Advice from ankle holster users

[ckpj99]

I've used a variety of holsters. As some of you may know, I recently bought a 3" m-36. A great gun, but next to impossible to find holsters for. I have a custom Lobo Gun Leather IWB holster on the way, but I'd like to get an ankle holster as well for it.

I'm well aware of the disadvantages that come with using an ankle holster, but there are times when I know it will be my only option.

I've looked at a lot online, and as I suspected, most are not for 3" barreled j-frames, only for 2". I looked at some "universal" ones as well, and they look giant and have received bad reviews.

So I have two questions:

1) I've seen two main styles. First, a wide single-piece wrap that uses velcro. Second, a smaller wrap with "suspenders" that attach it to a belt higher up the calf. Assuming I get a custom leather holster, do I want the suspender system? Is it necessary?

2) I'm really having trouble finding a custom maker. My two go-to makers, Lobo and Bell Charter Oak, don't make ankle rigs. Does anyone know where I can find one?

I don't mind spending a little money, but I saw something I liked online for over $300. It's not worth that much to me. Less than half that much, sure.

Thanks!

Thanks in advance.

 

[mc5aw]

The best ankle rig I have come across is the Renegade (recommended to me by forum member Sipowitz). Very comfortable, very concealable, won't break the bank. The 3" barrel is going to be more difficult to quickly access and draw than the 2", so that is something to consider. My ankle rig carries a minimalist J-frame ... lightest weight, smallest grip & shortest barrel possible. Usually a 37 or a 342. Mas Ayoob has written some excellent tips and techniques for ankle carry which you should check out.

As far as materials, leather may get a bit hot on the leg, and will be more absorbent (sweat) than a synthetic. Higher position means more time needed to get to the firearm.

$300? That's a lot for any holster.

 

[Hill_Country]

I wore a Bianci (sp?) ankle holster with a M36 for many years. I wore Wellington boots which solved a lot of problems, but it took a lot of creativity to pad my ankle bone and make it comfortable. That was an ongoing battle - foam, sheepskin, you name it.

The big thing, though, was the weight. Even after years of wear, I was aware of the extra weight on my foot. I think one of the newer airweights might be different, but I would give some thought to the possability that maybe there's a reason you can't find a holster. A 3" J frame may just be to much gun in that position. I think it would be for me.

 

[ckpj99]

Thanks for the input. The Renegade holsters look really nice. I'll have to get in touch with them. They have holsters for pretty large guns, so I bet they can make something work.

I agree with the you folks' statements about a 3" being a bit big for ankle carry, but that's not why it's hard to find the holsters. 3" J frames are just not common, it's hard to find holster for any carry position. That being said, it may not work, but I'm determined to give it a shot.

I found Ayoob's/Gun Digest ankle carry ebook. I downloaded it, and I'm looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the tip.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Three inch J frames are quite common at my house, I have four of them. My 30+ year old Bianchi ankle rig is worn daily...by a man in Barbados! It was too uncomfortable to me and I swapped it for a CZ rifle magazine. A ankle rig is difficult to draw from, unless you are seated in a theater or lying on your back.

Try IWB or a body hugging OWB design.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Bianchi Shadow 8L, I believe this is still being made. Rides high and tight, conceals very well. Other manufacturers as well as custom makers on this forum offer similar designs with/without the thumb snap.

 

[ckpj99]

Thanks, Colby. As I mentioned in my first post, I have a IWB holster on the way from Colorado right now. Should be here by the end of the month. I plan to use it mostly, but I know there will be times when it's ankle holster or nothing. It's just how I have to dress a few days every week. I'm aware of the downsides.

The Bianchi ankle holster gets nothing but bad reviews. Not surprised to hear you traded yours.

Looking forward to hearing about some other custom makers out there.

 

[Imaposer]

I can't offer anything on ankle rigs.

But, you mention that there will be times that it will be your only option. Maybe I'm misunderstanding your specific needs, but the only thing that comes to mind would be the need for deep, discrete carry. I've never tried an ankle rig, but I can imagine that it isn't very easy or quick to access. With those two things in mind I'll throw out another option that you may want to consider... Smartcarry SmartCarry - Concealed Gun Holsters I use one everyday and have found it to be surprisingly comfortable to wear from the time I get up in the morning to the time I go to bed at night. Of course it isn't as accessible as an IWB but depending on your build it may be no worse than an ankle rig. I find it to work equally well for my 638 Airweight and my 640. In fact, recently, on a long road trip (9 hrs or so) I wore my 640 in my Old Faithful IWB AND my 638 in the Smartcarry. Wore 'em both all day (17+ hr days) for three days straight in complete comfort and concealment.

It's well made, has room for a couple of speed strips in a separate pocket and mine even has another pocket behind the front two that could be used for cash, passport, etc. They work with most any pants, or even shorts.

Just a thought.

Here's a good video that demonstrates it, although I don't think I'd feel comfortable carrying one of my Glocks in that position. :-O

 

[ColbyBruce]

Thad Rybka and Lou Alessi made innovative ankle rigs years ago, not sure about now. I believe both men are dead, but the Alessi family is still in the gun leather business.

In the movie "Sharkey's Machine" Burt Reynolds carried a Colt Diamondback in a butt down ankle rig. Burt pursues a suspect onto a bus and pulls the gun out while crammed under a bus seat. You might be able to get such a holster made.

 

[ckpj99]

poser - the smart carry solution looks ok, sort of a deep tuck option. I'll have to watch some videos about it, and see if the gun will fit my frame in that position.

colby - Thad Rybka doesn't make holsters anymore, you can apparently find second hand ones, but I couldn't. Alessi still makes a full line of holsters (but no butt down ones from what I saw). All of their ankle holsters are $165, which seems a little bit steep considering they don't have a clear way to specify that my gun is a 3". Nonetheless, Alessi's site has been bookmarked.

Thanks for all your help, folks.

 

[sipowicz]

The Renegade works great and is super comfortable...these are straight leg jeans and it covers my 442 with no tell tale signs...however, a 3" might be problematic since the barrel will stick out past the bottom of the holster and you will not have any padding protecting your leg/ankle from the barrel. If you can't find a dedicated 3" ankle holster that affords you the same protection as the 2", then I would just go with a 2" for ankle and save the 3" for belt.

 

[Frizzman]

I have carried a snub in an ankle holster frequently since around 1978. I started out with the Bianchi version and have been using a Galco Ankle Glove for at least the last ten years. I ditched the garter early on and just strap it over a thick cotton sock. I discovered many years ago that putting it on the inside of my ankle with the butt of the revolver forward works well for me. When seated, one can just lift the leg up toward the center of the body(sideways) and slip the gun out without bending or otherwise indicating one is reaching for a gun. I started with an ankle rig for BUG use when working in uniform. It works for quick access when seated or if down in an position that makes it difficult to get to the primary on the waist. I rarely use it for primary carry.
Long ago I came to the conclusion that for me to be comfortable with long days of ankle carry, I need to stick to a lightweight 2". It needs to be corrosion resistant because carry on the lower leg exposes it to moisture and dirt more than other positions. These days, I carry my 337on the ankle.
I have never tried an all steel with a three inch barrel. I found my 640-1 to be uncomfortable with ankle carry for me. I had an ankle holster for my Glock 27 but found it too heavy and bulky after trying it a few times

 

[Hapworth]

Alessi Co. is still making ankle rigs, though yes, Lou has passed on. They still make quality products, but don't expect fast delivery or much communication once you've ordered.

Ritchie Leather makes a comparable version; shop's run by a guy who worked for Lou.

Alessi Gun Holsters

Ankle - Product Details

If it helps, Top Gun Supply has the Ritchie version for immediate shipment:

Ritchie Leather Ankle Holster | Gun Leather Holsters

 

[Shorty4T]

I'll second the Galco Ankle Glove; carry a M60 in one very often. Galco makes holsters that will house the 2 1/8" barrel 357s so the amount of barrel hanging out the bottom would be minimal. Sip is correct about the barrel rubbing your leg, I can easily see that happening and being painful.

I also will carry a M&P40C in a Desantis Die Hard Ankle Rig that works very well with the larger pistol. Galco does not make an Ankle Glove for the M&P, Desantis is the only commercial distributor that offers one in leather for the M&P. For the heavier guns stay away from the soft leathers or nylon holsters.

I'm with the others that there is really no need for the "suspender", thick socks or boots are all that you need.

As for custom leather I have a fair amount of Rosen holsters, I do know he offers an ankle rig, I just don't have any experience with it. The Galco or the Renegade should be all you need for a J Frame.

Cheers,
Sam

 

[ogilvyspecial]

Since they were both mentioned, and I have this photo already hosted, here goes.

While I like both, the Galco gets the most use around here.

 

[zoom6zoom]

I also carry a 642 in a Galco Ankle Glove. Very comfortable and can almost forget it's there. No garter needed. And when I take it off, the entire rig gets stuck, still loaded, to the carpet lining the door of my safe, using the Velcro.

 

[GoodMornin]

"..................

 

[Capt Don]

I use an Uncle Mike's Sidekick for my S&W Bodyguard .380, I don't use the garter and it fits very comfortably and secure. Certainly won't break the bank either !

Amazon.com: Uncle Mikes Super Concealable, Comfortable Sidekick Ankle Holster Cordura Nyl...: Everything Else

 

[SigFan]

I have a Galco Ankle Glove for my Sig P232 (with the garter) and an Uncle Mike's for my Taurus 85 (no garter). I find them both fairly comfortable, except that if I wear either one for two days in a row I start to have trouble with my left foot/ankle, probably because I wear them too tight (I don't like for them to move around on my ankle). No matter what you carry on your ankle or how, watch for the extra dirt and grime it may accumulate. It's very dusty out here in AZ, but I'd guess that a gun on the ankle could get dirty anywhere.

SigFan

 

[RABULL]

The Alessi Ankle Holster is a very good one and is molded to the handgun that you specify for it. It may be a little expensive but maybe not for a very good fitting ankle holster, I think it is worth it. I have a 13 year old Alessi Ankle Holster and I still wear it every day and it still works great. I don't think you can say that for a nylon holster.