Incorporating a Backup Gun to EDC

[Winkman822]

Okay folks, I've toyed with this for a while now, and I think I've finally talked myself into incorporating an ankle carried backup gun to my EDC setup. Presently I carry a 9mm Walther P99 or Walther PPS as my primary carry along with a spare magazine. The question that I have is what is the preferred avenue for an ankle carried gun? A super slim and compact auto like a Kahr P380, Ruger LCP, Glock 42, or Colt Mustang Lite or a small .38 Spl. revolver like a Smith & Wesson J Frame or Ruger LCR? Either route looks to be a wash with respect to size and weight. Is there any distinct advantage one to the other in this application?

 

[Armored farmer]

I think the slimmest, lightest pistol would be my first choice.
My father in law carries a S&W Bodygaurd in an ankle rig edc. It doesnt look too comfortable to me, and i can tell when he's wearing it.
I am an LCP fan, so that would be my pick. They are so small you can carry them any way you want.

 

[labnoti]

In my experience, the choice of footwear has a big effect on what weight gun is tolerable. You don't want a big discrepancy in weight between the two feet. I suppose you could try to counter-balance with extra magazines or something but extra magazines for a backup might be over-doing it.

So for light shoes, my <15 ounce Airweight or Airlite is fine, but a 25 ounce steel gun feels like a ball and chain. On the other hand, with 2 pound work boots, the steel J frame is hardly noticeable. I use a Galco ankle-glove. I carry regularly for a little over a month now, so not endorsing anything yet. This is not a recommendation for J frames or Galco, just what a little experience with them taught me about footwear and ankle carry.

 

[MedWheeler]

How vigorous are your daily activities? You'll need to insure that any external controls on the gun, such as the safety (if there is one) and the magazine release, are not accidentally actuated. When I was on the job, holster selection for such carry was thin, and only what you could get locally. For those concerns, most cops I knew that carried a second gun carried a J-frame type. So did I, a Charter Arms Undercover that I still own. I had no issues keeping that gun secured, nor with my own balance, during the sometimes-rigorous duties of police work.

Now, with the incredible selection of guns available, it doesn't make much sense to exclude them all over concerns about the levers and buttons on them if you can be careful about holster selection (also much improved since back then.)

My current second gun, a P32, is pocket-carried. I wear jeans and boots virtually all the time when wearing anything. One pair of boots is cowboy-type, taller than the other. These make wearing an ankle gun more difficult. While I could wear a gun in the boot, I don't want to have to find a place for the gun if I take the boots off somewhere.

If I was going to wear an ankle gun now, and could only choose from the guns I currently own, it would probably be my Taurus TCP over the P32 because the Kel-Tec's magazine is too easily accidentally actuated (the release button sticks out more.) But, I do have an old Grendel P10 that would give me up to eleven rounds of .380, and has no safety or magazine release.

Another suggestion would be to carry the gun on your strong-side leg so it can be accessible easily with either hand.

 

[WrongHanded]

At one point I carried a G26 in a ankle holster. It was not terribly comfortable. But now (if I carry it), I have an ankle holster for my LCR, and a boot grip with a few wraps of tape around it just below where the middle finger sits (that creates a ridge around the grip). It carries much better, due to weight; conceals slightly better due to the rounded nature of revolvers; and shoots pretty well with that grip configuration. So that's the extent of my personal experience.

As far as semi-auto vs revolver, I suppose you have the usual pros and cons. But also, there's the possibility for more dirt (being at ground level) to work its way into the gun. Possibly less likely with a striker fired semi-auto, but that doesn't stop me carrying a revolver.

 

[somethingbenign]

Only thing I have been advised with ankle carry is to consider a revolver. The way it was explained to me was situations where you'd need to go for the BUG would include being pinned down and having to put the barrel into the attackers chest. Wheelguns don't go out of battery when pressed against soft objects. Just something one of my instructors thought was important to think about.

 

[Winkman822]

Thanks for the input guys. Keep it coming. With respect to my daily activities, I'm an attorney, so it's mainly desk work, but with the recent uptick in shootings in the neighborhood where my office is located, I think a backup gun may be a wise move. Apparel varies based on what's on my calendar on a given day. Court days obviously are a suit, office days when meeting with clients will be khakis and a dress shirt tucked over my main carry, and if I'm going to be making the rounds to visit my clients who are registered guests at the State funded air b and b, I wear jeans and an untucked polo shirt with comfortable sneakers. During the colder months, a pair of ankle height boots make their way into my work wardrobe.

 

[Varminterror]

Wheelguns don't go out of battery when pressed against soft objects.

Wheelguns don’t go bang when the cylinder is lightly resisted, for example, if someone had their hand on the revolver in a struggle.

 

[The Evangelist Cowboy]

A revolver would be my choice.

 

[somethingbenign]

Wheelguns don’t go bang when the cylinder is lightly resisted, for example, if someone had their hand on the revolver in a struggle.

Like all things in life there are pros and cons. Just something for Winkman to consider as he makes the decision that is right for him.

 

[Winkman822]

I've got to get to my local shop to handle a few things, but are the lightweight compact revolvers going to be significantly wider than a small .380 auto?

 

[Varminterror]

I've got to get to my local shop to handle a few things, but are the lightweight compact revolvers going to be significantly wider than a small .380 auto?

More than twice as wide, if not almost thrice.

 

[Winkman822]

More than twice as wide, if not almost thrice.

Hmmm, that may eliminate a wheel gun as an option. I'll have to see what an Airweight is like in person.

 

[Varminterror]

Yup - I hate a wheelgun on my ankle. Revolvers don’t get much smaller than the LCR, but it’s HUGE compared to the LCP - especially in thickness and length.

 

[bannockburn]

If I were going with a back-up and with ankle carry I would probably opt for the lightest and smallest gun I own: a KelTec P3AT. I think a S&W J frame, although lightweight, might just be too bulky for ankle carry. And being right handed I would go with the inside of my left leg as my carry location. This way my left hand can raise the pant leg while my right hand grabs the gun and completes the draw.



Doesn't get much smaller or lighter than these two!

 

[Varminterror]

One thing I try to remind myself - ankle carry absolutely sucks. It immobilizes you, forces a very specific body geometry to accomplish, requires a very non-standard draw, and the pistol has to be very small. I carry my back-up on my ankle very often, not because I consider it to be ideal, but because I consider it to be very easy to conceal, but it’s a long ways from great. While it forces a lot of laundry - or a lot of apparel purchases - I’m starting to convert over to a 5.11 undershirt for my backup whenever I can. It hides the pistol just as well, but allows mobility and the drawstroke is more common to the EDC draw I practice every day.

Food for thought.

 

[Winkman822]

I got to head to my local shop yesterday after work to check out a few options. I think that a small revolver is out. They're just too bulky for either ankle or pocket carry in my case (I'm 5'8" and about 130 lbs). Of the stuff that they had, I'm torn between an LCPII, a Kahr P380, and a Glock 43. That being said, the Kahr CM9 is a contender too as it's only marginally larger than the P380 and it's a 9mm as opposed to a .380.

 

[JR24]

I got to head to my local shop yesterday after work to check out a few options. I think that a small revolver is out. They're just too bulky for either ankle or pocket carry in my case (I'm 5'8" and about 130 lbs). Of the stuff that they had, I'm torn between an LCPII, a Kahr P380, and a Glock 43. That being said, the Kahr CM9 is a contender too as it's only marginally larger than the P380 and it's a 9mm as opposed to a .380.

Have you considered the bug on your belt as well? A Jframe or LCP size gun leaves little footprint. I have on occasion carried a Glock 26 or LCR as a bug at about 7 o'clock or so for weak side draw, IWB (normal carry is at 2 o'clock, usually a Glock 17 or similar size) with spare mag on the off side.

Apart from getting used to the new spot of rubbing it worked well enough. Better than ankle anyway.

 

[Winkman822]

Have you considered the bug on your belt as well? A Jframe or LCP size gun leaves little footprint. I have on occasion carried a Glock 26 or LCR as a bug at about 7 o'clock or so for weak side draw, IWB (normal carry is at 2 o'clock, usually a Glock 17 or similar size) with spare mag on the off side.

Apart from getting used to the new spot of rubbing it worked well enough. Better than ankle anyway.

I have actually given some thought to carrying the backup gun on my waist IWB as well, but, as is, I already have something of a "Bat belt". My P99 right hand side around 4:00, two spare 15 round mags on my left side around 10:00 and a small punch knife at about 11:00. Doesn't leave me a lot of extra real estate on my belt as I wear size 30 slacks. I may be able to sneak small auto like an LCP II or a P380 on there around 1:00 for a right hand appendix draw, though on the few occasions that I've tried AIWB carrying, it's been less than comfortable.

 

[BSA1]

Why not arm your Secretary and Para-Legal and use them for back-up?

Giving each of them a handgun would be a nice employee bonus award.

I have never found ankle carry to be comfortable.

 

[labnoti]

One thing I try to remind myself - ankle carry absolutely sucks. It immobilizes you, forces a very specific body geometry to accomplish, requires a very non-standard draw, and the pistol has to be very small. I carry my back-up on my ankle very often, not because I consider it to be ideal, but because I consider it to be very easy to conceal, but it’s a long ways from great. While it forces a lot of laundry - or a lot of apparel purchases - I’m starting to convert over to a 5.11 undershirt for my backup whenever I can. It hides the pistol just as well, but allows mobility and the drawstroke is more common to the EDC draw I practice every day.

Food for thought.

I agree it will force you to stop running to draw. That is a drawback compared to beltline or shoulder slung holsters. But it is indeed easy to conceal. I would also argue it is quick to draw from the ankle, by lifting the knee at the same time as pulling the trouser leg up with the weak-side hand, gripping with the strong side hand, and pulling up while pushing the foot down. The opposing motions of the foot and arm increase the draw speed. A draw can be made as fast as you can stomp your foot. It's also easy to draw while seated in the car. It's also a carry method that doesn't cover your groin with the muzzle. I find it easier and faster to draw from the ankle than from a pocket holster in the front trouser pocket. Pocket holsters can still be fast from a jacket pocket. I don't carry a gun bigger than ankle/pocket size, but then again, I'm not a lawyer.

 

[Varminterror]

I would buy a ticket to any demo where someone could draw from an ankle holster faster than an opponent with their pistol holstered somewhere “between nipples and nuts.” Being near the belt line saves time.

 

[Winkman822]

After giving a little more thought to how to carry a BUG, I think I've ruled out ankle carry as it seems none of my pants are conducive to an ankle rig (all have tapered trouser legs). That being said, I think appendix carry of a small pistol is the route I'm going to take.

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

After giving a little more thought to how to carry a BUG, I think I've ruled out ankle carry as it seems none of my pants are conducive to an ankle rig (all have tapered trouser legs). That being said, I think appendix carry of a small pistol is the route I'm going to take.

I'd wear bell bottom pants before I would carry a gun aimed at my boys all day.
If I carried a bug it would be coat pocket in the winter, in summer weak side belt instead of a spare mag.

 

[Winkman822]

I'd wear bell bottom pants before I would carry a gun aimed at my boys all day.
If I carried a bug it would be coat pocket in the winter, in summer weak side belt instead of a spare mag.

With a proper pistol and holster, it's not something that skeeves me out too terribly much. The goal is to have the pistol somewhere that is accessible with ease. As carrying on the support side, I have a spare mag on that side along with a small flashlight. I'm not wild about small of the back carry, and I have enough stuff in my pockets at a given time that I don't think that pocket carry is terribly practical. As is my right front pants pocket has a money clip with some cash, a folding knife and a contact lens case with spare contacts. My left front pocket typically has a second spare magazine for my main carry gun and a small multi-tool (Gerber Critical) and eye drops for my contact lenses. right rear pocket holds my wallet with professional and carry credentials, and my business and personal credit cards. Left rear pocket is my cell phone. Coat pocket carry for me already happens, typically my PPS tucked in the coat pocket on my gun side and a spare magazine in the coat pocket of the support side. Since I spend a lot of time sitting whether at my desk or in my car whilst driving back and forth to court and meetings, appendix carry would allow me easy access while seated as compared to my primary carry which is worn just behind my right hip. Good concealment position, but not so hot for accessing the gun when sitting in the car with a seat belt on.