All things being equal, which is more effective...

[skizzums]

if I were in your situation, I would definitely choose to stay with a revolver. i'm not a fan, but what about a double-tap in an effective short barrel caliber, are those legal to carry chambered since they are not semi?

[Dwight55]

My apologies, James Pond, . . . I somehow missed the tidbit of condition 3 carry. That is a deal breaker for a semi-auto, . . . for sure.

I personally have never worn an ankle holster (although I have made them), . . . and probably wouldn't, . . . after seeing a video of a policeman trying to use his 5 shot .38 during a bank robbery.

I'd have to do an IWB, . . . but that is just my opinion, . . . wish you the best on whatever you choose.

May God bless,
Dwight

[Pond, James Pond]

i'm not a fan, but what about a double-tap in an effective short barrel caliber, are those legal to carry chambered since they are not semi?

The law says that if the magazine (bullet storage device so mag in a semi and cylinder in a revolver) is not part of the chamber then it must be carried empty. So a double tap should be OK, but I prefer a chubby 6-shot to a slim 2 shot!!

[Jim243]

Strange laws in Estonia. I use to use this holster all the time with a 3 inch S&W years ago. Very comfortable and exceptionly reliable. You may want to consider one of these.

Jim

http://nevadagunleather.com/Upside-D...olster-155.htm

[dakota.potts]

Have you considered something like the smart carry? http://www.smartcarry.com/shop/index...oduct_list&c=6

[Pond, James Pond]

They don't sell that here: never seen it and ordering from the US means a big duty hit once it comes into the country, so I don't think I'd give it a go as a punt...

[Onward Allusion]

Ankle holster makes it difficult to get to your gun. It still requires you to have two hands available, so it negates the advantage of having a revolver versus a semi with an empty chamber. Back in the day, ankle carry was one of my preferred methods because it is the most concealable traditional method outside of back pocket carry of a LCP or guns similar. Concealment was paramount as it was Chicago.

You may want to look into a belly band carry or an undershirt with a built-in holster for crossdraw. Either method will still require both hands.

[Notanotherstatistic]

IWB for me. Even though its legal to open carry here, I find IWB preferrable. Crossbreed super tuck is a good starting place. I had a local guy make me an "improved" version. It has finished leather on the body side and thicker Kydex (my Crossbreed cracked). It takes some time to get really comfortable with it. Now it's very natural.

I also found that a flexible waistband in the pants is very nice. I wear Dickies for work pants and really appreciate their "comfort flex" feature. Both sides have a flexible stretchy section. With a decent gun belt it stays put and allows some movement such as when seated or driving.

On a seperate note, I think I'd rather have a semi that needs racked on my waist than a revolver on my ankle. Pretty sure I could access the semi and rack it before you could reach, clear a pants leg and draw.

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Whose IWB are you using? There can be a VAST difference in comfort and fit between different brands and styles of IWB holsters.

[Pond, James Pond]

Whose IWB are you using?

I've been using a Galco Softuk Tuck-n-go for a S&W J frame. Appendix carry it is actually not so bad now. A bit of jiggery-pokery to get it settled when seated or driving but then it is OK. Not unnoticeable, but OK.

[Notanotherstatistic]

The IWB holster I really like is a custom by Mark O. of Hillsboro Mo. Local fella I met at the pawn shop one day. Was discussing my rusted Glock slide and he asked "Crossbreed"? Why yes sir, how did you guess? He said he's seen quite a few. Mind you, I am a sweater. And known to eat the finish off watches including "nice" watches. To his credit, I've never managed to "sweat through" his holster. Gush over, around and through... Well yeah.

Anyway, its similar, but different from a Crossbreed super tuck. He was making these when he was laid off. Now that he's back working full time+ he took down his web page. I could ask him if he's ready to sell more if you like. Pm me and I'll give him your contact info. I'll have to check with him before I give out his info on the web.

[raimius]

I'd say it very much depends on the gun and the person wearing it. For sub-compact autos and small J-frames, the ankle holster might be more concealable, as people tend to not stare at people's ankles very much. That said, slim people with more tailored pants might still have issues. For me, IWB can conceal a pretty large pistol without much trouble. If you don't have tight fitting shirts or worry about clips showing, that's probably the way to go. That said, if you are a little more round, it might not work that well.

[Pond, James Pond]

Thanks for the offer, but shipping from beyond the EU gets expensive!!

[gotthegoods]

I experimented with ankle carry.

It is what I would call deep concealment - it is not easy to access your firearm; though it is great while driving sitting.

You need a good to great holster, since it is the belt AND holster in one package.

Depending on how much you walk, the weight of the gun may be an issue.

I have not ankle carried in 5 years, AIWB for me.

[kraigwy]

If you are old, and/or cant see your toes while standing up straight, ankle holsters aren't for you.

Banned at matches and most ranges, cross draw or shoulder holsters are the fastest, plus you can get to them with either hand.

They also work better when setting or in the car strapped in a seat belt.

Having said that, I pocket carry my 642, it works not matter what time of year and in any weather. Its faster for me, and I can get to my revolver sitting or standing. And in Comfort Fit jeans (which is all I wear) almost impossible to detect.

An example, I had two ladies in my SD/Firearms class who I have been square dancing with for over 10 years. They didn't know I carried until they stated attending my class.

[turkeestalker]

I know that this is a bit older thread, but wanted to throw out an option that I have found to be the MOST comfortable and concealable for me, mind you we're all unique. That said I do not carry anything on my ankle and personally feel it is a poor choice for some of the reasons already mentioned here. IWB is effective and one can get used to it regarding comfort etc., but I do prefer shoulder carry under my arm. There are different options out there and I've tried most, but when it comes to a shoulder rig made of cloth concealable with only a shirt, I've found none to be better than the Kangaroo. It is far more comfortable than any IWB holster that I've tried and I do have a drawer full of them. With a bit of practice I feel that it is every bit as fast as most for drawing, and lightening fast compared to the 'tuckable' versions that have come along. Wearing a button up shirt either short or long sleeve, to my knowledge I've never had anyone notice that I was carrying and I carry religiously every day even at work as an electrician. I have tried all three models that are offered but lean toward the 'air marshal' myself, worn with an 'A' shirt or 'wife beater' underneath and like I mentioned, a button up short or long sleeved shirt. Been carrying that way since 2008. You can wear it against your skin without issues, I just prefer the undershirt myself. In a t-shirt or sweatshirt, drawing could be problematic, but I doubt too much so with practice, at least it hasn't proved to be for me. Here is a link to the manufacturers website.

http://www.kangaroocarry.com/

When I do wear t-shirts and shorts in the summers I sometimes use what dakota.potts suggested which also works exceptionally well.

I don't know if it is a possibility or would be of much help, but if you found a holster you would like and a personal mailing from beyond the EU would the lower the cost of shipping I'd be glad to help, just let me know.

[fastbolt]

Hopefully your use doesn't make it look as noticeable as the guy in the video ad.

Right away it looked like his upper torso was uneven and "heavy", or thick, on his left side, and that was with a really large, boxy polo shirt. Imbalances in body symmetry can be easier to notice than some folks might expect, even if people may not expect someone to be carrying a handgun (or are looking for one).

Then again, I've spent a career automatically scanning anyone I see for indications of them being armed. Lumps and uneven "body lines", or off-balance physical symmetry, are sometimes hard to disguise.

Not everyone probably thinks "gun", though. Situational context and body language can affect how folks "see" and interpret things.

[turkeestalker]

Hopefully your use doesn't make it look as noticeable as the guy in the video ad.

Agreed! Like I said, to my knowledge.... there are things I'll never know and rest assured if I noticed someone who appeared to be carrying a weapon, I'
d not bring to their attention that I had!
I prefer button up collared shirts rather than a t-shirt or polo shirt as I said. Part of the reason is that I don't believe it prints as easily as it would wearing a t-shirt or polo.

[fastbolt]

Button shirts, especially if not tailored, can be a bit more tolerant of bulges. Sometimes an irregular pattern might help, too.

Breezes, as well as unthinking bending/twisting actions, can tighten a shirt over a gun, though.

It's a balance of carry method, physical shape, a shirt which allows some leeway and staying aware that you're actually concealing a weapon.

Some folks just can't avoid holding their posture differently when armed, or making small gestures, (pulling, scratching, adjusting, etc) that are out-of-place when something isn't being concealed underneath a cover garment.

[Pond, James Pond]

Thanks for the additional insight.

I think I'm sticking with my existing set-up for now with a small IWB holster just because it works well enough to not to start throwing money at solutions that may not actually solve!!

[hartcreek]

How do you dress? I put a custom pocket into my all my coats and jackets and I IWB right handed cross draw. I can shift the same holsted from IWB to the custom pocket. I laso ahev other holsters fitted into my coats. You could also use a gun vest.

[Pond, James Pond]

How do you dress?

Typically, jeans, casual shoes, untucked t-shirt, or tucked with a jumper, sweater over the top.

Customising clothing is a very nice idea but expensive. Probably, by quite a margin. I don't carry all the time and it is just sometimes that I wonder about alternatives. "Gun vests" are probably unheard of here, given the very small CCW market and, as a Simply Rugged OWB holster has taught me, shipping from the States costs a chunk!!