Ankle Holster Questions

[Pat_Jones]

I think it may be time to add an ankle holster to my box of holsters for the J-frame. I have a couple questions as to what I should expect from one.

I have it narrowed down to The Galco ankle glove or the Renegade cozy partner based on feedback I've read here.

I will not be wearing taller shoes or boots with this holster and it seems many of you who use ankle holsters do wear a taller boot to hold the holster up off the ankle bone. I am concerned that this will allow the holster to ride low enough to show past the bottom of my pants, and as I occasionally need to climb ladders at work this could be a problem. This is the primary reason I am considering the Galco ankle glove as it has the available garter strap so I could hike the holster up my leg a bit.

The cozy partner looks more comfortable but will it tend to ride low until it rests on the top of the shoe? This would be my first choice if it will meet my needs.

How uncomfortable it the Galco _with_ the garter strap? Is the strap effective at holding the holster up higher? Is this necessary?

 

[sipowicz]

I have the Renegade... If you tighten the band properly, it will not fall below the ankle bone...I wear mine everyday and walk a 1/2 mile each way to the park with my son in total comfort...I also like the fact that it's so easy on and off, and doesn't need a calf strap....my buddy has the ankle glove and it's comfortable too...but the holster is molded leather and does not conceal as well as the Renegade under straight leg jeans, which is mostly what I wear...also, the band on the Galco is neoprene, which can be a bit hot in the summer.

With the soft pouch, I can also wear it inside my half boots....

 

[BarbC]

Looks comfortable.

 

[sipowicz]

It is...you should try it with a dress...

 

[Spotteddog]

Pat,
If you'd like to try the Galco out (for R/H shooter, sheep skin lined with garter, snap retainer for Centennial) I have a barely used one I'll donate to the cause. Due to a bum L/leg I can no longer run an ankle rig. All it's doing now is collecting dust. Send me an E mail to my contact info with your snail mail address.

BTW: Sip, I think Barb could probably pull off the accessorizing of an ankle rig with a skirt.
One things sure, nobody'd dare say a word about it!

 

[GatorFarmer]

I have a Renegade Cozy Partner that I bought on the theory that I ought have an ankle holster around. I just wear regular old low shoes. Never had an issue. I'm not sure about climbing ladders and such in terms of whether one would show. I suppose it depends on whether anyone is peaking up your pant leg. If they are, maybe you have other issues that you'd want to address with someone.

 

[USAF385]

IMO, they're not a viable option. For me, getting to the gun is awkward and takes too long. Even with boot cut jeans it's tricky having to pull up your pants to get to the gun. Also, I have yet to find a pair up pant's that conceals a J-frame without an obvious bulge.

 

[-Buzz-]

Ankle carry does have drawbacks, but I've come to accept them when it allows me to carry at times when I would otherwise be unable to do so.

The Renegade is my only ankle holster. I carry a 642 in it and find it comfortable. The Renegade holds the weapon very securely, but allows for an easy draw. I really like the draw through design since it doesn't require you to fumble around with any snap tabs. The thin, non-molded leather also conceals well.

Ankle carry is my preferred carry method for long driving trips. This avoids the problem of having the weapon uncomfortably digging into your side or back or blocked by a seatbelt or jacket.

With regular shoes, the Renegade will ride down my ankle to about the ankle bone unless I cinch it up really tight, which is uncomfortable for me. Wearing it too tight makes my leg sore. (I'm sure it isn't good for circulation either.)

Concealing well on the ankle is highly dependent on having the right pants. It helps if they are a little long and wide at the ankle. Bell bottom or loose(r) fitting jeans are ideal. I have a few pairs of pants that I bought a little long in the length just to make sure that it doesn't show when I am seated. Also, I prefer to wear black (or at least dark) socks and shoes so that the black holster blends in better if accidentally exposed.

I have not tried the Ankle Glove with garter strap, but I would love to try one out and compare it sometime. I already know that the higher you wear the holster, the more difficult it is to access the weapon and the more easily it prints while standing/walking.

I'd think that climbing ladders and trying to conceal an ankle holster would be a problem. If that is a requirement, pocket carry might be a better option.

 

[GatorFarmer]

IMO, they're not a viable option. For me, getting to the gun is awkward and takes too long. Even with boot cut jeans it's tricky having to pull up your pants to get to the gun. Also, I have yet to find a pair up pant's that conceals a J-frame without an obvious bulge.

5.11s and various other brands of Cargo pants work fine, as do the loose fitting North Face type outdoors pants. I only own one pair of jeans that I wear with any regularity, so I can't comment there.

It's a decent way to carry a BUG that one might want to be able to reach when seated, such as if one drives a lot.

 

[USAF385]

It's a decent way to carry a BUG that one might want to be able to reach when seated, such as if one drives a lot.

That's a very good option for driving. I end up taking my IWB out of my pants and placing my gun under my left thigh while driving.

 

[sipowicz]

IMO, they're not a viable option. For me, getting to the gun is awkward and takes too long. Even with boot cut jeans it's tricky having to pull up your pants to get to the gun. Also, I have yet to find a pair up pant's that conceals a J-frame without an obvious bulge.

My jeans are narrower than boot cut and there is no noticeable bulge with the renegade...as for getting to the gun, I carry ankle when I am more concerned with having it on me than needing a fast draw...and there's nothing that says you can't move it to your front pocket for a late night walk to your car...

 

[Spotteddog]

Pat and Buzz,
Both of you should have mail.
That is, if I did it right?
BTW: I agree both with it being good for car trips, And for Sip's idea of slipping it into your pants pocket. That's what a Centennial is. Your goes anywhere, anyhow gun!

 

[ChadW]

My jeans are narrower than boot cut and there is no noticeable bulge with the renegade...

I have an issue with bulging too with ankle holsters... I do have somewhat muscular legs though which makes the gun stick out more.

Based on USAFs old avatar, I bet he has the same problem.

 

[sipowicz]

I have an issue with bulging too with ankle holsters... I do have somewhat muscular legs though which makes the gun stick out more.

Based on USAFs old avatar, I bet he has the same problem.

Granted...but the manual clearly states it won't work as well with cankles...lucky for me, I have lovely slim legs....

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I'm with Sip on everything he said except the thing about lovely slim legs. I'll take his word about his, but mine don't qualify. Never had a problem with any bulge showing, even with a SB 37, my usual ankle gun when I wear one. Great for driving, or when otherwise seated, but not really the place for your primary gun.

The Renegade does not move or slip when slightly tightly fastened on my leg, even if I run or dance. I do wear it over a sock with another sock over the whole rig.

I have had one or two rigs with a supporting strap option. It offered NOTHING over the Renegade, which is secure without a strap, at least on my leg.

 

[Shorty4T]

I wear an ankle glove every day with a model 60, it is a very comfortable holster. The first week or so you'll notice it, but after that it's like having a watch on. I don't have the calf strap with this one and it stays above the ankle very well without it.

I'm getting ready to move the 60 back to the safe for a new fangled gadget...a M&P40c. I ordered a glove for it yesterday. I tend to wear straight leg Levis with it most of the time, printing isn't an issue whether seated or standing. I've never had anyone make the gun in jeans my standard length. Wearing slacks I do need to let a little extra length, they seem to ride up the legs a little further than jeans.

Cheers,
Sam