want to do.

Yeah, that 340PD I mention is great for pocket carry. But it even works better in a nice, small IWB holster. The Bladetech Nano I bought and modified works great, really thin. I can conceal it with just a thin underarmor or similar style t-shirt.

IWB is where it's at, really. If you already have the G26, that is a FINE carry piece, just go check out Milt Sparks or Mitch Rosen or another good leathersmith for a good holser and belt. In the meantime, a decent but inexpensive IWB kydex holster will tide you over.

 

[JERRY]

i carry a G26 in a DiSantis #44 everyday on my "ankle".

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I had a G27. Much too big for pocket carry. It isn't so much the height and length, as the thickness and "blockiness." It resembled a thick paperback book in my pocket, even in a large pocket with a holster. No experience with ankle carry.

 

[JERRY]

I had a G27. Much too big for pocket carry. It isn't so much the height and length, as the thickness and "blockiness." It resembled a thick paperback book in my pocket, even in a large pocket with a holster. No experience with ankle carry.

i call it the Giddean's bible thief....looks like youre trying to sneak out of the motel 6 with the bible from the night stand......LOL.....i guess if you stay standing and have really baggy pants it could work. but once you sit down the box of cereal you have in your pocket will stand out.

 

[19-3Ben]

I was just thinking ankle, for the sole reason that I think that it would be the most comfortable and I would not notice it.

That's what I thought when I got my LCP, so I bought an ankle rig. I wore it all of 2 hours before getting fed up. Even with that little flyweight gun, i really noticed the uneven weight on my leg. My leg felt like a pendulum every time I took a step. Hated it. The LCP now rides in my pocket and I love it.

 

[AK103K]

i carry a G26 in a DiSantis #44 everyday on my "ankle".

Me too, although not "every" day, but I do use it regularly as a back up. The #44 is the most comfortable ankle holster Ive ever used, and I have them for my S&W's as well.

When I first got my 26, I was skeptical of it being feasible for ankle carry, as it "looked" so bulky. But after a short time with it in place, I soon forgot it was there. You do need full cut pants to pull it off though. I mostly wear Carhartt type carpenter jeans, or similar, and its no problem at all.

With a little practice, its really not all that slow or hard to access either.

 

[Dogguy]

I've carried a G26 in my pants pocket. Ease of carry really depends on the type of pants and the depth and width of the pocket more so than the gun you're carrying there. I can carry a G19 or SIG P229 in some of my pants pockets (but I don't). Yeah, the G26 is bulky but you get used to it. These days, I'm pocket carrying a S&W 642 because it's the easiest pocket gun to carry I've used.

Ankle carry? Not for me but that doesn't mean it won't work for you. IMO, it's too long of a reach to the ankle compared to the pocket or the belt when you need to draw the gun. As for the comfort factor, just buy one of those ankle weight things about the same weight as a loaded G26. Strap it on for a day or two and see how you like it.

Compared to the G26, the LC9 is considerably thinner. You do give up the Glock short trigger pull and reset but, again, you can get used to it with practice. Still, I'd rather carry on the belt or in my pocket than on my ankle.

 

[JERRY]

yes, the proper pants make the difference, my uniform pants are not the Cliff Claven ankle beaters. they are properly cut to allow an ankle rig for a second gun.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I would not carry my only gun on my ankle. "Please, Mr. Bad Guy, don't stab or club me while I kneel down and pull my gun." And running for cover while trying to get your gun out? Forget it.

yes, the proper pants make the difference, my uniform pants are not the Cliff Claven ankle beaters. they are properly cut to allow an ankle rig for a second gun.

Or maybe bell bottoms will make a comeback.

 

[AK103K]

I would not carry my only gun on my ankle.

I wouldnt either, but they do make for a decent backup.

Or maybe bell bottoms will make a comeback.

You dont need bell bottoms, but they would be a plus. Maybe a pair of those platforms with the goldfish in the heel to distract any one looking to closely too.


Like when you first start carrying IWB, it does take a little getting used to carrying any of them around on your ankle. Give it a couple of days to a week, and the strangeness and the imagined limp go away, and you begin to not even know its there anymore.

Like anything else, it may not be for everyone, but it is another option available for those times you may want it, if it does suit you.

 

[Aiko492]

I would not recommend G26 for ankle carry...too thick. I found that the best method...for me...was MTAC IWB:





I also like the Rusty Sherrick "High Ride" in good horse leather OWB:

The G26 w/MTAC is also my setup for CC, works perfect. I cannot see pocket or ankle carry for the G26 for me but my Sig P238 works fine for that.