Galco Ankle Glove w/ Glock 26: my first impressions

[ghostofmadison]

So I got it in the mail today. Yes, the G26 is chunky and it's not ideal for ankle carry but it's all I have.

First I want to say the holster feels VERY quality. The leather is molded perfectly (it needs to be broken in of course). It is extremely comfortable to wear also! The sheepskin really makes you not even know it is there.

I have tried several different wearing configurations. Initially I tried wearing it where the gun was straight along the side of my leg - but that shows too much IMO, at least with my pants; it looks like a tumor on my leg! I also tried it with the gun completely on the back of my leg, so I would have to sort of twist my left leg to draw effectively. That is actually an extremely comfortable way to wear it, and wearing it that way prevents the gun from sliding down at all. The downside is it prints pretty badly from behind (but only when I'm walking). For now, I think the best way is to wear it not totally on the back but somewhat angled back, maybe at the 4-5 o'clok position. That provides the best combo of low printing and preventing it from slipping too much. It DOES still print but the outline of the gun is not recognizable. I don't think there is any way not to print with a G26 unless I had stiff, boot-cut jeans. As it is now, when I move the odd sharp angle will appear and somebody might notice a bulge if they were really looking - I don't think people tend to check out feet though.

I'm wearing it right now in my dress slacks I wear to work, and it is very easy to pull the pant leg over the gun if I need to. I have to be careful when I'm sitting so it doesn't 't stick out the bottom of my pants. The way I'm wearing it, the gun does tend to settle down near the top of my shoe. It cannot be seen when I'm standing though, so I don't know how big a deal it is. Should I really care if it settles down lower? I'm thinking about getting the calf strap to prevent any movement.

I must say, I am happy with the purchase. For my needs, which is having something for walking to my parking garage at home, driving to work, and coming home, it is ideal. It is VERY easy to take off discreetly before I go into work and to strap back on before heading home. Also, since most of the time I'm wearing it will be in a car, it's much better than a hip holster, both in terms of accessibility and comfort. I'm glad I didn't settle on a paddle holster!

 

[a-sheepdog]

I have carried a Glock 26 in a Galco Ankle for a few years now, it is a little bulky but it is the best ankle holster that I have found. It is both comfortable and secure.

 

[ghostofmadison]

Thanks for the info a-sheepdog. Do you use the calf strap?

 

[Remander]

I am interested in an ankle holster for a J-frame. Willing to pay top $$ for a good one.

Please post later on how you like the Galco after wearing it for a few days.

 

[cloudcroft]

I can't speak on any of the leather ankle-holsters like the Galco (or the more expensive yet very nice Kramer ankle holster: $253) but I have always used Uncle Mikes (about $30) black nylon ankle holsters...they are so comfortable I have been wearing them all day long for some years now. If a holster isn't comfortable ALL DAY, it probably won't be worn much. Mine sure are, and so my guns are ALWAYS with me when I go out (I find IWB/SOB holsters uncomfortable). I do not use the calf support strap -- it's not needed.

And living down here in hot/humid weather, IWB or SOB holsters would get wet from sweat...not so with ankle carry (besides, I don't wear shirts that don't tuck in -- like those old man ubiquituous "guayabera" shirts -- and don't want to start now). Yes, I know ankle carry is slower to get to -- but it's a whole lot faster than leaving it in your car or a home!

I also employ one of my older/used Uncle Mikes ankle holsters on the OTHER ankle for an also comfortable spare 2-magazine pouch. I have a Size #10 Uncle Mikes ankle holster for my small Beretta 21A and Beretta 3032, and just recently got a Size #1 Uncle Mikes for my compact 9mm (which is probably the largest gun I'd want to ankle carry).

One reason I like the nylon holsters is they aren't bothered by moisture/sweat, and if they get wet, dry out quickly. But COMFORT is my # 1 reason with easy concealability (boot-cut jeans preferred) coming in 2nd.

-- John D.