I decided to try a Renegade ankle holster to carry a S&W 442 as a backup or deep concealment option. I spend a lot of time seating down and driving in a low sitting position so it is a nice complement to my everyday carry. I wear dress pants on a daily basis so I don’t think concealment will be an issue. What do you think is the right holster for the 442? My priority is comfort and retention.

Below are the Renegade Holsters that can carry the 442 and their description on the Renegade site (http://www.renegadeholstersdirect.com/).

Model 50 - High strength elastic gun pouch pulls gun into position so leather retainer strap rides over the trigger guard.

Model 52 - Soft flexible leather gun pouch utilizes wide safety strap over hammer and forward portion of grip. Secures with velcro.

Model 54 - Soft flexible leather gun pouch utilizes adjustable safety strap behind hammer and snaps to wide low profile thumb-break.

Model 500 - Utilizes our exclusive elasticized strap. The strap is positioned over the trigger guard to secure the weapon and provide the fastest draw anywhere.

Any advice is appreciated, especially from those with significant experience carrying a revolver in an ankle holster.

Thank you

The 500 looks nice, but I have used the 50 on a 642 and on a bobbed 37 (with Tyler) for many years and had no problems whatsoever. I also have a 50 for a Colt Agent, and I have used that even with a Detective Special, a somewhat heavier gun, with a Tyler, and also have had no problems.

It is conceivable that you may find holstering easier and safer with the 500, since you are carrying a 442. However, I have developed the habit of putting my index finger BEHIND the trigger of my 642 when holstering, have had no problems, and am perfectly happy with my 50. Of course, if I ever need to draw it, it will end up in a pocket until I can remove the ankle holster, reinsert the weapon, and reinstall the holster on my leg. You will find that it is best to install the holster with the gun already inside. You should probably wear on old sock under the holster, and the matching sock over the holster and gun.

Thank you for the reply. I called them today and they recommended either the 50 or the 500. The lady on the phone said she preferred the 500 (more comfortable).

I am unclear on the main differences.

I guess the 50 the pouch is made of elastic and the retaining strap of leather. Is that why you say reholstering is not easy?

The 500 is the other way around? The pouch is made of leather and the strap is made of elastic. I gather this is why it is easier to put the weapon inside and faster to draw? If anyone has used the 500 please post.

Seems the 50 would ride closer...

Hum... It is hard to understand the differences from their website...

I only have the 500 so can only speak to that model.

I've found that it's best to holster the gun prior to putting the holster on because
the soft leather "pouch" isn't very user friendly when it comes to holstering.

I'm comparing this to my Galco Ankle Glove, which is more "holster-like."



I generally ankle carry while wearing boots that are the same height as "high top"
tennis shoes and I've found that the leather of the Renegade rubs against the
top of my boot and makes a light, leather on leather, creaking sound when
I walk, whereas the Ankle Glove, shown above, doesn't.

As far as concealability is concerned, I see very little, if any, difference between
the two styles shown above with the type of pants I wear.

Another reason I prefer the Galco is that it has that slight contour on
the elastic in line with the gun, which tucks nicely into the top of
my boot and helps keep things in a positive location.

Sorry that I couldn't address your question(s) as far
as the different Renegade models are concerned.

__________________
Ogy

Ogi - Thank you for the reply and the pictures (truly worth a thousand words).

I wear regular non-boot shoes... I don't know if you have tried your holster with regular shoes?

Which one is more comfortable?

Thanks again

You're welcome!

I always wear the boots so I can't help ya there, other than
to say that the leather "creaking" wouldn't be an issue.

__________________
Ogy

I own a 500 and I think it's the best of the designs. The 500 holds my S&W 640 very comfortably and securely even when I participate in vigorous activities. This holster design allows me to pull the revolver through the retaining strap, with out unsnapping the strap, when I draw the handgun from the holster.

Thank you for the feedback! Fast draw and comfortable, that sounds like the 500 is the better choice.