I typically carry a 1911 on RH side IWB, and 642 AirLite Ti in front LH pocket.

I have a job change coming up soon, and will frequently require clothing that won't work well with the 1911 IWB.

Been thinking of adding a second J in an ankle holster.

I realize that ankle carry isn't for everybody, but to those who have carried them on duty, everyday for years, what ankle holsters work well? I will be doing some crawling around on concrete and asphalt, as well as plenty of time on ladders, so retention is important.

I'll be wearing it for 12 to 18 hrs a day, so comfort is important.

I plan to buy ONE holster, so I'd like to choose from among the best of this type, so price is not important.

Thanks. - JM.

It's not leather, it's not made by anyone famous, it costs half of what a good leather rig costs and a third of "famous name" makers, it will wear out after daily carry every few years and you'll buy another of the exact same one to replace it - Renegade holsters ankle rig. They make one with thumb breaks too for rigs with hammers on them. I've only used the non-thumb break style with my 49. When you first get it, the padding seems excessive, but it will compress and form to you soon. I've been carrying one (well maybe up to five at this point from them wearing out) for 18 years and they have never let me down in daily wear, foot chases, fights, hopping fences, etc. I've tried using Kramers, Sparks, Alessi (all great leather that I use for other modes of carry), but NONE have come close to the lightweight, comfort, secure carry of my J frames.

Alessi
Alessi Holsters Ankle Holster for Smith & Wesson Guns: Ankle Smith & Wesson Alessi Gun Holsters
They are awesome and very very comfortable. Never had/have a problem with the firearm coming out/loose to include when running/jogging/rappelling/being upside down (dont ask) etc etc.They are more then some of the others like galco or desantis (just as examples of lower cost ankle holsters) but just like MS they are well well worth the money.

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Disabled Combat Veteran OIF

I carried a Charter Arms Bulldog Pug in a DeSantis for at least 15 years as a back-up gun while on duty. I wore it over Corcoran jumpboots, insulated winter boots and against my ankle when off duty. It's nylon and elastic never wore out. It has a retention strap that fastens above your calf.

I wore it through snowdrifts, chasing bad guys, and even across a chest deep creek once with out ever worrying about it coming off or losing the gun. It has to be pushing the 25 year mark and I still wear it occasionally.

Do a search of Renegade anjkle holsters and you will read nothing but raves....for around 50 bucks, it's a great deal too..I've had this one for over 8 years and it's going strong.....






It's so concealable, I can even wear my DS under straight leg jeans with no noticeable bulge...

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

A coworker of mine was in Guayaquil Ecuador reviewing a contract with a client and the client's lawyer. The lawyer was one of the local "dandys" and came in dressed to the nines. When he sat down and crossed his legs a snubnose revolver fell out of his ankle holster and clattered across the terazzo floor. It caused quite a comotion.
Must have had the wrong or a worn out holster.
We still got the order!
Steve W

I made the same inquiry a while back and took Sip's advice on the Renegade. None better.

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I'm with the banned ...

I've used the Galco Ankle Glove for the last 10-11 years while carrying either a Glock 27 or S&W 642. They have been durable, comfortable, and secure. While I've never used the Renegade rig, I've only heard good things about them and they appear to be less bulky than the ankle glove.

Since you mention climbing ladders, that may expose your gun to being viewed from below. Have you considered a tuckable IWB holster such as a Crossbreed or similiar design? While I use one for a Glock 23 or Kahr K40, I have carried a full size 1911 in one as well. With the velcro clips the only way someone will detect it is by direct contact.

The best ankle holster I have ever had was a custom made one by the late Mr. Bruce Nelson. I had to wait almost a year for it, but of all that I have had and tried, his is by far the best! Unfortunately, Mr. Nelson has been gone for quite a few years now and so impossible to get. You could try calling Milt Sparks Holsters as i know they had some sort of business relationship. Just a chance that Milt Sparks now does Bruce Nelson's designs. Worth a try if you are interested.

Chief38