Anyone with experience w/ankle holsters

H

hoosierboy

New member
It looks like I will be changing jobs and actually might have to dress up. Finally, I get to use my MBA my parents graciously paid for. I will be wearing slacks and button down shirts tucked in. I was thinking of getting an ankle holster, because a IWB would have the butt of the gun sticking out a bit and might alarm some people. I am sure others have the same situation. It there another way, or is the ankle holster the way to go.

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"We are fast approaching the stage of the ultimate inversion: the stage where the government is free to do anything it pleases, while the citizens may act only by permission; which is the stage of the darkest periods of human history, the stage of rule by brute force."

--Ayn Rand, in "The Nature of Government"
 
If you go ankle carry Lou Alessi makes the finest custom ankle holster around. I have one for my Kahr MK9. I do not care for ankle carry as a rule but sometimes it is all that is available or can be used for a second or third gun. Others here will suggest a Kanaly Versa-Max II for tucked in IWB wear, won't work for me, but has a lot of followers. Another option is pocket carry. This is my choice for khakis and a polo shirt. A small .32 (Autauga for me) in a 'wallet' holster in the back pocket and/or a S&W lightweight J-frame in a front pocket (342, 38, 638, 642, 442). True slacks may drape funny over the j-frame so moving the .32 to the front pocket and another pistol to the ankle is a good choice.
 
I work in an office, and actually find an ankle holster BETTER than most other modes of carry. Why, you ask? Well, most of the time in an office you are sitting. By way of example, lean over a little and scratch your ankle. See? Not too hard. In fact, easier than grabbing a gun from just about anywhere else.

A bonus is that you can wear it whether or not you're wearing a jacket. If you have a crossdraw, strong-side or shoulder holster, you may freak the rest of the office out if you take your jacket off.

Keep in mind that an ankle holster doesn't work with larger guns, and that your pants have to be somewhat loose around the ankle to make them work well.

BTW, Galco makes nice ankle holsters. The holster part is leather, while the part that goes around the ankle seems to be made of the material wet-suits are made of. Fits snug without cutting off circulation, is padded, adjustable with velcro, and easy on and off.
 
While considering ankle holsters; if gonna be an all the time thing, consider getting the appropriate trouser leg reworked with dressmakers velcro to hold the inside seam together. Pager Pall IWB works for some.

Sam
 
I've been quite impressed with the Galco Ankle Gloves. They are constructed with a neoprene rubber ankle band, and the holster side is backed with lamb's wool where it contacts your skin. My current one is for the J-frame, w/o the thumbreak. It does have a tension adjustment screw, and the gun stays rock-solid secure, though it pulls free w/o hesitation when needed.
I agree with the other member's adage about being seated. I could, if needed, access it from under my desk w/o anyone noticing. The problem with all ankle rigs, though, is re-holstering is all but impossible. I affixed one of those Clip Grips to the side of the J for just such contingency, and it works great. It doesn't even interfere with its fit inside the holster.
 
An ankle holster may be what you need; but before you make that choice, you might want to take a look an IWB holsters that allow you to tuck your shirt in over the top of the gun.

Milt Sparks (Tony Kanaley) makes the Versa-Max 2. Mitch Rosen makes the Workman. Galco makes the Deep Cover holster.

I have the Deep Cover holster and I haven't been 100% happy with it. It includes a J-hook to catch the underside of the belt and the hook protrudes out too far for my liking... otherwise I would be pretty happy with it. It isn't obvious; but it could be noticed by someone and it certainly isn't easy to explain short of telling them you are carrying a gun.
 
How 'bout a "belly band?" Works fine with the shirt tucked in. "Fluff" the shirt a bit around the belt line and the gun butt is gone from sight. I have a ankle holster but between the belly band and a P-32 with the belt clip, I don't use ankle carry anymore. And yes, it is slower to draw from the ankle and the slacks must have more room in the leg than usual.
 
Thanks again guys, once again I have been humbled. It looks like the IWB might actually work, because It takes a bit longer to draw from the ankle.

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"We are fast approaching the stage of the ultimate inversion: the stage where the government is free to do anything it pleases, while the citizens may act only by permission; which is the stage of the darkest periods of human history, the stage of rule by brute force."

--Ayn Rand, in "The Nature of Government"
 
Highly recommend any other mode of carry for primary gun; ankle is, IMO, sufficient only for back-up carry.

Used to, went to pocket (rear) for dress-clothes primary carry.

If I wear a jacket I use a Royal Guard/1911.

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"All my ammo is factory ammo"
 
I have a Galco ankle glove for my Taurus 85, though I haven't worn it in public. It works, but not with pants with tight legs. You're probably buying some new pairs of pants - if you do, make sure they are big at the ankle. Drawing is slow, but as pointed out above, it works better when sitting down than most IWB holsters.

I haven't tried the Kramer confidant, but it looks interesting for your situation. Kramer says it's also slow, but intended for really deep cover.
 
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