Does anyone here conceal carry with an ankle holster?

[MyGunsJammed]

I was just curious as to conceal carrying with an ankle holster.

Does anyone here do this? and what would be the largest caliber gun that you can strap to your ankle and still walk about and drive a car comfortably???

[Hard Ball]

I tried it once but it was uncomfortable and drawing the pistol was VERY slpw.

[MrAnteater]

I sometimes carry a Glock 26. It's a little big but it's an effective method.

[Silentarmy]

I tried a glock 27 for a week and went to IWB with a Beretta Tomcat .32 on the ankle for BUG. Even that is heavy on the ankle. Maybe Kel-Tec would be a good ankle gun? Not my preferred method for primary concealment but surely better than being unarmed.

[cold dead hands]

I bought an Unkle Mike's ankle holster for my Officers 1911. It was kind of a pain, so I quit carrying that way, but...

...the very same holster is perfect for my super small Grendel P10. The gun is completely covered yet easily unholsterable quickly. It is completely impossible for the gun to fall out, even if I am running or if I should fall. It makes no print whatsoever and I have the knowledge that a dependable BUG is only an ankle grab away.

I only carry that way if it is my only option (such as ''nice'' functions like a fancy dinner or a wedding or whatever) or I anticipate that there is a possibility that where I am going my primary may not be enough. I hate to put myself in that position, but it is a reality of my life.

[AK103K]

I use an ankle holster for either mo 642 or SIG P230 on a fairly regular basis.

I wouldnt go much bigger than either of them.

You also need to find the right holster, as many of them are very uncomfortable, especially for day long use.

The most comfortable holster I've found so far is this one from Desantis....

http://www.desantisholster.com/044.html

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/desantisholster_1977_4314277

If you wear the right pants and practice a little, its not all that slow or hard to get at.

[MyGunsJammed]

Thanks for the replies guys as I am still a newbie here.

I ask this question primarily because if I were to have a CCW on me, maybe I'd have 2, one hidden on my waist somewhere and maybe one on my ankle....

just a thought, in case I cannot get to my waist gun "discreetly" enough, maybe the ankle gun will catch the enemy by surprise.....

I'm trying to think of a scenario where an ankle gun would come in handy over a waist gun.....

---ohh maybe when you are driving a car? it;ll be easier to reach for the gun on your ankle than having to reach over to the glove box for it...:rolleyes:

[Perldog007]

I have usually for a BUG = occasionally for deep concealment.

Largest gun I ever pulled this off with was a Glock 23 New year's eve 1999.

[YounGun24]

I first started ankle carry about a month ago (when I finally got my CCP). It was with my Bersa Thunder 380. The first week wasn't fun. It always seemed too loose, no matter how I tightened it. Plus the weight made it slide down, often leaving the barrel pressing onto my ankle (not comfortable). I tried IWB carry, but it was even less comfortable with the huge beaver tail that stabbed my gut when I sat.

I finally traded my Thunder 380 for the new 380cc (concealed carry) that Bersa offers, and I have to say that the difference is remarkabe. I ankle carried for two days straight and didn't even realize it was there most of the time. Then I tried IWB, and found it to be much more bearable than before. THe ankle carry is great for if you're sitting awhile (I drive 2+ hours a day in the car). I am currently switching between ankle and IWB, depending on if I'm sitting or standing more that particular day.:D

[Erik]

I've carry a BUG there on occasion. I've tried a variety and find the mid 20 oz range to be as heavy as I'd ever care to go, prefering the mid teen weight range.

[AZGunLover]

I carry a Glock 26 in an ankle holster about 360 days a year. It felt weird at first but I got used to it after awhile.

[BikerRN]

I carry my BUG in an Ankle Holster if I'm driving or sitting for long periods of time, otherwise it's in my weak side pocket.

My personal choice for the ankle holster, gunwise, is a S&W 442 or a Kahr PM9. As far as Ankle Holsters, Alessi makes a great one, but I've been using a Galco Ankle Glove for the past ten years and it's been great. I think the Ankle Glove is the best holster Galco makes as I prefer custom holsters usually.

Biker

[TexasSeaRay]

I try real hard to avoid places where I might need even one gun, let alone two.

Jeff

[kgpcr]

I have carried that way but for me it was uncomforable and hard to get at. There is no wrong way to carry. its what suits you best and conforms to the law in open carry situations. I often carry in a fanny pack, others dont like them but i really do!

[rbrgs]

I have a Ken Null holster for my PPK, it's much more accessible when driving than a belt holster. It helps to wear two pairs of socks (one under and one over), both to steady the holster and conceal it.

[YounGun24]

+1 one two socks.

[JollyRoger]

I carried a steel J-frame Smith in a Galco ankle glove for years, and have carried a Glock Model 26 in a DeSantis (Apache?) rig for about 3 years, since my agency outlawed revolvers. There are a lot of cheap, rotten ankle rigs out there, and carrying with a bad one is near impossible. The Galco rig had a leather holster attached to a wide neoprene band which worked great with the J-Frame, but when I tried the same model for the Glock, I couldn't get my pants leg over it. The DeSantis rig is like another model called the Renegade, which uses a big elastic band to secure the pistol, in lieu of a leather holster. IMHO the most important thing to look for in an ankle rig is the big neoprene (think wet suit) band and a big sheepskin pad behind the holster. The holster's are a bit pricey ($75+), but it pays off in the long run. I think I spent more than that just finding one that would work.

Incidentally, the draw we teach is to drop to the knee on the off-holster leg, which draws the pants leg up on the holster leg and allows quick access, firing from the kneeling position, which is pretty stable. Anyone else use a different draw?

[AK103K]

I use the draw you describe and also practice drawing from standing, which also works well. I also find it to be a tad smoother and faster. Think of it as if you were just lifting your leg to pull up your sock, except you come out of it with a pistol in your hand.

[MyGunsJammed]

I wonder if you have a skinny ankle if its gonna affect wearing comfort?

[AK103K]

I've found the most comfortable to be with the holster over my boot. The Desantis will work with my boots, and the Galco will with the extension.

The next most comfortable is when wearing a low/mid height hiking type boot that allows the bottom of the holster to ride on the top edge of the boot. This takes the load off your ankle and stops the holster from trying to slide down.

I've tried the garter attachment on a couple and did not like them. Its just another attachment point on your leg that is uncomfortable and wants to slide down too.

[2afreedom]

I will carry in an ankle holster if I can't carry IWB. It's always a baby Glock or a snub. Not my favorite method of carry but if you need the gun it sure is a whole lot closer than your glove box.

[AdamSean]

I find the ankle method to be great for while I am driving. The largest gun I have put in my DeSantis Apache ankle holster was a Steyr M-40.

[mososodbob]

MyGunsJamme,

I've carried a J-frame S&W in an ankle holster for uniform duty during the past 15+ years. Started with a Mod 60 now a titanium-alloy version. Have tried several holsters early on and settled on one made with the sheep skin (real wool) backing and a thumb break.

(I'm on my second one and it is made by Galco... will be needing a new one soon... really appreciate the earlier posts on make and models). (thanks for the tip Jolly Rogers)

It had been a secured means of carry with many days of walking, driving, and occasional foot pursuits. Never lost the gun. Never left it at home because it was too uncomfortable to carry.

Biggest /heavies I've carried for any real length of time was the Mod 60. I tried carrying an AMT DAO .45 once, and it was just too heavy and big to conceal well.

Comfort is OK. More secure (not shifting) when worn over a high top boot, which is the normal foot gear for me when in uniform. I cinch it pretty tight. Ones not made with the sheep skin were uncomfortable and ineffective for the way I use the holster. They were given way or still hidden in one of my drawers or boxes of "trial" holsters. One of them was a Galco with suede lining. Like one of the guy said on an earlier post...get one with the sheep skin lining. Nothing else seems to work (for me).

I'm right handed and been carrying it on my left leg, butt towards the rear. My draw technique is to first ensure the pants leg covering the holster is cleared... I do this by using both hand, if possible, pulling it up and over the holster... then sliding hand down to draw. The technique of going to the opposite side knee helps with this method... willing to learn new ways, but this has worked for me so far.

Also, a plus for me using the ankle holster is being able to surreptitiously draw while seated in a car when I need to have a gun in my hand. Additionally, during some training scenarios, when I have to go to ground (like getting knocked on my ass), I can employ ground fighting techniques and have easier access to my ankle gun than my hip holstered gun.

That my two-bits. Hope this help with your decision.

[Spenser]

I've been doing so for awhile now, and I'm liking this method more than just about anything else that I've tried thus far. If you're wearing pants, you can hide your piece. It doesn't work so well with boots, though I can get away with it, depending on how broken-in the boots are.

I've been using the Galco ankle glove, and I've tried a couple of others. Nothing beats the Galco thus far for comfort, ease of access, and concealability.

I've been carrying both a Glock 27 and a Sig 232. The Sig's a bit lighter, but both are equally concealable with this rig.

It's obviously not a quick draw rig, so it seems to emphasize the importance of situational awareness. But it appears this method would work well if you're sitting down somewhere (like a restaurant or a car). I have got the jitters on occasion, leaving the office late at night. In that case, I'll simply have the pistol in the front pocket of my messenger bag, or pants pocket where it's a bit more accessible.

[exprt9]

When I do carry using an ankle holster, it would only be for a BUG either the P3AT or my Beretta M21.

[UniversalFrost]

was carrying with a nice little detective snubby .38spl for a long time, but I like to lean back in my office chair and kick a leg up on the desk. Too many times I kicked up the leg with the ankle holster and suddenly everyone had a nice view of the snubby. Most of the folks are pro gun, but the few that are anti or just scared got a little annoyed and so I am now going SOB (small of the back) with a full size beretta 92FS.

[ckd]

My last choice for CCW.

On occasion with an Alessi Renegade holster, 357 alloy snubby - right handed, on left ankle.

Practice too ensure reasonable access; dark socks help if the holster starts to turtle.

[Para Bellum]

....it's just very uncomfortable...

[wyocarp]

I carry a kel-tec .380 in an ankle holster quite often. I think it works best to carry on both ankles.

[FM12]

The trick is to match the handgun with a good holster. The trick is to match the handgun with a good holster. Not a typo, here, just wanted to make sure you understand the answer.

A "J" frame revolver is about the best you can do. Don't try to "overgun" here, kinda like trying to hide a 12 gage pump in your pants leg.

I have used a Bianchi for the left leg for 25 years or so. It carries a J frame very well, The key is that the gun fits well, and the rig has LAMBSWOOL sewn to the area that contacts my leg. \

If you already have a holster rig, sew some lambswool in and try that.

It takes some getting use to, but is very well worth it. Sometimes this is the difference in being armed or not. There's a LOT of comfort in that. As someone once said, carrying a gun should be conformting, not comfortable.

As always, try to find a happy medium in the two!

[Dachaddwick]

I generally carry my glock 27 as a BUG when i have another as primary. I have a galco ankle glove that fits very nice, the padding on it does not bother you throughout the day, like some cheaper ankle holsters, you can forget its on by the end of the day.

[prairieviper]

I like ankle carry for my S&W 637. I use a Desantis Apache.

http://www.desantisholster.com/062.html

[YZR]

I'll carry my 642 snubby with an ankle rig once in a while but the smart carry is by far the most comfortable.
When I'm packing my Kel Tec 3AT it just slides in a pocket.

[Captain Bligh]

I've probably spotted more guys carrying in a ankle rigs than any other form of carry. I'm not sure what the trick is to concealing them since I've never worn one, but whatever it is lots of folks don't know it. And, a pretty slow draw too.

[prairieviper]

I've probably spotted more guys carrying in a ankle rigs than any other form of carry. I'm not sure what the trick is to concealing them since I've never worn one, but whatever it is lots of folks don't know it. And, a pretty slow draw too.

I don't think that most folks are going around looking at ankles. My experience is that such things as snubby J frames and small automatics go unnoticed when riding in a proper holster. Naturally, as with anything, common sense comes into play. The holster should be of good quality and you should select trousers and footwear that accommodate an ankle rig.

The other thing is that unless you are psychic and know under what circumstances you may need your piece, an ankle rig could be your best and fastest choice. :)

[TacticalDefense1911]

I carry my CCW using an ankle holster most of the time, but just because it is quick and easy, but it is actually one of my least favorite places to carry a weapon. While it is easy to conceal with boot cut jeans which is why I usually carry using this method, it is one of the hard places to get to your weapon easily and quickly. I carry my Taurus 85 J-frame on my ankle using a Desantis ankle holster. I actually find it to be very comfortable, but carrying on the ankle is only really good for a BUG.