ankle holster question

jaypug · Apr 6, 2012

Hello, does anyone have experience with an ankle holster for a38spl (non +p) j frame airweight?
I know many feel that is not the best carry position, but I find all other locations to intrusive on my life style and would like to try it.
If you have experience with that combination, please give me your p.o.v. How comfortable?
What rig was used?
How long did you use it?
Would you recommend it?
Anything else that may help me decide what rig works for that unit.
Thanks in advance for your time.

Pote · Apr 6, 2012

Look at Renegade ankle holsters...great people, and a super quality product.

http://www.renegadeholstersdirect.com/page2.html

squidsix · Apr 6, 2012

I use an Apache ankle holster for a J-frame pretty often when I am wearing a tailored suit. They are super comfortable. I used to have a Galco Ankle Glove, but found that it printed pretty badly.

ogilvyspecial · Apr 6, 2012

Here's a thread for you.......

http://smith-wessonforum.com/concea...le-holsters-advice-quality-makers-sought.html

buck460XVR · Apr 6, 2012

This is what I use when I ankle carry. Have worn it for days at a time, it's that comfortable. Gun stays secure even when hiking in the woods. Not expensive as some others either, I think I paid $45 with free shipping for it at the time.

Model 4750 Ranger™ Triad™ Ankle Holster Bianchi Leather Holsters

growr · Apr 6, 2012

Not going to be much help as I am not an advocate of ankle carry for a number of reasons. Getting to the gun is first and foremost. At its best it is awkward. Not many are proficient at doing so. To me it is over-rated in all regards just like a tuckable holster is as well.

To use it most times you will have to take your eyes off of the assailant which is never a good thing.

To draw you must either have incredible balance to bring the leg with the gun on it up to your hands or must take a kneeling position to do so, neither of which seems like a good option in a confrontation.

Just my humble opinion...a high quality IWB/OWB with a high quality belt usually will do a much better job..........

Most of us that carry concealed have learned to dress around the gun....we usually have several holsters for the same gun as different occasions have different requirements.

I use IWB most of the time, OWB on some occasions, a shoulder holster on some occasions, and pocket carry a M36 frequently.

Might work for you as well......

Randy

gruntdeputy · Apr 6, 2012

I carried a couple different ankle holsters during my LE career. They were a good way to carry a back-up weapon but (in my opinion) they do not serve well for to carry your primary defense weapon. Growr states the argument well and that is my experience. It does not matter what brand you use, when things get tense you DO NOT want to take your eyes off of the action or jeopardize your balance to retrieve your weapon.

Don’t take my word for it. Buy one, try it, and then decide for yourself. But do so before the need to have a weapon in your hand arises for real. In about a 1-year period I had three occasions when I needed a weapon in my hand. Twice I had a Walther .380 ACP in an ankle holster and once I had a Government .45 ACP in a belt slide holster. That last event convinced me to change my mode of dress and use strong-side belt holsters from then on.

Good luck.
Frank

getoff · Apr 6, 2012

i have a bianchi i will send you for only cost of shipping... not for me. i would rather carry IWB, shoulder, OWB, or in my mouth rather than ankle... just my honest opinion. many will say its a great way to carry a BUG, but its not for me. let me know and i will get this holster out to you asap.

Faulkner · Apr 7, 2012

getoff said:
i have a bianchi i will send you for only cost of shipping... not for me. i would rather carry IWB, shoulder, OWB, or in my mouth rather than ankle... just my honest opinion. many will say its a great way to carry a BUG, but its not for me. let me know and i will get this holster out to you asap.

Same here, I never have been able to wear an ankle holster to my satisfaction and I've really tried to like them.

remat457 · Apr 7, 2012

Pote said:
Look at Renegade ankle holsters...great people, and a super quality product.

Cozy Partners

This is exactly what I was going to post!

I am not a big fan of ankle carry, however it does fit a need sometimes. In contrast though I would not recommend it for any extended length of time. Also, not good for long car trips (won't do that again ever). But of the few that I did try (Fobus, and both Galcos) it was a lot more concealable, stable, and comfortable (as much as it can be).

GerSan69 · Apr 7, 2012

I tried ankle holsters briefly as a young cop. The first thing I noticed was how I felt like I had one ankle weight on. Made running difficult. Then, making sure the ankle band was tight enough to keep the whole thing from rotating around as I walked made it uncomfortable. Even a "calf strap" attached didn't help.
And the only viable means of drawing is to kneel. You have to be a good distance from your threat if you're going to go into such a dis-advantageous position... might as well retreat from the scene first.
I suggest looking at one of those pouch-style waistband holsters that are worn under clothing, such as the SmartCarry, if a "normal" waistband rig won't work for you. You can even conceal them under a pair of shorts, but the gun is still readily accessible at your waistband. Just something to consider.

rasmith3442 · Apr 7, 2012

I like / use ankle holsters, also because of the way I prefer to dress. (Squidsix, I did not know that Chiefs wear tailored suits - I'm impressed. BTW, nice Model 36.)

You have to practice your draw, like others have said. You can learn to draw without your eyes leaving the threat, but it takes practice. An advantage to this is that you are moving down and laterally which can make it harder for the BG to acquire you in his sights. Action beats reaction.

To balance the weight, I use an ankle mag pouch on the other leg, and fill it with 4 speed loaders.

If ankle rigs are for you, here is a tip - pull your socks up over your gun. In time it will stretch the socks (but it makes it easier for momma to sort), but will make the gun virtually invisible. Have only ever been made once, and that when I was at a friend's house, didn't care if I printed, and he is a former Youngstown narc.

S/F,

RAS

heeter3 · Apr 7, 2012

I use a Desantis 044 leather ankle rig for my 442 .Sometimes its the only way I can carry especially since Ive retired and 1 gun is better than no gun.It gets more comfortable the more you use it.Also the grip size on your gun can make a big difference as to how comfortable it can be.

sipowicz · Apr 7, 2012

I carry my 442 in a Renegade all the time...amazingly secure and comfortable. Tried my Colt DS today just for fun...have to say, it was very comfortable even with the extra 8 ounces...btw, I am more concerned with just having a gun on me than a fast draw...no law says you can't take it off your ankle and throw it in your pocket if you feel you'd like it closer on a trip back to your car at night....

jtpur · Apr 7, 2012

I ankle carry a lot and actually prefer it. I carry a model 36 in a WRB nylon ankle rig. I have on occasion carried a Ruger sp 101 .357 but it's a bit heavy. Ankle carry is not a fast draw set up. You have to be aware always. It,s great in a restaurant and I like it for driving. 1200 miles and I was not a bit bothered, unlike another poster. So it,s really an individual comfort level and choice

sipowicz · Apr 7, 2012

And they're great for public restrooms....nothing to take off and an easy draw from as sitting position..

NE450No2 · Apr 9, 2012

For the reasons others have stated I would never carry my primary in an ankle holster. NEVER.

However I have been using an ankle holster on some occassions for over 20 years.
I had it custom made to hold a 1911 Commander or Officers model upside down. That way I can access the handgun with out pulling up the pant leg.

It also carries an extra magazine.

Its design makes it comfortable to wear even up to 12 house or more a day.

I do not wear it if I am doing a LOT of walking, but if I am going to be mostly standing around or sitting, and want to have 2 or 3 guns on me I wear it.

But never use it for my primary.

sipowicz · Apr 9, 2012

Here's another tip for ankle holsters...try them with high top sneaker...the extra height makes it even more comfortable...

Stu Honea · Apr 9, 2012

I'm in line with Growr and gruntdeputy on this. I learned about disadvantages many years ago.
I was jumped off duty by a BIG guy that I had previously arrested,who recognized me. I ended up with him on top of me,and suddenly had the epiphany that I could not get to my ankle carried J frame if I needed to. But guess who COULD??

All he would have had to do would be to reach back with his right hand and pull it and shoot me in the head.
Of course this fact activated my survival response even more and I was able to get him off me and pound his gourd real good until help arrived. The fact that he was drunk probably helped too,but at least I'm here to tell about it.
Lesson learned.

MassLiberty · Apr 9, 2012

I carry a S/W J frame like you and have for years. I use the Galco Ankle Glove ankle holster. Molded perfectly for the weapon and a solid thumb break. I run with it, wear it with duty pants and civies and never have had any issue whatsoever. Nice lambswool lining and you can get an expander to go over boots if you like.

Galco holsters; Holsters; Gun holster, pistol holsters, western holsters, shoulder holsters, leather holster and Glock holsters

ankle holster question

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