I need a handgun that I can wear on my ankle all day every day. Small enough to be comfortable and unseen but powerful enough for stopping power. I started looking at Kel Tec P32 .32 at $239 (made of polymer I guess) light but seemed to be "cheap" but the salesman said they sale lots with no complaints and also Beretta 3032 $300 a little heavier but seems of higher quality. I then began to think that this may not have enough stopping power so I began looking at smith 637 .38 special 15.0 oz alum alloy $350, unlike the others a revolver of course, less rounds, a bit heavier but with more power. The last I looked at was smith 342 .38 special scadium or titanium 10.8 oz. $589. I was given a lorcin .380 auto years back and carry it on a holster, it dosen't seem to be very reliable and is a bit heavy and bulky to conceal on the ankle. My problem is that I like a auto for more rounds but they seem to be a bit bulky. I am looking for suggestions on .32 verses .38 based on size, type of gun smith vs Kel tek or Taurus (inexpensive stainless .38) or any other suggestions that you think may be helpful in my decision in addition to other types instead of these. Thanks
Revolver or Auto for Cw on ankle for daily use
- Thread starter Enzo
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P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
Can't address all your points but will just say - only ankle carry I can get along with is with my Rohrbaugh R9 .. a very small 9mm. I could also use P3AT but that I don't trust. revo tho I would not use - I don't like lightweights that much and - cylinder bulge is the big downside for me. I carry SP-101 OWB .. but it's slim semi for ankle. My R9 sits well in an Uncle Mike's ankle rig.
Sorry not more informative - oh and - welcome!
Sorry not more informative - oh and - welcome!
sm
member
Welcome to THR
Is there a particular reason for wanting/ needing ankle carry? Though not something I personally like or prefer , I know some that "need to" or "must".
I have used a Jetfire for a BUG-BUG on the Ankle.
I much prefer a Alloy/ Steel Jframe for ankle use , even with the cylinder bulge. Bobbed hammer or hammerless is best IMO.
The hardest part is not so much the firearm itself - the ankle holster that fits and works for you is the tough part.
Belly Bands are another option...
Is there a particular reason for wanting/ needing ankle carry? Though not something I personally like or prefer , I know some that "need to" or "must".
I have used a Jetfire for a BUG-BUG on the Ankle.
I much prefer a Alloy/ Steel Jframe for ankle use , even with the cylinder bulge. Bobbed hammer or hammerless is best IMO.
The hardest part is not so much the firearm itself - the ankle holster that fits and works for you is the tough part.
Belly Bands are another option...
Snake Eyes
Member
Welcome.
I carry a Colt Cobra (lightweight version of a Detective Special), or an actual Detective Special, and also a Colt Mustang .380 in an ankle holster.
The Cobra is the best combination of weight & power, the Mustang lays flatter for "peg leg" pants.
I found the secret to success for me to be an ankle holster with a "garter"--an upper band that secures above the meaty part of your calf. This keeps the gun from falling down around my ankle and flopping around.
Good Luck!
I carry a Colt Cobra (lightweight version of a Detective Special), or an actual Detective Special, and also a Colt Mustang .380 in an ankle holster.
The Cobra is the best combination of weight & power, the Mustang lays flatter for "peg leg" pants.
I found the secret to success for me to be an ankle holster with a "garter"--an upper band that secures above the meaty part of your calf. This keeps the gun from falling down around my ankle and flopping around.
Good Luck!
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
Snake - what fits that bill??
Snake Eyes
Member
Chris--
I knew some one was gonna ask, and I don't have an answer.
Both of mine are basically the same: three interconnected neoprene/spandex like straps--two horizontal and one vertical. The lower horizontal has the holster bit, connected by a vertical to the upper horizontal, which wraps around just below the knee. All three are adjustable via Velcro closures.
The trick for me was to find one with the thickest possible lower band, since that is what separates the pistol from your leg. Too thin and the sharp edges really start to bite after a couple of hours.
I think one of mine is an Uncle Mikes, but I’m not sure…and if it is, I’m not sure if it’s the good one or the “too thin†one. Knowing Uncle Mikes, it’s probably the “too thin†one. I found both of them through hit-n-miss gun shop cruising. Just kept trying them on until I found ones that seemed to work. Sorry I can’t give you brand names or URLs!
One thing for sure: The fancy leather one-strap jobbies didn’t do a dang thing for me except let the revo ride right on my ankle bone and expose it every time I took a step or sat down.
Sorry I can’t be more help! Good luck!
I knew some one was gonna ask, and I don't have an answer.
Both of mine are basically the same: three interconnected neoprene/spandex like straps--two horizontal and one vertical. The lower horizontal has the holster bit, connected by a vertical to the upper horizontal, which wraps around just below the knee. All three are adjustable via Velcro closures.
The trick for me was to find one with the thickest possible lower band, since that is what separates the pistol from your leg. Too thin and the sharp edges really start to bite after a couple of hours.
I think one of mine is an Uncle Mikes, but I’m not sure…and if it is, I’m not sure if it’s the good one or the “too thin†one. Knowing Uncle Mikes, it’s probably the “too thin†one. I found both of them through hit-n-miss gun shop cruising. Just kept trying them on until I found ones that seemed to work. Sorry I can’t give you brand names or URLs!
One thing for sure: The fancy leather one-strap jobbies didn’t do a dang thing for me except let the revo ride right on my ankle bone and expose it every time I took a step or sat down.
Sorry I can’t be more help! Good luck!
sm
member
One goes into the part of the Men's Dept that sells socks. Next to the Bermuda shorts are the really thin socks that come up over the calf. You will see what appears to be a package of two suspenders...they ain't.
These are for holding up your socks - gotta look sharp with them socks wearing Bermuda shorts - right?
Older LEOs used to buy these supports and have sewn to various ankle rigs. The Shoe Repair guy was accustomed to LEOS coming with ankle holsters, ankle guns and ...tweaking and sewing a holster to fit that LEO's ankle.
Word is - Shoe Shop Repair guys were very happy to see more Lady LEOs in the Dept. They too came in for this fitting...less hair, no varicose veins , and Ladies have nicer legs - period.
Some suports now use / have incorportatd the Hook and Loop with the better elastic of today.
Ankle holster
I have to wear dress clothes and also have to have it concealed. I cannot use a belt clip that goes inside the pants because my shirt needs to be tucked inside of my pants. The belly thing seems like it would take to much time to get to if I needed it. Thanks for your imput
I have to wear dress clothes and also have to have it concealed. I cannot use a belt clip that goes inside the pants because my shirt needs to be tucked inside of my pants. The belly thing seems like it would take to much time to get to if I needed it. Thanks for your imputGuns I would/have used for ankle carry:
P32 or P3AT (they may feel cheap but they work well)
S&W 642 Airweight (the scandiums are too light to shoot well, and they take practice to shoot well).
MiniGlock (26, 27 or 33) which are small, have good sights, and are accurate, and also stand up to the fuzz and gunk of ankle carry).
P32 or P3AT (they may feel cheap but they work well)
S&W 642 Airweight (the scandiums are too light to shoot well, and they take practice to shoot well).
MiniGlock (26, 27 or 33) which are small, have good sights, and are accurate, and also stand up to the fuzz and gunk of ankle carry).
TonyB
Member
I read somewhere that a revolver is a better idea.In that when walking around you'd kick up lots of dirt and stuff that may cause an auto to malfunction.....of course you can bury a Glock in dirt for a month ans it will still shoot.....and revolvers can get too dirty to shoot too......I guess I'm no help......sorry I'll shut up now
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
Snake - thx for response - guess I'll keep looking. I do not use mine much at all - but now and again it is a good BUG method. My Uncle Mike's works OK but, certainly after a day's use there is some discomfort aspect. I only use this too when pants full enough and of good length.
Steve - you got me thinking re suspenders etc ... could well make a good modification.
Steve - you got me thinking re suspenders etc ... could well make a good modification.
Glock Hoss
Member
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As I type, I have a Glock 26 in a Galco Ankle Glove. It took me about a week to get used to having the ankle rig, but I really love it now. I work in a business casual environment and this was realy my only option. My pockets are for wallet, cell phones, keys etc.. so that would not work. I have a smartcarry, which I like, but because I am sitting for long portions of the day, this ankle rig really works well for me.
Things to consider: Must buy pants with larger legs towards the bottom. Dark colors seem to hide the best. Try not to look down at it all the time, however, your pants can ride up a little if sitting for a while, so check it before you get up. I wear nice DocMartin boots that come up above my ankle. These boots dramatically improve holster retention and location. The bottom edge of the holster actually rests on top of my boots. This eliminates the need to strap it on super tight and also eliminates having to use an extra strap that goes to my calf. BTW, the Galco Ankle Glove has a place to attach one of those extra straps. I paid $60 for mine and so far, the money was very well spent.
I also have a 642 that works great for pocket carry if I am in a hurry or have room in the pockets. I am currently looking for another ankle carry for the other ankle where I can put a couple extra mags and may some other documentation. I believe Galco also makes something for this purpose. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hoss
Things to consider: Must buy pants with larger legs towards the bottom. Dark colors seem to hide the best. Try not to look down at it all the time, however, your pants can ride up a little if sitting for a while, so check it before you get up. I wear nice DocMartin boots that come up above my ankle. These boots dramatically improve holster retention and location. The bottom edge of the holster actually rests on top of my boots. This eliminates the need to strap it on super tight and also eliminates having to use an extra strap that goes to my calf. BTW, the Galco Ankle Glove has a place to attach one of those extra straps. I paid $60 for mine and so far, the money was very well spent.
I also have a 642 that works great for pocket carry if I am in a hurry or have room in the pockets. I am currently looking for another ankle carry for the other ankle where I can put a couple extra mags and may some other documentation. I believe Galco also makes something for this purpose. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hoss
CAS700850
Member
Enzo,
I feel your pain. I am in a dress clothes environment, and must be concealed 90% of the time. I'm shopping for an ankle holster for my Smith revolver for that reason, in that I don't have to sweat the concealment, and I'll always have the gun on me, instead of in my desk.
I feel your pain. I am in a dress clothes environment, and must be concealed 90% of the time. I'm shopping for an ankle holster for my Smith revolver for that reason, in that I don't have to sweat the concealment, and I'll always have the gun on me, instead of in my desk.
Super Trucker
Member
Smartcarry I can get to this while running or fighting (hard to do with an ankle rig). I carry a 642 in it. I think it is more practical than a ankle rig and more comfortable and concealable.
Marko Kloos
Moderator Emeritus
Revolvers make better ankle guns than autos because of their higher tolerance for sock lint and stuff like that. Ankle guns get dirty and fuzzy quickly.
In my experience, airweight J-frames make just about perfect ankle guns.
In my experience, airweight J-frames make just about perfect ankle guns.
Kor
Member
I've worn a S&W 642 in a open-top Galco Ankle Glove for 10 hours a day, 7 days a week. It works great, as long as your pants are straight-leg or boot-cut. Pants cut with a tapered leg DO NOT work with ankle holsters. I personally feel that an ankle gun should not weigh more than 1 pound, give or take 1-2 ounces - much more than that and you really start to feel the weight on your leg, and you have to really concentrate on walking normally. I've often likened the sensation to wearing one combat boot. 
Ditto the recommendation for a rig with a calf-garter to keep the holster from sliding down. I also got into the habit of wearing "urban hiker" boots or high-top sneakers to shield my ankle bone from getting chafed by my ankle rig.
One thing I'd watch out for if you decide to ankle-carry an auto is the possibility that the mag release could get tripped by your opposite foot/leg when you cross your ankles, or if you accidentally bump the gun against a chair or table leg. Of course, this is a non-issue with revolvers.
Ditto the recommendation for a rig with a calf-garter to keep the holster from sliding down. I also got into the habit of wearing "urban hiker" boots or high-top sneakers to shield my ankle bone from getting chafed by my ankle rig.
One thing I'd watch out for if you decide to ankle-carry an auto is the possibility that the mag release could get tripped by your opposite foot/leg when you cross your ankles, or if you accidentally bump the gun against a chair or table leg. Of course, this is a non-issue with revolvers.
Kor
Member
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Model520Fan
Member
637 with a bobbed hammer in a Renegade holster for a Centennial. The 342 is OK, but unnecessarily expensive, and you have to be VERY careful putting it into the Renegade holster. With the 637, you can push on the hammer as well as the grip when inserting it. You can also get a Renegade for the 637 unmodified, but I don't care for hammer spurs on ankle guns, even though I haven't experienced a problem with one. [How would I? I won't carry one!]
I've worn an ankle holster with either my 49 or 649 everyday, all day since 1975. The most comfortable and concealable I've found was the Top Line nylon rig. I also like it because it carries 6 extra rds. Not sure Top Line is still in business. It took about a week to get use to wearing it. Now when I'm in uniform and don't have the ankle rig on yet I just don't feel dressed.
JCM298
Member
I have carried a BUG revolver for more than 40 years. It was either a Colt Cobra, a Charter Arms Bulldog .44 cal, a Smith 649, a Smth 340SC, a Taurus 85, a Taurus 605, and I even tried a Glock 26.
The Glock lasted less than a week because it was too bulky. The Charter Arms was carried for about a year until a routine inspection revealed that it would not fire DA, but would fire SA. Our armorer detailed stripped it and found debris from hair, lint, and dead skin had fouled the action. He suggested that I replace it because he would never detail strip a Charter Arms again. I followed his advise.
I reverted back to the Cobra because I could clean it with no problem. I ended up selling it and over the years I've carried the guns I mentioned.
Because of my experience with the Charter Arms, I would never carry an auto in an ankle holster. The tolerances are too tight compared to a revolver.
By the way, I now use my compressor to blow out the "insides" of my ankle gun at least once a week.
I've tried all kinds of holsters and found that the Renegade is the best.
John
The Glock lasted less than a week because it was too bulky. The Charter Arms was carried for about a year until a routine inspection revealed that it would not fire DA, but would fire SA. Our armorer detailed stripped it and found debris from hair, lint, and dead skin had fouled the action. He suggested that I replace it because he would never detail strip a Charter Arms again. I followed his advise.
I reverted back to the Cobra because I could clean it with no problem. I ended up selling it and over the years I've carried the guns I mentioned.
Because of my experience with the Charter Arms, I would never carry an auto in an ankle holster. The tolerances are too tight compared to a revolver.
By the way, I now use my compressor to blow out the "insides" of my ankle gun at least once a week.
I've tried all kinds of holsters and found that the Renegade is the best.
John
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