Ankle carry

snowden312

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I am about to buy an ankle holster for my m&p45c, I was just curious if anyone else prefers this carry method and do you think it would be a comfortable way to carry for 8 hours or more.
 
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I have ankle carried for almost 20 years. I started with a steel model 60 and eventually ended up with an airweight. I have tried my Colt DS but for me, only the 442 was comfortable all day long. I can't imagine the m&p would comfortable all day long.
 
I have really, really wanted to like ankle carry. Alas, I've been unable to and I've tried a bunch of different styles and brands.

I have a high dollar Galco Ankle Glove for my 442 that is probably the best I've used. If I strap it down tight enough to just barely let blood flow to my foot it works okay with certain pants, like khakis or dress pants. I don't think I could wear it all day, though I've never tried.
 
An empty ankle holster is not comfortable to wear for eight hours. In the past, I have worn S&W 36,37,60 and Colt DS and Cobra in Bianchi ankle rigs 8+ hours a day for nearly four years. I would suggest you explore another alternative.

Also, one needs both hands to draw from an ankle rig. If you really need that handgun, you will likely be using both hands to defend yourself and not be able to reach your firearm.
 
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For a nearly 2-pound gun like a 45c you'd probably have to cinch the strap or velcro so tight that your foot will go numb. Not to mention the effect of having that weight on one ankle and not the other....
I don't know, snowden, but there are so many more things you have to do to get a firearm out of an ankle rig as opposed to more accessible waist-area or pocket holsters. There was a thread on that a while back, I think in this concealed section. You may wish to look it up if you're really set on using the ankle carry.
 
Thank you for your responses guys, currently I carry with my comp tac Minotaur IWB holster, I was just considering ankle carry cause for work I have to tuck in my shirt and some times it's hard to keep the shirt tucked in and pulled over the holster and gun.
 
I also ankle carried for about 20 years (M60) and when I stepped out of my car into a 10 inch deep puddle one fine day - the next day I tried pocket carry. Never went back to the ankle holsters. Now it's 60% pocket and 40% OWB for me. IMHO ankle holsters are best used for lightweight small guns and more for back up than primary as they are kind of slow. on the draw.
 
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I used ankle carry for a BUG on duty. Off duty, it was horrible. Hard to get it tight enough to be secure even for walking, messed up my gait, and being tight, the darned thing hurt my achilles. On duty, the best I found was the BootLock, which laced into my duty boots. When I got less flexible, and quit letting people walk up on me when I was in a car, ankle carry became pointless on duty and I went to a vest carry system. Out of uniform, pocket carry is a winner for most uses. My G33 works well for me in that use.
 
I would vote no. Heavy on the leg, not easy to get to. The holster WILL shift positions and that is not good.
 
I used a Galco Ankle Glove with a Baby Glock for over ten years on an almost daily basis. I found the Galco to be the most comfortable, but the weight of even a G27 over a period of years probably contributed to my back problems. I have seen people trying to carry G19s on their ankle, but don't know how long they did that. I would imagine the 45c has to weigh more than a G27. Sometimes there may be occasions where ankle carry works better than any other method, but it is also slow and the only time it may give you something close to a draw advantage is when seated in your car. Also, you have to have trousers long enough to cover the rig when you're seated or people will see your holster. It wouldn't be my first choice for carrying my primary handgun, but may be the best option for a BUG depending on what your BUG is and how you are built and going to dress.
 
The only time an ankle rig is really useful is when driving, beyond that it is just too clumsy to be safe and effective.
 
My first pocket gun was a Sterling 22. A small cheap semi auto that was not dependable at all. It came with an ankle holster. Once I figured out the gun was junk, I traded it on a beretta model 21a 22. A better gun, but it had no extractor. So if it misfired or the ammo did, the round was in the chamber and would not come out. Next i bought a model 36. Can't go wrong with a revolver. I crammed it in the holster. It fit and I carried it a lot. It made me walk a little funny at times because it was almost twice as heavy as the beretta. Next I bought an LCP it too fits in the ankle holster with some pushing. It stays there. You could not tell if i have it on me. I do buy pants 2" longer so when I am on the motorcycle it can't be seen. This works well. Next I bought a Bodyguard 38. The new one with the laser. It does not fit that holster at all.

11 oz beretta was fine. 20 oz chiefs special was a little too heavy.

With a small semi auto, its like wearing a watch. after a while I forget its there.

I have been working with an IWB holster for the BG38. Its pretty good, except I need a pretty long shirt or coat so it does not show when I am reaching over my head.

So in the end, the holster that came with the Sterling was worth more than the gun.

I did buy anther ankle holster for the 36 with an additional strap that goes above the calf. Its useless. I cut the extra strap off and stitched the holster to the band better so it does not hang out when I walk.

Ankle holster is no good for me with boots. Casual shoes or sneakers its great.

David
 
About mid LEO career I decided to upgrade my professional creds and enrolled in grad school. One evening in class my trouser cuff rode up over my Colt Cobra and the instructor noticed. Lucky for me he was a pretty good guy, knew I was a cop and just mentioned things in passing. The trouser leg thing is always a problem w/the ankle rig and most dress slacks. Something to remember when ankle carrying.
 
I often carry ankle style. Mostly driving, go to movies, restaraunts, etc. I carry a model 36, have carried a Model 12 ankle. It hurts after a few hours. Walking not natural, running impossible. Better than not being armed. Not a fast draw. But great sitting at a table, or in a movie.
 
A pain...literally! The only two I could ever get used to were the 442 and the smaller .32/.380 types that came out in the '90's. The "short pants" comment above is true. They ride up when you sit or run and often get tucked above the weapon. That's just me.
 
I cant imagine a heavy gun like the m&p45c in an ankle holster would be comfortable. I love my Galco ankle holster with my S&W 340 Jframe and I often times forget its there because it only weights 12oz empty.
 
On rare occasion, I carry my S&W Model 37 Airweight Chief's Special in an ankle holster. Would not carry anything heavier on my ankle!

ECS
 
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