Question re: Renegade Ankle Holster Models

Grandma · Aug 14, 2009

I know this is going to be a stupid question, but can someone help me?

First a little background.......I have found that being 5'5" and 115 pounds I absolutely cannot conceal my M&P .40 compact with either an IWB or OWB holster. Even wearing loose shirts it is very obvious I'm carrying due to my size and/or body shape. I thought about a SOB holster, but being older and having back problems coupled with the fact that I have a hard time getting my hand around to my back to grab the gun, this will not be an option.

Since I want to carry on me and I don't want to carry in my purse or fanny pack I have decided on an ankle holster which should work for me since most all my jeans are bell bottoms or have wide legs.

After reading all the posts and reviews on ankle holsters I have decided on the Renegade Cozy Partner, as this seems to be the ankle holster that gets the most kudo's from women.

Now to my question... I know this is going to sound stupid, but when I went to order one I noticed there are two models for my pistol and don't understand the difference. One is the Renegade #53 Thumb Snap and the other is the Renegade #51 Strap Over...... could someone please tell me what the difference is and which one is better? They actually both look the same to me.

Here is the link to where I found them.

Renegade "Cozy Partner" Ankle Holsters

Thanks

Spotteddog · Aug 14, 2009

The main difference is how/if weapon is retained, then material. At your stature, I'm guessing you'll find your M&P 40c quite uncomfortable in any makers ankle rig? It's quite heavy as well as sizable for that method of carry? JOMO, You might wish to consider something in an appendix carry position if flexibility is an issue. Several manufacturers are now making them with various cant angles, as well as zero cant. Mine is a zero cant OWB. Again, JOMO but that's a lot of gun to haul about on an ankle, especially on a slender one! I'm betting that Barb C, Joni_Lynn, TnDixie not to mention our many holster makers will be along to help shortly!

Grandma · Aug 14, 2009

Thanks for the reply.

I have tried a few ankle holsters at my LGS and I think the right one would not be too hard to get used to. They had one with a skinny strap and that one was not comfortable at all, they had another one I tried that wasn't bad, it had a large strap like the renegade, but it was moulded for a specific pistol and didn't fit mine correctly. It was not uncomfortable with my gun in it, however they don't make that holster for my M&P. Also I noticed that the moulded holster stuck out further and was less concealable than the soft holster one.

I'm sorry I still don't get the difference between the ankle holster with the thumb snap and strap over??? The pictures look like the same material??

Thanks

Spotteddog · Aug 14, 2009

Depending on the design, the "strap" type could be either a pull apart velcro affair, or, a "pull through" type where the retainer strap doesn't need to be stripped open to pull the gun. On some others (usually for hammerless Centennial revolvers) rather than a strap or snap retainer across what would be the guns hammer area, some use a pull through snap @ the rear of the trigger guard area. FWIW: many folks find the weight of the all steel J frame (20-25 ounces) to be their outside limit for weight and bulk. My personal limit in an ankle rig, was an 11 ounce 342 PD. But then I have a bad L/leg?

00Buckshot62 · Aug 14, 2009

I own most of the Renegade ankle rigs- #51 has a strap over the top secured by velcro (you must pull it loose to draw). The #53 is a thumbsnap. Neither is a pull-thru design. The #53 thumbsnap is faster AND more positive. I don't understand why they even make the #51 unless it is to some agency's spec.

sipowicz · Aug 14, 2009

I would order direct from the factory...they will explain the models and make sure you get the right one...i have the pull thru model, although I didn't see it listed on that site with a price, but there was a pic of it with the revolver in it above the other...not sure if they make that only for revolvers...again, I would call and ask...and I have to agree with Spotteddog...an M&P is no gun for your ankle....airweight j's and lighter are perfect in one.

flop-shank · Aug 15, 2009

Gramdma, you might want to find a smaller gun for IWB carry. I'm thinking (in order of desirability) a J frame, small auto such as a Kel-tec P32, or even a NAA Black Widow. I'm sure someone else will chime in with other suggestions. Use the bigger ankle gun if time allows access to it. If not, it becomes a BUG.

Hikertrash98 · Aug 15, 2009

At your size, I will almost guarantee the Renegade will not fit you. I have thin ankles and was unable to get the renegade to wrap around tight enough to stay up. I use an Uncle Mikes ankle holster for my duty M&P 340 BUG. It's a little on the cheap side, but stays put during foot pursuits and is quite comfortable. I can't imagine carrying anything larger on my ankle, but people do it.

jimmyj · Aug 15, 2009

Hi:
Purchase or Trade for a Model 642/638 and install Barami Grips.
Carry at 2 O'Clock or 10 O'Clock IWB.
Jimmy

Hikertrash98 · Aug 16, 2009

jimmyj said:
Hi:
Purchase or Trade for a Model 642/638 and install Barami Grips.
Carry at 2 O'Clock or 10 O'Clock IWB.
Jimmy

That's how I carry my 340 off duty. Very unobrusive and much easier to get at for a primary handgun vs. ankle carry.

Grandma · Aug 16, 2009

Hikertrash98 said:
At your size, I will almost guarantee the Renegade will not fit you. I have thin ankles and was unable to get the renegade to wrap around tight enough to stay up. I use an Uncle Mikes ankle holster for my duty M&P 340 BUG. It's a little on the cheap side, but stays put during foot pursuits and is quite comfortable. I can't imagine carrying anything larger on my ankle, but people do it.

Thanks for the heads up on the strap size you most likely saved me a trip to the Post Office to return it. I am at my witts end as to how to conceal carry my pistol. I wish we had open carry here in Florida as it would solve all my problems with trying to hide it.

Grandma · Aug 16, 2009

00Buckshot62 said:
I own most of the Renegade ankle rigs- #51 has a strap over the top secured by velcro (you must pull it loose to draw). The #53 is a thumbsnap. Neither is a pull-thru design. The #53 thumbsnap is faster AND more positive. I don't understand why they even make the #51 unless it is to some agency's spec.

Thanks for the explaination, much appreciated!

Grandma · Aug 16, 2009

flop-shank said:
Gramdma, you might want to find a smaller gun for IWB carry. I'm thinking (in order of desirability) a J frame, small auto such as a Kel-tec P32, or even a NAA Black Widow. I'm sure someone else will chime in with other suggestions. Use the bigger ankle gun if time allows access to it. If not, it becomes a BUG.

Thanks, I really don't want to get another gun. I love my M&P .40's. I know my .40 compact is not the smallest gun out there, but I don't want to sacrafice caliber nor do I want any less than 10 +1 rounds. I'm shooting well at the range, but if it was a life or death situation I want to make sure I have enough rounds incase I miss with the first half dozen or so.

flop-shank · Aug 16, 2009

Grandma, I applaud you for wanting to carry a big, powerful gun, just make sure you can always carry it. If not, you really would be well served by adding something else to your line up. Sorry if I'm acting like a politician (it's real easy to spend other people's money).

Hikertrash98 · Aug 18, 2009

Grandma,

Have you looked into the Galco Ankle Glove? My partner carries his G27 in one as a BUG. It seems cconceal well under jeans and it's contoured and has a garter that help keep it put. I know it's pricier than the Renegade but much cheaper than buying a new carry gun.

38-44HD45 · Aug 20, 2009

For a man, I have skinny ankles. Combined with flat feet, I'm not the best candidate for ankle carry. Nonetheless, I carry often (backup only, usually) in ankle rigs, and always in a Renegade. Some of my Renegades are a little large for my ankles, but they all work. I'll bet that they would do one with a shorter ankle strap for you, if you asked. They are great folks.

Today, I have a Colt Magnum Carry in one. Due to simple geometry, revolvers work better in ankle rigs than autos for most folks, and pull-through straps are easy with revolvers. I've carried a Kahr PM-9 and Detonics .45s and .38 Supers in Renegade rigs, but they are less easily concealed and slower to draw than are revolvers. The PM-9 rig has a thumb break strap, so it isn't bad on speed, and it's smaller and much lighter than the Detonics guns. Your Smith is between these two in size and weight, so I'd view it as a possibility, but without trying it, you'll never know for sure.

Grandma · Aug 21, 2009

Hikertrash98 said:
Grandma,

Have you looked into the Galco Ankle Glove? My partner carries his G27 in one as a BUG. It seems cconceal well under jeans and it's contoured and has a garter that help keep it put. I know it's pricier than the Renegade but much cheaper than buying a new carry gun.

Yes, as a matter of fact my son has the Galco Ankle Glove and told me that is the one I should get, however they don't make one for M&P Pistols. They do have the Ankle Lite for the M&P, but it looks like it may flop around without the calf strap which I wouldn't want to wear. Price would not be a factor if I found the perfect ankle holster for me and my pistol. Thanks for the imput

Doc Mark · Aug 23, 2009

Greetings,

I've never found ankle carry to be very comfortable, to tell you the truth. Maybe it will work for you, but I'm thinking there are better options, which are not only more comfortable, but much easier to access. Good luck, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

hittman77 · Aug 24, 2009

Doc Mark said:
I've never found ankle carry to be very comfortable, to tell you the truth. Maybe it will work for you, but I'm thinking there are better options, which are not only more comfortable, but much easier to access.

I agree 100%. Have tried ankle holsters and finally settled on pocket carry.

coltgun · Aug 27, 2011

at last

For the better part of 25yrs i have tried to buy a comfy ankle holster for my bug at work, and believe me i have owned them all at one time or the other, this until someone suggested the renegade, it is hands down the most comfy ankle holster made for a j frame, small auto or 380, wont slip around, needs no extera top garter strap, and does not hurt or fub on ankle, wish i had it 20yrs ago.....great holster..

Question re: Renegade Ankle Holster Models

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