Hey,
I am new to the forum and I want a ankle holster to put my s&w 438 in for a backup firearm.I am really internested in the blackhawk ankle holsters but I didn't know what size. I went to the local gun shops and they didn't have no ankle holsters. I wanted to know if any of you had an idea or already have a 438 or something close to compare it to before I purchase this holster online?

My guess is a size 00 although it says w hammer spur I still have to account for a hammer since mine is shrouded.


link to the backhawk holster
BLACKHAWK! Ankle Holster - BLACKHAWK!

Thanks,
Blake

Blake, prior to getting an ankle holster for my 642, which also works for my 638 (same as the 438) I spent a lot of time searching threads for choices and one that was recommended more than once was the Galco Ankle Glove.

I checked the makers sites of the other holsters mentioned but since I had already had an Ankle Glove for semi's that I really liked I went with the Galco for the revolver as well.

While I've only used my Ankle Glove for revolvers a couple dozen times to date I know that I made a good choice. The only concern one might have with the Galco is that your gun has to have grips that keeps the back-strap open so the thumb break strap has enough room to fully wrap around the back of the gun and make it down to the snap.

The Galco ankle glove and the renegade are the two best rigs for the money...the Galco has a molded leather holster on a neoprene strap and the renegade is a soft pouch on an elastic band...I went with the renegade since I wear straight leg jeans and the unmolded rig gives me a bit more concealability....check them out and see what works best for you...Both rigs are extremely comfortable and do not require a calf strap like the one pictured on the Blackhawk....

__________________
Thirty characters. Exactly...

For what it's worth, here are a couple of quick & dirty photos I took since my last post.

The first shows the 638 in the Galco Ankle Glove with the 642 along side.



The second shows the guns swapped around with the gun that is my usual ankle gun in the Ankle Glove.

The smooth grips on the 642 allows the material of my pant leg to easily slide over them.
Any checkering, even the light type like on the 638 grips tends to be a little "catchy."



Both guns shown with B K Grip Adapters.......

Mitch Rosen makes a very nice one, and he is very proud of it! But you will only buy one in your life time.

+1 for the Galco Ankle Glove. I wear mine quite a bit and like it. It is very handy while seated or driving for extended periods of time. The only difference between mine and the one in ogilvyspecial's photo is mine does not have the thumb break. Mine has a screw which is adjusts for the amount of tension you want to apply for retention purposes.

does a gun carried in an ankle holster take on a bit more "dings and dents",
or am i the only one who seems to smack my lower legs/ankles getting in and out of cars, etc?

Mine doesn't.

Maybe because my van rides higher than a car I'm always careful to clear the bottom of the door frame just so I don't end up with a bunch of dirt on my pant legs from the rocker panel.

Been doing that so long it's a natural thing now.......

Not for me either....only part exposed is the grip and you have to hike pant leg up pretty far to bang it....

__________________
Thirty characters. Exactly...

I had looked at the retention screw type but didn't know how much tension you could get out of it.
Does it retain the gun pretty good?

All of my back-up holsters, which includes those worn on my belt, have to have excellent retention capabilities just in case I end up in a "wrestling match" or some other strenuous activity like running. This is especially important for me since an ankle holster is used only in a back-up role with my main goal being that the gun be there, no matter what. Quick access is only a secondary concern.

Blake, once you get one, practice how you'd access your pistol if needed. The darn things aren't easy to get to when the heart rate is thumping and you need to bring your pistol to ready. Dont just stick it in the holster and forget about it. Also suggest you make it a habit to check it every time you get in a vehicle. If you get one that is comfy, you tend to forget you have it on at times. Plenty of stories of ankle pistols slipping out and owners walking away, unaware.

My personal experience has been good with this holster. The retention is excellent. I have not wrestled with it on, or jogged more than just 25 yards or so at a time, but it takes some effort to get it in the holster when I put it, and I feel confident that it's not going anywhere. I can see where the thumb break might instill more confidence and sense of security against accidentally losing your gun.

One other tip to the OP regarding ankle carry, regardless of which version or which maker you choose-- I suggest you consider wearing two socks. The first sock I wear is usually a thin sock. I then put the holster on over the first sock, and then insert the gun firmly into the holster. The final step is to pull your second sock up and over to conceal the holster. This way if your pants leg comes up, someone will notice only a bump in your sock, not a leather holster. I think it's also a little more comfortable way to wear the ankle holster, and it also keeps the rig from making your leg sweat as badly during warmer weather.