Ankle holsters...how do you do it?
 

I finally broke down and bought an ankle holster (DeSantis Apache) for my Seecamp .32ACP. Wow! How do you guys that use ankle carry manage that? The Seecamp isn't that heavy a gun, but it felt like I had a brick taped to my leg. Is it something you have to get used to? Any ideas or advice?

Thanks,

Dave

I wear my 360J in an ankle holster on a pretty regular basis. It took some getting used to even though my gun is pretty light at just over 13oz empty. It helps if you keep the holster strapped pretty snug so it doesn't move around.

You will get used to it. When I was a Cop, I had a Detective Special in an ankle holster as a back up.

By a matching set for the other leg. Problem solved. :)

Haven't done so for a long time, but I've carried all steel and Airweight J-Frames in them and a Glock 27. There are some really good leather ones out there, but last time I used nylon ones from some forgotten manufacturer. They actually worked quite well. The reason is the retaining strap. It went up and fastened around the leg above the calf with a velcro strap. It was pretty comfortable and secure. For comfort I would wear a thin sock underneath the holster, and I would always pull my outer sock over the holstered gun. That helped somewhat in hiding it and added a bit more security.
A good ankle holster will hold the gun securely and comfortably, and I've used them for thousands of hours over the years, but I don't any more. The draw is far too slow and awkward, and I have found many carry systems that work better. Most people who have carried for a long time have tried just about everything at some point. We reject what doesn't work for us and find what works best. I've been at it for over 26 years now, and I'm still learning.:)
Jim

I guess the holster will make a lot of difference. I carry a 642 in a Galco Ankle Glove and can forget that it's there.

I guess I should mention that I was always taught to wear an ankle holster on the inside of the leg on weak the side. Unfortunately, my weak side (left) is my bad leg - I've been fighting off a total knee replacement for years now. One thing I thought of after reading some of your responses is I could try a calf support that they make for the holster (it's basically a strap that goes around your calf, and then attaches to the holster). The holster fits the weapon well, and it doesn't move around while I'm wearing it. Keep the advice and recommendations coming! Thanks, guys.

Regards,

Dave

When I first started totin' about 35 years ago, I wore ankle holsters on a daily basis. I finally had one custom made by Bruce Nelson who has long since passed, but IMHO he made me the finest one that I have ever tried. I used it for about 15 years or so and got so used to it that my 20 ounce M60 felt like it was part of me. I actually got to the point that I was able to run with it!

Then one day I tried the Nemesis Pocket Holster from DeSantis, and that was the last time I used the ankle holster. I actually tried it on a few months ago and could not believe that I actually liked it back then, but if used often enough and if you get a good one, they do become more comfortable as they break in an form to your individual ankle. I always carried it on the inside of my left ankle (I am right handed) and that way it would never show or hit against anything.

Here's the real problem............. They are slow as molasses to draw your weapon from. If it is for a back-up gun, then fine, but unless you have no other means by which to carry, I would not recommend it as your primary CCW holster.

Regards,
Chief38

I really prefer to carry in an ankle holster, but it is something that takes a little getting used to. I carried a Glock 26 on my right leg in a Don Hume H760 ankle holster for over a year. It helps if you wear boots to keep it where it's supposed to be and avoid suspicion. If there's a little bit of a bulge and you have boots on people assume it's the boot cuff - no big deal. I also recommend using the garter that most manufacturers offer as an option to keep gravity from tugging the whole mess down. If you don't you'll likely be pulling your "socks" up a lot! I think you'll like it if you stick with it though, keeping your weapon on your ankle is great because if you ever need it you automatically turn into a smaller target while you're pulling it out. It's also easy to get to while you're sitting down and you don't have to take it off when you get into your car!

For me, it's the most uncomfortable way I ever tried to carry a gun. I saw an ankle holster for sale somewhere the other day for a 5906! Can't even begin to imagine carrying a 5906 that way.

I wear my 442 in a Renegade cozy partner almost every day all day...no problem at all. I find it much more comfortable than any other form of carry in the summer...

Dave, the calf strap will make a world of difference because it takes some of the weight off of the ankle. On another note (" I've been fighting off a total knee replacement for years now") quit putting off the surgery, I have had both knees replaced and my only regret is not doing it sooner they are fantastic "NO MORE PAIN"!!!!!!:):):):)

Wayne

It takes practice and the right gun. I carry my S&W model 60 in an ankle holster without the calf strap and it works out great. Not the fastest draw (possibly the slowest actually) But I like it. Good for driving too.

Me personally, I would never carry in an ankle holster. It takes to long to drop down, lift your pants leg up and then draw the gun up to fire. Why would I want to do that when I can just pull the gun out of my pocket and shoot?

But anyway, good luck on your search and hopefully you find something that works for you.

Were you the guy I saw on Wilshire Blvd with the Bermuda shorts and an ankle holster?:rolleyes:

Bermuda shorts? I only wear speedos!

Please get that picture out of my head...Please get that picture out of my head...Please get that picture out of my head...

Here are my suggestions:
1. Get a Renegade.
2. Get used to it.

I've carried J-Smiths (all-steel, aluminum alloy and scandium/titanium), a Colt Magnum Carry, a Ruger LCR, a Kahr PM-9, a Kahr MK-40, and a Detonics Mk VI in Renegade ankle rigs, and all were highly concealable. The Detonics is at the upper end of tolerable weight for me, however, if we're talking about 8 hours+ of carry. I can carry any of the others for many hours in complete comfort.

Don't know that I'd want to consider ankle carry enough to buy a holster for it. How well does one of those screw on clips meant for IWB work in a pair of cowboy boots?

I wear boots most days, and when I do, I usually have a Model 342Ti with a Skyline Clipdraw clip on a boot top. It works very well. I'd advise the following, though: Anything heavier than a 342 will quickly break down a boot top. Also, the clip needs to have its tip bent inward, so it doesn't tend to catch on the pant leg seam when the pant leg is pulled up to draw. This setup is ONLY backup for me; I'd never use it for my primary, unless I just had to have deeper cover than I usually do. A Renegade over an ankle boot is faster.

Works for me. Of course, the gun (at least if it's a revolver) will be at about 4:00 o'clock on the ankle, and the grip will be correspondingly angled to the left. You should probably wear a sock under the holster and, or course, over the holster.

While an ankle holster is almost useless for a non-LEO when standing, it is just about the fastest thing there is when seated at a table or in a car (I use one of those frequently). Of course, a shoulder holster or a cross-draw belt holster isn't bad, but the weather doesn't always make those very concealable.

+1 Mine was an Colt Agent airweight with a boot knife on the off ankle. I found that by positioning the holster on the inside of my left ankle I could draw with either hand and banged it against things less. You get accustomed to it, just like not seeing the frame on a pair of eyeglasses.

Another vote for Renegade ankle rigs.

No one who is worried about a super quick draw, uses a an ankle holster. I use it because I want a gun on me, not because I think someone is going to come up and rob me. When I go into situations where that is more likely, like a walk to my car at night, then it comes off my ankle and into a pocket...situational awareness plays a big part with ankle carry.

+1 to Sip, I too like the ankle rigs. It's an Ankle Glove for me with a M60, there is a lot of good advice on this thread. Different people have different weight tolerances with ankle holsters, mine is around 30 ozs. This allows me to confortably carry a steel J Frame or even a M&P Compact or the baby Glocks.

The Ankle Glove is a great holster, the only complaint is they don't make one for a M&P. The less expensive Ankle Lite just isn't the same with the M&P, I've found molded holster make a big difference in ankle rigs.

Cheers,
Sam

Thanks to all who responded. Lots of good advice and good ideas and recommedantions. The Seecamp isn't that heavy (13.0 oz. unloaded), and it's certainly small enough. I had been carrying it as a BUG in my weak hand front pants pocket, but that's also where I carry my wallet. My EDC is usually a J-frame in the right front pants pocket, and I wanted to keep that pocket reserved for ordnance, and my left pocket for my wallet. I've got a IWB holster for the Seecamp, but I thought I'd try an ankle rig as it would be out-of-sight, and accessible by either hand.

Thanks again to all who responded for your thoughts and help.

Best regards,

Dave

I carry like that everyday. I have an elastic band around the holster otherwise the Uncle Mike's# 3 holster moves around way too much. I carry my Airweight®/Ultra-Lite® guns that way; and in my pants pocket.

Sheer madness. I can't concieve of such.....unless it was for a sitting application only??????

I feel you on the pending knee work. I'm in the same camp.


442 or 438 pocket carry for me....custom pancakes for N-frames beneath shirt, too.

I may add a belt slide for 1911 hip or ***.

i have carried something in an ankle holster for over 25 years (daily) currently i am using a wolverine ankle holster that locks in with two straps and has a thick sheepskin lining...it's the best one that i have used...i carry a 3"M657 41 mag.in it and forget it's there

I'm trying out an Uncle Mike's Sidekick (Size 0), with a garter strap for my 642 snubby. So far, it fits neatly and I haven't been able to shuck it or even feel that it's there. The garter strap is a winner.

It'll be my BUG or Sunday-meetin' go-to-church carry.