Ankle Holster & Carry Size

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OhioAAA

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Alright, What do you carry with your ankle holster?

This dumbo sells person was trying to tell me he used to ankle carry a Kimber 1911-frame 9mm. Bunch of bullcraps IMO, but than I am no expert since I've never had an ankle holster.

What's the biggest gun you every carry with the ankle holster? and what do you usually carry?
 
For me, I use an Uncle Mike's Sidekick Ankle Holster (Size 10) since the largest guns I can carry comfortably -- and that won't print -- are a S&W Model 60 Chief's Special revolver or a Beretta 21A/Beretta 3032 semi-auto pistol. Wearing boot cut jeans also helps with the printing part, but still, a large heavy gun just won't do for me.

I would not even try to carry something like my Colt 1911 Government that way.

-- John D.
 
Mainly a Smith 442. Occasionally I carry a Kel Tec P32 in an ankle rig. Note that these are BUGs.
 
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Since places to conceal are very limited, and there are different types of cover. Those serious about concealment have to understand the differences in quick draw concealment, and deep cover concealment. As far as ankle holsters are concerned, they are definitely deep cover concealment and my choice is a S&W 642 with a Galco Ankle Glove. It is the most comfortable and light weight combination I have found. For a much quicker access I prefer the Galco Summer Comfort with the same S&W 642. Thats my personal preference though. It all depends on the situation I am carrying though.
 
What any type of large weapon it can be a pain, and i mean pain. Many years ago i carried snub nose, today when i have to go to an ankle carry, i carry my G36, my G29 is just to heavy.
 
I usually use either a SIG P230 or a S&W 642. These days, its mostly the 642 due to the Desantis holster I use. If they made one for the P230, I'd use that.

There are a couple of factors here. One, what kind of pants do your wear? They do need to be fairly loose and baggy, and I find full cut straight legs, of a heavier material, to work the best.

The holster makes all the difference in the world. If its doesnt fit you right, you'll never wear it. Many are very uncomfortable for day long use. For me, the Desantis "Leather Ankle Holster" is the most comfortable I've found and the only one I can wear all day without discomfort. I have a Galco Ankle Glove for my P230, but its not near as comfortable. Now if Desantis will only get the hint. :)

Gun size is a combination of the above, and realistically, I dont see you wearing a large frame gun, unless you normally wear clown pants and shoes.

One thing with the ankle holsters, they tend to be pretty easy to spot if your looking for them. You have to watch when you get out of the car and especially higher SUV's and trucks. You also have to watch when you sit when in the open and how you keep your legs. The wrong pants and the bulge can give you away pretty quick too, as can the grip poking out the back as you walk ( I wear mine more rotated towards the front instead of on the "side"). Other than the bottom of the holster popping out at a party while your sitting on the couch and put a leg up, most of the others are not a real big deal, but you do need to pay attention.

Your ankle is a daft place to carry a firearm. Too hard to get at in a hurry.
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Well.... it sorta, kinda, depends. :)

With a little practice, it can actually be pretty quick to get to, and you can do it in a couple of ways too. You can drop to one knee or you can draw the leg with the holster up. Both work and both are pretty quick. You do have to use your head with both though, and adjust your tactics accordingly.

It also allows for easy and fairly natural access while driving, more so than a belt holster.

For the most part, they are used with a back up gun. They have their place and give you more options. You just have to be realistic in their use and understand their shortcomings.
 
My Kel-Tec P11 or a 2" .38 revolver are the biggest guns I can carry in an ankle holster without being obvious. I prefer the Kel-Tec since it fits the same height/lenght envelope as a 2" .38 but packs 11 rounds of +p 9mm.
 
ankle carry a Kimber 1911-frame 9mm
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I would like to see him walk around with it.

I have only known people use the ankle holster for S&W Snubs or Airweight, sometimes a small frame semi-auto (like a kel-tec mentioned, or a Kahr), NEVER a 1911. (If he's 7' 350 pounds, than that's another story)
 
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I have a nice leather Gould & Goodrich ankle holster for my snubnose .38. I've got a Kramer ankle holster on the way for my Kahr PM9. I cannot comprehend putting a 1911 in an ankle holster.
 
unless you have ankle`s the size of an elephant
how in the world would you carry a full size 1911 in
an ankle holster without looking like you have a brick
in your sock ?
 
Biggest I'd carry/have ever carried on the ankle? A G26.

What I usually carry there? A S&W 340.

When in doubt, smaller and lighter is the "ankle rule."
 
ankle holsters are pretty much stuff of movies and TV. A proper IWB will hide your weapon from all but a serious professional pat down as well providing for a draw fast enough to be useful.
 
I seldom use a ankle holster but when I do I carry a NAA 380 in a Uncle Mike's holster. There is an opportunity cost for everything. The opportunity cost for reliablity in this case is added weight. Yes the NAA is heavy, about 18 oz., but it is reliable which is more than I can say about my last world famous POS.
 
I like the Ruger Redhawk but it's very important to use a comfortable holster. Also, switching the gun to the other ankle every other day is helpful in distributing the wear and tear. Of course, I wear my old bell-bottoms (the tailor had his work cut out making my old pants accomodate my new waistline) to avoid excess printing.

But it's all been worth it because I don't think you should scrimp on a back-up gun. You should see my main carry piece!
 
"Ankle holsters are pretty much stuff of movies and TV."

Nonsense.

"A proper IWB will hide your weapon from all but a serious professional pat down as well providing for a draw fast enough to be useful."

Sense.

Erik - Whose primary is in a proper IWB and whose secondary is in an ankle holster.
 
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