Florida Shooters Network

So I really have no desire to use an ankle holster as a primary or even a secondary carry option, BUT... I would like to have the option available if and when I choose and it also seems like a good option when driving/car carry.

My ankle weapon would probably be a J-frame revolver, .380 Taurus TCP, or G26.

Anybody have a positive experience with one of these ankle set-ups?

I've made extensive use of an Airweight J-frame (637-1) in a Galco COP ankle holster for about the last 10 years. It's allowed me to carry in many situations that would have been otherwise impossible.

Suggestions & observations in no particular order....

weight is a big factor. you'll get used to it eventually, but the heavier the gun, the more uncomfortable it is. The above mentioned airweight is about the limit as far as I'm concerned. I shudder to think of those extra 10 ounces or so (just a guess) that the G26 would have. A Kel-Tec 32 is down right comfortable, and I've carried that on the ankle as well, but the problem with autos is that any gun down there is going to pick up a lot of crud. Dust, dirt, lint, etc. It'll be all over and in the gun. Just a fact of life. Take it out, blow it off every few days, not a huge deal but one more thing to think about. Many pocket-sized autos can be finicky, so it adds another element of uncertainty. Definitely use a dry lube, not an oil.


I mentioned the COP holster, see pic above. I tried the sheepskin lined ones, and the ones where it's a leather holster attached to the side of the part that wraps around your leg, and felt they added too much bulk. My calves are shaped kinda funny I guess, because I can't hide one of those worth a darn, but the COP one disappears relatively well.
Here's the only pic I could find of the one like mine:

You'll notice the way the velcro strap goes behind the trigger guard instead of across the back. This actually works to your advantage, because you don't need to release the strap to draw. You just rock the butt of the gun forward as you pull up, and it'll slide right past. Still gives very positive retention though.

In looking for that photo, I think I may have found a new holster to try though, the Galco Ankle Light:

I like the strap going up the calf. I have one like this for my P32, and you can easily forget you're wearing it. Don't care much for the thumb break, but I can probably live with it.

Black Socks. Get used to wearing them. It'll help disguise the holster if your pantleg lifts up a bit (every time you sit down). sitting with one leg crossed up on your knee isn't recommended.
If you must do the white sock thing, be ready with a quick "ankle brace" story just in case. Never had to use that one, but good to have in the back of your mind.

Drawing from an ankle holster definitely takes some practice to become proficient. You'll never win any speed awards, but it does make for a good option to have available for times when nothing else will work.

Ankle carry does make hugging easier.

I'm sure there's more I'm not thinking of right now, but that should give you some to mull over.

The calf strap is a must for me. I can run and not worry about the weapon falling out.
Also getting in and out of the car the rig feels and is more secure.
My dress slacks are the long enough to conceal the rig but my jeans are not.
Good Luck looking.

Thanks for the detailed description and pics, that's a big help. That set up looks nice and I appreciate the comments about the dirt and dust concerning the small autos because that's something I hadn't considered. Looks like the Jframe is the way to go. It would be nice if the calf strap could be a removeable option.

I have had good results with an Uncle Mike's Sidekick. It has the the removable calf strap, I have always used mine as I carry stainless Pocket Lite .380 that is a little heavier than some of the newer options. I always wear black socks blends right in. I agree it is not the best carry method but it is pretty handy if you are wearing Dockers and Polo shirts.

t_bare

ipscscott wrote:I've made extensive use of an Airweight J-frame (637-1) in a Galco COP ankle holster for about the last 10 years. It's allowed me to carry in many situations that would have been otherwise impossible.

Also have one and like it very much!!

I haven't yet tried to ankle carry a glock seventeen though. =/

I have used the Galco and an Uncle Mikes before. With the Galco a calf strap was nice to have but not needed. The Uncle Mikes came with the calf strap and it was needed. Hands down the Galco is much much better. Yes it costs more money but it is worth it.

I got a 20 dollar or so protech holster off ebay and it worked fine for little 32's and 380's.

Imo the g26 is too heavy and bulky for the ankle. I've used a unkle mikes with and without the calf strap.

kylec wrote:Imo the g26 is too heavy and bulky for the ankle. I've used a unkle mikes with and without the calf strap.

Have you tried it with only 5 or 6 rounds in it?

mikecu wrote:

kylec wrote:Imo the g26 is too heavy and bulky for the ankle. I've used a unkle mikes with and without the calf strap.

Have you tried it with only 5 or 6 rounds in it?

that's what kahrs are for... lol cm9 or pm9 ftw

I bought a nylon Bianchi works ok, but I just could not get used to the feel of it. I was told "Renegade" is te best ankle holster.