J-Frame on the ankle

[R Cubed]

I like to carry my 640 in the pocket with the pocket holster and IWB but there are times when neither is right. So, I ordered an G&G ankle holster for those times. I wanted security of the 640 as primary. I do not want to have the revolver pop out and start moving across the floor. I have heard this happens to ankle rigs without a securing strap. I also wanted a calf strap to help keep the holster inplace and not move down to my shoe top - this more for traveling (driving). This will be my first experience with ankle carry.

What are your ankle carry stories?

 

[Obstin8]

Can't speak to the G&G holster, but 3 seasons of the year there is a J frame on my ankle in an Alessi ankle rig. No retention strap, and no retention issues for me in the last 6 or 8 years. Not afraid to run, kick, whatever with it (although my ability to do so has waned). Never loosened, or caused a problem in any way. I also have a Renegade ankle holster around here somewhere and never had a problem with it. Just prefer the Alessi. Took a little getting used to in the beginning, but now it is as natural as socks.
Couple of observations. Buy your pants with wide bottoms or boot cut. I usually wear low cut work boots, and the holster rests comfortably on top. I rarely wear dress shoes or sneakers. Ankle draw is slow. Practice lifting your leg up high, grasping the pant leg with support hand and lowering leg a little to expose grip. If I am not carrying a primary, I stick the pistol in my pocket before going into a store. Beware riding a motorcycle with overalls.

 

[rkrcpa]

I use an Aker that is very secure. And yes, I've seen a J frame skitter across a parking lot, not a pretty sight...but the sound sure does get your attention.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I do not want to have the revolver pop out and start moving across the floor. I have heard this happens to ankle rigs without a securing strap. I also wanted a calf strap to help keep the holster inplace and not move down to my shoe top - this more for traveling (driving).

Never had either of the above happen with a Renegade with a bobbed 37, or another Renegade with either a bobbed Agent or a bobbed Detective Special. I always wear the holster over a thin sock and under the "main" sock (the one that matches the one on my other foot). I have also carried a 642 in the J-frame Renegade holster.

 

[Electraclyde]

Carry my 340 M&P, J-Frame in a Desantis Apache ankle rig. Very comfortable and no issues with the gun falling out even while running. (Never tried kicking) Had a Galco ankle glove and did not like it. Ankle carry is not the fastest to draw from, but it will work.

 

[Frizzman]

I started carrying a Charter Arms Undercover .38 snub in a Bianchi ankle holster in 1979 when I was a new city patrolman. It was my BUG. Back then, not many of the guys I worked the street with carried a BUG. It had a thumbsnap I believe. I never had it come out of the holster in foot pursuits or fights. It was really good when one was sitting in the patrol car and somebody approached the car. I could slide mm hand down and get the snub without it being obvious. I never liked an ankle rig for a primary carry method. I still carry with a ankle holster once in a while. When I first started to carry on the ankle, It seemed like I had an anchor strapped to my leg and I walked with a limp. That went away with use to the point that it was easy to forget it was there. They can be useful.

 

[R Cubed]

...If I am not carrying a primary, I stick the pistol in my pocket before going into a store. Beware riding a motorcycle with overalls.

This I like. Had not considered doing it but makes good sense. Back to the ankle once in the car.

I recall someone here telling a story of an ankle gun sliding across a floor in a eatery type place. I looked at all the various ankle rigs and this one had all those good features; leather, lined, sheep skin padding, wide elastic wrap, and calf bank support priced more my liking. I have a G&G holster for a 4" model 19 and like the quality and durability.

 

[hittman77]

I had one without the calf strap for my KelTec P3AT.....found out quickly that's not for me.

I'd say IF you want to ankle carry.....spare no expense on an excellent quality holster with the calf strap.

 

[R Cubed]

I had one without the calf strap for my KelTec P3AT.....found out quickly that's not for me.

I'd say IF you want to ankle carry.....spare no expense on an excellent quality holster with the calf strap.

This is what I ordered - it should ship today.
Gould & Goodrich | B816-62 Ankle Holster Plus Garter

 

[MrJT]

I too carried on the ankle for a short time before realizing it just doesn't work for me.

 

[safearm]

I carry a J-frame about half of the time in an ankle holster. I use an Uncle Mike's nylon holster with the leg garter and have never had any problems. I like the nylon holster because it's light, holds the gun well, and is easy to clean when it gets dirty.

 

[38-44HD45]

Renegade. I have a Colt Magnum Carry in a Renegade ankle rig on right now.

 

[kennyb]

i carried a model 36 in a ankle rig for years..no problems at all i just ordered a new ankle rig from blue stone safety products to carry my 686 snub...looks good in the ad...needs to be as this is a fairly heavy gun for ankle carry...this new rig is advertised on pg.38 of this months american rifleman

 

[jframe]

i carried a model 36 in a ankle rig for years..no problems at all i just ordered a new ankle rig from blue stone safety products to carry my 686 snub...looks good in the ad...needs to be as this is a fairly heavy gun for ankle carry...this new rig is advertised on pg.38 of this months american rifleman

Well, that's one way to build the old leg muscles........

 

[sipowicz]

 

[Eirerogue]

Carried a Model 60 in an Alessi ankle rig for 28 years. Now I carry the M&P 340PD in another Alessi ankle rig. Galco "Cop Glove" on opposite ankle with 2 speed strips.

 

[ThirtyAcres]

I carry Mika in front pocket and then switch to ankle carry when in the truck.

Bought a cheapo velcro ankle holster at a gun show years ago. It has proven to be a good investment. More than I can say for some of my other impulse buys at gun shows.

 

[Rio Vista Slim]

I carry a J-frame about half of the time in an ankle holster. I use an Uncle Mike's nylon holster with the leg garter and have never had any problems. I like the nylon holster because it's light, holds the gun well, and is easy to clean when it gets dirty.

I carry my J-frame Model 637 in an Uncle Mike's inside-the-waistband nylon holster. I clip the rig on my inside left roper boot, where it is quite secure. I primarily use this arrangement when it is hot, and a covering garment for my waistband carry would be uncomfortable and impractical.

 

[semperfi.45]

My setup is a Galco Ankle Glove (open top) for a 442. I have it gripped with a Tyler T / Hip-Grip combo for added versatility.

 

[motorpat]

Galco Ankle Glove

I have been using the Galco Ankle Glove for my J frames. No retention strap but a tension screw that works. This holster is also available with a calf strap. This rig never let me down and the weapon never ever fell out. Just make sure the tension screw is set correctly. The weapon should be drawn with a firm yank. The backing of the holster is lamb's wool and it is very comfortable. If you are new to ankle carry be advised that it will take you time to get use to it.