Pocket Carry? Ankle Holster? - Page 2

Sharpsdressed Man · April 24, 2013, 10:03 AM

After 44 years of packing a handgun, with many of those years concealed and thoroughly prepared to quick draw if necessary, now that I am a regular citizen again, I sometimes carry in an ankle rig. Being less concerned with someone getting the "drop" on me, I feel keen enough to sense it when I go from a relatively safe zone to one needing more readiness, at which time I discreetly remove my gun from the ankle holster, and put it in the waistband, in my hand, or concealed under a newspaper, paper bag, etc, for fast response (like in a vehicle). You do not have to operate from a disadvantaged position, or wait to draw if you feel threatened, you just have to be discreet within the limits of your surroundings. Having a gun on the ankle that NO ONE looks at is better than being unarmed, or having your gun spotted when you do not want it to be.

Seaman · April 24, 2013, 03:23 PM

“I can't imagine ankle carry of anything but maybe a Kel-Tec P32 or P11 last-ditch, I'm-on-the-ground-already piece, because I have spinal arthritis and degenerative disk disease that would make bending to draw the gun, then straightening to use it, difficult and slow. Carrying a Charter Arms .44 that way is something I really can't imagine, even with a good holster rig.” [shouldazagged]

I have spinal osteoporosis which makes bending over problematic, instead I go vertically down to one knee and draw my gun, keeping my back straight (no bending). I cannot draw quickly from an OWB/IWB strong side holster because this involves moving/twisting my back a bit while drawing. At times wearing a shoulder holster can cause serious pain, especially with heavy steel.

Today my back is giving me trouble so its a 40 cal Sig P229 on the ankle... have also carried a 45 ACP Micro Compact 1911 on the ankle. Once acclimated to ankle carry, many compacts can be used. Can’t manage a 44Mag tho, but the (slightly larger than a J-frame) Charter Arms 44spl does just fine.

shouldazagged · April 24, 2013, 05:13 PM

Forgot to mention, my knees are gone too. Need replacements, but it ain't in the cards.

More power to you!

dayman · April 24, 2013, 06:32 PM

I've never managed to get pocket carry to work for me.
I keep a knife, wallet, and keys in my right pocket, and my phone in my left, so there's no room there, and I don't like sitting on things.

I do sometimes carry in a vest/jacket pocket, but I like to be able to take off layers without having to transfer a gun to a new pocket, so not often.

Kind of the same deal with my ankle holder. I usually wear slacks/jeans and loafers, and my BG380 hides pretty well down there. Also, as nobody really looks at your ankles, it's a pretty good hiding place.
I usually wear it when I know I'm going to be sitting a lot and IWB would be uncomfortable.

michael t · April 24, 2013, 11:32 PM

I wear jeans and a T shirt year around In cold weather I ad a warm jacket .
I carry a KelTec 380 in my jeans have for years Some times my S&W model 38 in a Dom Hume pocket holster . If I carry my Colt Defender I use a belt slide holster and carry under the t shirt. No reason you can't pocket carry .

Sebring Pop · April 26, 2013, 07:18 AM

Quote My lcp, Sig P938, Ruger LCR-22 and S&W 38spl fits in my levis front pocekts in a few differenat pairss and on my mark anothy pairs, maybe your is tight. But when I wear jeans its on the ankle because pockets are used for storing other things. Unquote

The only thing I can add to this is I carry my LCP or 37 2" in an IWB holster in my cowboy boot.

Thanks Pop

bikerbill · April 26, 2013, 03:54 PM

I'm retired and spend most of my time in cargo shorts and a t-shirt ... add in the 100-plus degree days here in Texas and pocket carry has turned out to be my best option most of the year ... when I'm home, an NAA Pug wanders around with me. If I'm out of my little town, a Kahr PM9 slides right into my pocket, a spare mag on my weak side. I got an XDs a month or so ago and after I run another 100 or so rounds through it, I'm going to try pocket carrying that instead. It's really very effective if you practice, with the advantage of being able to have your hand in your pocket and gripping the gun with nobody the wiser.

I'm 5-10 and 160, jeans pocket carry doesn't work for me ... I hate the feel of anything -- plastic or leather -- against my skin, so IWB is pretty much out ... no ankle carry, too ancient to bend fast enough to get to it.

Pocket carry takes getting used to, but I've been carrying the Kahr that way for the entire 10 years I've been licensed and its like second nature.

IDAHOMIKE · April 27, 2013, 08:42 PM

I dress in a similar fashion most of the time Bob. I like boots that are pretty tall, and even though a 7.5 inch SAA fits, it don't see it as a viable option. And pocket carry of anything is pretty much out. I am fortunate to live in an OC friendly state, so I don't always worry about deep concealment. Furthermore, I cant tolerate pants that are loose enough to allow comfy and easy to draw pocket carry.

CSG · April 29, 2013, 07:00 PM

I suppose it depends on what firearm one carries. I carried IWB for years but when I became a civilian again and moved far away from my old jurisdiction to a quiet rural area, I just never felt the need for as much firepower as I once carried.

For many years I carried a little Beretta 950 .25 in a Mika front pocket holster. That's now been replaced with an LCP .380 carried the same way.

There are times I still strap on a .45 (in the backcountry on SAR missions) but otherwise, carrying the little .380 makes pocket carry easy.

shafter · May 2, 2013, 11:08 AM

Quote:

I see the question come up concerning pocket carry, and at times, ankle holsters. This makes me curious, as I can in no way conceive of either being practical to me, nor to most men I know.

My usual daily attire is jeans, either Lee or Wrangler, Wrangler long sleeve shirt, and western boots. Sundays its Wrangler Wranchers, dress shirt, and sport coat. Most of my friends wear similar clothing, maybe Dockers or similar casual trousers.

With jeans, there is no way I could put even the smallest pistol in my pocket with any hope of getting it into action in a reasonable time. And boots certainly aren't conducive to ankle holsters.

So how do y'all dress to go out into public daily that permits pocket carry?

Bob Wright

Although it's IMPOSSIBLE to draw with anything resembling speed I've discovered that carrying a snubnose revolver in the top of my boot is quite easy. I put it in an uncle mikes holster IWB holster. Again, its not fast especially with boots but it is very concealed.

farnorthdan · May 3, 2013, 01:51 AM

I pocket carry a LCP in a nemesis holster in my back wallet pocket, been carrying this way for years. This is my backup piece to my IWB 1911. If I'm only carrying the LCP I don't even notice that its there. I've literally worn the bluing off 80% of the gun, its always there. Never have been able to find an ankle holster that I liked so not real fond of that method.

Colorado Redneck · May 5, 2013, 09:51 PM

Has anybody here tried one of these rigs?

http://www.gunnersecurity.com/shop/c...ulder-holster/

It looks fairly compatible for guys like me and Bob Wright. I usually wear jeans (never wear shorts except when we take the boat out) and often wear boots. I can't hack baggy jeans or cargo pants. Nothing against them, they just aren't me. I have enough fat that a belly band would be uncomfortable (IMO) and an IWB would be a nuisance.

oldhunter · May 6, 2013, 05:40 AM

At 5'10", 230lbs and 70 years old, I do have a few options. I usually wear Wrangler relaxed fit jeans and can pocket carry my LCR, Kel-Tec P-32 or NAA Black Widow .22mag. Do not own an ankle holster but can see where it could be an option. Don't have to worry about a gun falling out if I ran because with bad knees and back I can not run. I am a firm believer that any gun is better than no gun and whatever holster/gun combination makes a person feel better about carrying a firearm is what concealed carry is about.

Shadi Khalil · May 6, 2013, 12:58 PM

I pocket carry a J-frame when I'm wearing shorts and sometimes in pants. I much prefer OWB for comfort, speed and concealability.

southjk · May 6, 2013, 01:06 PM

I would think that if you ankle carry, as soon as you sit down you have just exposed your gun. Is it just me or don't your pants legs come up some when you sit down? Some places that may not matter but in some states you could get in trouble. I suppose if you had it hidden inside cowboy boots that's one thing but most people don't wear boots.

KSchilling · May 6, 2013, 07:05 PM

Colorado Redneck,

I have a deep concealment holster and really like it. I got the modular holster so I can get different size holsters for the pistols I have. It also allows me to move the holster were I want it. I ware boots and jeans most days I tried IWB and it was not comfortable. I ware the deep concealment holster all day long and it is very comfortable. It is not a quick draw holster but faster than ankle carry.

Straightshooter629 · May 8, 2013, 05:08 PM

[QUOTE]I would think that if you ankle carry, as soon as you sit down you have just exposed your gun. Is it just me or don't your pants legs come up some when you sit down? Some places that may not matter but in some states you could get in trouble. I suppose if you had it hidden inside cowboy boots that's one thing but most people don't wear boots. [/QUOTE

I carry my Rossi 462 in an Uncle Mikes ankle rig on a regular basis both as my primary carry as well as a BUG when working, without any problems. Having a heavier frame helps (I'm 6'/260 lbs). As with anything method of carry, you have to practice your draw to become proficent.

As far as exposing you weapon when seated, I found that wearing your sock OVER the weapon prevents the weapon from becoming exposed. Just saying what works for me.

April 24, 2013, 03:23 PM	#27
Seaman Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2011 Posts: 654	“I can't imagine ankle carry of anything but maybe a Kel-Tec P32 or P11 last-ditch, I'm-on-the-ground-already piece, because I have spinal arthritis and degenerative disk disease that would make bending to draw the gun, then straightening to use it, difficult and slow. Carrying a Charter Arms .44 that way is something I really can't imagine, even with a good holster rig.” [shouldazagged] I have spinal osteoporosis which makes bending over problematic, instead I go vertically down to one knee and draw my gun, keeping my back straight (no bending). I cannot draw quickly from an OWB/IWB strong side holster because this involves moving/twisting my back a bit while drawing. At times wearing a shoulder holster can cause serious pain, especially with heavy steel. Today my back is giving me trouble so its a 40 cal Sig P229 on the ankle... have also carried a 45 ACP Micro Compact 1911 on the ankle. Once acclimated to ankle carry, many compacts can be used. Can’t manage a 44Mag tho, but the (slightly larger than a J-frame) Charter Arms 44spl does just fine. __________________ For 20 years the sea was my home, always recall the sun going down, and my trusty friend, a 1911 pistol, strapped to my side.

April 24, 2013, 05:13 PM	#28
shouldazagged Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2013 Location: Louisville, KY, USA Posts: 273	Forgot to mention, my knees are gone too. Need replacements, but it ain't in the cards. More power to you! __________________ "Don't let macho be your epitaph." ---Ed Lovette

April 24, 2013, 06:32 PM	#29
dayman Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2011 Location: The Woods Posts: 1,197	I've never managed to get pocket carry to work for me. I keep a knife, wallet, and keys in my right pocket, and my phone in my left, so there's no room there, and I don't like sitting on things. I do sometimes carry in a vest/jacket pocket, but I like to be able to take off layers without having to transfer a gun to a new pocket, so not often. Kind of the same deal with my ankle holder. I usually wear slacks/jeans and loafers, and my BG380 hides pretty well down there. Also, as nobody really looks at your ankles, it's a pretty good hiding place. I usually wear it when I know I'm going to be sitting a lot and IWB would be uncomfortable. __________________ si vis pacem para bellum

April 24, 2013, 11:32 PM	#30
michael t Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: Out back Ky Posts: 4,044	I wear jeans and a T shirt year around In cold weather I ad a warm jacket . I carry a KelTec 380 in my jeans have for years Some times my S&W model 38 in a Dom Hume pocket holster . If I carry my Colt Defender I use a belt slide holster and carry under the t shirt. No reason you can't pocket carry . __________________ Certified Armed Infidel Colt Defender ,Colt Mustang ,Dan Wesson CBOB, PPK/S, American Classic 1911,Bersa Thunder 380 http://bersachat.comHome of Bersa http://www.metroarms1911forum.com

April 26, 2013, 07:18 AM	#31
Sebring Pop Member Join Date: November 18, 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 59	carry Quote My lcp, Sig P938, Ruger LCR-22 and S&W 38spl fits in my levis front pocekts in a few differenat pairss and on my mark anothy pairs, maybe your is tight. But when I wear jeans its on the ankle because pockets are used for storing other things. Unquote The only thing I can add to this is I carry my LCP or 37 2" in an IWB holster in my cowboy boot. Thanks Pop __________________ Life is short, Drive a Hot Rod IN GOD WE TRUST............ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

April 24, 2013, 10:03 AM	#26
Sharpsdressed Man Junior member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 1,176	After 44 years of packing a handgun, with many of those years concealed and thoroughly prepared to quick draw if necessary, now that I am a regular citizen again, I sometimes carry in an ankle rig. Being less concerned with someone getting the "drop" on me, I feel keen enough to sense it when I go from a relatively safe zone to one needing more readiness, at which time I discreetly remove my gun from the ankle holster, and put it in the waistband, in my hand, or concealed under a newspaper, paper bag, etc, for fast response (like in a vehicle). You do not have to operate from a disadvantaged position, or wait to draw if you feel threatened, you just have to be discreet within the limits of your surroundings. Having a gun on the ankle that NO ONE looks at is better than being unarmed, or having your gun spotted when you do not want it to be.

April 26, 2013, 03:54 PM	#32
bikerbill Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2007 Location: Lago Vista TX Posts: 2,425	I'm retired and spend most of my time in cargo shorts and a t-shirt ... add in the 100-plus degree days here in Texas and pocket carry has turned out to be my best option most of the year ... when I'm home, an NAA Pug wanders around with me. If I'm out of my little town, a Kahr PM9 slides right into my pocket, a spare mag on my weak side. I got an XDs a month or so ago and after I run another 100 or so rounds through it, I'm going to try pocket carrying that instead. It's really very effective if you practice, with the advantage of being able to have your hand in your pocket and gripping the gun with nobody the wiser. I'm 5-10 and 160, jeans pocket carry doesn't work for me ... I hate the feel of anything -- plastic or leather -- against my skin, so IWB is pretty much out ... no ankle carry, too ancient to bend fast enough to get to it. Pocket carry takes getting used to, but I've been carrying the Kahr that way for the entire 10 years I've been licensed and its like second nature. __________________ "The welfare of humanity is always the alibi of tyrants." Albert Camus

April 27, 2013, 08:42 PM	#33
IDAHOMIKE Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2007 Location: Gooding, ID Posts: 348	I dress in a similar fashion most of the time Bob. I like boots that are pretty tall, and even though a 7.5 inch SAA fits, it don't see it as a viable option. And pocket carry of anything is pretty much out. I am fortunate to live in an OC friendly state, so I don't always worry about deep concealment. Furthermore, I cant tolerate pants that are loose enough to allow comfy and easy to draw pocket carry.

April 29, 2013, 07:00 PM	#34
CSG Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 1999 Location: Out West Posts: 176	I suppose it depends on what firearm one carries. I carried IWB for years but when I became a civilian again and moved far away from my old jurisdiction to a quiet rural area, I just never felt the need for as much firepower as I once carried. For many years I carried a little Beretta 950 .25 in a Mika front pocket holster. That's now been replaced with an LCP .380 carried the same way. There are times I still strap on a .45 (in the backcountry on SAR missions) but otherwise, carrying the little .380 makes pocket carry easy.

May 3, 2013, 01:51 AM	#36
farnorthdan Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2007 Posts: 371	I pocket carry a LCP in a nemesis holster in my back wallet pocket, been carrying this way for years. This is my backup piece to my IWB 1911. If I'm only carrying the LCP I don't even notice that its there. I've literally worn the bluing off 80% of the gun, its always there. Never have been able to find an ankle holster that I liked so not real fond of that method. __________________ Believe NONE of what you hear; HALF of what you see and ALL you believe Accuracy is king,penatration is queen but why not jack'em in the process if you can.

May 5, 2013, 09:51 PM	#37
Colorado Redneck Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2008 Location: Northeast Colorado Posts: 1,993	Deep Concealment Has anybody here tried one of these rigs? http://www.gunnersecurity.com/shop/c...ulder-holster/ It looks fairly compatible for guys like me and Bob Wright. I usually wear jeans (never wear shorts except when we take the boat out) and often wear boots. I can't hack baggy jeans or cargo pants. Nothing against them, they just aren't me. I have enough fat that a belly band would be uncomfortable (IMO) and an IWB would be a nuisance.

May 6, 2013, 05:40 AM	#38
oldhunter Member Join Date: October 9, 2005 Location: Southwestern New York State Posts: 38	At 5'10", 230lbs and 70 years old, I do have a few options. I usually wear Wrangler relaxed fit jeans and can pocket carry my LCR, Kel-Tec P-32 or NAA Black Widow .22mag. Do not own an ankle holster but can see where it could be an option. Don't have to worry about a gun falling out if I ran because with bad knees and back I can not run. I am a firm believer that any gun is better than no gun and whatever holster/gun combination makes a person feel better about carrying a firearm is what concealed carry is about.

May 6, 2013, 12:58 PM	#39
Shadi Khalil Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2006 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 5,210	I pocket carry a J-frame when I'm wearing shorts and sometimes in pants. I much prefer OWB for comfort, speed and concealability.

May 6, 2013, 01:06 PM	#40
southjk Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2012 Location: Memphis Posts: 468	I would think that if you ankle carry, as soon as you sit down you have just exposed your gun. Is it just me or don't your pants legs come up some when you sit down? Some places that may not matter but in some states you could get in trouble. I suppose if you had it hidden inside cowboy boots that's one thing but most people don't wear boots.

May 6, 2013, 07:05 PM	#41
KSchilling Junior Member Join Date: March 6, 2013 Posts: 3	Colorado Redneck, I have a deep concealment holster and really like it. I got the modular holster so I can get different size holsters for the pistols I have. It also allows me to move the holster were I want it. I ware boots and jeans most days I tried IWB and it was not comfortable. I ware the deep concealment holster all day long and it is very comfortable. It is not a quick draw holster but faster than ankle carry.

May 8, 2013, 05:08 PM	#42
Straightshooter629 Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 475	[QUOTE]I would think that if you ankle carry, as soon as you sit down you have just exposed your gun. Is it just me or don't your pants legs come up some when you sit down? Some places that may not matter but in some states you could get in trouble. I suppose if you had it hidden inside cowboy boots that's one thing but most people don't wear boots. [/QUOTE I carry my Rossi 462 in an Uncle Mikes ankle rig on a regular basis both as my primary carry as well as a BUG when working, without any problems. Having a heavier frame helps (I'm 6'/260 lbs). As with anything method of carry, you have to practice your draw to become proficent. As far as exposing you weapon when seated, I found that wearing your sock OVER the weapon prevents the weapon from becoming exposed. Just saying what works for me.