What's in a Good Ankle Holster?

[Ben86]

Rather than buy my first ankle holster with little foreknowledge, and being soon dissatisfied when I discover what a good one is like (like my first IWB holster) I seek the guidence of those who bought before me.

What subtle features should I be looking for in an ankle holster? I plan to buy one for my Glock 26.

 

[CapnMac]

Well, like most holsters, if you buy one, you're likely to buy another.

I'e found that "fitted' holsters are a hair better than generic ones.

I've not found much difference in leather versus fabric (synthetic or natural). Comfort for me is in having a calf strap, but that relates to the shape of my legs.

I know I perfer muzzle-down inside of leg, too; and left leg at that. But, it took a couple tries to establish that, too.

 

[AK103K]

I've tried a bunch so far, this is the most comfortable I've found to date....

Desantis Leather Ankle Holster
http://www.desantisholster.com/storefrontB2CWEB/browse.do?action=refresh_browse&ctg_id=4224

I use mine for a S&W 642 and it works well. I just wish they made one for my P230.

 

[tangomike706]

As it stands right now , Im using a FOBUS ankle hoster with my KAHR CW40, it's comfortable and seems to be working out for me (3 weeks old )

 

[NCSUPackman]

I'm using a Galco ankle holster for my Ruger LCP. It fits pretty comfortable and snug; doesn't slide down. I also position the LCP muzzle down on the back of my left leg.

 

[EHL]

If your intention is to actually use it and often, definitly go with a dedicated fitted holster, not some generic, fit anything uncle mikes holster. My favorite holster has been the Galco Ankle Glove with the optional calf strap added onto it. I have carried my all steel Walther PPKS with that and it has been absolutley fabulous. The one complaint you will often hear from previous unhappy ankle holster owners is that they are uncomfortable as hell. The rigid gun really can be a pain rubbing against your ankle bone that protrudes out. You want to see your holster with extra padding on the inside of it so that you don't experience this painful distraction. The Galco Ankle glove has sheep skin and fur that really absorbs that painful rub. I've gone 10-12 hour days wearing my ankle holster and gun at work with no one being the wiser. Another common problem is the ankle holster will often shift around on your foot because your legs are constantly in motion. It's worse if you ever get in a brisk walk to a light jog. That's where the calf strap comes in and totally stabalizes the entire setup. Personally, I'd never even consider an ankle holster that doesn't have the calf strap as an option. I've been using an ankle holster for well over a year and a half.

Good luck!

 

[Ben86]

Ok, so far I should look for fitted, well padded and with a calf strap. Alright I'm starting to understand what this is supposed to look like, thanks guys.

 

[wyocarp]

Okay, here is a different opinion. I don't like the calf strap at all. I don't like all the extra "padding" of the sheepskin. And third, when I carry one, I carry two. I don't like the feel of one leg being so much heavier than the other. It feels better to have one on each leg.

 

[harrygunner]

Another vote for a Galco Ankle Glove. I carry a S&W 640 .357 Mag revolver in one with ease.

wyocarp - I had plans to visit Laramie. But a bad band of rain across southern Wyoming caused me to abandon Hwy 80 and head north for safety sake. After reading several of your posts, I must make that trip again.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Look at an Alessi rig. I tried the others, had a drawer full of 'em. The Alessi rig cost almost twice what the Desantis or Galco ones did. Wish I would have bought it in the first place.

It's been carrying my SP101 around in it(the Alessi rig)for almost ten years now, and still works as well as when new.

 

[psyopspec]

I'll buck what's been said: I've been using an Apache rig by DeSantis for the better part of a year now. No calf strap (although you can spring for one if you wish) and not a "custom fit." The compartment the weapon rides in is composed of durable elastic that holds it in place. Sheepskin lining the part that carries the weapon makes it comfortable. There's a velcro strap that provides extra stability and retention. I've worn mine with everything from dress shoes to steel-toed boots and never had any problems with it moving or being uncomfortable as long as it was worn properly. No problems with picking up a trot while wearing it either.

Weapon is a 340SC, Air-lite J Frame in .357.

 

[zoom6zoom]

Galco Ankle Glove, no strap. I forget my 642 is there.

 

[Erik]

Doubled.

 

[Erik]

"What's in a Good Ankle Holster?"

Comfort
Retention
Concealabilty

Many offering provide two.

I recommend the Renegade line.

 

[GRIZ22]

Another DeSantis vote, this model:

http://www.desantisholster.com/stor...ction=prepare_detail&itm_id=6567&itm_index=12

I have one for J-Frames, S&W 6906, and Glock 26. Holds the gun well and is very comfortable.

 

[Husaberg Man]

"What's in a Good Ankle Holster?"
One ankle and one gun.

 

[Myles]

No elastic, no nylon. No calf strap. These are guarantees for chafing, irritation, and welts.

Personally, when I wore one daily, I preferred supple leather, sheepskin padding, with a retention snap.

If custom work isn't your thing, then the Desantis 44 [Here] isn't bad for a production holster, but it's still not ideal. Even better is the model from Kramer Leather [Here]. For a budget, and not a bad product, is the Viking Leather Co.'s ankle holster. Too small for the G26, though. They have a Viking [Here], along with a ton of great deals on assorted used leather.

 

[Kind of Blued]

My first "try" was a Galco Ankle Glove for my J-frame, and I couldn't possibly think of a way to improve it, lest 3M invents "silent velcro".

To better respond to the OP, I prefer a "holster" part that is boned or molded to fit the gun so I can avoid messing with a retention strap. Also, whatever is on the inside, touching my leg, should be soft, breathable, and non-itchy. It's also a good idea to have some sort of extra padding between the gun and the leg.

 

[Ben86]

What about wearing 2 socks? Maybe wear one underneath the holster and one over it to conceal it.

 

[Justice5]

I carry a glock 27 in this one, quite often. I find it to be comfortable and stays in place very well. I know, I don't necessarily like that the muzzle is pointed up rather than down, but that's something to consider as well. For what it's worth, I put the gun in the holster before strapping it on my leg for that simple reason. Of all of the ankle holsters I've tried, this one seems to be the best so far.
http://www.botachtactical.com/blac40ahcona.html