Is an ankle holster useful???
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You are a non leo or ccw person and you're going to carry at least two guns? Why not just get a ccw and insurance and be legal?
Anyway, as a backup an ankle rig is ok but not a fast draw rig.
The old boot leg pants work best.
A leo undercover friend carried a M637 in an ankle holster but lost it in a chase and never recovered it.
However an ankle holster before a knife in some cases.
Anyway, as a backup an ankle rig is ok but not a fast draw rig.
The old boot leg pants work best.
A leo undercover friend carried a M637 in an ankle holster but lost it in a chase and never recovered it.
However an ankle holster before a knife in some cases.
Florida J Frame
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Where do you frequent that as a non-LEO you need a BUG?
cadmike
Member
Why can't a non Leo carry a bug?
Is it ok for a non Leo to carry a reload??
Next you'll want to limit magazine capacity for non Leo's. Come on people.
Is it ok for a non Leo to carry a reload??
Next you'll want to limit magazine capacity for non Leo's. Come on people.
I carried a BUG (Model 36) in an ankle holster for years. I had a good quality unit made by a company in Cincinnati OH that is long out of business. It was a nylon type and well padded where it contacted the ankle. It had a secondary support strap that fastened with velcro above the calf. That second strap kept the thing from wanting to slide down to my foot - without that strap I think the holster would have been useless. Had I an air weight gun at the time, it would probably have been more comfortable. To draw the gun, it is necessary to pull up the pant leg from just above the gun to avoid the pant material from bunching up as it would if you grabbed the pants from the cuff. Even with the best draw, there is no way you could draw and fire as quickly as Chris Tucker does in the movie "Rush Hour".
I carry a 38 in an ankle rig for driving. I am left handed and it puts it in a position that is easier to reach than the one in my pocket!
Even when carried owb it is difficult to reach for a left handed person as the door panel gets in the way. That is what works for me. YMMV.
Russ
Even when carried owb it is difficult to reach for a left handed person as the door panel gets in the way. That is what works for me. YMMV.
Russ
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Don't put words in my mouth (or post). I didn't say is wasn't OK nor did I suggest limiting anything. I simply asked why the OP thought it necessary?
franzas
Member
I've never bothered with them. Sticky holster in my boot works fine.
First, I have a very quiet life and I don't look for trouble. I am left handed and the ankle holster would be easier to get to while driving. It would also be available if something happened to my primary carry. I just need to be prepared in the unlikely event that I need to use a backup gun.
Richard Simmons
Member
Nothing wrong with an ankle rig. I've carried an M49 for years in a Cozy Partner Rengade. Very secure but easy to draw from and so, so comfortable. If your sitting down a lot an ankle gun is pretty easy to reach and unlike IWB/OWB it won't catch or clank on chair arms and you don't have to keep your jacket on all the time.
I think Cozy Partner is no longer in business but if you can track one down I'd be surprised if you didn't love it.
I just realized that Renegade is the name of the company. Cozy Partner is the model of the holster.
I think Cozy Partner is no longer in business but if you can track one down I'd be surprised if you didn't love it.
I just realized that Renegade is the name of the company. Cozy Partner is the model of the holster.
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okiegtrider
Member
I have an old Renegade ankle holster. It's looking kinda threadbare these days, but still hangs on to a J frame pretty well.
They sure aren't fast, but can be useful. YMMV
They sure aren't fast, but can be useful. YMMV
The Renegade rig is a great rig, and a revolver in an ankle rig is not only a good BUG, particularly important for anyone who carries an autoloader, it is also far more accessible when seated, particularly in an automobile. For many lifestyles, the gun in the ankle rig is more important than the one in the belt, like if you drive through various neighborhoods from your own good neighborhood to the good neighborhood of the folks you are visiting. Still like the belt gun, too, for the dog in the "good" neighborhood (or the coyotes in my "good" neighborhood).
One of the guys I worked with was at a meeting with clients in Ecuador, they were sitting in the clients office the client's lawyer came in and sat down, as he crossed his leg the gun in his ankle holster slipped out and clanged across the tile floor. It didn't go off, nothing was hurt except for the lawyers pride.
I am not saying this is a reason not to use an ankle holster, obviously the gun and the holster were not well matched or the guy hadn't secured it correctly.
I am not saying this is a reason not to use an ankle holster, obviously the gun and the holster were not well matched or the guy hadn't secured it correctly.
Richard Simmons
Member
I would agree. There are instances of the same thing happening with about every type of carry.
I'd like to add that another plus for ankle carry is when you to use the toilet. When you find your self with your trousers around your ankle your ankle rig will be perfectly accessible and not trying to flop over on the floor like a belt rig.
da gimp
Member
my EDC CCW is an old Colt Agent... backed up by a S&W Chiefs. It's far easier/quicker to draw a 2nd pistol than to reload one of my snubs. Do not cheap out on buying/selecting any holster... you can easily lose a very expensive handgun while running... wrestling/fighting etc. One man advised a 2nd strap around the top of the calf/below knee... this is DAAM GOOD ADVICE that you should pay heed to in my opinion. Also make sure that the holster has a thumb strap & that it is on the inside beside your leg... as opposed to being on the outside of the holster where it can be easily knocked loose inadvertently.
If you are friends with any LEO's/ detectives/ policemen/deputies etc., ... do not hesitate to ask them which brand/style they rely on...If they use that holster every day, it has to be of good quality.
I applaud your having the foresight to getting advice in choosing a holster... many newbies don't. Very good quality ankle rigs are handy, and while most people do not look for them... your pant leg can ride up, inadvertently exposing your pistol..
Please give some thought to using a cross draw IWB/OWB rig for a revolver/pistol., which is also very handy while seated in a car, on a motorcycle, riding a horse etc... and is fairly easy to keep track of & defend... 2 important considerations for any holster/handgun combo.
If you are friends with any LEO's/ detectives/ policemen/deputies etc., ... do not hesitate to ask them which brand/style they rely on...If they use that holster every day, it has to be of good quality.
I applaud your having the foresight to getting advice in choosing a holster... many newbies don't. Very good quality ankle rigs are handy, and while most people do not look for them... your pant leg can ride up, inadvertently exposing your pistol..
Please give some thought to using a cross draw IWB/OWB rig for a revolver/pistol., which is also very handy while seated in a car, on a motorcycle, riding a horse etc... and is fairly easy to keep track of & defend... 2 important considerations for any holster/handgun combo.
da gimp
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Richard on your signature line.. it says BCCI life etc... what is BCCI? Boone & Crocket? Betty Crocker? I've never seen anyone posting that before...that I can remember... but I admit to having a well developed case of CRS senioritis... "Can't Remember Stuff"
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I have one for my Kel-Tec. Not the most comfortable thing to wear, but useful for times when I need a tucked shirt and can't pocket carry. Only used as a primary though.
I've been keeping a BG380 on my ankle for about a year.
It's a proprietary DeSanti from NAA for the Guardian, but works great with the BG.
It's a proprietary DeSanti from NAA for the Guardian, but works great with the BG.
An ankle holster is useful should your assailant attempt to shove your foot in your mouth. Otherwise, no so useful, unless you have a lot of prep time to defend the attack . . .
Richard Simmons
Member
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.
