Is an ankle holster useful???
- Thread starter MarkB
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just plain joe
Member
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
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
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.
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
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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Ankle Carry
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.
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.
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.
Mike in Reedley
Member
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.
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.
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.
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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cantshootstrate
Member
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
okiegtrider
Member
hangnoose
Member
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.
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.
Always good to hear from someone who actually uses the method recommended!
DoubleAdobe
Member
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?
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?
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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!!!
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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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.
locolobo56
Member
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!
