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Old 03-14-2017, 05:00 PM
MarkB MarkB is offline
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How useful is an ankle holster for the non-LEO ccw person? Is there an advantage or is it a hindrance to use an ankle holster? This is for a BUG and not the primary carry weapon.
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Old 03-14-2017, 05:12 PM
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You are a non leo or ccw person and you're going to carry at least two guns? Why not just get a ccw and insurance and be legal?

Anyway, as a backup an ankle rig is ok but not a fast draw rig.
The old boot leg pants work best.
A leo undercover friend carried a M637 in an ankle holster but lost it in a chase and never recovered it.
However an ankle holster before a knife in some cases.
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Old 03-14-2017, 05:36 PM
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Thanks. I do have my CCW permit. This is for a backup to my primary carry.
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Old 03-14-2017, 05:41 PM
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Where do you frequent that as a non-LEO you need a BUG?
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Old 03-14-2017, 05:46 PM
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Why can't a non Leo carry a bug?

Is it ok for a non Leo to carry a reload??

Next you'll want to limit magazine capacity for non Leo's. Come on people.
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Old 03-14-2017, 05:52 PM
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I carried a BUG (Model 36) in an ankle holster for years. I had a good quality unit made by a company in Cincinnati OH that is long out of business. It was a nylon type and well padded where it contacted the ankle. It had a secondary support strap that fastened with velcro above the calf. That second strap kept the thing from wanting to slide down to my foot - without that strap I think the holster would have been useless. Had I an air weight gun at the time, it would probably have been more comfortable. To draw the gun, it is necessary to pull up the pant leg from just above the gun to avoid the pant material from bunching up as it would if you grabbed the pants from the cuff. Even with the best draw, there is no way you could draw and fire as quickly as Chris Tucker does in the movie "Rush Hour".
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Old 03-14-2017, 05:58 PM
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I carry a 38 in an ankle rig for driving. I am left handed and it puts it in a position that is easier to reach than the one in my pocket!

Even when carried owb it is difficult to reach for a left handed person as the door panel gets in the way. That is what works for me. YMMV.
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Old 03-14-2017, 05:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cadmike View Post
Why can't a non Leo carry a bug?

Is it ok for a non Leo to carry a reload??

Next you'll want to limit magazine capacity for non Leo's. Come on people.
Don't put words in my mouth (or post). I didn't say is wasn't OK nor did I suggest limiting anything. I simply asked why the OP thought it necessary?
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Old 03-14-2017, 06:00 PM
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I've never bothered with them. Sticky holster in my boot works fine.
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Old 03-14-2017, 06:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Florida J Frame View Post
Don't put words in my mouth (or post). I didn't say is wasn't OK nor did I suggest limiting anything. I simply asked why the OP thought it necessary?
First, I have a very quiet life and I don't look for trouble. I am left handed and the ankle holster would be easier to get to while driving. It would also be available if something happened to my primary carry. I just need to be prepared in the unlikely event that I need to use a backup gun.
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Old 03-14-2017, 06:26 PM
Richard Simmons Richard Simmons is offline
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Nothing wrong with an ankle rig. I've carried an M49 for years in a Cozy Partner Rengade. Very secure but easy to draw from and so, so comfortable. If your sitting down a lot an ankle gun is pretty easy to reach and unlike IWB/OWB it won't catch or clank on chair arms and you don't have to keep your jacket on all the time.

I think Cozy Partner is no longer in business but if you can track one down I'd be surprised if you didn't love it.

I just realized that Renegade is the name of the company. Cozy Partner is the model of the holster.
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Old 03-14-2017, 06:38 PM
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I have an old Renegade ankle holster. It's looking kinda threadbare these days, but still hangs on to a J frame pretty well.

They sure aren't fast, but can be useful. YMMV
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Old 03-14-2017, 06:46 PM
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The Renegade rig is a great rig, and a revolver in an ankle rig is not only a good BUG, particularly important for anyone who carries an autoloader, it is also far more accessible when seated, particularly in an automobile. For many lifestyles, the gun in the ankle rig is more important than the one in the belt, like if you drive through various neighborhoods from your own good neighborhood to the good neighborhood of the folks you are visiting. Still like the belt gun, too, for the dog in the "good" neighborhood (or the coyotes in my "good" neighborhood).
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Old 03-14-2017, 06:50 PM
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One of the guys I worked with was at a meeting with clients in Ecuador, they were sitting in the clients office the client's lawyer came in and sat down, as he crossed his leg the gun in his ankle holster slipped out and clanged across the tile floor. It didn't go off, nothing was hurt except for the lawyers pride.
I am not saying this is a reason not to use an ankle holster, obviously the gun and the holster were not well matched or the guy hadn't secured it correctly.
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Old 03-14-2017, 07:10 PM
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One of the guys I worked with was at a meeting with clients in Ecuador, they were sitting in the clients office the client's lawyer came in and sat down, as he crossed his leg the gun in his ankle holster slipped out and clanged across the tile floor. It didn't go off, nothing was hurt except for the lawyers pride.
I am not saying this is a reason not to use an ankle holster, obviously the gun and the holster were not well matched or the guy hadn't secured it correctly.
I would agree. There are instances of the same thing happening with about every type of carry.

I'd like to add that another plus for ankle carry is when you to use the toilet. When you find your self with your trousers around your ankle your ankle rig will be perfectly accessible and not trying to flop over on the floor like a belt rig.
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Old 03-14-2017, 07:19 PM
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my EDC CCW is an old Colt Agent... backed up by a S&W Chiefs. It's far easier/quicker to draw a 2nd pistol than to reload one of my snubs. Do not cheap out on buying/selecting any holster... you can easily lose a very expensive handgun while running... wrestling/fighting etc. One man advised a 2nd strap around the top of the calf/below knee... this is DAAM GOOD ADVICE that you should pay heed to in my opinion. Also make sure that the holster has a thumb strap & that it is on the inside beside your leg... as opposed to being on the outside of the holster where it can be easily knocked loose inadvertently.

If you are friends with any LEO's/ detectives/ policemen/deputies etc., ... do not hesitate to ask them which brand/style they rely on...If they use that holster every day, it has to be of good quality.

I applaud your having the foresight to getting advice in choosing a holster... many newbies don't. Very good quality ankle rigs are handy, and while most people do not look for them... your pant leg can ride up, inadvertently exposing your pistol..

Please give some thought to using a cross draw IWB/OWB rig for a revolver/pistol., which is also very handy while seated in a car, on a motorcycle, riding a horse etc... and is fairly easy to keep track of & defend... 2 important considerations for any holster/handgun combo.
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Old 03-14-2017, 07:30 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Simmons View Post
I would agree. There are instances of the same thing happening with about every type of carry.

I'd like to add that another plus for ankle carry is when you to use the toilet. When you find your self with your trousers around your ankle your ankle rig will be perfectly accessible and not trying to flop over on the floor like a belt rig.
Richard on your signature line.. it says BCCI life etc... what is BCCI? Boone & Crocket? Betty Crocker? I've never seen anyone posting that before...that I can remember... but I admit to having a well developed case of CRS senioritis... "Can't Remember Stuff"
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Old 03-14-2017, 07:38 PM
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I have one for my Kel-Tec. Not the most comfortable thing to wear, but useful for times when I need a tucked shirt and can't pocket carry. Only used as a primary though.
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Old 03-14-2017, 07:54 PM
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I've been keeping a BG380 on my ankle for about a year.

It's a proprietary DeSanti from NAA for the Guardian, but works great with the BG.
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Old 03-14-2017, 07:56 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkB View Post
How useful is an ankle holster for the non-LEO ccw person? Is there an advantage or is it a hindrance to use an ankle holster? This is for a BUG and not the primary carry weapon.
An ankle holster is useful should your assailant attempt to shove your foot in your mouth. Otherwise, no so useful, unless you have a lot of prep time to defend the attack . . .
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Old 03-14-2017, 08:41 PM
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Richard on your signature line.. it says BCCI life etc... what is BCCI? Boone & Crocket? Betty Crocker? I've never seen anyone posting that before...that I can remember... but I admit to having a well developed case of CRS senioritis... "Can't Remember Stuff"

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Old 03-15-2017, 09:29 AM
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You may wish to consider the Cozy Partner Renegade. I've carried my 340PD in that rig for about seven years. I normally carry my Springfied Pro duty weapon while off-duty during the fall/winter or anytime that I can wear a sweater, coat, jacket, etc. to conceal it in an inside pants waistband holster, along with an extra magazine.

I prefer commonality with duty/off-duty weapon systems
whenever possible. If you're in an incident as a civilian or LEO that goes sideways, the last thing you need is to question (for even a split-second) whether you are deploying/manipulating/reloading a revolver or an auto-loader, a Smith & Wesson or a Glock or a Colt.

That being said, when I can't wear clothing to cover my service pistol without arousing suspicion/concern, I use the ankle rig with the 340PD. Perhaps I could consider a small 9 m/m pistol for the ankle rig to maintain weapon platform commonality, but I have found that I can't grip them as well as I do my 340PD. Life is a compromise. I address this by practicing with my chosen platform so that I don't need to consciously think while deploying/manipulating/reloading. TANSTAAFL.

Consider also where you are going to carry your extra magazine or speed-loader/speed-strip. Carry it in the same place every time. Don't put in in an area that will be difficult to access due to carrying a cellular telephone, multi-tool, etc. Don't put your reload in a pocket that contains chap-stick, cash/coins, kleenex tissues, etc. This works for me. YMMV.

My compliments to you for giving it the forethought this subject deserves. A very wise man once told me, "You can't make an appointment for a gunfight".

Practice with your weapon platform and when you become proficient, practice some more.

Good luck to you.

JPJ
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Old 03-15-2017, 10:09 AM
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I always found wearing my BUG on my ankle really "bugged" me - seriously. For most scenarios I couldn't figure a quick and graceful way to retrieve it without taking a round to the top of my head, and the weight of my PPKS was annoying. When driving long distance, a wear a cross draw or shoulder rig.
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Old 03-15-2017, 10:35 AM
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I do not use an ankle holster for many reasons.

Access is slow, your gait while walking is different, it is very awkward to use, your eyes are taken off the the threat while retrieving the gun, usually you must kneel to use it, seems like no matter how secure it seems to be there seems to be too many cases of guns being dislodged unintentionally.

But that is simply MY opinion....others will swear by them.

Randy

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Old 03-15-2017, 10:42 AM
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I use an ankle rig on occasion but it's not my favorite. There are situations in which you think you'll need the gun but that situation resolves itself without the need for deadly force. Going to the ankle telegraphs your intentions.

I've used a few DeSantis rigs but I find that the Uncle Mike's ankle rig to be far more comfortable. Today's J frame rigs, the miniaturized 380s and 9mms such as the Kahr P9, are all ideal for ankle carry.
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Old 03-15-2017, 12:57 PM
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Reckon I'm the oddball here. I've carried a 342PD in an ankle holster for years. Never had an issue or a problem of any sort. Until recently, my work involved sitting at a desk or on the bench in the courtroom, usually with the black robe. Not so easy to access a belt gun under those circumstances, but with the ankle gun all I had to do was lift my foot. Same at a desk or in a car. I realize it's not the fastest draw in all cases but it is in SOME situations, and often those applied to me. I don't usually wear untucked shirts either so, again, the ankle gun is easy to hide. I don't chase people so I'm unlikely to lose the gun in a footrace. Been carrying a sidearm of one kind or another for 40 years in just about every way you can imagine, and I've found the ankle carry as good as any and, in my situation, better than most.
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Old 03-15-2017, 02:02 PM
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I started out in 1979 carrying a model 36 in a Desantis ankle holster. I later carried a Detonics 45, a 2 1/2" 66 and a 3913 until my knees started giving me trouble. I returned to a J frame, but in an aluminum alloy frame in a Fobus holster.

All the horror stories of loosing guns from ankle holsters are usually the result of poor quality or ill fitting holsters. I found that lace up uniform boots were the most comfortable way to carry a BUG in uniform. For off duty or plan clothes I found ankle high lace up hiking boots like Merrells are comfortable when the ankle holster rides on top of the shoe.

It's been my experience that you usually see trouble coming and have a moment or so to prepare. Drawing from an ankle holster certainly telegraphs your move, but I found that by stepping forward with the gun bearing ankle and kneeling on the other leg, I could draw and fire faster than someone carrying in a fanny pack that was so popular with LE in the 90's.

As mentioned in other responses, it's easy to draw from an ankle holster when seated, such as driving or in a restaurant. While ankle holsters are not the be all, end all answer to concealed carry, they do provide you with additional choices. Most anyone who tells you that ankle holsters have no place in CC has either not had a quality holster or has never actually used one for any period of time to get use to it.
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Old 03-15-2017, 02:22 PM
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Not to me. Not ever. To my lights the only reason an ankle holster is useful is for a BUG for a police officer. YMMV

I did have one or two in the past. I guess they are useful when seated in a motor vehicle, no argument there, but so is a belt holster, especially cross draw, and then the gun is up where you need it outside of the motor vehicle.

So, if they work for you, and you want to play Sonny Crockett, more power to you. I gave mine away to a Recon Marine - he has fun with all sorts of gun toys.

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Old 03-15-2017, 02:22 PM
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I've carried a BUG in an ankle holster as an LEO for 28 years. Currently, it's a G43 in an Desantis holster. Previously it was a G36 in an Alessi holster, a G27 in an Alessi (same), and initially a Smith Model 37 in a different Alessi.

Quibbling about equipment does not address tactics, and there's a lot of good advice in this thread.

You'll have to practice to access an ankle gun. That does not include going for it during a "High Noon" fictional shootout (aka neckbeard fantasy). It does include a good "getting off of the X" response to a threat and getting to a place where you can fight in the most unfair manner possible.

Important safety tip, if you're going to practice drawing with an ankle gun, you need good knee pads and to be able to take the holster off to re-holster the weapon after each drill.

Having taught concealed carry, there's nothing wrong with a BUG tool in a well trained and practiced survival toolbox.

If you've got access to a quality trainer who teaches sound tactics, I'd invest in training.
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Old 03-15-2017, 02:52 PM
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I carried a BUG in an ankle holster for 15 plus years. I wore combat boots with the holster on the inside of my left ankle-I'm right handed. A couple of things to remember: strap the empty holster on and THEN insert your BUG. This makes it fit tighter. And once you get a comfortable rig-PRACTICE your draw. The best draw I found was to plant your gun foot, kneel down and raise your trouser leg with the weak hand. You want to be able to do this without looking at your ankle. Concentrate on your potential target.
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Old 03-15-2017, 03:10 PM
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Agree ankle holster is likely the best for seated.
Observe threat. Pull up pants leg with weak arm only while visually or verbally pleading with the BG. Still engaging, with weak hand exposed, strong hand now has pistol in hand ready for sudden engagement from under the table or through the car window. Done properly no one will notice the draw.
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Old 03-15-2017, 03:19 PM
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Just what I beeen saying. Not fast, but useful for some folks in some circumstances. And now we got a ruling from a judge.

The decision is affirmed. Next case!

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Originally Posted by Wyo View Post
Reckon I'm the oddball here. I've carried a 342PD in an ankle holster for years. Never had an issue or a problem of any sort. Until recently, my work involved sitting at a desk or on the bench in the courtroom, usually with the black robe. Not so easy to access a belt gun under those circumstances, but with the ankle gun all I had to do was lift my foot. Same at a desk or in a car. I realize it's not the fastest draw in all cases but it is in SOME situations, and often those applied to me. I don't usually wear untucked shirts either so, again, the ankle gun is easy to hide. I don't chase people so I'm unlikely to lose the gun in a footrace. Been carrying a sidearm of one kind or another for 40 years in just about every way you can imagine, and I've found the ankle carry as good as any and, in my situation, better than most.
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Old 03-15-2017, 03:35 PM
hangnoose hangnoose is offline
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Default FOR "MOST PEOPLE" NOT SO MUCH.

For non LEOS, aside from telegraphing your moves, people who wear shorts, those who can't draw it without dropping their head to see what they are doing, are inviting a kick to the head, OR WORSE.
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Old 03-15-2017, 09:46 PM
ImprovedModel56Fan ImprovedModel56Fan is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cantshootstrate View Post
Important safety tip, if you're going to practice drawing with an ankle gun, you need good knee pads and to be able to take the holster off to re-holster the weapon after each drill.
Always good to hear from someone who actually uses the method recommended!
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Old 03-17-2017, 02:21 PM
DoubleAdobe DoubleAdobe is offline
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I always looked at ankle carry as a sort of last ditch, hole card type thing.
It was just very comforting knowing it was there, out of sight if things went really really sideways. I was never under the illusion that using it would be fast or pretty, but as I say, if I had a ***** with my primary, or lost it, God forbid, that Model 60 on my left ankle was a comforting thought. I will add that I never came close to having to use it, but I practiced with it like it was imminent.
I also know a lot of guys that couldn't stand ankle holsters. Same with shoulder holsters, similar thing I guess.

ETA,I found out you cannot use the acronym for Fouled Up Beyond All Recognition, who knew?

Last edited by DoubleAdobe; 03-17-2017 at 02:26 PM. Reason: clarification
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Old 03-17-2017, 02:52 PM
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Tried one decades ago.......

Can see where it would work for the Judge in court....... where your primary is a bailiff or two.....

Massad Ayoob IIRC suggested carrying in on the inside of, your off side leg...... I kept kicking it with my right foot.

Also he recommended checking/cleaning the gun daily/often especially autos as they are exposed to a lot of ground level **** that can jam it up.

IMO a 3-4" lock blade knife clipped to your pocket might be a better backup......sure would be faster to get to!!!

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Old 03-17-2017, 04:04 PM
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Have carried a back-up there (left ankle) for years....now it's a 442-1. I use the Uncle Mike's brand ones, because they are inexpensive, and have an adjustable thumb break mechanism/strap.
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Old 03-17-2017, 04:10 PM
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The worst selling item in Arizona gun stores.
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Old 03-17-2017, 04:16 PM
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Of course they're useful! I see 'em on TV all the time grabbing a model 60 out of an ankle holster after running 2 miles after a "perp", Jumping over trash cans and climbing 8 foot fences. That holster'll hold it!
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Old 03-17-2017, 04:16 PM
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No nay, never, no, nay never no more. Don't like them, don't like to reach down to get a gun from my ankle. Also Happy St. Patty's Day.
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Old 03-17-2017, 04:30 PM
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I always carried an excellent Gerber boot knife, rather than another gun. It was very sharp, and less weight.
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Old 03-17-2017, 04:35 PM
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I wear cargo shorts 10 months out of the year...probably not a good idea for me.....
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Old 03-17-2017, 04:36 PM
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I used one for many years with various S&W snubbies and Walther PPKs.
Very useful for what I needed it for, mostly undercover narcotics work or to tote a backup gun as a regular detective.
YMMV
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Old 03-17-2017, 05:29 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BAM-BAM View Post
Tried one decades ago.......

Can see where it would work for the Judge in court....... where your primary is a bailiff or two.....
Long story and a sore spot with me. Hard as it might be to believe in this current age, I never had an armed bailiff. Not once in 21 years. While we occasionally had an armed police officer in the courtroom in criminal matters, that was not the norm, and we very rarely had even that in civil hearings including divorce trials. Anyone who has spent time in the courts knows those are by far the most dangerous cases. The nearest regular armed help had to come from the detention center across the street, and that was at least 1 minute away. That, my friend, is an eternity! That's why I carried. Bottom line, if something really lethal happened in that courtroom we were on our own. We were lucky, that's all. Apologies for hijacking the thread, just wanted to explain why I grew to like the ankle holster.
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Old 03-17-2017, 09:17 PM
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Well i have used a ankle holster now for about 11 years and personally if u have the right one there is nothing better
I personally like the galco ankle glove as they seem to me to be the most comfortable and i can wear it all day no matter the weight of the gun
I have tried many other brands and have found u get what u pay for
Cheap ones are very loose or way too tight
I bet i have had at least six different brands before i got the one i liked if u decide to buy one my recommendation to u is try them on before purchase
A good ankle holster should last five to ten years cheap ones will be nothing but aggravation
I wear mine on my left ankle and no matter if i carry my heavy detective special or my lightweight agent it does not bother me at all
I also use the horsehide pocket protector from galco
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Old 03-17-2017, 09:49 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by viceunit View Post
I carried a BUG (Model 36) in an ankle holster for years. I had a good quality unit made by a company in Cincinnati OH that is long out of business. It was a nylon type and well padded where it contacted the ankle. It had a secondary support strap that fastened with velcro above the calf. That second strap kept the thing from wanting to slide down to my foot - without that strap I think the holster would have been useless. Had I an air weight gun at the time, it would probably have been more comfortable. To draw the gun, it is necessary to pull up the pant leg from just above the gun to avoid the pant material from bunching up as it would if you grabbed the pants from the cuff. Even with the best draw, there is no way you could draw and fire as quickly as Chris Tucker does in the movie "Rush Hour".
+1. "Top Line Div. of AB Industries" Still have it, still works. Carried a Colt Agent in it. The strap does not secure my 642 properly.

Worn on the inside of the left ankle it was accessible with either hand. When seated or kneeling it was an easy draw. Otherwise more like Hackman in French Connection. They probably went out of business because the darn things never wore out.
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Old 03-17-2017, 10:18 PM
Topsarge Topsarge is offline
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It was ok when I was young and able to bend quickly to retrieve my gun. But now I'm to old. I carried in an ankle holster with a BUG when I was a LEO. Sometimes with a CA Bull Dog 44 or a Star PD 45. I'm long retired now and I don't carry a BUG, but I can understand why someone sound want to. I'm strictly a defensive carrier now do I just carry big bore and enough ammo. One thing I noticed back then. Don't try to run with an ankle hoster. That's why I changed and started carrying it in the Velcro flap of my bullet proof vest.
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Old 03-18-2017, 01:50 AM
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I have ankle carried a BUG for over 25+ years. Most of that time as a LEO, but I continue the practice when working in a LGS/Range since I have retired. IMO, ankle carry has it's uses as primary carry when attire makes belt or pocket carry problematic. Likewise when driving.

I'm very picky on my holster choice. My Desantis model 044 has stayed put while running, climbing fences and getting hands on. Others not so much.

Training with the draw is critical. A lot of training. Muscle memory lets me to know where to grab the pants leg allowing a smooth draw without looking. A short step back with the off leg and there it is. There are drawbacks. You need both hands (for speed) and it is still slower than belt carry. BTW, I also carry my defensive knife clipped to my off hand pocket for more options.

If you feel the need for a second gun, ankle carry is a valid choice. YMMV.
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Old 03-18-2017, 03:29 AM
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Some people carry a BUG instead of a reload.
I bet most people who carry a gun regularly also carry an extra mag or a speed loader/speed strip. Not much difference in carrying a reload than carrying a BUG. If you really think about it with an open mind, carrying a BUG makes more sense (tactically) than carrying a reload.

Last edited by hostler; 03-18-2017 at 03:31 AM.
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Old 03-18-2017, 05:34 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wyo View Post
Long story and a sore spot with me. Hard as it might be to believe in this current age, I never had an armed bailiff. Not once in 21 years. While we occasionally had an armed police officer in the courtroom in criminal matters, that was not the norm, and we very rarely had even that in civil hearings including divorce trials. Anyone who has spent time in the courts knows those are by far the most dangerous cases. The nearest regular armed help had to come from the detention center across the street, and that was at least 1 minute away. That, my friend, is an eternity! That's why I carried. Bottom line, if something really lethal happened in that courtroom we were on our own. We were lucky, that's all. Apologies for hijacking the thread, just wanted to explain why I grew to like the ankle holster.
Shame you couldn't just set a big, polished stainless-steel N-frame down next to the gavel.

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